Conditions at Geralds Now Worse Than Ever
by Bennette Roach
Pit toilets at Geralds Park
In an interview last year on January 2, with then Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne, he had this to say referring to housing and shelters: "… from here on we will be able to concentrate on managing the economy, in providing what is necessary for our people at this time, which is primarily housing and better conditions in shelters and more accommodation for the people who have been relocated; that is our main objective at this time."
He later on referred to special sums put aside for this: "… In addition there is the half million pounds, 2 million EC$, which we are going to use primarily for housing and to improve shelters. And we also have been made aware that further assistance in this regard will be available when this initial stage is completed."
At that interview the Geralds "shanty town" calamity was drawn to Mr. Osborne’s attention.
It will be remembered that every British
MP or other official or visiting official had referred to the shelters as appalling and
deplorable.
When Robin Cook visited Montserrat on Valentines Day this year, he did not see (he was carefully not shown) the grave travesty at Geralds, although he landed and took off only yards away at the Heliport. Yet he had this to say about the shelters he had seen: "We saw people living in very difficult circumstances, which are wholly unacceptable in a modern age."
It is 20 months since we first reported about the inhuman conditions that exist at Geralds Park, where evacuees from Long Ground and Tuitts villages have been posted for over two years, living in at least 42 little huts. While it may be unfair to say that they have received no attention, conditions there have certainly worsened.
Minister of Education, Health and Culture the Honourable Adelina Tuitt agrees that the conditions may even be worse now, but it is not because of inaction. "That area was not one that was designed," she said,. "We have been looking at moving everyone from there and we run into different snags such as land availability, which keep us at the same place we have been for a little while. We are now looking at some other temporary solutions since we can’t put anything permanent in that area because of the many different plans for that area."
But although the houses themselves, which for the most part look like little cubicles and are mostly un comfortable, the problem is the distressing conditions of the bathrooms and pit toilet huts, 42 of them lined up side by side with one shallow pit hole below.
When it rains, the toilets and bathing facilities are inaccessible. The pit toilets fill and the feces flood the area, but ordinarily the residents there cover the ground with anything, such as bits of plywood, plastic or linoleum, that will keep them from having to walk on the messy swamp. In the bathrooms, one sees many pieces of soap which the users refuse to pick up because of the grimy and wormy water that sits on the floors.
The ministry seems unsure how the overall problem has become their responsibility, but the acting Director of Health Services supports the lady minister’s case. Dr. Ronnie Cooper said: "We have submitted reports and projects for relocating these people, suggesting better kitchen, bathroom and toilet facilities, but they have either been turned down or hurdles thwart progress; lands were found but then roads became a problem." The doctor added that he is surprised, however, that the residents do not assist by cleaning those areas where they could.
The situation at Geralds has been raised time and time again to the authorities. Governor Abbott, when asked about the situation, said he had received reports and promised this week to look at the problem himself. "I will go and see if I can help find a solution, nothing should be like that," he said.
Brandt Government Now One Year Old, Crisis One Year Older
By Bennette Roach
"It can be said that Montserrat, in perhaps the worst crisis in its history, 'bottomed -out' this past week as each day since Saturday, August 16, produced a continuous flow of events both at home and in Britain which will chart the course of its future."
The paragraph above was the first in the Page 1 news story in The Montserrat Reporter of Aug. 22, 1997.
By the end of the week that followed the events referred to above, David Brandt took the oath of office of Chief Minister. He began what many hoped would be the type of leadership most believed he was able to produce in the war against the British for aid to satisfy the needs of Montserratians as they fought to stave off the inevitable wrath and destruction of the Soufriere Hills volcano.
On August 21, 1998, he will have celebrated exactly one year in that hot seat, which most are now saying has become quite cold. He slid into office after Bertrand Osborne's fellow ministers, reacting to their own perceptions and those of the public about the way he was handling the crisis, asked him to set aside. This report from the Reporter of August 22, 1997, describes the situation following a report put together by the scientists:
"Reaction to this report was swift and while the Governor was calling upon our government to make a decision to evacuate people, bringing the scientists in almost 'under the gun', Minister for International Development George Foulkes and Co. in England were telling the world that Montserrat was about to have a "cataclysmic-intensive eruption", saying: "Over the past 24 hours the volcano has become much more dangerous. The recent increase in explosive activity is such and the uncertainty attending any hypothesis about the volcano's capacity to (become) cataclysmic are so great that the potential hazard cannot be taken to be zero."
This was the position when the Aid Management Office here, acting on instructions from the UK, had issued a release advising residents of a Resettlement Package for Montserratians under the Voluntary Evacuation Scheme. Local Government in the meantime had sent off their own proposals to the UK Government. Bertrand Osborne, supported by Governor Savage, had refused to tell the public anything about the package. He said during a very impassioned press conference; "I am not going to answer these questions. I am not going to disclose what we have proposed at this stage."
This angered many who, after being given details about the package by David Brandt, demonstrated over the next three days against the Governor and the Chief Minister.
Mr. Osborne had expected HMG to respond almost immediately to his package, which he had submitted over that weekend. If they had or if he had released the information, he might have been seen as a hero. Instead David Brandt, back-bencher at the time, took to the airwaves and revealed the package details, which briefly were: $40,000 for head of household, $30,000 for wife and each adult (over 16) and $20,000 for each child. Payment for 4-member household of what would equate to $110,000, would be 20% of sum in first instance immediately, i.e. $22,000, and the rest spread out in monthly payments over 18 months.
A group of people calling themselves the "Concerned People of Montserrat" held a meeting which coincided with a meeting of the Civil Service Association (CSA), which had planned for the same time. They staged separate demonstrations in which they complained: "We want accountability, leadership understanding, the truth, answers, we must be told. Government has not listened to us, refused to talk, communicate with us. We cannot tolerate this any longer, Bertrand must go."
They called on the Governor and among their demands:
Mr. Osborne, after some pressure from his ministers, resigned and Mr. Brandt took over. His mandate was clear and the people expected much of him, since he had been seen to be championing their cause during his time in opposition and even speaking out against British failures while a back-bencher in the government.
In his swearing-in speech, he said, "The challenge which is before all Montserratians, those of us who still remain here, those of us who have been scattered abroad, friends of Montserrat, the world over and I as the new Chief Minister and my Colleagues, is to continue our concerted effort to triumph over these bad times."
Although many now wonder what interest or part Mr. Osborne plays in the affairs of government, Mr. Brandt said of him then: " Even now in acceding to the wishes of his associates and the people of Montserrat, to step down as Chief Minister and remain an active part of Government, he continues to display his interest in Montserrat by not precipitating political crisis on top of the volcanic crisis."
In a call-in program on Wednesday night this week, Mr. Brandt was criticised as not being more forthcoming to the public, callers no doubt remembering his speech. "As the new Chief Minister of Montserrat,.. I promise you what I always have, that I will give my sweat, my tears, my blood and my energy to work for what is in the best interest of Montserrat, and I ask all of you kindly to let us work together."
He wasted no time and immediately made an address to the nation that night. "Events of the past week have made it clear for all to see that it can no longer be business as usual in Montserrat. There is an urgent need for a new and different form of governance, in which power truly rests with the people. It is obvious that we can only succeed in conquering our situation if we are working together. Divisive politics will not help us. Tearing each other apart will only hasten our demise as a country and as a people."
Immediately after it was announced he would be Chief Minister, he initiated the formation of a Consultative Group, which functioned well for a time. The group scattered as evacuation caused several members to leave the island and discontinued. In his speech he boasted: "Within two hours of my appointment as Chief Minister, I participated in the first meeting of the National Consultancy Forum, a non-partisan, non-political group comprising representatives of a wide cross-section of national organisations. I have committed this government to consulting with our Rastafarian brethren, all members of the Legislative Council, especially members of the opposition, because I feel that we need all our hands on board."
He promised to inform evacuees and encouraged them to think long and hard about their decisions to leave the island. "However, this government will not have Montserratians herded off their land of their birth, to be held like prisoners while they are being processed. There has been enough indignity suffered by Montserratians through this crisis. And if our friends from England are helping us to relocate, it must be done properly. . . . As I have only been in office for a few hours, I cannot give you all the answers, but over the next few days I will ensure that proper and accurate information is given to you to enable you to make informed choices. In the meantime, I urge you to think long and hard about any decision, how it will effect your future."
Mr. Brandt, in his first speech as Chief Minister to the nation, pleaded: "As we negotiate with Britain, united as part of our destiny, and as we set about the task of insuring a viable and sustainable future for those of us who remain here, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
It has been expressed time over that he was involved in and even orchestrated the demonstrations that led up to his ascent to high office, but he had this to say at the time: "This crisis has demonstrated the potential to bring out the best and the worst in us. I appeal to all of us to remain calm in the face of current adversity. Some of our citizens have demonstrated their resentment and frustration in street protests. Let us remember that the eyes of the world are on us, and while we need to air our views, we must do so with decency and dignity."
And as he called on Britain's assistance, he ended his speech with a vision: "There is no question that Montserrat needs help. After World War II, with what has become known as the Marshall Plan, the United States of America literally rebuilt Europe from ashes. We ask no more and we ask no less of Britain.
My vision for Montserrat is one of a tolerant, prosperous community, where our collective energies and intellect remove the stain of partisan bigotry from our national affairs. . . I truly believe that working together we will make this little island a proud and successful home. Together we will make this vision a reality."
One year later and it is anyone's guess what an anniversary speech would say. One wonders whether the Chief Minister even remembers, although his wedding anniversary falls around the same time.
Last week he said in his press conference he was hoping to make this a weekly event. The opportunity therefore did not arise to get his own assessment and reaction on his first year in office.
One thing is certain; the question about who is in charge is now being asked again. In a call-in programme on Wednesday night on ZJB with the Honourable Austin Bramble in the chair, he was told that the government was a little late in coming out and talking to the public. There was a call for the Chief Minister himself to come forth and give the public a chance of an exchange.
"Sustainability Only a First Step Toward Self-Sufficiency"
It is pleasing to hear that the local Government will seek to include in the "Sustainable Development Plan" (SDP) proposals for developmental strategies in addition to HMG’s idea of merely looking after the sustenance of Montserrat for the next five years. The focus of the development strategy must be kept in mind against the statement of Secretary of State for International Development Clare Short, who said that "sustainable" did not mean "self-sufficiency."
The point to be taken seriously is that while we must keep in mind that we must creep before we walk, so the saying goes, (although these days babies do not bother with the creeping, they get up and walk), self sufficiency must be our long term aim. How long, is long term? Tomorrow - we can’t wait until the next day to prepare for it.
It is on this framework that the whole idea of an airport for Montserrat should be based. It was especially pleasing to hear such support from other Montserratians who called in during the Sustainable Plan discussions on ZJB, willing to be heard publicly, and even more interesting that at least one minister has been outspoken in favor of an airport at Thatch Valley.
It was even more pleasing to hear that there were people, ordinary people, who were saying that "unite we must," and we must be prepared to do some of the work ourselves. They were actually speaking to a minister and it came close to the kind of support that the Reuben Meade government had when it came into power in 1991.
But one fear remains ever present and though mentioned before should be repeated again. It will be most disappointing, insulting and hypocritical if, at the end of the day, the discussions turn out to be a waste of time and make no difference to the final plan and its implementation.
This past week the Development Director explained that the plan began almost a year ago towards the end of September. It was around that time MP Bernie Grant had told us that there was this plan to take everyone out of Montserrat. It was at that time when beliefs were strongest that Montserrat had a very high chance of being made extinct by the volcano, and certainly the time when the evacuation office began operating as the best run business in Montserrat.
It was against this background that a determined government and people, began to think of how to satisfy what should have been done two years before, and how to do it in such a fashion that when the eruption begins to recede we could successfully continue to exist. It was around this time too that the International Committee was set up to investigate the handling of the crisis both in London and in Montserrat.
What is somewhat puzzling is that the Committee still looking for answers, having made recommendations, some of which are hastily implemented, while others are completely ignored - our government seem very silent on issues which they themselves have been struggling to get attention on. One member of the committee very recently visited Montserrat, but it is sad that she did not receive the attention that many British civil servant officials get. Let’s remember that she is a member of Parliament and that this committee is made up of representatives primarily from the Labour government but also from the other parties.
The bottom line is that this new plan should probably be renamed (particularly that it is our plan), with some more defined strategies as to how we will move into the future — self-sufficiency rather than mere sustainability. And, repatriation of Montserratians must be a serious component.
An airport for Montserrat must be considered with our future in mind, not one just to serve 3,500 people. In just 12 months that figure could change drastically. Besides an airport (because of its location and the possibilities it presents) must be seen as crucial to our future development. HMG should view our problem as a one-time investment, make the commitment to Montserrat as a special case, and allow us to determine how we continue to reduce our dependence. That they also claim is part of their objectives. Yet if all they are prepared to do is sustain us, we will remain dependent forever.
But this is where Montserrat must be allowed some freedom, making its own commitment to finding the resources necessary to complement HMG’s "generosity." Again, this will require some strong and serious leadership and the people are calling for it.
To My Dear Friend Dave, My Final Farewell
Oh Dave, I thought we had more time; I thought we had more time. We’ve spent so much good times together, but I wish we had more time.
I’m here at home on this very wet and gloomy day, just looking back at the precious moments we shared at home, and for the first time in my life I want to cry, but the tears won’t fall. I know you wouldn’t want me to cry Dave because you lived a full and happy life. We were miles apart, but still ever so close. The last time I saw you and touched you was nearly 3 years ago, and I still cannot believe that I will never see you again, hear your laughter; asking me one more time "Jeweleen, why don’t you love me, don’t you know it’s better to be an old man’s darling than a young man’s slave?"
Oh Dave, I am so glad I did not see you in pain, as I will always remember your smiling face and your many teasing endearments that I’d grown to love so much. I know that you are in a better place now, no worries, no pains, no deadlines. I’ll miss you especially when it is cold and your voice does not rouse me from sleep, to pass the time away. You were such a spirited person and I’ll always remember you Dave, happy always.
Montserrat has lost yet another good brother and I a good friend and confidant. You are gone Dave but I’ll never forget you. I could only hope that when I reach your age, I will remain as jolly as you were.
May Your Soul Rest In Peace.
Jewel Greer
Dave, Gentleman, Reporter, Politician
Dave Fenton left Montserrat about a year a half before the eruption of the
volcano. He will never return as his death was announced in Canada. Dave died on August
14, 1998.
There were some comments made about the man we knew as Dave.
"Dave , who became a reporter and active politician in Montserrat after his retirement , will be sorely missed by members of the Montreal Association of Montreal, and the many friends of this once enigmatic man."
"It was indeed a shock for me to learn of Dave Fenton's passing.. we fought many written battles together, although at the time I was a young contributor to the Montserrat Times and he was the editor of Montserrat Reporter.
His passing touched me deeply as he was a true son of the soil, and I respected his criticisms and comments on my articles.
May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to his family from my family."
" Dave was a true gentleman. Even in the heat of some bitter political battles on Montserrat - he always maintained a certain amount of dignity and respect. I use to call him "the gentle giant" and he would smile and repeat " you are the gentle giant." I still remember the good old days when he was editor of the MONTSERRAT REPORTER. When I submitted my articles and I said Mr Editor it's all yours...he would say..."ready for printing - when it comes from a man like you I know it's good." We shared many late hours at the office of the Montserrat Reporter in Plymouth - discussing news stories and indeed lots of politics. Dave, you are gone my friend -but certainly not forgotten. May your soul rest in eternal peace."
"For all those who knew Dave Fenton, one cannot help but feel a great sense of loss for this truly fine gentleman. He was indeed a true son of the soil. I feel very happy and lucky to have known him and will always cherish the memories of our friendship."
High Dust Readings Come as No Surprise
Dear Mr. Editor:
Are you aware, (I'm sure you are) that one of the Old Towne sites for the dust monitoring is the "old" MVO.
In May, the old MVO was one of the filthiest houses in Old Towne. Isn't it logical that if the house is loaded with ash, the dust levels will be high?
To me this is more of HMG's skewing tests to achieve the results they want. If the monitoring at MVO is at a filthy house, where is the other unit? At an equally filthy house?
An Old Towne Resident
Many Happy Returns Welcomes New Support
As plans for the September 29, Many Happy Returns concert move into high gear, supporters from different sectors are firming up their plans to participate.
A former resident of Montserrat, Pat Foley, who now works with the Gibson Musical Instruments (the guitar makers), says he has successfully obtained support from Gibson and they are making a very special contribution. As well as supplying some equipment including a Slingerland drum kit for the show, to start a musical educational program for Montserrat.
ZJB News has reported Mr. Foley as saying: "Once again Gibson has very generously offered to once again come to the aid of Montserrat . . . they have agreed to fund a program to help music education in Montserrat."
Foley, who is married to Eloise Lynch of Montserrat, says that Gibson had supplied instruments used at the George Martin Concert. These instruments were auctioned off and the funds added to those of the concert.
Responding to the offer, Minister of Culture the Honourable Adelina Tuitt has expressed appreciation and gratitude to those who are kindly supporting Montserrat in those areas to bring it back to the level it once enjoyed.
The Many Happy Returns Concert II is being planned to be part of Tourism Week 1998 and will be held again at Gerald’s Park on Tuesday, September 29. It will have a host of performers from Montserrat, the wider Caribbean and Britain. It will coincide with the launching of Virgin Atlantic Airways London-Caribbean service, with that airline bringing performers for the show from Britain free of cost.
About 175 travel journalists are expected to be on hand for the show, which is being held as a major stress buster for Montserratians. The first show last year involved former members of the Climax Blues Band (the first band to record at Air Studios) and Bankie Banks performing before nearly 2000 people at Gerald’s.
Plans are to host the Many Happy Returns Concert in London as well as in Antigua and plans are well in motion. According to the organisers.
Virgin have agreed to support the three shows, and as announced before have decided
that the
focus of their promotional activities for the Antigua route will include a visit to
Montserrat by the journalists they will be taking on the inaugural flights.
The first show will be held at a venue called the Forum in North London on the 18th September. The evening will be an occasion for Montserratians to come together to enjoy music provided by Montserratian artists including King Kensie, Kelvin ‘Tabu’ Duberry, Storm International along with other calysonians and we are hoping to include The Oriole String Band, Nomadic Roots, Tippa Riley and other MNI artists. A highlight of the evening will be a set from the London Community Gospel Choir lead by (son of the soil) Rev Bazil Meade.
Presenters of Montserratian passports at the venue will qualify for reduced admission price and the venue will set aside its balcony area for family groups so children can be involved as well.
The London Community Gospel Choir and a few other contributors to the London show will join a party of over 35 musicians on the inaugural flight to Antigua on the 27th September. They will proceed to Montserrat where they will perform with Arrow, Silicosis, Randi Greenaway’s new band including Cepeke, Cupid, Hustler and Bimshaw, Eloise Lynch, the Golden Elephants and Midge Ure and other guests for the Montserrat people, Richard Branson and the party of journalists and TV crews on the evening of 29th September.
The Montserrat Tourist Board is providing an opportunity for local businesses and entrepreneurs to show off their wares and above all to demonstrate to the world how tourism and the rest of the island’s economy is reviving itself.
The Antigua leg is yet to be ascertained, but on the following day, there is also a plan for the performers to travel to Antigua where they will do their stuff for the Montserratian evacuees and Antiguan music-lovers. Organiser Filleul said, "We cannot yet confirm the venue but we are trying to get the best Antiguan bands involved as well. More on this show as things develop."
Montserrat's 'Ash' Inspires Nevisians
From The Leeward Times
by Amba Trott
Chadd Cumberbatch and Adziko Simba in action
The satirical review called "Ash" which was the opening production of the Leeward Islands Drama Festival, received a standing ovation from a packed House at the Paramount Cinema (Thursday) night.
But none of those in the audience could have been more enthusiastic with their applause than this reporter who had more reason than most to appreciate the outstanding performance of the group.
The ensemble titled "Yac Ya Ya, arrived in Nevis Wednesday in time to participate in a reception and openceremony hosted by Nevis' Premier, the Honourable Vance Amory at Heritage Plaza in Charlestown.
On Thursday morning the Montserratians were scheduled to get familiar with the stage at the Paramount Cinema and rehearse with sound and lighting equipment. But a series of obstacles kept cropping up all day long, and the performers rehearsed under the most horrendous conditions imaginable.
They were unable to have the use of a sound system they could work with until almost show-time. Essential components of the lighting equipment did not arrive until late in the afternoon, and the stage setting, for which I was responsible, collapsed twice while they were trying to rehearse; the second time it was after 5.00 p.m.
Needless to say, my confidence in the stability of the set I had constructed was badly shaken. I stood on pins and needles throughout the whole performance, worrying whether my set-up would collapse again and ruin the evening.
But if any member of this wonderful company had the slightest apprehension, it wasn't revealed in the performances, which in some cases bordered on the bravura.
It is impossible for me, however, to attempt to write a proper review of the show as my focus kept shifting under the stress of the threat of potential disaster if the set had collapsed again.
I should have realized, however, that for a group of people who have lived with a volcano for all this time, a collapsing stage set might not seem as much of a threat,
Certainly this company has lived up to the glowing reviews and accolades that have preceded their appearance in Nevis.
I sincerely offer my admiration and respect to this fine theatrical company and thank them for a wonderful evening of theatre.
Bonnie Skirts Montserrat, Becomes First Hurricane
Tropical storm Bonnie passed to the east-northeast of Montserrat earlier this week leaving us with overcast skies and scattered showers of rain.
It since turned into a full-scale hurricane and heading past the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos islands and toward the U.S. mainland.
It is the Atlantic's first hurricane of the season and was expected to hammer sparsely populated Bahamian islands on Saturday and move along a path that could threaten the southeastern United States.
E-mail Release Says Govt. HQ Handed Over
It has been reported in the weekly newsletter for E-mail subscribers published by the Emergency Department, Governors Office, Montserrat, that the new Brades temporary Government Headquarters site has been handed over to Government by Brown & Root.
We were unable to obtain details of the handover before going to press about the site made up of port-a-cabin offices that will house the majority of Government departments.
This is not the first instance in which E-mail reports of activities on the island have preceded their actual occurrence on the island.
The report also stated that Departments will start moving in over the next few weeks when telephone installations are complete.
Sources have said prior to this that some departments are hesitant to move in until the hurricane season has passed because they lack confidence in the structures.
Failure to Fill Jobs Concerns Mrs. Tuitt
Minister of Labor the Honourable Adelina Tuitt is concerned about lack of interest shown by Montserratians in getting jobs.
Mrs. Tuitt made the comment during an interview with ZJB news in which she said several residents are unemployed although there is a shortage of skilled and other labor.
She said that employers have been cooperating in registering vacancies, whether in construction or domestic areas. "My concern as labor minister, is that enough of our locals are not taking or making use of the opportunity for employment," she said.
Mrs. Tuitt said that when one looks at the lists of unemployed for food vouchers and social welfare, "I have to wonder, are we the locals making use of the opportunities of unemployment?"
She cited examples of requests for work permits from people seeking somebody to work in a restaurant or in a kitchen.
NAGICO to Open Local Office Sept. 2
National General Insurance Corporation (NAGICO) with offices in St. Maarten, through its representative Mr. Jim Van Hecke, has announced on Friday this week that the company will open its doors officially in Montserrat on September 2, 1998.
Mr. Van Hecke’s statement refutes Mr. Brandt’s response to The Reporter’s question last week in a press interview, when he said that insurance was available in Montserrat. Mr. Van Hecke, speaking to The Reporter on Friday, August 22, confirmed that they were unable to legally sell insurance in Montserrat before August 16, 1998.
Mr. Van Hecke announced that Mrs. Judith Greer will be in charge of the office located in St. John’s, near the A&F Servicentre. Mrs. Greer has worked for many years in the insurance industry.
He said that the company is offering all general forms of insurance except life, to include medical, health, general, motor vehicle, property and homeowners insurance. There will be no cover against volcano-related events.
Cover will be limited to properties outside the exclusion zone, except on a case by case basis, where there is at least, among other things, "occupancy or a gardener’s presence."
"We have undertaken a commitment to Montserrat and the people will not be penalised by virtue of recent events or its size," Mr. Van Hecke declared.
Residents will be afforded the same structure as applies in St. Maarten in respect of deductibles and discounts.
What If There Were No Ministers?
In that same radio address on Wednesday night, clarifying his earlier statements in answer to questions during his discussion with the people about his ministry’s plans with the Sustainable Development Plan (SDP), Mr. Austin Bramble touched on what he called "a query on the minds of some people."
His full response follows:
"I understand that there is a query on the minds of some people as to the justification for Ministers if the final call on the expenditure of aid money rests with the British.
"Well, first of all I have to say that if there were no ministers, the British government would rule directly from London through a British appointed governor. Without local representatives having the constitutional authority over such public matters as is now provided for in the constitution, there would be the exact same situation as caused our forefathers such distress in the old days of direct colonial rule. We would be back where we came from 60 years ago.
"If there were no ministers when the volcano began to erupt, there would not be anybody living on Montserrat now because the entire population would long ago have been evacuated.
"If there were no local ministers at this stage the level of assistance provided to evacuees would have been significantly less.
"If there were no ministers now, taxation would have been higher.
"If there were no ministers there would have been maybe a five-bed hospital just as a holding place for transfer overseas for treatment."
Sources have said that Bramble even before this has been accused of being anti-British and has been asked in several instances to explain his statements. It is believed that his reappearance on ZJB was a direct result of these accusations.
SDP Described As a Partnership
Mrs. Angela Greenaway, director of the Development Unit, in a ZJB news broadcast reportedly confirmed that the Sustainable Development Plan is also "a partnership document between Montserrat and the United Kingdom Governments."
She said that the draft document was reviewed by different government officials who also included their comments.
"The process that stared from Montserrat, was written here in Montserrat and is a partnership document with the British Government but then it is not only for the British government."
Mrs. Greenaway made the point that the document is also "for all our donors as well."
Commenting on the radio call-in and discussions and on the plan, she said: "Another valuable point that came out is that it is for us in Montserrat, as well as a document that shows how we can empower ourselves. We are going to try and work a little more of that within the document to show the aspect of self empowerment; to show that we are not only depending on the donor. . . . we need to look after our self as well."
The Director said the SDP began on Montserrat towards the end of September last year. She denied that the process for the SDP was a lead from Britain, emphasising that the document is more of a local nature, reviewed by DFID officials, who added their comments. She pointed out that it began with a consultation when representatives from the public and private sectors came together to work on a stated vision for Montserrat. The private sector, community organisations and input via the Internet fine-tuned the vision statement.
This was followed by sector leaders who recorded their programmes, which were put together and presented in the draft plan. These sectors, as seen in the radio discussions, have their plans in more detail.
Antigua, MNI and U.S. Act to Thwart Spread of Mealybug
About two weeks ago a news report appearing on the Associated Press wires
from St. Croix said that the Island has stepped up its production of wasps to combat a bug
that is threatening to destroy farms locally and may reach the U.S. mainland.
It was reported that the Agriculture Department there had begun breeding stinging wasps imported from Taiwan to combat the pink hibiscus mealybug, a threat to 125 commercial plant species.
Production of the wasps has been increased from 500 a week to 3,000 a week.
Officials want to keep the bug from spreading to neighboring Puerto Rico, which has hundreds of flights per week and heavy ship traffic to the United States.
The mealybug has caused millions of dollars in damage on several islands and Montserrat has been no exception from the mealy bug attack.
Earlier this year, when it was confirmed that the mealy bug was in Montserrat, an all-out attack on the pest was carried out. It is now reported that the existence of the bug is well under control and is becoming extinct.
Agriculturists here are saying that many of the neighbouring islands have the bug but are not reporting the fact. From the time the bugs’ presence was suspected in Montserrat, it was believed that it was already next door in Antigua.
Customs officials in Antigua are vigilant and will not allow any plant, vegetable or fruit to be brought into the island from Montserrat.
Austin Bramble Airs Some 'Clarifications'
It would seem from reports that statements made by some members of government during the call-in programmes related to discussing the draft Sustainable Development Plan (SDP), have angered the Governor and other officials.
Sources claim this to be the reason Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Environment the Honourable Austin Bramble returned to radio to clear the air.
The minister began his broadcast, which allowed callers later, by saying: "This evening’s program is somewhat of a followup to the program of last Thursday evening. On that program I responded to some questions, and it appears that my responses have caused some concern in some quarters. Tonight I shall be giving some clarifications."
What eventually happened, it allowed him the opportunity to explain further his answers to some of the questions he was asked, and to provide examples of other positions he has been taking regarding the affairs of his ministry and other matters relative to HMG's response to the volcanic crisis.
He addressed such issues as the "land purchase." He said land in large quantities was required in the safe zone to accommodate the relocation of people whose houses were in the threatened areas. "Because the Government of Montserrat (GOM) owned only a small amount of land in the north," Mr. Bramble said, "there was a need for the GOM and HMG to purchase additional lands to accommodate the construction of housing as well as public buildings and other necessary facilities."
He pointed out the many objections and refusals of HMG to respond and said: "Until very late in 1997 HMG was insisting that before they would agree to purchase any land the GOM would have to exhaust its land at Little Bay. . . . First the GOM considered Little Bay to be the place where it might be possible to build a new town. Secondly the GOM argued that Little Bay was neither suitable nor adequate for the construction of housing on such large a scale as was needed."
It was following the events of June 25, 1997, that there was some action and, according
to Mr. Bramble, Brown & Root was imposed upon Montserrat without even consultation.
Even then, he said, it was only with their concurrence on the Little Bay issue that HMG
relented and agreed to the purchase of lands elsewhere.
Mr. Bramble referred also to the issue of Government buildings and offices. He said that again all GOM proposals were rejected. "It was only when Salem had to be evacuated and DFID had no option but to recognize that adequate office accommodation was not available in the north, that the circumstance forced DFID to decide to set up some offices for the public service," he said.
"But even at that stage,," Mr. Bramble said, "whereas the GOM wanted permanent offices, DFID decided to build temporary structures on rented land."
He pointed out that GOM ministers considered the construction of temporary offices at such great cost to be a very unwise expenditure of British taxpayers' money, and "we still have that view now."
He went to explain other issues such as GoM appeal for the provision of storage space for moveable valuables which could have been saved; "Ministers appealed to UK Ministers and officials to assist by providing storage to enable people to salvage what they could before it was too late."
Restitution for the losses; "After the devastation the GoM appealed again and again to British Ministers and Officials for some assistance with the cost of replacing losses which were not recoverable through insurance."
Assistance for the depositors at the building society; " We pointed out that many of these people had already lost everything else they owned to the pyroclastic flows."
purchase of ferry; "it was felt that it would be infinitely more appropriate to purchase a Ferry for direct operation. Calculations revealed that over a three year period it would cost British Taxpayers only a small fraction of the rental charges for the purchase, and even allowing for back up and maintenance their would be huge savings."
Incentives for local professionals to work in montserrat; "Rather than assist by providing an incentive top up of local salaries, HMG’s policy is to send its own citizens to work here at enormous costs."
Bramble took the opportunity to express his support for an airport at Thatched Valley while saying that an airport at Gerald will be setting Montserrat backwards. made proposals to deal efficiently with all these but in every case they were rejected.
Roadside Cleanup Moves Toward Old Towne Area
As the cleanup of the Salem roadsides continues, Government crews have completed the general Salem area and are now moving towards the Old Towne area.
On Wednesday this week, everyone entering the Salem area was offered a guide to the dangers of volcanic ash and tips for cleaning up their homes. Dust masks and heavy duty plastic bags to hold the ash were also distributed.
Richard Aspin, speaking for the Emergency Management Office, told ZJB news that persons should stop at the police checkpoint before entering Salem. He reminded those cleaning their homes to collect the masks and plastic bags from the police at the checkpoint. He said the plastic bags containing ash should be deposited on the roadsides so they can be collected by the Department of Public Works.
Residents and people from the Salem area continue to be very suspicious about when they are likely to be given the green light to return. It has been suggested, however, by the authorities that when stepped-up dust monitoring shows that dust and ash are at safe levels, reoccupation might begin.
9 New Davy Hill Houses Ready To Be Occupied
Approximately 30 shelter residents from the Brades Primary School will be able to move to private accommodations shortly in the nine newly completed family units in Davy Hill.
Several other persons now in churches in the extreme north will also be accommodated.
The new housing consists mostly of two bedrooms units, although there is at least one with three bedrooms.
Key’s to the buildings are expected to be handed to the Ministry of Housing as soon as the sewer systems are completed.
British Guardship Slates Return Visit
The HMS Sheffield, which was scheduled to visit last month, will visit Montserrat on Wednesday, 26 August 1998.
Captain Richard Ibbottson, Flotilla Commander, will be coming on island to meet His Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Chief Minister. Whilst in Montserrat, 20 of the ship’s crew will spend the day helping to landscape the grounds at the Golden Years Home for the Elderly. HMS Sheffield plans to return in early September.
Government House has announced that if anyone has a community-oriented project that HMS Sheffield can assist with to contact Sarah Sim or Kate Joad at the Governor’s Office on 491-2688 by Friday, 28 August.
Virgin Atlantic Prepares For Flights to Caribbean
With just six weeks to go until Virgin Atlantic inaugurates non-stop 747 service from Barbados, St. Lucia, and Antigua to London, the airline has announced that it has selected internationally renowned cricket umpire Lloyd Barker for its Caribbean launch advertising campaign.
The Barbadian Test/International Cricket Umpire will appear in the carrier's new cricket-themed print, radio, and outdoor advertisements, and direct mail campaign. The ads show Mr. Barker indicating the "score" of six to represent the number of new, non-stop flights that Virgin will fly from the Caribbean each week.
The foregoing CANA report refers to the same airline mentioned a few weeks ago by Mr. Peter Filleul and Mr. Chris Runcimen. They were visiting Montserrat to discuss and confirm plans for the ‘Many Happy Returns Concert due to take place here on September 29 this year.
During this visit they announced that after discovering that Virgin Atlantic was opening new routes to the Caribbean in September, they were able to involve the airline in bring performers and journalists to the island for the concert.
Trinidad, CANA - Passengers on BWIA International Airways non-stop flights out of Trinidad to Miami and New York will not receive hot meals. The company announced that the situation was "entirely" due to industrial action at the main supplier, Allied Caterers Limited.
The airline said that it wrote the company last week advising that the airline would not be accepting any food prepared by them until it was satisfied that standards could be met consistently. The union representing about 70 employees at Allied Caterers said a major problem was an outstanding TT$8 million debt owed by the airline.
New Moves Launched On St Kitts-Nevis Relations
Barbados, CANA - St. Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas, is opening new initiatives to promote relations between the two islands following last Monday's referendum in Nevis that rejected secession.
He organised a special cabinet meeting Sunday to discuss the recommendations of a constitutional commission on future relations between the islands. Douglas said that armed with the views of his colleagues and the findings of the commission, he intends to have a meeting with parliamentary opposition leader of the People's Action Movement, Hugh Heyliger, and party leader former Prime Minister Kennedy Simmonds.
Last week Nevis Premier Vance Amory failed by 5 percentage points to get the 67 percent vote needed to take his country into nationhood separated from St. Kitts.
Antigua Civil Servant Foils Bird Government
During this past week, several persons having heard Labour Speaks address an issue while speaking about matters relating to the Montserrat Civil Service, have asked for a little more information on the matter.
The following is a recap of articles appearing in the Outlet newspaper from Antigua.
Elloy de Freitas, former General – Secretary of the Public Service Association had his appeal against a decision of the OECS Appeal Court upheld by the Privy Council.
Mr. De Freitas won in the High Court, that his constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly were infringed by the Bird Government, but the OECS Appeal Court overturned the judgement in favor of the Lester Bird Government.
Now the Privy Council has delivered the final judgement on June 30, 1998.
In the judgement delivered by Lord Clyde, the Privy Council held that the Lester Bird Government must pay "all costs to the Court of Appeal and in the appeal to their Lordships of the Privy Council." The Lester Bird Government got it back and belly.
CRYSTAL CLEAR
The Privy Council was crystal clear in its judgement.
Whereas the Lester Bird Government insisted on its law - now deemed unconstitutional by the Privy Council that "A Civil Servant may not in any public place or in any document or any other medium or communication, whether within Antigua and Barbuda or not, publish any information or expressions of opinion on matters of national or international political controversy." The Privy Council ruled that this is not tolerable or acceptable "or reasonably required in a democratic society."
Said the Privy Council in its historic judgement: "It cannot be that all expressions critical of the conduct of a politician are to be forbidden. It is a fundamental principle of a democratic society that citizens should be entitled to express their views about politicians, and while their may be legitimate restraints upon that freedom in the case of some civil servants, that restraint cannot be made universal. But where the line is to be drawn is a matter which cannot in fairness be left to the hazard of individual decisions."
And , said the Privy Council, the section of the law which restricted the freedom of all classes of civil servants "remains too wide in its scope and possible application."
In short, the Privy Council held that the actions taken against Mr. Elloy de Fraitas, his "interdiction and the intended disciplinary action contravened Mr. De Fraitas’ Constitutional rights."
by Warren Cassell
General Orders for The Public service" is a document published under the authority of the governor of Montserrat prescribing instructions for the conduct of public officers otherwise known as civil servants. Section 16 (1) of the Montserrat Constitution Order provides that:
"The Governor, acting in his discretion shall be responsible for the conduct, subject to the provisions of this constitution, of any business of the Government of Montserrat with respect to...the appointment of any person to any public office, the suspension, termination or appointment, dismissal or retirement of any public officer, or the taking of any disciplinary action in respect of such an office the terms or conditions of employment of public service...the organisation of the public service in so far as it does not involve new financial provision..."
It is on this authority therefore, that the governor can publish the document known as "General Orders for The Public Service", which would regulate the civil service in Montserrat. He is therefore exercising the power given to him by the constitution. It is noteworthy to mention that the constitution provides that "whether or not the governor has in any matter complied with any
It is the intention of the writer to discuss chapter 3 of General Orders which it is suggested is inconsistent with the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed by the Montserrat Constitution Order. This paper contends that these rights as we know them should be rights in their strict sense and should extend to all citizens. The writer further submits that any attempt to fetter the enjoyment of these rights and the limitation of these rights to those other than public servants makes them privileges and not rights. The chapter to be discussed is titled "Conduct of Public Officers", and lays downs certain rules which should guide the civil servant’s conduct. For example, chapter 3 among other things states:
"An Officer or civil servant may not leave Montserrat without permission...No officer whether he/she is on duty or leave shall contribute to whether anonymously or otherwise, or publish in any newspaper magazine or periodical or otherwise cause to be published in any manner in Montserrat or elsewhere anything which reasonably regarded as of political or administrative nature."
It is such statements that would raise the question as to whether the Governor has any limitations imposed upon him in exercising his power to regulate the civil service, and whether or not he is acting within those limitations.
The primary mission of civil libertarians is to limit the power of the state, not only in terms of the proper procedures and safeguards necessary before that power may be properly invoked but also with respect to the magnitude of the power itself. The Montserrat Constitution Order does recognise basic civil liberties. Further, if it did not do so expressly one could still base the argument on the form of political rule in the country - i.e. democratic, as it is so called.
Part IV of the constitution deals with the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, and states that "every person in Montserrat is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedom of the individual". It also states that these rights are subject to limitations designed to ensure that the enjoyment of the said rights and freedoms by any individual does not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others or the public interest.
There are therefore tensions created for Montserratian civil servants from General Orders, in relation to certain rules relating to politics, publication of material and traveling in and out of Montserrat. This paper wants to address the issue of whether or not the power given to the Governor unnecessarily constrains the fundamental rights of civil servants on Montserrat and whether the Governor’s power is arbitrary especially since it is protected by an ouster clause.
Constitutional theory will be articulated while invoking Dworkin’s rights theory. Dworkin argues for the primacy of rights over general considerations of welfare. Rawls theory of justice, in particular his first principle of justice, which is to the effect that "each person’s to have an equal right to the most extensible total system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all" is also useful in this area. In addition gleanings will be made from various writings of academics, philosophers and judges to illustrate the importance of enforcing the rights.
Things Women Need To Know About Sex
Get back to basics
Remember "making out," messing around"? Whatever you called those early forays into sex -- those days of roaming tongues and searching hands and rubbing bodies provided hours of intensely erotic pleasure. Start making foreplay a main attraction once again. This time around, at least you don’t have to worry about somebody’s parents walking in on you, so take time to slow down and truly savour the whole encounter.
Beware of Dangerous Sex
When a women feels sexual attraction for a man right away, it is a warning signal. If a woman beginning again meets a man who ignites her passion she should run the other way.
Myths of the Dating Game.
1. Lie: Return your lovers call and he will want you more.
Truth: Don’t make a man the center of your life; return his call but don’t drop everything for him.
2. Lie: Don’t call a man or seem too interested.
Truth: It is fine to call a man, but don’t expect him to have a lot to say and if he does, be pleasantly surprised. Don’t ask a lot of questions; instead share your thoughts and feelings.
3. Lie: Dress, speak, smile, flirt in a way to seduce a man.
Truth: Be careful not to pursue a man more than he is pursuing you. It is his job to seduce you; It’s your job to attract his interest. A woman can easily seduce a man, but rarely will he commit.
4. Lie: Don’t be too available, say you are too busy sometimes.
Truth: Make sure you are not waiting for his call. Keep busy in your life so that you are not too needy.
By Psychiatric Nurse Donoghue
Child abuse refers to the maltreatment of children by parent -- permanent or parent substitutes. The maltreatment ranges from physical to emotional neglect, verbal abuse, to sexual abuse (assaultive or non-assaultive) and physical abuse, which is the non-accidental injury of a child.
Types
Physical - Acts of commission such as burning or beating a child -- when beating becomes battering.
Physical neglect - Acts of omission or inadequate clothing; inadequate supervision; improper feeding; inadequate parenting abilities
Emotional neglect - Lack of parent-child interaction
Emotional Abuse -Attitudes directed towards the child that may be harmful to emotional development.
Sexual abuse - Involvement of the child with a parent, adult member of the family or adult in activities ranging from sex play to actual intercourse.
Verbal abuse - Assaults on the child that are verbally degrading, such as constant ridicule and cursing
Causes of physical abuse
Many factors of physical abuse relate to parenting behavior
- Stress, poverty, cramped conditions, slums, social isolation or a combination of all
- Teenage mothers and fathers
- Lack of impulse control
- A confusion of roles. Child is regarded as not a child, but as the object of adults needs
- The offender has low self control, has emotional problems or is not emotionally mature; he or she feels inadequate
- Mother with personality disorders, alcohol abuse and history of self -harm -- fabricates illness in her children.
- The abuser has a history of being abused during childhood
- The abused child may attract abuse by excessive crying, being too small, different, being a delicate child or being an emotional tug of war between parents.
- The abuser may live in an area conducive to corporal punishment, lack of territorial or play space
- Cultural acceptance of beating as a form of discipline
- Cultural belief that child is evil or is possessed with evil spirits.
- Individuals with little or no financial support
Consequences of physical abuse
Psychological problems
Low Self Esteem
Worthlessness
Rebelliousness
Withdrawn Behavioral Attitudes
Aggression
Depression
Child Abusers as Adults
Low School Grades
Parenting is not an easy task. This is one reason why teenagers should wait until they are mature enough to become parents. Wait until you are responsible enough to commit your life to the development of another human being. That would include your sharing yourself, giving up pleasures, maybe your job or career for a while. It also includes being patient and caring, not seeing the child as an obstacle. Remember this child has several needs -- love, food, shelter, nurturing.
The birth of a child, whether planned or unplanned, is a significant stress factor. The physiological and emotional changes related to nausea or fatigue also may be difficult for the parent(s).
The infant soon becomes the central position in the parent(s) life by demanding attention, time, energy and emotional investment.
The parent must learn to meet the baby's need; this task is carried into childhood and adolescence.
Single parent families are often at risks because of limited financial resources and parents limited time and energy. Single parent families are much more likely to experience economic strain than are two parent families. Many times parents feel frustrated and stressed out. This may be due to bad relationships, financial problems, lack of emotional support or job-related stress factors.
Alcoholism and other chemical dependencies are also major stressors for families. Families of alcoholics are often characterized by intense conflicts, shame, lack of trust, denial and physical illness.
Low parental self-esteem is a major stressor to any family.
Parents must understand that building relationship with their children are of utmost importance. Talk to your children. Listen to them. Have fun with them. Play games, go on outings such, as beach or picnics.
Remember to take adequate rest. Feed your body well and take necessary supplements.
To be continued...
Fat + Fat = More Fat
Foremost on the minds of most is the fat problem, that in our food, and that which translates into unsightly weight.
Constantly broadcast over the airwaves are the new cholesterol studies, dietary surveys, and the like, none of which seems to solve any problem, nor reduce anyone’s weight.
Let’s examine some of the hidden factors, generally not talked about, unless you are the subscriber to some of the more interesting literature that come from Europe. After the Second World War, a phenomenal change occurred in the way people eat. Industrialized foodstuffs reached the marketplace, ranging from glistening vegetable oils, to slick printed cans, to "Morton’s TV Tray Dinners." Most of these products required some form of hydrogenated fats either for taste, texture, or stabilization.
Now, hydrogenated fats are basically vegetable oils that have been heated to very high temperatures. Hydrogen gas is added in the presence of a toxic metal catalyst, like nickel, to the oil to make a more "stable" oil. This converts a polyunsaturated fatty acid, to a saturated (with hydrogen) fatty acid. Without all the chemical jargon, this basically takes a vegetable oil, like corn or soy, and makes margarine and vegetable shortening, like Crisco. The greater the saturation of fat, the more stable it is, making it less sensitive to heat as in frying, and oxygenation, which results in rancidity (oil that is stinky yellow/brown). Although this saturated fat has product benefits to chef’s and restaurants, it has dire health consequences.
Fat that is saturated is less liquid, hardens at room temperature, and is even harder to wash off utensils. Logic would only dictate that this property would have to have biological consequences. IT DOES!
Studies completed in the 1970s and ’80s pretty much conclude that a diet high in saturated fatty acids tends to raise blood cholesterol and contributes to the formation of atherosclerosis. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are now the leading causes of death. Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fatty debris on the underlining of the body’s arteries. It starts as a "fatty streak" and can be found even in young children in almost all countries. These yellowish fatty streaks begin to form plaque by the third decade of life in those persons prone to atherosclerosis. These plaques are a cap on the inside lining of the arteries which covers debris from dying cells on the inside of the artery where the lesion so exists. Thus, the soft, fatty debris is suggestive of the Greek name - athera (gruel) and sclerosis (hardening).
In regards to weight loss, this hardened fat is some of the most difficult to mobilize. Dr. Budwig, of Germany became a bitter enemy of the margarine industry when her studies showed just how much these hydrogenated fats damage the body’s cells. Do not be fooled into believing margarine or any refined oil spread is healthy just because the label reads "high in polyunsaturates." Dr. Budwig considered the chemical alteration of these fats and their effects upon the cellular structures.
When a fat is heated to high temperatures for food refining or cooking purposes, it leads to distorted trans fats which weaken the cell walls, leaving it vulnerable to invasion from bacteria and viruses, and impairing its energy producing mechanisms. The fat is also not able to participate in essential fatty acid functions, like making the body’s hormones.
The net result is that these fats reduces the body’s energy, leading to premature fatigue. These fats are also more difficult to mobilize, meaning it is harder to lose weight.
This is a frequent comment of obese patients; they stop eating for a few days and do not lose any weight. This means fat is not being mobilized and is not being burned by the body’s tissues.
One would be amazed as to the scores of ordinary food products where these fats are ingredients - breads of all types, cookies, pastries, pies, snacks, only to name a few.
These fats are also known to harbor toxic chemicals, which in turn harbor them in our body’s cells. If we look to fats, we thus see how involved they are in our leading causes of premature death — heart attack, stroke, and cancer. When it comes to eating, fresh is best !
LEMON OFFSETS CANCER!
In our part of the world, we have a familiar term called "limey," an old term for a British sailor, which from 1942 also became a civilian prone to indulge after four o’clock.
Liming is also a colloquial term for afternoon gossip with tea or cocktails.
We have to go back to the sixteenth century for what appeared to be the first scourge of mariners traveling to the "new world," now known as our world, called scurvy. Scurvy, now known to be caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, is a disease of great weakness along with bleeding gums, fetor of breath, loosening of teeth, anemia, etc. Sir James Lancaster introduced the first regular use of oranges and lemons into the ships of the East India Company as a preventative for scurvy. Many others, during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries repeatedly confirmed the fact that fresh fruits were effective in curing or preventing scurvy. After Captain James Cook made his reports, in 1804 the daily consumption of lemon juice was made compulsory in the British Navy.
The benefits of limes and lemons, however, do not stop there. A study of the Yamagata Health Agency in Japan reports that juice from the fresh lemon can keep destructive chemicals from harming our body cells that can turn them malignant. Dr. Yoshio Kato, one of several sponsors of a recent study on the effects of citrus juice, stated - "using a special electronic device that measures the level of free radicals, we found that the juice neutralized these dangerous elements completely.
Fish that might have been highly cancer-causing was instantly rendered completely safe."
Dr. Kato says anyone can benefit from the cancer preventing power of lemon juice either by squeezing the juice
directly on foods, or by making lemonade to drink with meals.
The juice must be fresh, Kato cautions, or it will not have maximum strength. "You can also take two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice right before your meals, and the liquid will act as a neutralizer, cleaning up harmful chemicals in your
stomach," the researcher said. Kato stated the juice along with meals containing smoked foods, salt-cured foods, and food containing preservatives, lemon juice is particularly helpful.
Further he states, "Remember, take it at mealtimes, not between or after meals, but just before or while you are
eating, otherwise the lemon juice will not do its job."
Government Information Service
Government Of Montserrat
NAGICO Insurance For Montserrat
The Government of Montserrat has granted permission to the St. Maarten-based Insurance company , National General Insurance Corporation, to provide general coverage on Montserrat.
The Government of Chief Minister the Honourable David Brandt has been seeking to ensure there is adequate insurance coverage for residents on Montserrat, following the onset of volcanic activity in July 1995.
Described as the company with the hometown advantage, NAGICO has extended its treaty to cover Central and Northern Montserrat for all risks exclusive of volcano and volcano-related earthquakes.
The Government of Montserrat has been assured by Jim Van Hecke and Associates, authorized legal representative for NAGICO Insurance in Montserrat, that since St. Maarten has no volcanic threat, Montserrat will enjoy the same rates and premium discount opportunities that the Antillean island enjoys that is 98% with a 2% deductible.
Insurance coverages will include home, contents, business, burglary, automotive, contractors all risk, medical, life and liability.
All rates are for comprehensive and extended perils policies, and include coverage for loss or damage caused by Fire, Flood, Explosion, storm etc. For occupied private dwellings, only, coverage also includes public liability and loss of rent.
NAGICO is substantially reinsured by underwriters and Class "A" Reinsurance companies through Reinsurance Brokers H.S.B.C Gibbs Ltd – wholly owned subsidiary of H.S.B.C Holdings, the world’s largest bank by capital.
NAGICO has been operating in St. Maarten for over 15 years.
Chief Minister Brandt Extends Gratitude to St. Maarten
Chief Minister David Brandt said a number of measures will be taken to ensure a rapid and almost full recovery of the island…
He was addressing a news conference during his recent visit to St. Maarten.
Mr. Brandt took advantage of the visit to relay how deeply appreciative the government and people of Montserrat are for the cooperation and kindness extended by the government and people of St. Maarten…
"For the past three years we have been living in the valley of the shadow of death," Mr. Brandt said with a firm voice. "We have lost two-thirds of our population, we have lost two-thirds of the real estate, several families have been ripped apart, businesses have been destroyed and in effect we have to start again from scratch.
It is in this condition that a third of the population is still living in Montserrat. There are no job opportunities, no houses, and we are a poor country," he added.
The Chief Minister went on to tell about the report coming from seismologists stating that the Soufriere Hills volcano is now entering a state of repose.
He said that if people had initially listened to the various warnings and had evacuated the threatened area, a lot of them would be alive today. All of the people currently on Montserrat, a total of 3,500, reside in the safe area of the island, the northern side.
It is this area that the government of Montserrat will now try to develop.
On the topic of assistance and aid, the Chief Minister said that although some aid is being received from Britain, the difficulty has been the speed at which the aid is being disbursed.
"It has always been our contention that once you have a crisis, the normal principles of disbursing aid should be dispensed with, and you deal with it as an emergency," Mr. Brandt stressed.
"The process which we have to go through to obtain aid from the British has followed the same principles. In the meantime, the people are suffering. It is my view that after three years, people should not be in schools and churches as shelters.
"We have received aid from Caricom, which is currently building 30 houses, while the governments of Jamaica and Guyana are providing the soldiers for that," the Chief Minister said. He added that Caricom had provided Montserrat with technical assistance.
A social reconstruction plan or sustainable development plan is now being discussed for the island. Officials from the island have visited London to discuss it with Montserratians there; also Antigua, St Kitts/Nevis and most likely St. Maarten in the future.
Chief Minister Brandt said this plan sets the perimeter as to where Montserrat wants to go.
The British Dilemma
The volcano's quiescent, so when
Open Salem and Old Towne again?
If we don't take it slow
Montserrat starts to grow,
And just what would Clare's DFID do then?
Case Dismissed
With new roads higher speeds were expected,
But not haste by police misdirected.
Even radar's best reading
Can't convict one of speeding
Before speed limit signs are erected.
Jus wonderin if the statement is not true, and who it was that said: " Ms. Shirlian Queeley, you've come a long way, you're getting there and the music is good."
Jus wonderin what happened to that group, which seemed to be doing a good job, that the Chief Minister started immediately upon taking office.
Jus wonderin who is in charge of the people in this little country.
Jus wonderin if the Chief has joined the ranks of the other officials and has succumbed to the diplomat's style of diplomacy.
Jus wonderin if the police radar gun can only check speeds at 20 mph. and 40 mph.
Jus wonderin if the current police gun is different from the one reported some time ago to cause cancer in people when used.
Jus wonderin if the radar gun can make anyone sterile.
Jus wonderin if it would not be a good idea to invite Chief Minister Hughes of Anguilla to come in and run a one-day seminar with his counterparts.
Jus wonderin who wanted to arrest the ex-CM, and wonderin if that is why we have the threats of "persecution" if found unofficially in one of the family units in Salem.
Jus wonderin if it is true that there is an aiding Defence Force officers AIDing Montserrat women.
Jus wonderin if the contractor's suspected mild heart ailment might now turn to a more deadly problem.
Jus wonderin if the DFID official who boasted that he pays civil servants' salaries is still on island.
Jus wonderin if those visiting wives figured out yet why their husbands are a little over concerned about the length of their contracts.
Jus wonderin if the editor will take the minister's advice and not live almost like a hermit.
Jus wonderin on which part of Lewinski's dress that stain was.
Jus wonderin what the CM's wedding anniversary has in common with any other anniversary.
EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK
VACANCY
Secretary
Application are invited from suitably qualified citizens of ECCB member countries to fill the post of Secretary in the Client Relations and Communications Services Unit, Governor’s Office.
Applicants Must Have:
The following would be distinct assets:
Duties
The selected candidate would be expected to:
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Short-listed candidates will be given a competency test.
Applicant's starting qualifications and experience, with names and addresses of at least two (2) referees, as well as certified copies of certificates, should be sent to:
The Bank Secretary Eastern Caribbean Central Bank P O Box 89 Basseterre St Kitts.To reach no later than September 11, 1998.
Applications which do not meet the minimum requirements stated above will not be acknowledged.
EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK
VACANCY
Senior Accountant
Applications are invited from suitably qualified citizens of the ECCB member countries to fill the post of Senior Accountant at the Eastern Caribbean central Bank.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE:
Duties:
Salary
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
A housing allowance is also payable.
Applications stating qualifications and experience together with two recent letters of reference should be forwarded to:
The Bank Secretary Eastern Caribbean Central Bank P.O. Box 89 Basseterre St. KittsTo reach no later than 11th September, 1998
Applications which do not meet the minimum requirements indicated above will not be acknowledged.
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
Vacancy
Resident Representative, ECCB Agency Office in Grenada
Applications are invited from suitably qualified citizens of the ECCB member Territories to fill the post of Resident Representative, ECCB Agency Office in Grenada.
Applicants should have:
Duties
Salary
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
A house allowance is also payable.
The successful candidate will be expected to undergo a 4-6 months orientation programme at the Bank’s headquarters prior to assuming duties as Resident Representative.
Staff may be transferred from the Resident Representative’s Office to Headquarters and vice versa.
Applications stating qualifications and experience with the names and addresses of two (2) references should be forwarded to:
The Bank Secretary Eastern Caribbean Central Bank P.O. Box 89 Basseterre St. KittsTo reach no later than 11th September, 1998.
Applications which do not meet the minimum requirements indicated above will not be acknowledged.
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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