.

Investors from across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) stand to benefit from the granting of full British citizenship status to Montserrat, Chief Minister Mr David Brandt has said.

In keeping with its White Paper entitled 'Partnership for Progress and Prosperity,’ the United Kingdom administration is moving ahead with plans to grant full British citizenship to its remaining colonies of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands and Pitcairn Island.
"Soon from now we would become British citizens and having regard to our position, I believe that the atmosphere would be right in Montserrat for even CARICOM manufacturers to manufacture items in Montserrat which could be exported to Europe and England free of duty and we expect to capitalize on that type of arrangement," he told the Montserrat Reporter.
As part of efforts to jump-start the economy, government’s investment policy includes the writing off, over a period of 10 years, the annualized cost of new commercial buildings in pre-tax profits between now and 2002.

Investors in the construction of new commercial facilities between now and 2002 will also be allowed a 50- percent reduction in property tax for a five-year period, and port charges will be reduced by as much as 60-percent to reduce the cost of doing business here Well-known regional investor Mr. Ken Boyea, according to the Chief Minister, has signaled his intention to restart not only the milling of rice, as was done before the volcanic devastation, but processing of rice by-products as well.

Before the closure of the Montserrat Rice Mills, Guyana's rice milled in Montserrat benefited from duty free access to Britain and the rest of the European Union (EU).

A proposal for the construction of a factory-shell for the mill was expected to be fine-tuned for dispatch to the local office of Britain's Department for International Development (DfID).

This 39.6-sq.-mi. Caribbean island, of which more than half has been devastated and abandoned by four years of volcanic activity, is desperately seeking to woo investors in the service and manufacturing industries.

"So Caribbean manufacturers wanting to come to Montserrat to manufacture, this could be an atmosphere in which they could widen their market and get into Europe quite easily," Mr.Brandt added.

At this week's meeting of CARICOM's Inter Governmental Task Force, to be held in Barbados, the signing by this British colony of the nine remaining protocols for the amendment of the 1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas, which established CARICOM, would be discussed, senior officials in the Chief Minister's Secretariat said.

Montserrat cannot unilaterally go ahead and sign most regional agreements unless the British government ensures that those pacts are compatible with those Britain has signed individually or along with the European Union (EU).

by Bennette Roach

The team from Price Water House regional and UK offices are presently in Montserrat continuing a total review of our Social Welfare Schemes.

On 7 September, 1998, the team began holding workshops beginning with a focus around understanding the broad-based issues that face Montserrat from a national development perspective.

This involved understanding where Montserrat was then, where it is endeavouring to be in the future, and, in broad terms, how it is going to get there.

The second phase of that workshop concentrated solely on identifying the issues that face the Social Welfare system.

On Tuesday this week the group of Ms. Helen Bailey, Mrs. Susan Granger-Tyler and Ms. Nila Charles met with members of a steering committee under the chairmanship of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Health and Welfare, John Skerritt. They were meeting following further workshops that had been planned and held, as well as several one-on-one interviews of various individuals in the community; and desk reviews of previous reports by the consultants.

The meeting which, according to Mr. Skerritt, "went very well," is expected to resume on Monday, when it will continue to plan for a 'means test'; to also enable the legislation (Social Welfare Act) to be put in place a Social Welfare Board to move forward speedily to the first part of the Review, which deals with public assistance and a food welfare scheme.

Other areas of the review, according to the report covering a 'working group', which, of course, included the consultants, include Social Security and Pensions,Health Care, Education, Housing Subsidies and Care of the Elderly.

According to Mr. Skerritt, plans are being made to inform discuss with the public the nature and substance of the Social Welfare Review and what it will mean and how it will take Montserrat forward.

Montserrat last Wednesday laid to rest one of its finest sons, John Dublin, whose dedicated fatherhood, entrepreneurial skills and active community service are certainly etched in the history of this territory.

A devout member of the Pentecostal Church, Mr. Dublin was also remembered for his strong belief that education was a major tool and religion a key ingredient in the life of mankind.

Unknown to many, he was researching and writing a book on small business management, Sister Rogers added.

"He was brought up with godly principles and was known as an honest, kind and loving man, as anyone who dealt with him would know," Sister Rogers said of the man who once served as President of the Island Christ Ambassadors , Sunday school teacher and superintendent for many years.

In the area of culture, he was seen as someone who played a vital role in the development and preservation of the culture of Montserrat.

Sister Rogers recalled that Mr. Dublin was always in the forefront of community service activities, such as "clean up the neighbourhood" campaigns like those in the Cork Hill area, and was a lover of sports and music.

A founder of the Gospel Unlimited group, he sponsored and loved all the teams, the Letts Revellers netball team in particular.

In the business community, she noted, Mr. Dublin was instrumental in the formation of the Bank of Montserrat, for which he was one of its board’s principal directors from its inception to the time of his death.

At the level of the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce, of which he was a former vice-president, he "remained an active member when not serving in office."

In the realm of politics, Mr. Dublin served as a parliamentary representative from 1970 to 1973.
He again served from November 1978 to April 1983 as Minister of Education Health and Community services.
On some occasions during the absence of the chief minister he served as acting chief minister.

On June 11, 1999, Governor Abbott made a decision, which created or caused much embarrassment and disappointment to Montserratians both at home and abroad. This was canceling the parade held annually to honour the Queen's birthday, that was to be held this year on June 12.

In a statement the Governor stated, "As a result by some members of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) to boycott the final rehearsal for the Queen's Birthday Parade, the Parade … has been cancelled."

The Governor went on regretting his decision and expressing appreciation to the other bodies that usually parade on the occasion, "…who had worked so hard to make the Parade a success."

In January this year, when the RMDF held its centenary celebrations, both the Governor and the Chief Minister could not find enough words of praise to shower on the RMDF men. Even then, as we mentioned before, there were rumblings of discontent among the men over hazard allowance and housing, and by this time the disembodiment of the force had been in effect from December 31. There was supposed to be a period of about six months when the men would have sorted themselves out.

The Chief Minister in a later radio address, which he published, explained that "the military men did receive a monthly sum, over and above what they were entitled to, that was even more than the hazard-pay received by the police."

Regarding the housing he said: " The disembodiment plan for housing was that members of the Force who qualified were to be given priority for both material grant and self-build housing. No Defence Force member who qualified for material grant and applied for it was turned down," adding, "they will still be allowed to live there (at the base that they built) until mid September but under different conditions."

After the Governor’s statement about the cancellation of the parade, he said that he was consulting his "Defence Adviser to determine what action should be taken." He refused then to speak further to the press on the matter and has not spoken of it since. Instead, since the Governor has responsibility for the RMDF, the Chief Minister reported in his address: "Accordingly, the correct action on the part of the Commander-In-Chief (that is the Governor) is to now convene a Board of Inquiry to take formal evidence and make recommendations regarding future Courts Martial.

Should an ensuing Court Martial find that there are charges to answer, the likely outcome would be that a significant number of key RMDF personnel would be discharged with disgrace, with an appropriate penalty of imprisonment.

"The same report goes on to recommend the setting up of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the offences of Mutiny and Failure to Suppress Mutiny, with provision for Courts Martial of Senior NCOS and other ringleaders if appropriate."Or, alternatively, to place the RMDF in ‘suspended animation’ pending a study into the security needs of Montserrat."

The Chief Minister said that the government opted for the latter.

Could it be that if an inquiry had indeed been chosen, that the outcome would have been quite different from that anticipated? We did hear from the Governor accepting the resignation of the Commanding Officer, who accepted full responsibility and who in turn wrote to his men, advising them that "those who refused to parade on 10^th June should be stood down."

There has been an outcry at the eventual outcome and treatment of these men and there is a continuous call for the full story to be told. This, of course, might only be possible if a full inquiry into the RMDF takes place, with a view to finding out what led the Chief Minister to say, "…despite the would be rabble-rousers, we will move forward as one people understanding the importance of excellence and discipline. Keeping our community viable by being faithful to our institutions and respecting our laws."He said, "the men who demonstrated such a serious breakdown in discipline have been spared the Court Martial proceedings, but will not be allowed to contaminate the institution when it starts again."

Of strong concern is the absence of the RMDF, and the feeling is that the final decision is one not really in the interest of Montserrat. The general feeling is that the decision was made in haste. Should another need arise for the services these men have given over the past 100 years, the Governor can easily call on British soldiers to carry out his requests, regardless of how even the very Chief Minister, government and people of Montserrat might feel.

The implications here are clear, so the question for the Chief Minister, who has been doing all the talking on the matter, is, when will the institution start again? Let us have the inquiry. The men want it - Montserratians want it. It is well known that "the truth hurts," but then we might be surprised at who it does hurt this time.

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.

On Tuesday night Aug, 3, 1999, the Chief Minister's Office, in collaboration with the University Centre, held its inaugural yearly Jim Allen lecture. The idea, which was the brainchild of Salas Hamilton, Chief of Staff at the Chief Ministers' Office, was a timely one, and the occasion was well attended and the participation was lively.

World renowned cricket commentator and International journalist Toni Cozier gave the feature address and along with our new rising hero and umpire, Basil Morgan (who gave some stats on Jim) and Ann-Marie Dewar and Howard Fergus (who both read poems they wrote as tributes to Jim) brought back fond memories of the cricket days of Jim Allen. During those moments there was evident pride in all of us as we recalled the bravery of a once giant, our own Jim Allen.

Salas Hamilton, in his address, also colorfully reminded us of days gone when cricket was played throughout the island and of the excitement and recreation that it afforded us.

The effort was very timely. It comes about at a time when the local newly formed Cricket Association, following the devastation of the Volcano that has crippled the sport locally, is trying to revitalize it. Timely because not only locally but regionally cricket is on a decline because of fierce competition from American sports (brought into our living rooms 24 hours a day on cable TV). On a decline because our youths prefer the much shorter and more…. sports of football, tennis, basketball, golf etc. On the decline because we as a people lack that competitive spirit and pride of old. On the decline because of lack of sponsorship.

Timely, last but least, because we in Montserrat do not recognise in meaningful ways our heroes of sports or otherwise, which is also one of the reasons why the sport was well in the decline here even before the onset of the volcanic crisis.

Before the initial Jim Allen lecture and perhaps some of the promos that led up to it, I am certain that a large number of our young people (potential Jim Allens etc.) 20 years and younger have not heard much about Jim and a greater number, I am certain, do not even know him.

Timely because this can be the first step in correcting what is so wrong in our country that has helped cause the decline of cricket here and helped cause a movement to other sports such as basketball etc. and hence the heroes hailed here being foreign (Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Venus Williams etc.)

Although the lecture was a welcome start (and I appreciate that it will be done annually), we need to recognise that it is not near enough.

Jim Allen (MBE), undoubtedly in his time one of the best batsman in the world, was an ambassador to Montserrat and helped put us on the international map (remember Toni Cozier's recount of Jim’s debut night match for the West Indies team at Kerry Parker in Melbourne. How he had to give a brief history of an unknown country from which the little (Jim) hailed. We must remember, notwithstanding the competitive nature of the sport then, the politics that denied many a small islander (Jim included) a spot on the West Indies team.

We must also remember how, at the pinnacle of his career, his sporting life was brought to a premature end in the nets when he was struck by an Austin White delivery that came off the edge of his bat and into his eye.

It almost cost him the eye and has surely killed his spirit and crippled his enthusiasm and has reduced him to the Jim Allen we know today. Life had dealt him a hard blow and we have dealt him even a harder one in the way we have diminishingly progressively treated him since. He had served us well. He made us renowned. He excelled in ways many of us only dreamed about. He didn't shame us or squander his talent but was rather robbed of his livelihood and ambassadorship in a net practice that otherwise would not have only advanced his cause, but ours as well. He was robbed of his destiny while he was working to take Montserrat to a new level in International cricket and culminate his career. He was altruistic and must not be treated in a banal way.

An annual Jim Allen lecture, in his honour to cultivate public awareness, is a good start but not enough.

Jim Allen, (MBE), national hero, can now be a good role model to our sporting youth and aspiring achievers only if we as a Government and people help him up above the ash that devastated most of us during this crisis.

The governor of Montserrat should have a look at Jim Allen, recipient of Her Majesty's MBE award, how he is living and where he is residing today simply because of the harsh blow dealt to him by our Soufriere Hills volcano. The government of Montserrat should also do the same, and we as a people who recognise his achievements for us ought to have protested his squalor.

Our school children and sports men and women of tomorrow pass Jim's residence every day and most of them are not even aware of the stalwart and hero that lives there. Probably now that they have heard the inaugural Jim Allen's lecture that is aimed at honouring our sport heroes (cricket in particular), creating awareness of their achievements, giving them a sense of national pride and challenging them to set and achieve high goals, they may very well wish to know the person Jim Allen.

What a shock it will be for them when they see where he lives because of short sightedness. Why should they aspire to be the sporting Jim Allen with a legacy that disappeared with the south of the island? Should not the discovery by our youths of Jim Allen now, in his present plight, cement them in their resolve to stick to North American sports like basketball; and to hold to imported role models like Michael Jordan thus further diminishing our culture national and regional sport of cricket that has for many years held our West Indian islands together and had done more to unite us as one people than Caricom?

Salas and the University Centre must be congratulated for their vision and effort. However, let not history judge us as a people who helped in the genocide of the sport of cricket locally and regionally.

Let us continue Salas' initiative by giving back to Jim a fraction of what he gave to us and in so doing demonstrate to our youth and sports people what we prepared to do for our achievers even after the sun has set on their glory.

We have got to rebuild confidence in our people and create that national pride that we so clearly lack. If we are to achieve, among other things, our independence, the reintroduction of Jim to prominence is a good place to start.

It may very well be an idea as well for the sports department, through this medium and radio, to start doing profiles on some of our achievers in sports in recognition of their achievements, whether on the field of play as players or officials or off the field of play as administrators.

The department would know or could know who those persons are, but coming to mind are:

CRICKET: Jim Allen, Alford Corriette, Theodore Bramble, George Allen, George Edwards, Melford Roach, Frank Edwards, Fitzroy Buffonge, Austin White, Basil Morgan, Bennette Roach, (who, in addition not only as a fully West Indies qualified umpire, went throughout the region, also as a football referee) and Lowell Mason.

GOLF: Neville Bradshaw, Ivan 'Pocket' Hixon, and William 'Wiggy' Sweeney.

NETBALL: Rachael Collis, Tazzy Cabey, Adelina Tuitt, Nan Hickson, and Janice Ponde.

BRIDGE: Bennette Roach, JD Fenton.

ATHLETICS: Bruce Farara, Kwame Galloway, Darren Tuitt, Julius Bradshaw, Estelle Furlonge, and Cordell Fenton

MARTIAL ARTS: David Brandt, Gerald Gray, Shawn Willock, and John Lynch

Disbanding the RMDF Was Overreaction or Conspiracy

Mr. Editor,

I visited Montserrat recently and learnt for the first time of the disbandment of the RMDF with shock and consternation.

I had hoped for a gun salute at my funeral. In fact I looked forward to it. For those who may say I didn’t qualify for one, then I think of my good friend Major T. Bramble who may not get any military honors when he does pass on (not that I expect or even hope this will happen any time soon).

Let us agree on one premise, Mr. Editor: The morale, training and discipline of the troops is the ultimate responsibility of the C.O., but the Sergeant-Major is directly responsible for these. When discipline breaks down, he must be held responsible and must give account, for it is he who must bring charges against any soldier for any infractions.

I agree with the Chief Minister in that the men may have opened themselves up to a charge of mutiny (although I have very strong doubts about the thoroughness of the investigation that was conducted). At the same time, one should understand what the troops were feeling. It seems that their basic needs were being met (food, clothing, money) but once these were dealt with, then other needs must be addressed if morale was to be maintained.. I refer to the need for security in one’s situation. The men had fears of what the authorities had in store for them. It’s obvious to me that this information was not being passed on and so they worried..

This does not in any way excuse the men for their conduct but the matter could have been handled in house. Since the S.M. is responsible either by his actions or inaction, then it is he (along with the ringleaders) who should have borne the full penalty. There could have been demotions (ever heard of busting a W.O. back to buck private?), a court-martial, or the C.O. could have fined them summarily, or some other form sanctioning. To disband the force is punishing the innocent with the guilty and the country may suffer for it (unless one is of the view that the RMDF was unnecessary).

Mr. Editor, I strongly feel that the matter was not handled in an appropriate manner. I cannot imagine the same step being taken if it had been the police force. You may say it could not have happened with police because that force is too disciplined., but what if? Would the government have disbanded the police force? I cannot imagine a government scrapping its army because of a case of indiscipline in one of its army units. Wouldn’t that be an over reaction?

So why did the government do it? Why would any government decide to scrap its army? I can only think of one reason. It thought the country would be better off without it. It suggests to me that someone in authority had a plan to scrap the force and the mutiny was used as an excuse to implement the master plan.

I urge the government to reconsider its actions. The RMDF is a force which I love and which has had an enviable record of voluntary service to the country. It has shown its worth time and again over the years.

Mr. Editor, I still hope that I will get some military presence at my funeral. I will be sorely disappointed if I don’t and some may regret it. Seriously, I really do hope they reconsider.

The Montserrat Reporter

Dear Sir:

In reply to Dr. Howard Fergus concerning the start of the 3rd Millennium, Dr. Fergus is absolutely correct in giving the

date as January 1, 2001. Prior to 46 BC the calendar in use in the Roman Empire was based on lunar months of 29½ days. It consisted of 12 months and began on March 1. There were 355 days in the year, 10½ days short of the solar year.

In 46 BC Julius Caesar commissioned Sosigenes, a Greek astronomer, to devise a new and more accurate calendar. Caesar introduced a year of 365 days, and an extra day every 4th year, which was based on the Egyptian calendar. To correct the discrepancy between seasons and dates, Caesar added 67 days between November and December, plus a few holidays, so that 46 BC had a total of 445 days. That year became known as the year of Confusion.

By the 16th century, the calendar was about 10 days out of step with the seasons. Therefore, Pope Gregory XIII set up a new calendar and ordered 10 days be omitted from the year 1582.

This is the calendar used today in most countries, although it was not at first adopted by all. England and America didn't accept it until 1752.

From the 6th century, Western societies numbered the years from the birth of Jesus Christ. Since there was no year 0, 1 AD followed directly from 1BC. Hence, the 2nd century did not begin until a hundred years had passed, that is Jan, 1, 201, and on down the ages. Astronomers, however, figure years BC as negative numbers one less than the date BC and include a year 0.

For example, their -10 is thus the same as 11BC.

Modern historians and biblical scholars agree that Christ would have been born between 6 and 5 BC, according to events depicted in the Gospels. Therefore, in actuality the year 2000 has already passed and the new Millennium began in 1995. But that won't stop the world from celebrating 2000, or 2001, as the beginning of the 21st century. Incidentally, century years are leap years only when divisible by 400. The year 2000 will be a leap-year, but 1900 was not, and the next one won't be until 2400. So, enjoy this one while you can.

Sincerely,

Paul Lavoie

Read John 14:1-7

{Jesus said,} " In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?"

-John 14:2

My 5-year-old nephew fell through the ice on a pond and drowned. My sister was devastated. During her long period of grief, she and I searched for the meaning of life and death. Why did this happen to her beautiful child? What hope did she have?

As we struggled to understand, we discovered a promise that Jesus made to his disciples: "In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" My sister thought she would never again experience peace; but she found a measure of comfort, knowing that Jesus had prepared a special place for her child.

The death of someone we love is always difficult, especially when the person who dies is a child. At some time, we all experience the death of someone dear to us. Whether death occurs from natural causes or through a tragedy, we can find comfort and strength in Jesus’ promise that our loved ones have a place in God's house.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for life, with all its joys and blessings. We ask you for strength to face the sorrows of life. We pray that you will put your hand on all those who grieve and who need your reassurance. Amen.

Thought for the Day

We can entrust those we love to the unfailing love of God.

NEWS BRIEFS

Montserratian donkeys may contribute to the study of veterinary medicine if negotiations with Ross University in neighbouring St. Kitts are successful, senior officials of the Agriculture Ministry said Friday.

That offshore veterinary school wants 15 donkeys each semester of the academic year, the Montserrat Reporter was told by officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Agriculture Ministry officials would rather have as many of the animals take their seaward journey as soon as possible.
The Agriculture Ministry here has taken the initiative to contact Ross University in response to an advertisement on St. Kitts’ state radio about that institution’s being interested in purchasing donkeys.
Montserrat is keen on ridding the island of most of its estimated 500 stray donkeys but especially those that have been destroying gardens and damaging some buildings in the recently developed Lookout village.
In the meantime, authorities here are awaiting the return of Forestry Adviser. Tony Hill to give details about a proposed shipment of 40 donkeys to Grenada.
Grenadian authorities have since denied knowledge of any aspect of the donkey deal but officials of the Agriculture Ministry here have said that Hill was in contact with an individual there to take the animals.
The United Kingdom Donkey Sanctuary, which was instrumental in getting EC$40,000 from the International Donkey Protection Trust (IDPT) for ferrying the animals, has enquired whether Grenada was still the destination in light of reports to the contrary emanating from that island.
The Donkey Sanctuary has also asked if the vessel to be used would be spacious enough to prevent the animals from being in cramped conditions during their journey to Grenada.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is to get increased access to the big passenger shuttle helicopter under new arrangements on trial for a month, according to Dr. Simon Young , Chief Scientist at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO).

"We will try it for a month and if it’s not working, we’ll find a new solution," he told the Montserrat Reporter.

Those arrangements, he said, included the MVO’s access to the helicopter on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., with and additional provision for immediate access at other times if the scientists need it urgently.

Other arrangements provide for the helicopter to have at least three hours of fuel when it comes to Montserrat on its last passenger trip before becoming available to the MVO each day.

To ensure that sufficient fuel was collected, he said that the chopper would be unable to bring lots of passenger luggage.

If there is increased weight as a result of luggage and passengers, that means the helicopter will not be able to further increase the payload with fuel.

Scientists had voiced concern that the big helicopter, which was a replacement for the small-dedicated helicopter, was not serving the purpose of the scientists.

But according to the MVO official at a meeting with the Manager of Bajan Helicopters, which runs the helicopter service, it was agreed that the areas of inspection would be cleared of trees and other material to make them more accessible to the big helicopter.

Dr. Young said those on the ground doing the clearing of the area would not be in danger because the situation would be monitored and there would be radio contact.

Scientists, he said, would again be in a better position to monitor activity at the volcano, which was on the increase from July 20.

"With the helicopter back, that’s going to make it easier to collect and assimilate information and feed it into our assessment," he said.

The Chief Scientist, who is also Director of the MVO, said that at the moment "I am fully satisfied" with the arrangements that have been put in place for access to the helicopter because "It gives us a bigger time-window for MVO needs."

Late last month the MVO successfully recommended the closure of the St. George’s Hill area because there were two explosions -- 14 hours apart -- the closest time span between explosions in two years.

And according to Dr. Young, getting access to a helicopter on a more frequent basis would assist the MVO in determining whether that area, regarded as a major viewing point for much of buried Plymouth and surrounding areas, should eventually be reopened.

"It will assist us in making that determination and if we haven’t got that information we stay on the side of caution," Dr. Young said , when asked about the prospects for re-opening St. George’s Hill area .

The MVO official said that there was need for a careful assessment of the volcano because "we don’t need to get into a situation where we are opening and closing and opening it very often."

Dr. Young expressed satisfaction with the new helicopter arrangement brokered Wednesday, even though return of the small helicopter on a full-time basis was replaced by the use of the passenger shuttle helicopter for six and a half-hours, four days a week

Since the decision by the Department for International Development (DfID) to have the smaller helicopter withdrawn because of the cost of the lease, the MVO had been complaining of difficulties in inspecting the dome of the volcano and making predictions.
Apart from a small pyroclastic flow down the uninhabited Tar River Valley, activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano has been quiet for the past two weeks, because the release of about 110 tons of sulphur dioxide per day was releasing pressure from the volcano.

"Sometimes there is the shutting down of gas before a big event and if the gas can’t get out, you get pressure which cause explosions and the collapse of the dome," Dr. Young said.

Scientists have in the past several months been assuring the estimated 4,550 remaining residents that the current volcanic activity is part of the "cooling" off of the Soufriere Hills volcano that killed 19 persons who were in sections of the danger area on June 25, 1997.
The Chief Scientist plans to update residents next week at a public lecture about the state of the volcano which has been belching ash whenever unstable parts of the dome, which has ceased growing, collapse.

The MVO said that given the fact that there is an Exclusion Zone, including the now buried capital of Plymouth, tourists and visitors who come to Montserrat.

The United States has dropped its travel advisory on Montserrat, while Britain has downgraded its warning.

The Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) has scored a 75-percent pass in Computer Literacy and Information Technology, Principal Ms. Kathleen Greenaway said in a statement.

Of the 16 students who wrote the examinations through Oxford Cambridge and RSA, 12 received a pass,while four only received a profile, she added.

"This indicates a 75 percent pass " in Computer Literacy and Information Technology, she said.

The local office of Britain’s Department for International Development (DfID) said it is too early to pronounce on whether it would be able to fund the payment of at least EC$690,000 in severance pay to utility workers as part of plans to finalize the merging of the two state-run entities.

Rupert Weekes, Minister of Communications and Public Work, has signaled that DfID might have to be approached to fund the severance pay because both the water and electricity companies were not making profits.

Mr. Houston said that his agency has not yet been approached for money in that regard. "We haven’t been asked but if asked it would have to be considered by London and in consultation with the Government of Montserrat," he told the Montserrat Reporter.

The Montserrat Allied Workers Union (MAWU) has been clamouring for the payment of severance to the estimated 50 workers of both utility companies on the grounds that there was no certainty that the workers would be re-employed by the new company to be formed.

But Mr. Weekes, who has ministerial responsibility for the water and electricity companies, has assured the union and workers that the recommendations by the consultant were not written in stone but were still open to amendments.

The Minister has said that government is not ruling out the retrenchment of some workers when the state-run electricity and power companies are merged into a new entity later this year.

A top government official said Friday, however, that the Treasury cannot afford severance pay,.
Mr. Weekes’ explanation came just one day after about 50-workers from both MONLEC and the MWA marched to his office, voicing concern that they were not being consulted.
Dispelling views that the march was an indication that the relationship between government and the utility workers had gone sour, Mr. Weekes conceded that MONLEC and MWA "are not in a financial position to be able to meet these costs" of severance pay.
He pointed to reduced customer base because just under half of this 39.6 square mile island has been rendered uninhabited by four years of volcanic activity, leaving both utility companies recording dramatic operational losses.
MAWU has put the figure at EC$600,000 to EC$900,000, which prompted Mr. Weekes to suggest that government might approach DfID to fund the redundancy package.
"There is no question that those who would be retrenched would have to be paid," he told reporters in expressing support for the payout.
As part of efforts to resuscitate the ailing utilities and make this British colony eligible for £75 million budgetary support over the next three years, the internal self government agreed to a restructuring plan for the water and electricity companies. MAWU has expressed fears that, based on recommendations by the consulting firm of KPMG, the existing workforce should be made to re-apply for their positions under the merged entity, which would then decide who would be re-hired.
The union has argued that such a formula did not guarantee that the workers would retain their jobs. Mr. Weekes said on that issue wide-ranging consultations are continuing, based on the consultants' report.
In addition to previously held meetings involving the union, management and the workers, the Communications and Works Minister is expected to meet with the general workforce on Monday to iron out all outstanding issues and receive recommendations wherever possible.

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), in its latest quarterly report for the sub-region, has lamented Montserrat’s poor data collection and recording system. But a top official of the island’s Statistics Department on Tuesday attributed that situation to a loss of staff.

The ECCB Economic and Financial Review for January to March 1999 said that the fiscal operations of central government improved due to a contraction in the current account deficit compared with the same period last year, barring the inability to conduct an in-depth assessment of the economy.

"Limited data collection and recording constrained a thorough assessment of economic performance in Montserrat during the first quarter of 1999," the 89-page review of the economies of the OECS stated.

"Data on activity in the real sector for the period under review were unavailable," the document added in focusing on Montserrat.

But the official of the Statistics Department, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the shortfall in gathering and dispatching leading economic indicators to the exodus of staff from the now four-year old volcanic crisis.

"In the past, within one month, we were able to provide information on the leading indicators of the economy," the senior official said, "but the loss of the human resource base severely compromised our ability to do, that so the reports have to be spaced. Instead of monthly, we are focussing on quarterly (assessments)."

Prior to the eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano that has resulted in the dwindling of the population from 9,000 to about 4,550, the full staff complement at the Statistics Department was five, but the exodus meant that only one person remained in the department.

In the past month, one staff-member has returned and a new person has been employed, so along with the Chief Statistician the present staff numbers three. The official declined, however, to say if the current staff level was sufficient because it might prejudice efforts being made to further boost the staff.

While declaring that "the situation is changing," the senior official acknowledged that "we still haven’t reached an ideal position."

Compounded by government’s Resource Allocation Review, which saw cuts in staff at nearly all government departments, the Statistical Department was requested to conduct a revised population census, which contributed to further delays.

"Data entry and collection suffered badly, and at the same time there was a demand for information that we would not normally provide," the official explained, "so other than routine work, other work would have suffered in the process, such as the updating of data-bases on a monthly basis.

"Given the greater importance that is being placed on statistical information, the demands are greater but the resources are less, particularly human resources."

In its overview, the Economic and Financial Review noted that Montserrat’s economic activity was boosted by performance in the construction sector associated with ongoing infrastructure development, as well as commercial and residential buildings.

Production in the agricultural sector remained low despite the implementation of pest control measures and the expansion of nurseries. Activity in the manufacturing sector remained relatively flat since the closure of two major enterprises in the second half of 1997, the overview added.

The United Kingdom’s (UK) Donkey Protection Sanctuary wants to know whether Grenada is still the destination for about 40 stray donkeys that have been destroying crops and damaging buildings in a newly established village, a top official here said Thursday.

"It is because they are aware of the fact that the Grenadian government didn’t seem to know about the impending shipment," Mr. Houston told the Montserrat Reporter.

The DfID official, however, said that a concrete response to the Donkey Sanctuary depended on clarification from Forestry Adviser Mr. Tony Hill, who was expected back here today.

The Grenadian government and the Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals there have denied that they were involved in a planned importation of donkeys from Montserrat.

The Donkey Sanctuary, through which a successful lobby was channeled for the EC$40,000 ferry passage for the animals, also wanted to know whether the ferry vessel was spacious for the animals so that they would not travel in cramped conditions.

The Environmental Health Department and the Agriculture Department are on the lookout for food imports manufactured in Belgium, France and the Netherlands believed to be contaminated with cancer-causing dioxin and PCB substances, according to a top official.

Principal Environmental Health Officer Trevor Howe said there was no need for a public education campaign, but there was stringent monitoring of all foods manufactured in those countries amid the alert issued by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

"We have been working with the Agriculture Department, on whom we rely to provide us with that information, and so far we have not seen items from those countries entering our port…nothing at all has been intercepted," he told the Montserrat Reporter.

He promised, however, to investigate a report that at least one local supermarket had Belgian-made dairy butter on sale.

The official warned that any such restricted items found would be seized and the importer would be ordered to send them back to the country where the consignment originated.

Mr. Howe assured that those monitoring food imports from those three countries would be "very much alerted," so there was no need for a public awareness campaign similar to the one dealing with expired consumer items being aired on local radio.

Unlike Grenada’s January 1, 1999, bench-mark date, Montserrat is using 1^st December as the date after which dairy-foods and macaroni manufactured in those European countries should not enter the island.

Belgian, French and Dutch authorities fear that animal feeds accidentally contaminated with dioxin and PCBs would have been given to animals and so could pass through the food chain to man.

A young refugee who fled the volcanic island of Montserrat has passed his grade three referee's course just 18 months after coming to East Lancashire.

Kemson Piper came top of the class in a Lancashire Football Association-run course and now officials believe he has a bright future in the sport.

Kemson joined fellow St Wilfrid's pupils and earned himself a trophy for his star performance.

Now the year 11 student is to be given the chance to pursue a career on the football pitch and officiate junior football matches next season. It has been a remarkable rise for the 16-year-old, who has shown all the signs that he could be a natural referee, even though it took him a while to get used to it.

He said: "At first I didn't really like it but now I would like to try and referee a football match. I was more interested in basketball when I was at home but I enjoy football now, especially refereeing."

Raymond Cooper, the LFA's referee instructor for schools and colleges, teaches more than 200 pupils across Lancashire.

He said: "Kemson was very keen and now he is on the first rung of the ladder. It is a lovely story to hear that he has done so well. He not only passed but he was top boy and won a trophy as well."

Now Ismail Esat, from the Blackburn Referees' Association, is preparing to give him his first taste of competitive football.

He said: "To get your grade three in such a short space of time was quite remarkable, but to do it considering the surroundings he has come from makes it that bit more special.

"We are always looking out for young referees and people like Kemson are just what we need. He is more than welcome to join us and we will give him and other young referees all the help and encouragement they need."

Helen Warton, from St Wilfrid's PE department, said, "Kemson is something of a star at the school and has settled in really well."

She said: "He has done really well, not just to pass his refereeing grade but also academically as well. The next step is obviously for him to start officiating competitive games. Any help we get in sorting that out would be great."

The Government of Montserrat earlier this week paid tribute to a fallen national and former member of the Legislature – John Samuel Dublin.

Mr. Dublin, who served as a member of Parliament from 1970 to 1973 and again from 1978 to 1983, died on the 6^th of August at the St. John’s Hospital.

The Government remembers the sterling contribution of the late Mr. Dublin in politics as Minister of Education, in Sports, and finance, and his entrepreneurial style which touched the lives of many.

At the time of his death, Mr. Dublin was a prominent businessman and a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Montserrat.

While his untiring efforts on behalf of the Montserrat Community will never be forgotten, the Acting Chief Minister Mrs. Adelina Tuitt, in her solemn tribute, said an island which is struggling to endure the effects of volcanic activity has suffered yet another blow with the passing of Mr. Dublin.

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt is overseas leading a delegation to boost our re-development programme.

The delegation were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Dublin and regretted very much not being able to join in the memorable service on Wednesday August 11, when the former Parliamentarian was laid to rest.

Mr. Brandt and the other members of the group, including Parliamentary Representative for Plymouth Brunel Meade and Kenneth Cassell, sent their messages of condolence to the immediate family.

Residents, visitors and friends turned out in large numbers at the Brades Pentecostal Church to pay their last respects to Mr. Dublin.

Among them – His Excellency the Governor, Government Ministers and other members of Parliament. Uniformed bodies including the Royal Montserrat Police Force were also at the service.

Our island home has suffered yet another blow. Even as we struggle to endure the effects of volcanic activity, even as we have adjusted ourselves to allow co-existence with the volcano, another Montserratian’s life has to come to an end.

When we consider that in the past few days, those of us who happened to have seen Mr. John Dublin, or engaged him in a friendly chat, would never have known that death would’ve come to him so soon. But, death, as gruesome and as emotionally worrying as it is, the sadness and pain that it causes, the void and deep chasms that it may create, the emptiness which it encourages, the fear and anxiety which it evokes, yet despite its ability to turn lives upside down, it is one stage of life that all of us would meet.

It does not select, it does not discriminate. As we read in the book of Ecclessiastes, "No one has power over the day of his death, and as water spilled on the ground which cannot be recovered, so we must die."

Yet, as sad as the passing of a loved one may be, windows of joy are opened, because "God does not take away life; instead he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him." (2 Samuel 14:14). Despite the ugliness of death, it leads us to a communion with the Saints and ultimately to the company of God’s holy presence.

May those who mourn find solace first in the thought that God is still in full control, and secondly, He is always true to his promises. He will never leave you nor forsake you. We who remain can only be reminded that we have a guaranteed future ONLY in and through His life.

John Samuel Dublin served in the Legislature for eight years, five of which (from 1978 to 1983) he served as the Honourable Minister with responsibility for Education, Health and Welfare. During his tenure, he served this land with an infectious vigour.

He was progressive minded and was always prepared to discuss. He was open, and one was always aware of his thoughts, and why he held certain views. We recall, too, his gift of eloquence and the passion with which he articulated issues of Parliament. Whether it was in the Legislature or at the War Memorial or in regional fora, John Dublin held his own.

When he no longer sat in the island’s Legislature, Government still benefited from his point of view, for he did not conceal his ideas. He made the time to absorb members of Government in life-enriching discussions. In the midst of his fiercest criticisms, there was still the infectious laughter, that effervescence which characterized his personality.

Political advocacy was one of his passions too. He spent many hours encouraging others to become involved in the political process.

The life of this former Minister of Education also represented hard work, initiative and the spirit of entrepreneurship. He was a shrewd businessman and an active member of the private sector. His actions were guided by common sense and wit.

In the business arena, his timing was also superb and he was not afraid of change.

We will remember when the guesthouse/restaurant gave way to a hardware store.

His efforts were not singular, for despite the efforts in the store, he still found time to make his ice-scream. Letts Ice-cream is still available.

John Dublin served this community with energy and vitality. He was a tower of strength and served all without exception. Along with competitive prices, good doses of helpfulness and conversation were always available at Letts. Even after business hours, he was always willing and ready to open his business to provide from PVC fittings to lighting fixtures. When there was a need, even from the poorest of persons, John Samuel Dublin was always accessible to all.

On behalf of the Government and People of Montserrat, we are thankful for the life and service of John Samuel Dublin.

At this time, we share in the grief of the immediate family and all others who mourn. In fact, the whole country mourns; Montserratians, dispersed in the sea of other cultures mourn at his passing. We offer our deepest condolences.

The Honourable Chief Minister, David Brandt, and the delegation that is currently overseas on official business are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. John Dublin.

They regret not being able to attend the thanksgiving service, but would like special condolences to be conveyed to the family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Christ is the source of all comfort.

As he reassured his disciples – be equally reassured that Jesus is saying to you: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me."

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

A renowned hurricane forecaster is warning residents here in Montserrat and the rest of the eastern Caribbean against becoming complacent because of a slow start to the 1999 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Professor William Gray of Colorado State University in the United States says it is still likely to be what he calls a " blockbuster" for residents of the Caribbean and the United States.

Professor Gray is expecting the 1999 hurricane season to produce 14 tropical storms – nine of which will become hurricanes with maximum sustained winds exceeding 74 miles per hour.

The hurricane expert has also forecast that four of these storms will be intense, with winds topping 111 miles per hour.

Since the Atlantic season began June 1, only one tropical storm - Arlene - was formed, but it fizzled in the north Atlantic without causing any damage.

Professor Gray says people should not be lulled into thinking that because there has been a rather slow start to the season that it will remain quiet.

He emphasizes that the heart of the hurricane season is right ahead, and that most hurricanes form in late August, September and early October.

A 12-man squad is carrying Montserrat’s challenge in the annual Leeward Islands Basketball Association (LIBA) championship in St. Kitts.

The nucleus of the team comprises three players who’ve had prior experience at the LIBA level --- Randolph Lewis, Rudolph Lee and Ekron Meade.

The other members of the team are Bevon Greenaway, Osen Dyer, Holloran Bobb, Elbert Aaron, Gregory Gerald, Darren Greer, Reginald Martin, Chelsie Weekes and Vackell Murraaine.

Jeff Layne is the team Manager and Joseph "Pops" Morris is the coach.

Denfield Cadet Morris is the Montserrat referee for the tournament. Dave Williams is the cameraman.

The 1999 LIBA competition runs from August 12 to 16.

The Government of Montserrat has approved the strategies and recommendations outlined in the Social Welfare Review final draft.

The Government has also advised that a Steering Committee be established to implement the recommendations of the Review.

A meeting was held on Tuesday August 10^th at the Training Centre in Brades at which members of the Social Welfare Review Steering Committee were updated on the status of the Review.

The 12 Committee members also went through the Draft Action Plan and other matters related to the programme. There was also input from the resource persons from Price Waterhouse & Coopers, who have been retained to help develop the Social Welfare Review Programme.

A followup meeting has been scheduled for August 16 at the Government Training Centre in Brades.

The Committee comprises the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health as Chairman, the Financial Secretary, the Accountant General, the Director of Development, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Principal Community Development Officer.

There are also representatives from the Red Cross, the National Development Foundation, the Montserrat Reporter, Radio Montserrat, the Civil Service Association and Social Security.

The Government of Montserrat continues to lay the ground work to ensure culture is properly rooted here.

Several plans are included in the Montserrat Arts Council Act 1999, which was passed recently in the Legislative Council.

Among the recommendations is the appointment of a Coordinator for Arts and Culture and the construction of a Centre for the performing Arts.

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt has expressed appreciation to Sir George Martin for his contribution to the re-development of culture on the island.

He says Sir George has already contributed US$600,000 in this regard.

Mr. Brandt says the project which will see the Centre being built in Little Bay is expected to US$1.5 million.

With the lifting of the travel advisories against Montserrat, short- and long-term visits to the island are expected to increase significantly in coming months.

This past weekend saw at least three groups from neighbouring islands spending several days on island.

These groups included 53 members of several Girl Guide packs out of Antigua, members and supporters of the Montserrat Association of Dominica and a group of Guyanese now living in Antigua.

Members from the various groups have expressed their gratitude for being able to see the Montserrat experience after the devastation caused by the deadly Soufriere Hills Volcano.

The groups were taken on tours to several locations, including the abandoned capital, Plymouth, Richmond Hill, St. George’s Hill and the W.H Bramble Airport.

The Ministry of Agriculture says it has secured insurance coverage for houses at Lookout, Davy Hill and Shinnlands.

The Honourable Minister with responsibility for housing P. Austin Bramble says Nagico Insurance Company has been given the contract to insure the over 100 houses.

The houses in Lookout will be insured at a value of $120,000, with monthly premiums of $67.50 each, while those in Davy Hill and Shinn lands will be insured at $80,000. Premiums for these houses are set at $45 per month.

Mr. Bramble says the insurance cost for houses at all three locations represents an assessment of what the replacement costs would be.

He attributes the delay in insuring the houses to the adverse effects of the volcanic crisis on insurance companies.

The Housing Minister said the Housing Unit and the Ministry were negotiating with the insurance companies to arrive at a satisfactory arrangement, which has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

The Department of Labour is encouraging residents who have persons working for them to register as employers.

As a result, the Department is drawing attention to the rules and regulations under the Workmen’s Compensation Amendment Ordinance Number 9 of 1989.

The Ordinance states that any person who employs another in construction building or otherwise in forestry, mining, quarrying, in the loading or off-loading of ships, in a factory or workshop and in a dangerous operation of any kind, is required to register as an employer.

The Department says failure to do so is an offence by law and would render such an employer liable to prosecution.

Application forms can be obtained from the Department of Labour at the Government Headquarters in Brades.

The deadline for the return of completed forms to the Department of Labour is August 31^st.

Author and Sports Commentator

They are young, gifted and black! That's what the Nortel West Indies cricketers are. This message worked wonders in the drought of 1970, and I hope it will trigger similar results for West Indies cricket in this period of drought.

Bob Andy and Marcia Griffith, two of Jamaica's biggest talents, made it big in 1970 when they revived Nina Simone's Young, Gifted and Black. The new rendition, a product of what was really a cross-fertilisation of African consciousness with strong racialist overtones and an admixture of feminine and masculine vocals, sang with a revolutionary intent, swept the Europeans off their feet, as the song hit the UK chart.

Bob and Marcia excel in music, a performing art. Last week Nortel helped us to discover a large army of artistes in another performing art, cricket. Though in different fields, both groups of artistes have similar characteristics. They are young, gifted and black. The statement is sociologically correct, as both Afro-West Indians and Indo-West Indians are Negroid by race.

I have deliberately utilised this approach to my policy recommendations or suggestions with respect to the rebuilding of the West Indies cricket team in the hope that a new angle of delivery will force the WICB to adjust its line of play. Who are the young, gifted and black cricketers in our midst?

The most gifted batsmen in the 1999 Nortel tournament were Jamaican Marlon Samuels and Barbadian Ryan Hinds. They are both young, gifted and black, and they are ready for bigger things.

Guyanese Narsingh Deonarine and Trinidadians Zaheer Ali and Gregory Mahabir exhibited exceptional batting talents. There were flashes of brilliance from Guyanese Roopnarine Ramgobin, Trinidadian Devon Rogers and Barbadian Kurt Wilkinson and Windward Islander, Greg Francois.

The centurions in the 1999 Nortel tournament were Marlon Samuels, Ryan Hinds, Narsingh Deonarine, Greg Francois and Kurt Wilkinson. The Jamaican number-three batsman, Marlon Samuels, destroyed the Leeward Island bowling, scoring 104 out of his team's total of 165 for 3 declared. He ended his brilliant performance in the tournament with a commanding 119 (in what was the most enthralling match in the tournament) in the semi-final against Barbados. He also had many other useful scores.

Barbadian Ryan Hinds was outstanding. With the bat he was dominating; with the bowling he was handful; in the area of leadership, he was perhaps without competition. He piloted a 78-run win against the Windward Islands with a devastating knock of 124, (almost half of his team total of 230), slammed 120 against Trinidad in the finals and missed out on another century by nine runs, being 91 not out at the close of the innings.

Guyanese middle order batsman Narsingh Deonarine piled up two centuries. He accumulated a masterful 142 (the tournament highest) against Barbados. He dominated in a face-saving 109-run third wicket partnership. His, was not a flash of brilliance, but reflected the mark of a quality player. The 16-year-old Guyanese specialist batsman followed that performance with 131 versus Trinidad and Tobago in the semi-final.

The other century-makers: Windward Islands captain and wicket-keeper Greg Francois, who made an unbeaten 102 against Canada, and Barbadian middle-order batsman, Kurt Wilkinson, scored 119 retired hurt in the finals.

Although they did not score centuries, Trinidadians Zaheer Ali and Gregory Mahabir and Jamaican Brendon Parchment exhibited exceptional talents. Even if he did not score a century, the Jamaican opening batsman gave notice of his intention to be made steward over greater things. The youngster exhibited the character and resilience that are expected of West Indian opening batsmen, the type that is so lacking in our senior team. The young and gifted player, proved at that level he is prepared to occupy the crease for long periods, and showed that he has the mental power to concentrate under difficult situations.

The critical question is what do we do with this reservoir of talents? I recommend that exceptional batters be separated for bigger things. Marlon Samuels, Ryan Hinds, Narsingh Deonarine, Brendon Parchment, Zaheer Ali, Gregory Mahabir should be drafted into the West Indies A Team for nurturing. They would join the following gifted batsmen who have since moved to the Under-23 Team: Ramnaresh Sarwan (Guyana), Azeemul Haniff (Guyana), Leon Garrick (Jamaica), Chris Gayle (Jamaica) and Sylvester Joseph (Antigua). The wicket-keeper would be Windward Islander Wayne Phillip.

The A team would be captained by Dave Joseph (Antigua). The aggressive middle-order batsman has certainly done nothing wrong to be ignored by the selectors. The other leaders in the pecking order would be Ramnaresh Sarwan and Ryan Hinds.

The selectors would, of course, reserve the right to utilise the A team matches as trial games for the borderline players on the senior team.But the opportunities would be few as the rationale approach is to rebuild the team with younger, more talented, more teachable and more disciplined players.

The nurturing quickies would be Pedro Collins, Cameron Cuffy and 1999 Nortel Jamaican seamer, Jermaine Lawson who took 27 wickets at 10.85.

The spinning stock would be headed by Trinidadian Dinanath Ramnarine, and would include Avidesh Samaroo (Trinidad and Tobago), Mahendra Nagamootoo (Guyana) and 1999 Nortel Trinidadian off-spinner, Rodney Sooklal, who captured 31 wickets at 13.19.

The mix of bowlers would be supplemented with seamers from the senior team. That is to say, the selectors would also have access to other fast bowlers such as Nixon McLean, Franklyn Rose, Corey Collymore, Reon King and Merv Dillon.

Hence for the upcoming India A tour, my core West Indies A Team would be, in batting order: Leon Garrick (Jamaica), Darren Ganga (Trinidad and Tobago), Marlon Samuels (Jamaica), Dave Joseph (Leeward Islands), Ramnaresh Sarwan (Guyana), Azeemul Haniff (Guyana), Wayne Phillip (Windward Islands), Franklyn Rose (Jamaica), Pedro Collins (Barbados), Avidesh Samaroo (Trinidad and Tobago) and Cameron Cuffy (Windward Islands).

The extra batsmen would be Zaheer Ali, Sylvester Joseh, Chris Gale, Gregory Mahabir and Brendon Parchment.

We must expose our young cricketers early in their careers. We must invest in young players, not old players. This approach is paying dividends for the other international teams. We express faith in the young players by challenging them to excel. We need them when they are young, gifted and black.

It is not because I am reflecting on Hurricane Hugo that I am aware of the number of new vehicles on Montserrat.

It is not because at present my spirit hovers on the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo that I realise that the cost of rebuilding houses is beyond the means of ordinary Montserratians.

It is not because our leaders seem to be in a state of gladness, loving the state of affairs, - with expensive trips abroad, a new vehicle on every corner, escalation in the price of everything, money in the land, and still complaining - that I have to reflect on Hurricane Hugo.

It is not because I am concerned about the lack of fiscal and economic leadership - so much money in the bank that they have to charge Montserratians to safe-keep it - that I have to reflect on Hurricane Hugo.

It is not because I am reflecting on Hurricane Hugo that I am feeling sorry for Montserrat. No! It is just that every Hallelujah has an Amen. And in accordance with the perfect laws of nature, sometimes a drought follows a harvest of plenty.

It is not because I am reflecting on the experiences of Hurricane Hugo that I believe it will take a person with perceptive intuition - the likes of Joseph in the Bible - to plan, to organise, to coordinate and to control the resources of Montserrat at this time.

No! none of these things cause me to reflect on Hurricane Hugo.

I am reflecting on Hurricane Hugo because cheerful hearty laughter is the strongest antidote for ponderers, for sufferers, for uncertainty and more so, for economic darkness. And of course, Hurricane Hugo has memories common to all of us... Memories guaranteed to make us laugh.

The other day I told Scott Daley that he should have been a million-dollar-man by now. Remember the aftermath of Hugo? Everybody "going down by Scott." The crowd was so thick, you had to waste all your lunch hour just to get one sweet drink and a piece of bread and saltfish.

Remember those days? The sun was so hot, there were no trees to shade under, and worst, no water to drink. The bottled water did not arrive on scene by that time.

Do you recall the little nip of plastic or piece of tarpaulin they gave out at PWD? Oh my God!

I still recall seeing my little cousin dashing between the gusts of wind with his 250-pound grandmother on his shoulders, searching for a place of safety. And as soon as he put her down, bolting back for his grandfather, dodging flying galvanise and branches, moving over ground faster than motor cars - to carry him to my water-logged concrete house. And all I could do was to hold the door open - because my legs were already buckling, wobbling from fear and anxiety.

Yea, serious thing, I recall in the early stages of the storm, mopping and mopping up pieces of concrete. Only to look up to see the walls shaking this way and roof leaning that way. I immediately retreated to a corner in the kitchen; but when the roof started to rip apart I risked arm and leg wobbling back to the bathroom to search for my false teeth.

Oh the stories of Hurricane Hugo! I recall my good friend Joel; he left his little wood house at Brades, and took his wife and children to her aunt’s big house in Dagenham to wait out the storm.

The house at Dagenham was destroyed. The roof went, the shutters shattered and the house became a ghaut with pieces of glass and clothing gushing from room to room. He pushed the children into the kitchen cupboards; but his wife was too big to get into even the widest cupboard. So he pushed, he dragged, and without tools he ripped out two doors until he got her in - almost destroying the very thing of safety. But hunched up and cramped up they waited out the storm.

Let us reflect on the experiences of Hurricane Hugo. While our leaders are away having a good time dancing and prancing in merry Ireland.

Let us share a Hugo story with a friend and laugh; because laughter is good for the soul.

Let us laugh at the high cost of land in the north, and try to shed the spirit of anger and vexaciousness, but above all let us shed the spirit of acquisitiveness.

Enliven your hearts with laughter and pray for divine guidance. Pray so that our leaders might find another way to come to grips with the Montserrat situation. Pray that they will take Montserrat off automatic pilot. Pray that they will understand governance has no automatic transmission; you can't just 'mash and go'. Pray that the can see the country needs commerce so the bank can use savers money to earn interest.

Oh no! It is not because I am reflecting on the experiences of Hurricane Hugo that I have to say... We must find an easier way to acquire ownership of property, other than through the purchase of land.

Montserrat's economic survival is at stake! Although land is in the north, and money is in the land, we have a shortage of houses even though there are great opportunities to build houses. People are weary of holding-on to their house building money waiting for a piece of land. No wonder they are buying motor cars instead.

Yet, instead of coordinating the available resources to create economic activity, our leaders are in Ireland prancing and dancing to the music of fiscal irresponsibility. In the meantime, the Bank is charging Montserratians to safe-keep their money.

Yes reflect on the experiences of Hugo...and while Government and the bank try to sort out the $5 charge…share a Hurricane story and laugh.

EAT from the LAND not from the CAN

Fishermen who import boat engines from overseas are required to do the following:

• Complete import entry forms
• Have entry forms certified by an official of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Housing and the Environment
• You are not required to pay any import duty
• You are required to pay an 8% service charge.

For more information regarding the importation of agricultural equipment please contact the Ministry of Agriculture, Brades, Telephone Nos. 491-2546/2075.

Agri Quiz Questions for the August Competition

What part of a plant is the fruit produced from?

Which type of soil has the highest water holding capacity?

1. Sandy Soils
2. Clay Soils

Which two(2) of the following crops are direct seeded?

1. Carrot
2. Okra
3. Tomato
4. Cabbage

The Pink Mealybug is controlled by one of the following:

1. an insecticide
2. a fungicide
3. Lady Bird Beetle

What is the recommended mesh size for making Fish Pots (Traps)?

1. 1inch
2. 1¼ inches
3. 1½ inches

(4) 2 inches

What are the two(2) examinations that should be carried out when cattle is slaughtered?

1. Ante-Mortem
2. Post-Mortem
3. Temperature Check
4. Blood Pressure Check

Which one of the following fertilizers contains the most nitrogen?

1. Sulphate of Ammonia
2. N.P.K (6-12-12)
3. Chicken Manure
4. Sheep Manure

Name two(2) signs seen when a Sow is on heat?

What day and time is Farmers Corners aired on ZJB/Radio Montserrat?

Prizes

1^st Prize - $500 in Agricultural Supplies

2^nd Prize - $300 in Agricultural Supplies

3^rd Prize - $200 in Agricultural Supplies

PART II

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT PAP SMEAR

1. WHAT IS A PAP SMEAR?

This is a simple test in which cells are gently taken from the surface of the cervix (mouth of the womb) and look at under a microscope.

2. WHAT DOES THE TEST TELL YOU?

The Pap Smear detects early changes in the cells of the cervix, which can sometimes lead to cancer. If the smear is done and these changes are seen, you can be treated to prevent the cancer from developing.

3. WHY DO A PAP SMEAR?

Because cancer of the cervix is preventable if abnormal cells are detected early, there are several simple procedures which your doctor can perform to cure the condition.

4. HOW IS IT DONE?

To do the test an instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina. The nurse or doctor doing the test can see the cervix and pass a small swab known as a cervical swab gently over the surface. The cells obtained are put unto a glass slide which is examined under a microscope.

5. IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?

No if done correctly. The cervix is covered by a thin layer of cells very similar to the skin. The cells which reach the surface eventually dies and are shed. Removing these cells does not cause pain and there is no side effects.

6. HOW OFTEN SHOULD A PAP SMEAR BE DONE?

After two (2) negative smears done a year apart, the Pap Smear should be done every 3 years unless the doctor advise otherwise, but some women prefer a yearly test. It is best to do a regular pelvic and breast examination at the same time. The best time to have a Pap Smear is 2 weeks after your period and preferably after abstaining from vaginal sex for the two (2) weeks before the smear is to be taken.

7. WHAT ELSE MIGHT THE PAP SMEAR DETECT?

The Pap Smear can detect inflammation of a woman cervix which is called cervixtitis. This may be caused by infection due to for example, Bacteria, Viruses such as Herpes (HVS) and the papilloma virus (HPV), Yeast Infection called Candida, Monilia or Thrush, Protozoa like Trichomonas, Chlamydia. These are all sexually transmitted conditions which the doctor can treat, in some cases the doctor will need to test or treat your partner as well. The Pap Smear will be repeated after you have completed a course of treatment.

8. WHAT OTHER TEST MAY BE REQUIRED IF THE PAP SMEAR IS ABNORMAL?

A coloscopy can be done. This involves looking at the cervix through a special microscope. The doctor can see abnormalities of the cervix more clearly.

Sometimes a small sample of the abnormal area is taken for a biopsy and sent to a pathologist for examination.

9. WHAT OTHER TREATMENT MAY BE NEEDED IF THE PAP SMEAR IS STILL ABNORMAL?

A loop excision. This is a further biopsy of a larger sample of tissues done in hospital under local anaesthetic. Cryosurgery – The abnormal surface is destroyed by freezing it, this does not require any local anaesthetic. It is not painful though you may experience slight lower abdominal discomfort.

Cone Biopsy – With this treatment, the doctor cuts away a larger sample of the cervix to send to the Laboratory to be examined by the pathologist. It usually requires a general anaesthetic (putting a person to sleep). So you may be admitted to hospital for a short stay.

10. IS THE PAP SMEAR RELIABLE?

The Pap Smear is very reliable when done properly and when there are no problems with the sample or its interpretation.

The abnormal cells may have not been present in samples or too few cells were present, to give an accurate report. Some times inflammation may cover up the abnormal cells if the pap smear is performed while some vaginal infection are present the chances of abnormality being recognised are greater.

Remember that treatment is more successful when done at an early stage.

MEN HELP THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE STAY HEALTHY! ENCOURAGE THEM TO GET A PAP SMEAR TODAY. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.

With the CM so often at large

By airliner, cruise ship or barge,

Should we who remain

Have cause to complain,

How do we know who’s in charge?

Long ago, Irish planters were rotten

To those who worked sugar and cotton;

Now the Tour says we’re friends

Sharing mutual ends;

Still, don’t let that past be forgotten.

Jus’ wonderin’ if the mail is on a go-slow at the Post Office why it takes so long for mail to get to and from Montserrat.

Jus’ wonderin’ whether they will fix the potholes nearby Rams and Police Headquarters in Salem.

Jus’ wonderin’ why Central speaks when Chief is away.

Jus’ wonderin’ if nice-boyism, suck-upism and dunceism mean favouritism for top job at Money Department.

Jus’ wonderin’ what the YOUNG DOCTOR has to say or do to regain Montserratians’ confidence.

Jus’ wonderin’ what is happening to the donkeys’ ferry passage.

Jus’ wonderin’ if flight GHQ will lift-off between now and September.

Jus’ wonderin’ if Radio Montserrat staff can bear the pressure of working for television too.

Jus’ wonderin’ if all the goats gone and where to.

Jus’ wonderin’ why some persons are begging for functions of higher mobility outside their responsibility.

Jus’ wonderin’ if it is not high time that residents at Drummonds can drive into their yards like those at Davy Hill rather than parking on the road.

Jus wonderin if when the green one comes it will look better than the red.

Jus wonderin if the island is without a head man/woman sometimes.

Jus wonderin how the head news-man going to find time to fix up himself properly.

Jus wonderin if they will have pity and help people pay to bring their belongings home from England, even though they were only allowed one suitcase when they were going.