Montserratians who do some of their shopping in Antigua may soon get a break from the Antiguan government.

Chief Minister the Hon. David Brandt will be requesting concessions from the Antiguans during a state visit on Friday.  Mr. Brandt is leading a delegation of four officials from Montserrat to the gathering that will include all 14 ministers of government from Antigua and Barbuda.

Mr. Brandt said Thursday night that he hopes to convince Antigua to relax its current requirements for an export warrant from Montserratian residents who return from Antigua with small purchases.

"It's creating an expense," he said, explaining that someone returning after purchasing something as basic as chicken for their table can end up having to pay for an export warrant based on whether the chicken is packaged loosely or in a carton.

Efforts to reduce the hassle of bringing shopping home from Antigua are only part of the busy schedule for Montserratian delegates on the visit. On Thursday night, a day before the formal meetings, the entire delegation will be appearing on a call-in show on cable TV's channel three. The show will focus on informing Antiguans of efforts to rebuild Montserrat's infrastructure, and stress the safety of visiting the island.

L to  R Dr. Gill Norton,  Mr. Salas Hamilton,  Mr. Chelston Lee

To this end, the four-person delegation will include two representatives from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. MVO director Dr. Gill Norton will be accompanied by her information officer, Mr. Chelston Lee. It is expected they will attempt to convince callers that the north end of the island is safe from volcanic eruptions, making the island safe to visit.

The fourth member of the delegation will be Mr. Salas Hamilton, Chief of Staff at the Chief Minister's office.

As well as seeking a relaxation of export warrants, Messrs. Brandt and Hamilton also plan to ask if something can be done to improve the facilities for ferry passengers at Heritage Quay. Aside from widely reported problems with ticketing procedures, at both end of the ferry's daily journeys, the delegation also wants to improve overall comfort levels for departing passengers in Antigua. The ferry dock at Heritage Quay currently has no dedicated staging area for people waiting to board, or for those attempting to obtain tickets, which can involve waiting in long queues.

In a release from the MVO this week, it was also suggested that Mr. Brandt will try to use the proceedings to calm fears surrounding another official gathering in mid-November.

Heads of government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States have already agreed to hold a meeting on Montserrat in November.

"The ministers have had some questions with regards to the hosting of the meeting in Montserrat," stated the MVO release.  It then argues that the comfort and safety of such a gathering was assured during the annual meeting of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, which was held at the Vue Point Hotel a few weeks ago.

"The answer lies with the recently held CBU Annual General Assembly," Mr. Lee remarked in his release. "There were some 50 delegates on Montserrat and the infrastructure, transportation and accommodation issues would have been much more difficult for such a large gathering, than the smaller gathering of  OECS heads."

He added that Montserrat offers the OECS excellent security, because of its relatively crime free environment.

The Hon. Mrs. Idabelle Meade, who was last week sworn as a nominated member of the Legislative Council, was this week sworn in as a minister of government, in what is described as a temporary appointment.
The second swearing ceremony took place at Lancaster House, the office of H.E. Gov. Anthony Abbott, at 3 p.m. Thursday. She will act in place of the Honourable Rupert Weekes, Minister of Communications and Works.
Mrs. Meade's latest appointment was not announced with any fanfare, but rumours that she could end up serving in the cabinet were circulating at the time of her initial appointment last week.

By Wednesday this week it was becoming obvious that she might replace Mr. Weekes.  Asked to confirm the rumours on Wednesday evening, Chief Minister the Hon. David Brandt, said Ms. Meade would be sworn in to act in Mr. Weeke's place during his absence, but he declined to reveal the nature of Mr. Weekes' travels.
Mr. Eugene Skerritt, Permanent Secretary of Communications said late Thursday that Mr. Weekes is in the United Kingdom. "He's in Britain seeking medical attention," said Mr. Skerritt, "and I can tell you that he's been in touch with the Chief Minister in recent time."
Mrs. Meade's appointment to the Legislative Council was noted from the start to be of a temporary nature, since the current government must soon face the electorate due soon after November next year. Her present appointment cannot last beyond the next session of the Legislative Council.
In her expanded ministerial role, Mr. Brandt said Wednesday that Ms. Meade's ministerial appointment is expected to last only until September 19th, when Mr. Weekes is due to return from a Britain. He said also that her appointment should send to all women, even though young, that there is a place at the top of government for them as well.
A person working at Mr. Weekes' home on Thursday, said she did not have handy any contact details for Mr. Weekes in the UK, but suggested such details may be of little use anyway because he was traveling somewhere outside London.

Montserrat was once a place where even the derelicts knew where their next meal was coming from, and where the party had no end in sight. "Let the good times roll" was the campaign slogan of pre-volcanic Chief Minister, the Hon. John Osborne, and though it seems flippant now, it was a well-used slogan for the time and place. Then the Soufriere Hills belched, and in a flash the golden fortunes of most Montserratians changed to fortunes of gritty ash.

As a British Overseas Territory, at least the island could expect a helping hand from the United Kingdom. Indeed the British helpers did start to arrive, and leading that expatriate recovery team was a government department now called DFID (Department for International Development).

DFID is Britain's foreign aid agency, and at first that probably seemed appropriate to everyone here and in London. With wealth comes independence, so Montserratians had long since stopped thinking of themselves as citizens of a British possession. Montserrat and the UK had almost become separate international entities, and if one was to grant aid to the other, surely it would be called foreign aid. What no one stopped to consider at the time, or perhaps did not consider with enough attention to detail, was that this island is not a foreign entity seeking charity from Britain.  It is British territory, and it has a right along with other such territories to expect first call on Britain's overseas development coffers.

That kind of thinking does not fit with normal operational policies at DFID. No matter how you try to dress it up for political correctness, foreign aid is charity, and Montserratians naturally have trouble seeing themselves as a nation of beggars.  To lump Montserrat in with the world's worst charity cases is hard on Montserrat, and on the aid workers who are sent here to help.

When DFID workers show up in a famine-ravaged African republic, or an emerging South American democracy where children forage for crusts in landfill sites, people are glad to see them.  The poor get sustenance and gain confidence from knowing that people in another land care about their welfare.  Even the aid workers themselves enjoy some benefits, in the form of job satisfaction, knowing their daily work has a positive influence on the lives of thousands, perhaps millions of people.

In Montserrat these benefits don't exist for either group.  The aid workers find themselves in the peculiar position of at times coming under heavy criticism from the very people they are trying to help.  This is not what they expected when they applied for their jobs back in the UK.  Many Montserratians, meanwhile, feel they have suddenly been labeled as a nation of derelicts, with no visible means of support and no prospects.  Like welfare recipients in Europe or North America, Montserratians feel the aid system itself is locking them into a spiral of poverty and degradation and even a slavish mentality.

The truth is, that were Montserrat not a British Overseas Territory, it would never have qualified for British foreign aid before the volcano erupted, and it is questionable whether it would even qualify now.  There is simply too much wealth in these emerald hills, even now.  The volcano posed a conundrum.  Britain not only wanted to help, it was obliged to do so, but it had no specific agency through which help could be channeled, so the job fell to DFID. (This problem did not go unheeded by the British parliament select committee nor the ensuing fights)

More than five years later it is clear to some, that in the rush to put assistance in place, the wrong agency was sent to Montserrat.  We know the British sometimes feels it gets bad press in Montserrat, and we want to assure DFID's aid workers that it is not this newspaper's intention to be insulting or ungrateful for the personal efforts of individuals who devote their working lives to helping people, but we all know the old adage: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."  A human error five years ago, by people trying desperately to respond in a crisis, sent Montserrat a team of people whose skills and talents are better deployed in other places.

Unfortunately, there are only two people in Britain with what might be called direct political responsibility for Montserrat: Foreign Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robin Cook, and his colleague in the House of Lords, Baroness Scotland.  On the rare occasions when one or both of these people shows up here, they are bound to be shepherded around primarily by civil servants who must take the opportunity to show that their efforts are working.  The bosses’ contact with ordinary Montserratians, and even with the expatriate community, is limited to mainly to government workers and their friends

Is it pessimism that if there is any truth in this missive, it probably won’t reach the ears or minds of Baroness Scotland or Mr. Cook?  No special policies will be developed for DFID in Montserrat, and no other agency formed to take DFID's place.

One summer morning when I was very small, Mother woke me with the words, "Get up and dress quickly now. I’m frying trout for breakfast." Astonished, I wondered how we could have newly caught fish when the day had just begun. At the table, I learned that my father had driven at dawn to one of his favorite streams and had gotten a strike on almost every fly he cast.

The unexpected breakfast was less of a surprise than the starting realization that my parents lived a life quite separate from mine. Their activities were not limited to my waking hours. A whole world operated without my knowledge.

As an adult, I find that God also moves in ways and places of which I am totally unaware. God often provides for me without my help or knowledge. A story in the news or the witness of a Christian friend may wake me up with new evidence of God’s continuing love and provision. A friend’s cheery call on the telephone, a child ‘s smile for a newcomer in the classroom, or another believer’s prayer is enough to let us know that God is active in the world.

Prayer: God, our Provider, use our service to meet the needs of others and to show them your care. Open our eyes to evidence of your activity in the world. Amen.

We are called to witness to God’s blessing in our lives.

Merial Olsson Scott

Prayer Focus: GRATITUDE FOR AN UNEXPECTED BLESSING

Two members of the Evergreen Network, the online Montserratian meeting place, this week exchanged views on the way Britain manages the island.

Mr. Gerard Silcott began with a posting about London's Millennium Dome:  The huge structure built in London to commemorate year 2000. He was clearly disgusted to learn the British government had agreed to hand over another £47 million to keep the building open for the remainder of the  year.

"This brings the total handouts to the Dome in its nine months of operation so far to £179 million," said Mr. Silcott.

Offering simple arithmetic with big numbers, Mr. Silcott pointed out that the Millenium Dome took £750 million to build, a further £179 million in operating handouts, plus what he sees as an £89-million loss due to over-projected revenues. The grand total of the folly was £1,018 billion.

"Are these the people we are supposed to learn prudence and good management from?" pondered Mr. Silcott.

"The British taxpayers would cry shame if they knew about this unconscionable level of meanness. The next time anyone, friend or foe, raises 'the British taxpayer' as an argument for not giving more money to the rebuilding effort, I will call him a liar," Mr. Silcott vowed.

"British taxpayers would give more money to Montserrat, or any number of other more worthy causes than a glorified circus tent," speculated Mr. Silcott.

Mr. Silcott's distress over money wasted on a massive party tent attracted the attention of another Evergreen regular, Mr. Cheddy Browne, known for his pro-independence advocacy.

"It's time to tell these people thanks, but no thanks," said Mr. Browne. "Either take their handouts and the generations of problems they are creating with them, or cut the strings loose, and plan our own future."

He charged that the British can justify vast sums to erect imperial edifices, designed to create the illusion of an empire. They will also spend lavishly on old British families.

"Returning some of the money they stole through free labour to the descendants of the people they enslaved for some 400 years does not fall into either category," Mr. Browne wrote.

"Montserratians had a higher standard of living than the average British taxpayer before the volcano…a standard attained without the British taxpayers' money. We did it once before without their aid, and we can do it once again, despite their obvious intentions to ghettoize the entire population."

Mr. Browne charged that the current architects of every islander's future work at the Department for International Development, and he said DFID's plan is to squeeze over 60 percent of the populace into the smallest most inhospitable area in Montserrat.

"Only slum and ghetto conditions can result," he noted, adding that the cost of DFID's "substandard settlement" is an even greater insult, at less than 10 percent of the money wasted on a meaningless building.

"If we want something better, then Montserratians must take a greater hands-on role in what goes on here.

"We prefer to let someone else do it," he suggested, "then complain that it was not done properly. If that's the case, then we need to shut up and return to our proper place in the scheme of things."

Quoting a former governor, Mr. Browne said, "We are just some descendants of slaves brought over here from Africa to work, who are now squatting on Her Majesty's lands. That's the way they see it…the way it is right now…the way it will continue to be, if all we intend to do is whine and complain about things after the fact."

According to Mr. Browne, the British have their agenda, and unless Montserratians develop an agenda of their own, "They will continue to play the role of powerless victims."

Dear Sir,

I enjoyed 3 ½ years teaching plumbing at The Montserrat Technical College, before the volcano forced us to leave and Craft Training ceased completely.

For three years now I have offered the Montserrat Government my help, paid or voluntary, to begin the much-needed re-commencement of Craft Training, be it full-time or via evening classes.

Many people approach me about when we will again offer training in plumbing, pipefitting and general home maintenance. Often these same people have tried to have their home problems attended to by local crafts people, only to find that they are fully occupied with new installation work.

People with property that has been closed up for several years are now trying to bring these properties back to an acceptable condition. We all know how plumbing systems and fixtures deteriorate when not in use for long periods.

Why then the delays in organising some form of training?  Accommodation for classes should not be a problem, even if it is temporary, while we await the building of a new Technical College (Community College?), obviously not a top priority!  We have unused buildings, such as the unused parts of the Salem Primary School, that would be ideal for a temporary College and I am sure that people would rally round to donate or loan the required benches and tools for practical work.

I will be very interested to hear any response to this letter and hope that some progress may develop with regard to this important subject.

Yours faithfully

The Montsertrrat Volcano Observatory this week announced three updates to its roster of senior staff appointments.

Topping the list is the appointment of Dr. Gill Norton as Director and Chief Scientist. She has accepted the posting on a one-year contract ending July 2001.

Dr. Norton has been serving in this capacity since July of this year, following the departure of previous director, Dr. Simon Young, but her title was Acting Director while she awaited this new long-term contract.

In appointing Dr. Norton, the British Geological Survey, which is ultimately responsible for the MVO, also had to appoint an Acting Director who could take over in Dr. Norton’s absence. This was especially important because Dr. Norton leaves Montserrat next week to pursue wedding plans overseas, and is not expected to return until November.

The man who will fill her shoes while she’s away is Dr. Peter Dunkley. He worked at the MVO in May of last year, and is a recognised specialist in the field of volcanic hazard mapping

Dr. Peter Dunkley & Mr. Chelston Lee

A third change to the list of staff titles involves Mr. Chelston Lee, who has been the MVO’s Information and Press Officer. His appointment has been upgraded to the job title of Communications Manager, which will add some administrative tasks to his duties.

Father Larry Finnegan left Montserrat on August 30th, after spending seven years as the Roman Catholic priest on Montserrat. Several members of the Congregation were at Little Bay to bid him Bon Voyage as he prepared to leave Montserrat and head to his new posting in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

A Thanksgiving Mass for Father Larry was held on Sunday August 20th at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Salem.  The Bishop, Most Reverend Donald Reece, was the main Celebrant of the Eucharist, and the new priest for Montserrat, Father Frank Kom, was introduced.  The Facilitator of the Mass was Mr. Cedric Osborne, and the readers were Mrs. A. Meade and Mrs. R. Burrows. Students from St. Augustine School performed a Liturgical Dance, and there were renditions by the Choir and Ms. Sarah Allen. The Parish Council and the Montserrat Christian Council gave tributes, and there were presentations by the Parish Council, the Lookout Catholic Community, the Cursillo Movement, and the Acolytes.
Father Larry's last Mass in Montserrat was August 26, the day after the annual Roman Catholic Fete. He spoke about his years in Montserrat and about how this island and its people will always have a place in his heart.  He also spoke briefly about Father Frank, who was born in South Africa, spent seven years in Ireland, and 26 years in South America, much of it ministering to people who lived along the Amazon.
Many people shed a tear in saying goodbye to Father Larry after Mass, but with a number of Montserratians now living in St. Kitts, his presence there will be especially welcome.

When Mrs. Idabelle Griffith Meade assumed the role of Acting Minister of Communication & Works yesterday she made history for the second time this week.
This is the first time that two women have filled ministerial posts at the same time in the history of Montserrat.

She also made history when she was sworn on Monday as the first ever female Nominated Member of the Legislative Council.  More than likely she will be the only and last, as there will be no more nominated members after the next general elections.

Mrs. Meade is undaunted by the prospect of making history. "I see this as an opportunity to be of greater service to my country," she said. "My greatest concern at the moment is not just to serve, but to serve well.  When the Chief Minister asked me if I would accept the position of Second Nominated Member, I told him I would consider it both an honour and a privilege to do so."

Chief Minister David S. Brandt has expressed great confidence in Mrs. Meade "I think that Mrs. Idabelle Meade is an excellent choice to fill the post of Second Nominated Member in the Legislative Council," he said, "She is young, energetic and hard-working.  She's a true people's person She has expressed a willingness to get into public life and I have every confidence that she will serve with great distinction."

The Chief Minister said that Mrs. Meade's appointment demonstrates his government's desire to make it possible for both young people and women to function at the very highest levels of government.

"I'm also delighted to appoint Mrs. Meade to act as Minister of Communications & Works during the period that the Honourable Rupert Weekes is away from the island," said the Chief Minister. "I'm sure the time is coming when she will win a seat in the Legislative Council and be appointed to a ministry in her own right. S o this acting assignment should prove to be a good apprenticeship and invaluable on-the-job training."

Mrs. Meade is the daughter of the renowned historical figure Robert "Maas Bob" Griffith, who was active in both trade unionism and government in the 1940s.

"My father never directly tried to influence me to go into public life," she said, "but his life-long concern for our country was a great example to me.  It seems somehow that I was always involved in public life.  That I was trained to take my place among my people and work with them to move our beloved country forward."

Asked about her specific wishes for Montserrat she said: "I want to see Montserrat put itself back together socially, economically and in all other ways.  That's my greatest aim right now and I intend to work very hard to see this happen.  I think it's crucial to get the tourism sector up and running, and to do that we need both a better seaport and airport.  This will attract more people, make it easier to bring in the goods we need and boost our rebuilding efforts."

Mrs. Meade contested that last election in a party headed by former Chief Minister John Osborne.  She said the party is not dissolved, but she has both the full approval and support of Mr. Osborne in accepting the position of Second Nominated Member.

She is married to the well-known restaurateur "Moose" Mead and they have four children, ages 20, 18, 13 and 12. The two eldest are at university, while the younger two attend school here.

Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advisory for people planning visits to Costa Rica, following a major volcanic eruption in the Central American nation. The new advisory, however, makes scant mention of the volcano, focussing instead on crime.

"The number of thefts in the area of Arenal volcano and the nearby town of La Fortuna has risen considerably," the new advisory states, but makes almost no further mention of the volcano, which killed a tour guide and left two tourists seriously burned about two weeks ago.

It only lists volcanic eruptions with earthquakes and flooding, as general risks one confronts in Costa Rica during the rainy season from May to November.

The FCO advisory expresses no concern at all over the physical dangers posed by Arenal. In fact, the only natural dangers singled out are rip tides that pose a threat to swimmers at beach resorts, and thick jungle growth which makes an experienced guide necessary for tourists who go hiking.

Greater concern over volcanoes seems to be present in the FOC's updates on Nicaragua. It cautions that a spine of volcanoes runs the length of that country, and says a number of them are active, with particular worries over volcanic eruptions possible at San Cristobal and Cerro Negro.

The main thrust of the new travel advisories, however, warns against violent crimes like muggings, which can occur even in broad daylight on busy streets, or at bus stops. It is a warning repeated for Belize, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

The new advisories mention health risks from Dengue fever and malaria, the former having been reported in recent months in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Local reports have also cited Dengue fever outbreaks on some other Caribbean islands. Cholera in rivers and creeks is listed as a threat in the Dominican Republic.

Updated warnings for Belize continue to mainly stress rising crime.

Women are warned not to venture beyond hotel complexes in the Dominican Republic after dark, unless they're in the company of others.

The FOC also announced this week that it intends to send a delegation of two to Brazil and Colombia.

FCO Minister, Mr. John Battle, and UK Cabinet Office Minister, Mrs. Mo Mowlam, are scheduled to deal mainly with efforts to solve "the inter-connected problems of drugs, poverty and violence."

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

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

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

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CANA - The Guyana government is investigating an allegation that the country was used as a staging point for arms shipped from the Middle East to South American rebels in Peru.

President Bharrat Jagdeo said the firmest action would be taken if the allegation, made last week by Peru's President, Alberto Fujimori, turns out to be true.

Mr. Fujimori made the charge at the first ever South American Presidents Summit in Brasilia. He said the shipments originated in Jordan, passed through Guyana and ended up in the hands of Peruvian rebels.

President Jagdeo told a news conference he did not discuss the issue specifically with President Fujimori.

"I gave the general assurance that Guyana will continue in its very aggressive stance against drug trafficking…I said that should we have any information that Guyana is being used as a transshipment point for arms - we would take the firmest of actions," the Guyanese leader stated.

Guyana is making contact with the Peruvian authorities to obtain information, including dates, in relation to the allegation.

He added, "This has resulted in a larger, stronger financial institution committed to our customers, to the families and communities of this twin island state and dedicated to providing personal, friendly and professional banking services."
Reports from management of the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Bank stated that the combined resources of the entities make the bank a leader in financial services in Antigua and Barbuda and the OECS region.The "Synergy-Coming Together For You" campaign will be done via television ads, radio jingles and newspaper spreads, along with a festive mood in all branches of the banks.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has decided to add a 2-percent tax on all businesses and several businessmen are hopping mad about the new implementation. Therefore, on Wednesday morning, the Chamber of Commerce presented a petition to John St. Luce, Minister of Finance and Acting Prime Minister.
The petition, it is said, contains the names of about 300 businessmen who are expressing their dissatisfaction and disapproval about
the 2-percent tax.
According to a press release from the Chamber of Commerce, "We (the members of the Chamber of Commerce) are of the view that the legislation in its present form is odious in that it places undue burden on businesses, which are subject to Price Control Regulations and Small Business persons, such as vendors and shopkeepers.
The Chamber of Commerce said it realizes that they must meet their fair share of the running cost of the country but added that the taxes should only be imposed on profits and certainly not on gross revenue.

Hon. Minister of Planning and Implementation, Gaston Browne said that a meeting has been scheduled for early next week when the Hon. Prime Minister Lester Bird returns home from the UN Millennium summit in New York. But Minister Brown said that at the end of the next meeting this would be their final word.
Meantime, the businessmen are not backing down and plans to do all in their power to stop the implementation of the 2-percent tax.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CANA - Barbados' new Anglican Bishop, Dr. John Walder Dunlop Holder, has listed violence in the society among his major concerns.

In his address on Sunday, the day of his enthronement as Barbados' 13th Anglican Bishop, he called for an effort to combat violence.

"Those who are living life by the gun, those who are engaging in other acts of violence are not aliens from outer space," he commented. "They have mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and cousins, many of whom would claim to be Christian."

He encouraged families to discuss the issue and implored Barbadians to work against the problem.

Nearly 1,400 persons, including the Governor General, Sir Clifford Husbands, and a number of government ministers, packed St. Michael's Cathedral Sunday to witness the enthronement.

The Bishop also urged Anglicans to hold fast to their heritage. He admitted that heritage has had some weaknesses and contradictions.

Slavery, racism and personality conflicts were some of the flaws he listed in Anglicanism.

He also said no apology should be offered for Anglican practices.

"We will not cower and take shelter from those who want to be trendy and headline-catching and launch attacks upon the Church. But we will take seriously, and very seriously, those who are challenging us to rethink our mission, and reach out in order to provide even stronger moral guidance,"

The 52-year-old Anglican leader is expected to hold the office of bishop for the next 13 years, after which he will face mandatory retirement.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Sept 4, CANA - Trinidad and Tobago's football coach Ian Porterfield has praised his players and technical team for reaching the final stage of the 2002 World Cup qualifying series.

On Sunday, Trinidad and Tobago hammered Canada 4-0 in a return semi-final. The victory enabled Trinidad and Tobago to secure one of the two places in the final round.

Scottish-born Porterfield was effusive in his praise of the unit he has moulded after taking over when Trinidad and Tobago was knocked out of the Gold Cup in February, ironically by Canada, who went on to win that cup in Los Angeles, USA.

"When I took the job my aim was to take the team to the World Cup. We know the job's not done. In all honesty, I am so proud of the guys and so pleased with their progress. It's surprised me a little bit how well they've done," said Porterfield.

With two games left in the qualifying series, Porterfield said he will take an opportunity to blood some younger players, but warned that Trinidad and Tobago will not be letting up until they book their trip to Japan/Korea.

Canadian coach, Holger Osieck, admitted on Sunday his team never threatened Trinidad and Tobago during the game.

"In the first half our players were too far away from our opponents," he conceded, "they thought obviously it was a friendly match and not a World Cup qualification match," said a disappointed Osieck.

CANA-Reuters 
over West Indies on Monday before a packed house on the final day of the fifth cricket Test.  Dominic Cork clinched the deciding Test by 158 runs and the series by 3- 1 when he dismissed Courtney Walsh for no score, with two hours' play remaining.

It was England's first series win over West Indies since 1969.  England opener Michael Atherton, who scored 83 and 108 against the might of Curtly Ambrose and Walsh, was awarded the man-of-the-match award by former British Prime Minister and president of the Surrey club, John Major.

Andy Caddick was again a second innings destroyer with four for 54, despite leaving the field to receive attention to an injured.

Brian Lara, the only man who could conceivably have reversed the result, supplied a sparkling cameo of 47 but his innings proved of entertainment value only.  Lara struck seven sumptuous fours after a meticulously studied start but when he was dismissed the end was in sight.

Captain Jimmy Adams helped Lara see West Indies through to lunch, taken at 89 for three, but was out without adding to his score of 15 in the second over after the break.

Ramnaresh Sarwan, one of the few West Indians to enhance his reputation on a depressing tour, flourished briefly with a wristy 27 from 37 balls, including four boundaries. He drove Caddick pleasantly for four before he was run out at the non-striker's end after being sent back by Lara.

As Sarwan sprawled along the ground in an unsuccessful dive for the safety of the crease, he collided with Graham Thorpe. Sarwan was given out by the third umpire after a television replay, but it was some moments before he could get to his feet and leave the field.

Ambrose, playing his last Test, received a standing ovation from the happy crowd and was clapped to the crease by the England team who formed a guard of honour.

He obliged by bending his elongated back to strike 28 unexpected runs before he was caught by Michael Atherton.
A capacity crowd of 18,500 poured into the ground and to view the match on a giant television screen at London's Clapham Common.

England's victorious jubilation was matched by the despondency on the faces of Jimmy Adams's team, who have now lost a fifth consecutive series overseas and the services of Ambrose.

West Indies have the discouraging prospect of a visit to unofficial world champions Australia.

There is hope! In spite of our distressing loss, the future is encouraging. On Monday September 4, 2000, 31 years of West Indian cricketing dominance ended at the Kennington Oval, London. It was the end of a protracted one-act play that began at the Kensington Oval, Barbados in 1994, when England under the captaincy of Michael Atherton ended the West Indian dominance at that venue. Do you remember?

England won her first Test series victory over the West Indies since 1969, when they won the fifth and final Test match by 158 runs. They outplayed the West Indians in all departments – coaching, captaincy, batting, bowling and fielding – to win the "sometimes hard-fought" and "sometimes-mismatched" five Test series, three matches to one.

England deserves her due recognition. Her cricketers fielded, batted and bowled more consistently than her tourists. Let’s face the naked truth: "No team that scores 398 and 438 on two separate occasions, deserves to win any series when that same team makes 54, 61 and 125." And those were the outputs of the West Indies team.

Well done, England! England was definitely the better team; exhibited superior science and a more competitive product. England is presently a more technically skilled and equipped team than the West Indies in international cricket. Full stop. And I am glad for the English cricket product that can attract such massive crowds at a period when the game is in transition.

For the West Indies, apart from flashes of brilliance from some players, the performances reflected the erratic and inconsistent outputs when we lost 3-0 to Pakistan, 5-0 to South Africa and 2-0 to New Zealand. But I will leave this issue to when I will do a two-part article on the "Way Forward."

But, the good news is there is hope for the future if the administrative and technical personnel have the discernment and the political will "to do what they have to do." There is hope for the immediate future; there is hope for the distant future. .

Now that Curtly Ambrose has finished his honourable course with 405 wickets from 98 Tests, the West Indies have only two world-class players in Courtney Walsh and Brian Lara. With 483 Test wickets from 122 Tests, Courtney Walsh, will be on his quest for his 500 Test wickets on the Aussies tour, but his days are numbered.

We all agree with Colin Croft, "Brian Lara is still good enough to play test cricket, but most would agree that his apex of performances may have already been reached. However, he could lend some stability to the team, and to the youth."

Ramnaresh Sarwan is a natural West Indian batsman. He showed great courage and adapted well. To protect himself from the foolish machismo that is destroying some of the younger members of the team, he will have to be purposeful like Alvin Kallicharran, Vivian Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and other successful predecessors in order to survive and make the hundreds that the team so badly needs.

Colin Croft, who covered the tour, elaborated on the apparent discipline problem that is causing the young players to under-achieve. He noted, "The foolish machismo that I talked about is evident here. As one West Indian supporter, who had travelled all the way from Suriname, asked me, ‘since when did Chris Gayle become a star? He does not even want to acknowledge his kin-folk and supporters. What has he done in Test cricket?’"

Sherwin Campbell, Jimmy Adams and Shivnarine Chanderpaul would form part of the West Indian batting lineup. Sherwin Campbell again showed that he could be consistent while not being beautiful to look at. Adams, also lacking beauty, could play the vital anchor role.

Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds and Adrian Griffith were failures. Problems of poor decisions, limited technique, temperament and discipline could result in their early exit from the international arena. We will deal with the bowling in our two-part article.

There is more good news. Developments in the Windward Islands have confirmed that there is hope in the distant future. The Windward Islands ended 25 years in the doldrums of West Indies youth cricket by winning the coveted 2000 Under-19 championship title in the recently concluded tournament by holding Jamaica to a draw in the final at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground in Bourda, Guyana.

They prevented any hope of a Jamaica comeback victory and secured first innings points which wiped out the entire first session. Set 154 runs for victory in 53 overs, the consistent Windward Islands overcame the enticement, played safe and held out to 63-4 at the close when bad light stopped play with 12 of the 15 mandatory overs in the final hour remaining.

Jamaica went on a full-scale attack in their quest to blow away the Windward second innings after their declaration at 2.24 p.m. They got rid of Windward Islands' most prolific batsman Devon Smith early. Two more quick wickets fell as the Windwards slumped to 27-3, and declined to 54-4 when occasional spinner Brenton Parchment got rid of Sergio Feedie. But the consistent Romel Currency stood firm and denied the Jamaican bowlers to the end.

Eighteen-year-old Grenadian left-hander Devon Smith, who captained the Windward Islands to their first title in regional youth cricket, copped two individual awards to crown the best year for the team's cricket since they first played as a team in 1975. Smith, a first class opener for the Windward senior team, scored 336 runs and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2000 tournament.

Smith, one of three Windward Islands players named on the West Indies All-Star team, also took the award for the batsman with the most runs in the series and collected on behalf of his team the beautiful GTM trophy for winning the competition.

Among the major contributors of the Windward Islands youth team were in-form and prolific batsman Romel Currency, who anchored the batting against Jamaica, tamed the Jamaican bowlers and ensured victory; Kenroy Peters, who performed well with the bat and ball, taking 3-62 in the last match against Jamaica; and leg spinner Camillus Alexander, a West Indian Youth Cricketer, who received a prize for his best all-rounder -- 28 wickets and 91 runs, at an average of 30.1.

Coach Lockhart Sebastian (former Dominica, Windward Islands and Combined Islands opening batsman) was right when he noted, "We bowled the best in the competition and batted and fielded well enough… It was a combined effort by everyone and words cannot express how I feel right now."

And the positive is already evident on the Windward Islands senior team. Four of the youngsters, Currency, Smith, Alexander and Peters, were included in the Windward team, which drew their three-day match against the touring South Africa "A" Team at the Arnos Vale, St. Vincent on September 1-3, 2000. And the historic performances have already begun to inspire the senior players. St Lucian John Eugene, a talented batsman (and a much-touted West Indian prospect), amassed 130 in their score of 276, to signal his return to form.

When these developments are considered in the context of the recent performances of the West Indies Under-15 team in England and the stock of talents like Narsingh Deonarine and West Indies ‘A’ Team batters like Darren Ganga, Azemul Haniff, Sylvester Joseph, Ricardo Powell, Marlon Samuels, Runako Morton and Ryan Hinds, there is certainly hope for the future.

Do you have the hope? Cheer up!

PHOTO CAPTION: Walsh and Ambrose – Two cricketing heroes (Photo: Peter Adrien)

Last week we looked at the relocation of St Augustine's School from Plymouth to Woodlands, the disastrous events of June through August 1997, and the eventual destruction of the newly built school in Plymouth. Again the school was able to rise above this calamitous situation.

During July and August 1997 the escalation in volcanic activity and the stepped up evacuations caused consternation and uncertainty about the future, prompting many students and staff to migrate. The Government schools had to abandon plans to move into newly built school buildings, since these and all Government schools were now serving as shelters.

It was left to St. Augustine's to fill the gap, and with Government help the school reopened in September with just 35 students, fluctuating during the year to 108. Only 16 of these were Catholics and again it was emphasized that the school is for any child, regardless of religion, race or class. Those unable to pay fees were assisted with scholarships from donors overseas.

Sunday Mass was now held at the schoolhouse in Woodlands -- on the large, covered porch, which also housed two classrooms. This continued until the reopening of St. Martin's Church in Salem in March 1999. The schoolhouse was also used for meetings and many other purposes, and for a while Father Larry Finnegan lived there too.

The house was gradually being adapted to the needs of the school, and this included extending the roof of the porch, which had initially been covered with a tarpaulin. Blinds were erected and the side of the porch closed in, to try and guard against ash blowing in on the children. Ash was a problem at this time because it tended to settle in the trees of the surrounding wooded area, where it would stay for days after falling, and blow into the school when disturbed by wind - until really heavy rain washed it down.

Eventually generous donations enabled the purchase of the school, making for greater permanence. And last year saw the completion of a handsome new building on the adjoining lot to house the priest's quarters, also enabling extra classroom space and the new computer room, with computers donated through funds from the Governor's office. The computer room was officially opened by Prince Andrew this year.

None of this additional building would have been possible without generous donations locally and overseas. Sir George Martin's Music for Montserrat fund, JC Penny, and friends of Father Mackin in Boston gave outstanding contributions towards this project, as well as many others.

Despite the dislocation, the school was able to hold its sports days, participate in essay competitions and quizzes, develop the children's singing talents, and mount outstanding Christmas Festival troupes. The outstanding contribution of teachers and volunteers made a tremendous difference, and was greatly appreciated.

The retirement of Principal Mrs. Eileen Edwards and the departure of parish priest Father Larry, both of whose leadership and dedication have been so crucial, will leave big challenges for the school. But as St. Augustine's approaches its 125th anniversary, it can proudly say that with the help of God it has overcome adversity and can look with hope towards the future.

We told the World that we did not all want handouts. We said if given the necessary guarantees we would use our own resources to rebuild some of the houses.

We wanted the opportunity to rebuild our houses and families. And we wanted to face the challenge that comes with opportunities.

The Soft Mortgage Scheme then, even with the delays, is the response to our request. Unfortunately, though, some of the terms and conditions may be necessary to protect politicians from themselves and the scheme.

In spite of what is being said about it, I see the Soft Mortgage Scheme as an opportunity for Montserratians to show and tell the world that they are prepared to help themselves, at all levels, to rebuild their country.

I see the Soft Mortgage Scheme as Montserratians using $7.5 million of their own savings to lend to one another to assist in rebuilding homes and families.

I believe that the requirement for the borrowers to repay the loans with interest should not be cause for concern. In fact, the repayment of interest on money borrowed should be an act of gratitude. After all, it is Montserratians' savings which will be used to finance the scheme. And Montserratians need to earn interest on their investments -- or savings, just as any other lender. I see the terms and conditions attached to the mortgage scheme as mere procedures and systems to ensure that Montserratian borrowers do not cheat Montserratian lenders, and to ensure that there will be transparent organised methods of fairness.

I see the Soft Mortgage Scheme as a basic track in the railroad to our recovery and ultimate nation rebuilding. It is using our own resources to rekindle our Economy and to maintain economic activity.

I see several challenges facing the players who will participate and benefit from the Soft Mortgage Scheme.

I see challenges for the architects who must design affordable and adequate houses that could be built within the limited funds allowed by the scheme.

I see challenges facing the merchants who would source and supply the building materials for the houses. I hope that the merchants will consider reducing their markup on the building materials to be used in the construction of the Soft Mortgage Scheme houses. This is the law of reciprocal action, giving a little to get something back.

I see challenges for the contractors, too. I sincerely hope that the contractors would reduce their profit margin on these houses; and that they would manage and supervise the construction process efficiently.

I see the greatest challenge to the construction workers. They need to improve on productivity. They need to look at homeowners as people struggling to borrow money to build, thereby creating work for the labour force.

I see challenges for the homeowners. They need to adjust their tastes and expectations. They need to ask the architects to design houses that they can afford.

The Soft Mortgage Scheme -- a long time in the making, but what a wonderful opportunity for Montserratians to show the world that they can also use their own money to rebuild their homes, their families and their lives.

The Soft Mortgage Scheme -- a challenge to Montserratians to use their own resources to deliver a product -- Mortgages and Houses in accordance with accepted financial principles and procedures.

True I may be seeing it differently than you, yet I hope that at least you too can see "opportunities and challenges" in the Soft Mortgage Scheme.

During the second week of August, I signed two agreements with the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Bank of Montserrat to finance and implement the Housing and Mortgage Assistance Project, commonly known as the Soft Mortgage Scheme. As the Chairman of the Bank of Montserrat indicated just last week, this signing ceremony marked the culmination of three years of hard work and tough negotiations with DFID to finalize the details of the scheme. The project has been welcomed by those persons who have been waiting for loans to construct their own homes, and who recognize the benefits that they stand to gain under the scheme. However, there have also been some public criticism from certain uninformed quarters. And while I recognize that constructive comments might actually help us to improve the scheme in due course, it is important that all of us try to first gain a proper understanding of the terms and conditions, for fear we may mislead ourselves and other members of an unsuspecting public.

The main criticism which has been leveled at the scheme is that the terms of the mortgage are not soft but are equivalent to a commercial loan. Let me point out that every single borrower under this project is entitled to a grant that could be as high as $40,500. This is an amount that will not have to be repaid. Where, for example, a person requests an amount of $120,000, he may find that he is only asked to repay $87,000. In every commercial loan arrangement the borrower must repay the full amount taken from the bank. Therefore, it cannot be denied that the fact that a grant is offered to every borrower under this scheme represents a soft condition.

Furthermore, the borrower will benefit from the fact that for the first five years he or she will pay a rate of interest that is lower than the rate charged by the bank for other loans. There is no doubt that a lower interest rate means lower monthly payments for the borrower under the Soft Mortgage Scheme. This is a big advantage. A commercial loan now carries a rate of 13% interest. The Soft Mortgage Scheme charges only eight percent for the first three years and nine and a half per cent for the next two years. I urge the people of Montserrat not to be fooled by those who would have us believe that there is no difference between 13% and 8%, or between 13% and 9¹/₂% . Let me give an example. If you qualify for a loan for a three-bedroom house under the Soft Mortgage Scheme you can receive an amount of $120,000. Because you would have to repay only $87,000 and because of the reduced rate of interest, your monthly payment would be much less than the amount you would pay on a commercial loan of $120,000. In fact, we have calculated that under the Soft Mortgage Scheme you would save more than $500 a month. Let me repeat. If you qualify for a three bedroom house, you would save more than $500 a month by taking the Soft Mortgage instead of going directly to the bank for a commercial loan. This is a big saving. And Mr Meade knows it! For while he has been condemning the Soft Mortgage Scheme, he has at the same time been calling for those who received the Materials Grant to be included in it. This is itself testimony to the advantages of the Soft Mortgage Scheme.

I also wish to emphasize that this scheme is for people who are working and who would be in a position to repay a loan. Those who are not in a position to repay a loan can still get housing under another scheme. We have different schemes and housing initiatives for different groups of people. We have one scheme called "Direct-Build" where we build your house for you. Those who have land can get building materials free from the government to use in building your house. We have even built a complete house for some people who accessed the Materials Grant Scheme but did not have any money for construction. We have built houses for the Elderly. And we are now in the process of developing a new Housing Strategy that would focus on initiatives for low-income groups. So the Soft Mortgage Scheme was never intended for everybody. It was intended for people who know that they can take on a loan and build the kind of house that they know they can afford.

This is why I feel it is highly irresponsible for someone of the standing of Mr Reuben Meade – a former Chief Minister - to encourage workers who are already making small salaries to take on new loans which they will almost certainly be unable to repay. This is the only reason why we have decided that in order to qualify for a loan under the Soft Mortgage Scheme, a worker should be making at least $2,000 a month.

But we all know that Mr Meade is not as concerned about workers as he is pretending. He was the first and only Chief Minister to break up a union in this country, thereby putting more than one hundred families out of bread. It was he who tried to reduce the salaries of civil servants by 7%. And it was he who tried to fire the workers of the Land Development Authority and to banish the LDA itself. This is the very LDA which is now working so hard to ensure that people are provided with adequate housing and that their houses are well maintained. So Mr Meade cannot be concerned about workers.

It has been further suggested that funds should have been acquired from certain local sources to implement an alternative soft mortgage scheme. In paragraph #51 of my budget speech made in March this year, I stated that GOM had started the process of designing such a scheme while at the same time seeking an appropriate source of funding. So the idea is not an original idea on the part of those who are now suggesting it. In fact, we considered some of the very sources of funding which are now being suggested. We held meetings with the managers of the various institutions such as Social Security, Port Authority and Government Savings Bank. But we realized then that the matter is not as straightforward as some people are now making it out to be.

First of all, it should be pointed out that a substantial portion of these funds are already deposited with Bank of Montserrat. This is the reason why the bank can find $7.5 million to put into the current scheme. In one sense it can be said that those funds are already being used. For example, the Government Savings Bank holds 40% of its deposits with Bank of Montserrat. It should also be noted that the Government Savings Bank is required by law to hold 115% of its deposits readily on demand, and therefore this amount cannot be invested in a long-term scheme. A similar situation exists in relation to Social Security. One cannot simply take these funds and tie them up in 25-year mortgages at 2% interest. Funds must remain available to make payments when they fall due to those people who are entitled to them, and who have the right to expect such payments to be made on time.

But these same sources that Mr Meade refers to were in existence when he was in office. It leaves one to wonder why he did not attempt to use those funds that he now claims to be available to develop a mortgage scheme. What is even more surprising to me is the suggestion that we take these and other government funds and lend them at a mere 2% for 25 years. One does not have to be an economist or financial expert to know that this is tantamount to an outright grant. Two per cent over such a long period can hardly pay the bank for administering the loans. If what Mr Meade wants is for government to go and find $10 million and give it away, then he should say so!. We would love to give everyone in Montserrat a house for free, but we have to be realistic and responsible. Unfortunately, there was only one occasion when we could have obtained a thousand houses for free, and this offer from the British was quite surprisingly rejected by Mr Reuben Meade himself!

And yet he is bold-faced enough to state that his conscience is forcing him to speak about the Davy Hill houses. If his conscience is bothering him, it is about the $3 million he spent on galvanize buildings with no windows and no doors, and into which he herded Monserratians like cattle. It was this government which was forced to install windows, doors and partitions in order to bring those people some degree of comfort and privacy. And Mr Meade very well knows that we have been negotiating a deal with the occupants of the Davy Hill and Shinn Land houses to transfer ownership to them on very favourable terms. Perhaps he should be asked if he was one of the contractors who constructed the Davy Hill houses. Moreover, there are at least 20 households in Family Units in Manjack who are already included in the Housing Register for the new Housing Programme that is now being developed. He also knows that these were temporary housing arrangements and that the permanent housing is located at Look-Out. He is further aware that the reason why we cannot settle the price for the houses at Look-Out is that the land issue is still before the courts, and until the value of the land is determined by the court, the purchase price cannot be resolved.

A further criticism of the scheme is that it excludes persons who were not evacuated from south of Belham. As I said in my 2000 budget speech, it is these very people for whom we are hoping to design another scheme. But it must be accepted that those who lost their houses as a result of the volcanic crisis must be given priority until such a scheme can be designed and implemented.

Finally, I wish to personally thank the management and staff of the Bank of Montserrat and the Director and staff of the Development Unit for their dedication, determination, creativity and patience which all became essential requirements in achieving a final project document. I believe that, given all the circumstances, we were able to conclude a workable arrangement with DFID. As Mr Frank Edwards himself said:

…That was three years hard labour. I had the opportunity myself to sit in on some of the discussions, and, but for the discipline which I have gained over many years, and the business experience that I have accumulated, I think I would have lost my cool.

Let me also recognize other persons who played important roles in seeing that agreement through to the signing period. The Development Unit and Mrs Greenaway obviously worked extremely hard, the Honourable Chief Minister never let up, and I don’t think a week passed that we did not get a call from him, to ensure that we are staying on the ball, and keeping things rolling…

Nevertheless, I also wish to express our appreciation to DFID for eventually supporting the scheme despite all the difficulties experienced during the course of our negotiations. It is my hope that when the scheme is reviewed in six months time, they would see it fit to make some of the improvements that responsible members of the public might be able to suggest so that we may be able to achieve adequate housing for all of the people of our island.

It should be stated categorically that GOM should not be blamed for the delays experienced in starting the scheme. In fact, the statement made by Bank of Montserrat on June 28 is instructive in this regard. However, the more important point is that GOM refused to accept terms and conditions which would have rendered the project unworkable or would not have brought meaningful benefits to those for whom it was intended. To those who feel that this was the main or any cause of the delay, then I say this to them: It is better that we study the project carefully and argue for what we want rather than to rush into something that nobody wants. But our requests were not unreasonable, and any blame for the delay must be placed squarely at the feet of those who were slow to accept the reasonable suggestions made by us.It is my intention to use this opportunity to briefly address some of the issues raised since the signing of the agreements. Most of us are already aware of the main terms of these agreements, but let me first make a few general points. The aim of the project is to provide loans to those people who lost their homes during the volcanic crisis, who are presently working and are in a position to service a loan. The Bank of Montserrat is providing a loan of $7.5 million to the Government of Montserrat. This money will be used by Government to provide loans to for the purchase land and the construction of homes in the north of the island. Government has in turn asked the bank to handle these loans on its behalf in such a way that it is the bank which will actually disburse the funds and collect the monthly loan repayments. The bank will be paid a fee for doing this. Due to the presence of an active volcano on the island and the fact that this makes it more difficult to predict the future, the bank needs to have a high level of security for any large loans to be given for a long period of time. This is the main reason for the involvement of DFID and the need for the British government guarantee.

Jus wonderin if any more money will be will be spent on fencing the festival grounds.

Jus wonderin if now the lookout campus is back at Salem, the gates will be closed from eight until two.

Jus wonderin what will be done to prevent vandalism of school property especially since PWD work tirelessly on it to finish for the reopening of school.

Jus wonderin why there is so much awkward parking on the port road where there such double-parking on the weekends.

Jus wonderin who is thinking that when the banker leaves the bank will be upside-down.

Jus wonderin why those people that are going to de masquerade bar in Davy hill no park dem transport properly.

Jus wonderin why de Rasta young woman in dat new village no go look fu e own.

Jus wonderin who de female officers no have no respect fa if nat fu demself.

Jus wonderin why de house paint car in Caricom village no license while de owner a teach e wife fu drive in dey.

Jus wonderin why she did not attend her muddo in-law retirement party at Good Life.

Jus wonderin if it's not time de officer mother down at Lookout cook pan stove instead of her cooking pan wood fire.

Jus wonderin who not doing their job when a couple going in the unsafe zone and teking people set and T.V

Jus wonderin why some of the married men who could well afford it no go build house and come out of shelter.

Jus wondering who was trying to remove our local man from being in charge of MVO information and replace him with man from England.

Jus wondering if since they want to control the Reporter, now the MVO information, if the ZJB manager job up for grabs is next.

Jus wondering if the new person responsible for ordering food at the hotel will include white powder on his list.

Jus wondering if the Good Life has come on bad times to close, if the site will be given back to the people of Montserrat.

Jus wondering why the member from Salem did not do what he talked about on radio when he was minister responsible for housing.

Jus wonderin when our scientist are going to start flying on Antiguan helicopters as tour guides?

Jus wonderin who is going to benefit most, Antigua's tourism or Montserrat's tourism (if at all)?

Jus wonderin if Dr Simon Young will now qualify for the new tour guide job?

Jus wonderin if the new acting minister will be made permanent in another ministry when the substantive one returns.

Jus wonderin if the COS will become the Minister of Tourism?

Jus wonderin if the COS tried to show off on the TV?

Jus wonderin if the newly nominated member might replace the COS?

Jus wonderin if the CM will exchange one fair lady for the fairer one.

Jus wonderin if the CM will now try to get Bill Gates since he already has Mr. Mars and Mr. J C Penny?

Beautifully landscaped grounds (1-2/3 acres); exceptional mature irrigated gardens with flowers , ornamentals, terraces, specimen palms and fruit trees .

The property is walled and fenced for privacy.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean sea, and lush green hills, from an observation deck above the dining room accessible from spiral staircase. This home is beautifully appointed - three bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, fully equipped kitchen with adjoining pantry and laundry; 2500sq ft main living areas, 1000 sq ft covered veranda.

About 550 sq ft living space, which includes living room, dining area, kitchen, bedroom and bath.

Sparking 40ft swimming pool with large tile deck surrounded by matured foliage

At garden level there is a laundry, garden storeroom, shade house/hydroponic garden and five additional storage areas. Covered garage.

Telephone, Water, Electricity, Cable TV

(Transfer fees-8%)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Station Manager in the Broadcasting Unit.

To inform, educate and entertain the population of Montserrat and others within broadcasting range to reflect Montserrat’s culture and society and to encourage its economic and social development.

• To provide radio programmes with appropriate content which are effectively
• delivered in order to increase listenership.
• To ensure continuity of broadcasting provision and adequate reception across the
• island.
• To prepare and gain approval for the annual Work Plans and budgets for Radio
• Montserrat.
• To provide communications links between Montserratians at home and in the
• neighboring islands.
• To generate revenue through advertising and sponsorship and to manage all
• resources efficiently and effectively.
• To coordinate training initiatives for staff with the Office of the Chief Minister and the Department of Administration and assist with on-the job training.
• To provide information support services to Government, to inform the population
• about government policies, functions and activities, and to provide information
• support services to groups within the community.
• To coordinate the activities of all sections to ensure that sectoral objectives are met within time frames and budgets.
• To coordinate proper access of the public to the Radio Station for greater interaction and feedback.

Interested applicants should:

• possess a Diploma or a Degree in Mass Communication/Journalism or other
• related discipline; and have at least eight (8) years' experience in the field.
• have good leadership skills, with ability to competently supervise the performance
• of subordinates and provide appropriate coaching and on-the-job training;
• have good experience in general or media management.
• possess some basic knowledge of the technical operation of a Radio Station.
• have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• be computer literate.

Salary is in the Scale M14-10, that is, $44,844 - $50,268 per annum.

Applications should be accompanied by full curriculum vitae, proof of qualification, and two original letters of reference and sent to the Permanent Secretary, Administration, Government Headquarters, Brades, Montserrat, to reach her no later than

30 September 2000.

Tropical Mansion Suites is looking for a Head Chef to run the Kitchen. The role actively involves menu planning, the de4velopment testing of recipes, supervision, and motivation and training of staff and the effective control of costing and resources.

Also, excellent communications skills and a customer-focused attitude are essential with at least 5 years experience in the kitchen. You should have a good understanding of health and safety at work. The ideal candidate should have the ability to maintain high standards of cuisine. Please send your C.V. with a hand written covering letter.

Send all inquires to:

Other positions available please apply in writing.

(Section 135)

Claims to ownership of lands have been received from the following persons listed in the Schedule below.

Any objections to these claims must be lodged in writing to the Land Registry Palm Loop, Woodlands, Montserrat within six (6) weeks of the first publication of this notice.

SCHEDULE

George Allen Parcel 91, Block 14/13. Land at Barzey's.

Bounded as follows: - On the North and On the

East by Parcel 14/17/1 (Raymond M. Molyneux et al),

On the South by a Right of Way and Parcel

14/17/2 (Raymond M. Molyneux et al) and On the

West by Parcel 14/13/23 (Joseph Benjamin Gerald).

Montserrat Electricity Services Limited (MONLEC) is the electric utility responsible for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity on Montserrat. It is currently developing and executing projects for rebuilding the island’s power system, and facilitating the resettlement of customers in the north of the island. MONLEC is also undergoing a restructuring exercise leading to a possible merger with the Montserrat Water Authority.

An exciting opportunity exists for a professionally qualified accountant to manage the finance and accounting functions in MONLEC, and provide support for the restructuring of the electric and water utilities.

Employment will be on a fixed contract basis. Salary and benefits are negotiable.

Interested persons should send resumé, on or before September 15, 2000, to: