Following his award in the Manufacturing Category and as Entrepreneur of the year 1999 at the Ernst & Young Awards banquet in Trinidad, Montserrat's Joel H. Webbe was awarded this time the Caribbean Manufacturer's award.

The event took place at the black-tie gala banquet at the Sherbourne Conference in Barbados where Ernst & Young held their Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year 2000 Award Ceremony under the theme "From Thought to Finish."

Mr. Webbe, Managing Director of W&W Electronics Ltd., a high technology production company, won the overall Entrepreneur of the Year award last year in the Trinidad & Tobago programme, which included Grenada and Guyana. He is Montserratian, having started W&W Electronics in Montserrat in 1978, struggled through to 1989, when he was wiped out by Hurricane Hugo, then again by volcanic eruption in 1995, after which he moved to Grenada in 1997. There a now successful company employs over 600 persons and is on the verge of opening a new fully automated brake manufacturing plant in Trinidad & Tobago.

Mr. Webbe took part in the conference that began on Thursday, preceding the culminating award ceremony which took place Saturday night, September 16. He was a speaker on Saturday, where he recounted the EOY experience from Winners Row, telling his audience about, "being prepared to work hard against all odds, all obstacles to become successful."

He recalled also his story from the basement of his home in Boston, through the destructive hurricane and volcano, to the present in Grenada.

He credits his success to his faith in God, vision, planning and the constant motivation of his wife and staff. His company in Grenada exports connectors used in the computer industry to major technology and telecom companies in the US, Europe and Latin America.

Sharing with him and witnessing his receipt of the award were several persons from Montserrat, including the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt and Mrs. Brandt, and others, whom he described as those persons who have to this day stood by him, offering encouragement and assistance when the going was tough, along with family, senior members of staff and business associates.

This proud Manufacturer's Award recipient still has his heart in Montserrat and has already put in motion efforts to bring part of his business back to Montserrat. Among other of his new ventures is the acquiring of a radio station in Grenada which has already been launched as a gospel radio station, called ‘Good News FM.’

The organiser of the Award ceremony, Ernst & Young Services, is dedicated to accelerating the success of the world's best entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneur of the Year programme is their signature event celebrating the success of owner-managed businesses worldwide.

His supporters consider that he narrowly missed this year's prized Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year award, which was won by Ralph "Bizzy" Williams of Williams Industries Inc. of Barbados, which owns, has investment in and management control over numerous companies in Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Jamaica.

On Thursday September 7, 2000, the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt led a Montserrat delegation, which included his Chief of Staff Mr. Salas Hamilton, MVO Chief Scientist Dr. Gill Norton and Communication Adviser of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) Chelston Lee.

The delegation was on a call-in program, which was carried live on ABS Radio and TV Thursday night. The people of Antigua and Barbuda were briefed on the recovery efforts in Montserrat during the broadcast. And persons in neighbouring islands also received the signal. The Chief Scientist and MVO Communications Manager gave an update on volcanic activity on Montserrat. This was necessary as part of our public relations efforts to show that Montserrat is viable and recovering from the Volcanic Crisis.

On Friday the delegation met with the Antigua Cabinet and had positive discussions on all issues presented. It was agreed:

To place a telephone line at an appropriate location, possibly in the Arrival Area at VC Bird International Airport, for persons seeking information on Montserrat. This was agreed to in tandem with placing a kiosk in the arrival area. As Montserrat gears up to host the 33rd Meeting of the OECS Authority, such facilities will assist delegates in transit to Montserrat. The facilities will also allow for smoother routing to Montserrat for persons returning home and visitors. It was also agreed that signage will be placed at Heritage Quay for persons using the ferry to Montserrat. At the moment there is none.

Another significant agreement that was made was, to find a covered location for the Antigua Customs Department for ferry travelers at Heritage Quay. Persons arriving in Antigua via the Ferry from Montserrat have their baggage exposed in public view and the elements for customs.

At the moment, the present location is cramped for immigration and ferry ticket sales and the Antigua Cabinet agreed to:

1. Either move the ferry dock to a High Street jetty or, 2. Provide interim facilities for customs, immigration and ticket sales at a nearby building. The Antigua Cabinet was also sympathetic to the call of abolishing the export warrant for persons purchasing groceries in Antigua.

The issue of airline carriers asking for a return ticket from persons traveling to Montserrat was also touched on. At present, it is law in some places that you are not given a ticket to a territory unless you are domiciled there. For example, someone in the United States, purchasing a ticket to Antigua with intentions of traveling to Montserrat will have problems since, neither the ferry or helicopter service is connected to the computerized systems of any regional or international airline. The Antigua Cabinet promised to assist.

The Cabinet supported a request from the Honourable Chief Minister for an Antigua delegation, including the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Planning, to visit Montserrat. The delegation is expected on Montserrat this Friday to meet with a local task force to concretize the plans discussed.

Priorities

[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:7

When I was growing up, my father would often read his favorite Bible passage to our family, 1 Corinthians 13. The inflection of his voice gave the words meaning as they echoed in our minds. When he came to the words, "[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends, " he would pause for a moment after each phrase. We could feel the power of the words as we struggled to understand them.

Lately I have been thinking about the way my family has helped me to understand these words. I am thankful for parents who cared for me and for bothers and sisters who loved me even as they endured me. I am thankful for a wife and children who believe in me and give me hope for the future. Most of all I am thankful for God, who loves me forever no matter what. It is that eternal aspect of love that is most comforting. In times of pain and uncertainty, God’s eternal love is the one constant that sustain me. God’s love for us never ends.

God’s love is for everyone, all the time.

Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO HAVE LOVED ME

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you, about my feelings concerning the cable TV service that subscribers receive. On several occasions I have had to pay for a service that is very irregular in programming with no regard for the loss of use. I always thought that a person pays for what he gets. To me this system seems to operate the opposite way in this country. The company does not want to shoulder it's own blame when consumers are asked to pay exorbitant cable fees for an irregular service.

When a consumer does not pay for a particular period, he is disconnected. Therefore I think it is only fair to the consumer that something is given back when he does not receive the service that is intended. I feel that we the consumers need to be more proactive and demand the same in kind.

I feel the Cable TV of Montserrat should put in place a deduction charge when the consumer does not receive his service. Just over the weekend we had some gusty weather, which is understood, but on other favorable days no excuse is given. Many hours are lost in interrupted programming when added together.

I am demanding a fair deal from the company.

Dear Editor,

It is reassuring to hear that the Montserrat delegation to Antigua was received with understanding and pledges of cooperation in easing the plight of inter-island travelers.

The pledges of cooperation are not, however, particularly convincing, in light of recent experiences traveling to and from Antigua.

Five days after the Honourable Chief Minister's delegation was received with such sympathy in Antigua, my wife and I were required to make a one-day round trip on the ferry for major dental surgery.

When we arrived in Antigua, as had been the case on a similar trip just two weeks earlier, we and our fellow passengers were left to cool our heels standing in line while we awaited the arrival on the ferry of Antigua immigration officers to process our documents.

One would expect that arrivals and departures as regular and predictable as the ferry service might receive more punctual attention.

That afternoon, my wife proceeded to the office just before 3 p.m. and was quickly placed on the ferry manifest for the return trip. The immigration office, however, which was audibly occupied by two Antigua functionaries, was barred to entry. Even Percy Arthurton, who has been dealing with that bureaucracy for more years than he probably wants to count, was unable to gain entry to the office.

My wife, at last falling victim to the diminishing effects of anesthesia, angrily left in a state of enervating frustration. When I replaced her at the immigration office a few minutes later, standing first in line in the doorway, I was ignored for more than 10 minutes by the busy functionaries before I was finally invited to present our passports and have our passage authorized.

On the way out, I observed to Mr. Arthurton, "I see that the Chief Minister's visit has made a great deal of difference," to which he glumly responded, "Not a bit."

The Community Services Department, organizers of the 2000 Children Summer Workshop, have described the event as a huge success, with feedback from both parents and children overwhelming.

Several tutors from Montserrat and the wider Caribbean were engaged in courses ranging from tie-dye, batik and dancing to screen printing, pottery, storytelling and basketry.

The organizers said classes attracted more than 60 participants at times, demonstrating the level of interest in the programme, hence its tremendous success.

The two-week summer programme also made provisions for sessions to be held in the evenings for adults in disciplines such as dancing.

This too, according to the organizers, was hailed as a success, based largely on the large turnouts.

The Community Services Department said the 2000 Children Summer programme would not have been possible without the sterling support of a number of key personnel and volunteers.

The Honourable Minister for Education Mrs. Adelina Tuitt, her Permanent Secretary Alric Taylor and the hard-working staff of the Community Services Department came in for much praise for their vision.

Tangible support also came from the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), Cable and Wireless, the National Development Foundation (NDF), the Montserrat Football Association (MFA), Montserrat Christian Council and the Montserrat Red Cross, among others.

The organizers paid special tribute to the workshop facilitators who took time out of their busy schedules to impart their knowledge to the children – evidenced by their ability to produce at the end of the programme.

The Community Service Department also recognized the crucial roles played by Radio Montserrat and the Montserrat Reporter, the Sports Department, the staff and pupils of the Montserrat Secondary School, as well as the Brades and St. Augustine schools.

The local volunteers --- Clifford Ryan, Eleanor Silcott, Spadico, James Irish, Reverend Joan Meade, Everlyn Dyer, James White Jr., Elton Irish and Lenroy Daley.

The Community Services Department says the programme is now well established after three years and planning for next year’s event is critical to ensuring a bigger and better exercise.

Just over a week ago news from the Ministry of Education says it is providing the opportunity for persons on the island to upgrade their academic qualifications.

The Ministry has announced plans to conduct part time courses in Information Technology, Office Procedures, Accounting and Textiles for external examinations.

Short courses will also be offered in Computer Literacy, Small Business Management and Electrical Installation.

Education Officer Rosemund Meade says the decision to host the courses was made after an overwhelming response to a questionnaire on pursuing overseas courses.

Mrs. Meade says the idea is to give school leavers an opportunity to continue their education or repeat courses in which they were unsuccessful.

She says it will also provide an opportunity for unemployed persons to gain skills which will enable them to become employable and gives others a chance to do something of interest.

Outgoing Manager of the Bank of Montserrat Gregory Degannes has spoken out in defense of the recently approved Soft Mortgage Scheme.

Mr. Degannes says the scheme, which is facilitated by the Bank of Montserrat along with the British and Montserrat governments, is officially called the Mortgage Assistance programme.

He says the programme was conceptualised to help residents who were 'marginalised' because of the volcanic crisis.

Mr. Degannes says the mortgage programme is an important tool which will help to trigger the economy of Montserrat.

Contrary to political gossip, the John Osborne-led People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) has not been dissolved.

This is according to the recently appointed acting minister of Communications and Works, Mrs. Idabelle Meade.

Mrs. Meade, who is a member of the PPA, says her appointment has the full backing of the party leader John Osborne, who also supports her appointment as Second Nominated Member in the Legislative Council.

Montserrat has been selected as one of 11 national football associations from the CONCACAF region to benefit from FIFA’s Goal project from 2000-2002.

President of the Montserrat Football Associatin (MFA) Vincent Cassell says Montserrat was chosen in the new list after submitting its financial report and project proposal.

Large-scale plans for the project only became possible through the sale of television rights of the upcoming 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

The ultimate aim of the Goal programme and the accompanying financial aid is independence for each national association.

The approved budget for the project totals US $80 million, of which the Montserrat Football Association is expected to receive a portion.

Montserrat will participate in FIFA World Cup 2000 Under 20 CONCACAF Zone competition later this year.

The local team has been drawn in Group C, alongside Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Grenada and Dominica.

Montserrat will engage Dominica in their home and away playoff October 1^st and 8^th.

The local association's league began two weeks ago and is part of its preparation for the competition, which runs through December this year.

His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott this week called for measures to be taken to stamp out domestic violence on Montserrat.

Speaking at a domestic violence seminar at the Vue Point Hotel he said if left unchecked domestic violence could eat away at the social fabric of the community.

The seminar was attended by senior police officers, senior managers in the public service and representatives of non-government organizations.

Governor Abbott says many cases of domestic abuse go unreported but there is more than enough evidence of existence here.

One of the main recommendations of participants was to sensitize the public about domestic violence.

Community Development Officer Bernadine Collins who co-facilitated the seminar said the Police and health officials should also report all incidents of domestic violence and proper protocols developed to deal with the issue.

According to sources, the seminar will continue later on September 27 and 28.

Cable & Wireless recently announced the introduction of Internet Direct Connect with up to 60% savings on the monthly charges.

Announcing the roll-out of this premium dedicated access service, Mr. Trevor Clarke, Executive Vice President, Windward Islands, said Cable & Wireless has engineered this service to meet the most demanding requirements of e-business today.

"Direct Connect provides businesses with a dedicated connection to the Internet. It is a quality service for businesses that need to host their Web site or transfer large information files among employees or between customers," said Mr. Clarke.

Cable & Wireless Internet Direct Connect provides businesses with managed access to the Internet. It packages together several elements:

• A port on the Cable & Wireless Internet platform
• A frame relay or private circuit connection between your site and the Cable & Wireless Internet platform

Cable & Wireless can support speeds from 64kbit/s to E1 (2048kbit/s), depending on the bandwidth requirement of the customer.

Mr. Clarke added, "Customers can now save up to 60% on the monthly charges when compared to the old pricing plans. The new pricing plans allow customers to take advantage of our term discount plans. These provide further rebates on the monthly charges ranging from 10 - 20% based on their commitment period. "

The new pricing comes into effect August 1st, 2000 and will be available in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, BVI, Cayman, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Turks & Caicos. The upgrade fee will be waived for all customers who register during the month of August.

Emphasising the company's high level of service and reliability, Executive Vice President, Mr. Trevor Clarke added, "You can count on the exceptional performance and around-the-clock reliability with Cable & Wireless Direct Connect.

Following meetings with the Chief Minister and delegation which visited Antigua at the beginning of the month, the Government of Montserrat and Caribbean Helicopters are working on ways of improving helicopter tours to the island.

A three-member team from Caribbean Helicopters met last Friday with the Chief Minister, the Director of Tourism, the Airport Manager and other key government personnel.

The meeting provided the platform for both sides to discuss ways of conducting the tours that will be beneficial to both sides, including reducing the amount of time spent clearing customs and immigration.

Pilot and Base Manager of Caribbean Helicopters Steve Gray said after the meeting there is already a growing demand for the volcano tours to Montserrat.

Meanwhile, the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt says the arrangement with Caribbean Helicopters will have many benefits for the people of Montserrat.

Mr. Brandt says as a result the government will not lay any charges against the company, which is based in Antigua.

However he says the company has been asked to include aspects of Montserrat in their promotions.

At a press conference early last week when the matter was raised, the Chief Minister, who is also the Minister of Finance, said there will be benefits to the island from the tours: "The MVO will be involved, taxis will be involved, people will come to the island and may purchase property."

Director of Tourism Ernestine Cassell welcomed the arrangement with Caribbean Helicopters.

She says the Department along with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory is working with the operators of the company to ensure that correct information about Montserrat is relayed to the tourists.

Miss Cassell says Caribbean Helicopters has also offered to organize tours out of Montserrat.

The banking and financial sector in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is to receive a grant of 150,000 Canadian dollars to assist the region in becoming financially competitive on a global scale.

The announcement was made at the September 8 annual general meeting of the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Banking and Financial Services (ECIB) held at Grenada’s Grand Beach Resort.

The funding for the Institute’s OECS Financial Sector Productivity and Best Practices Initiative will come from the Caribbean Regional Human Resource Development Programme for Economic Competitiveness (CPEC).

As part of the project, 25 persons will be trained on how to implement human resource development programmes and strategic plans in order to reduce risks and enhance global competitiveness. Also included in the project will be training opportunities for 250 young people throughout the OECS to prepare them for employment in the field of banking, insurance and finance.

The Eastern Caribbean Institute of Banking and Financial Services is a sub- regional grouping of bankers and officials of the financial services sector, whose primary aim is performance development in the banking industry.

Claude E.S. Hogan of Long Ground, Montserrat has completed his Master's degree, majoring in International Trade and Economic law. The course was completed over a one-year period at the University of London, England. He also holds a degree in Political Science/Law from Kean University, USA and has a background in Public Administration, Management, Finance and Communications.

Mr. Hogan has published works in a number of political and legal journals. He is a former CARICOM diplomat and Montserrat civil servant. The Reporter understands that during his sojourn in the United Kingdom, he authored a vision for Montserrat which has been given limited circulation locally. It is hoped that his vision will be shared with the wider Montserrat public in the not too distant future.

On Monday September 18, 2000, the Hon Chief Minister David Brandt chaired a meeting in the conference room of the Montserrat Development Unit to inform the other three ministers of government and their permanent secretaries of the status of the projects that are ongoing, approved and those waiting approval.

At the meeting were the Hon Brunel Meade, minister of Agriculture/Lands/Housing and Environment, and Permanent Secretary Ann Marie Dewar; the Hon Adelina Tuitt, minister of Health, Education and Community Services, and the Hon Idabelle Meade, acting minister of Communication and Works, and Permanent Secretary Eugene Skerritt. Also present were Angela Greenaway, Director of Development, Ian Young and Stephen Young from DFID, Government Engineer Ken Fouldes, Public Works Department architect Michael Luffingham and Government Press Officer Cecil Cassell.

PWD architect Mike Luffingham was the main presenter, with valuable contributions coming from Mrs. Greenaway, Mr. Fouldes and Ian and Stephen Young.

Some of the more than 40 projects discussed at the meeting were Government Headquarters roof, Land Development Authority / Lands & Survey / Housing Unit Office, Sheltered Housing at Lookout, the Mortuary, St John’s Hospital Operating Theatre, Fire Station at Brades. the New Police Headquarters, Fisheries facility, the Abattoir, Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Heliport Terminal, Nursery School and Day Care Centre, Little Bay Land Site Development, Montserrat Community College and New Public Library Brades.

Mr. Brandt told the meeting that his government was very concerned about the employment situation and they will to do all their power to speed up approval and implementation of the projects. Mrs Angela Greenaway said that in the next month a significant number of projects would come on stream and be ready for tendering.

The elderly who are interned on Montserrat got a treat last weekend when the Antigua/Barbuda Community Marching Band put on three days of performances at the three nursing homes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Marching Band was formed 25 years ago and has a complement of 20.

The French Military is looking at ways of assisting Montserrat.

A team of 12 officers from the French Armed Forces in the Caribbean paid a one-day visit to the island on September 5.

The team was led by Colonel Patrick Dutartre, who is responsible for the French Air Force in the French West Indies, and included officers from both Martinique and Guadelope.

While here the French officers familiarized themselves with the island and discussed ways in which they can assist in the event of a serious volcanic crisis.

During the visit they met with His Excellency the Governor, the Honourable Chief Minister and other key persons involved in contingency plans and security matters.

They also made a tour of the island and visited the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Port Little Bay and the Geralds Heliport.

Students in Montserrat have an opportunity to continue their education in institutions of higher learning in the United Kingdom.

The Commonwealth through its Scholarship and Fellowship plan provides this opportunity.

The scholarship, which becomes available in 2001, allows successful applicants to pursue advanced academic study.

Scholarships are normally open to men and women but the commission is keen to increase the number of women participating in the scheme.

The Roman Catholic Church here says it plans to erect a church building in the north of the island.

The Roman Catholic Church, along with the convent and school, were destroyed by pyroclastic flow and mudflow events in Plymouth in 1997.

Father Larry Finnegan, who just ended a seven-year assignment here, said a plan to rebuild has been submitted to the Government.

He said the project is taking some time because the church wants to ensure a proper facility is rebuilt.

The Bank of Montserrat is saying farewell to its manager of the last six years.

A ceremony was held the first weekend in September to pay tribute to Gregory Degannes, who leaves the post in November.

Mr. Degannes has been credited with, among other things, steering the Bank of Montserrat successfully during the volcanic crisis and increasing its customer base.

Chairman of the Bank’s Board of Directors D.R.V. (Frank) Edwards said Mr. Degannes was instrumental in every bold initiative and forward planning measures that were implemented.

Mrs. Brenda Buffonge paid tribute to Mr. Degannes on behalf of the staff, saying the success of the Bank is testimony to the depth of Mr. Degannes' skills.

In his response, Mr. Degannes credited his success to the supportive staff at the Bank of Montserrat.

Mighty Sparrow

A showcase of the region’s top calypso and soca artists will be on stage in Montserrat tonight at the Bitter End Bar in Little Bay.

Patrons will see the likes of the Mighty Sparrow and Poser out of Trinidad, Onion, Calypso Jim and Fire from Antigua perform.

Montserratian Promoter and Record Producer William Blake says the show is aimed at bringing first class entertainment to the people of Montserrat.

New York -- Two editors based in Kinshasa, Zaire, accused of high treason and threatened with the death penalty were sentenced to lengthy prison terms last week, the Committee to Protect Journalists announced here Thursday.

On September 12, Emile-Aimé Kakese Vinalu of Le Carrousel and Jean-Pierre Ekanga Mukuna of La Tribune de la Nation were each sentenced to two years in prison on charges of "demoralizing the Army" and making "veiled calls to opposition leaders and sympathizers to rebel against the powers that be."

Prosecutors had asked the military court to impose a death sentence.

Vinalu was prosecuted for articles published in the June 20 edition of Le Carrousel, lamenting the lack of cooperation among Congolese opposition movements and the lack of free expression in the country. He has been in government custody since his arrest on June 24.

Mukuna was first arrested on June 23, reportedly for refusing to reveal Vinalu's home address. He was released on July 10, but re-arrested on August 17 when he appeared in court to testify on Vinalu's behalf. He was also charged with high treason.

"We are relieved that Vinalu and Mukuna have not been sentenced to death, but our relief is tempered by the outrage we feel at the two-year jail sentences," said CPJ executive director Ann Cooper.

A third journalist, editor Richard Nsamba Olangi of Le Messager Africain, was arrested on August 15 when he arrived in court to testify on behalf of Vinalu. Olangi received a six-month jail sentence plus an additional six-month suspended sentence.

The presiding Court of Military Order (COM), whose rulings cannot be appealed, also ordered some of Olangi's property confiscated.

Thirty -four members from across the region attended the fourth annual general meeting of the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Banking and Financial Services (ECIB) held in the conference room of the Grenada Grand Beach Resort on September 08 2000.

The meeting received an update on the Institute's activities for the year 2000/2001 from CEO Analdo Bailey, a report by the Chairman and President Mr. Errol Allen on last year's activities, as well as reports from representatives of the local committees from each member territory.

Special presentations were made to Mrs. Eileen Murraine for her outstanding contribution to the success of the ECID Dominica Center and Mrs. Cheryl Rodriques in recognition of her continuing support to the St. Vincent Local Committee. The St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank and the Antigua Commercial Bank were commended for their sterling support for the activities and training programs organized by the Institute.

The second issue of the Eastern Banker, a publication of the ECIB, was released to the members.

The St. Lucia prime minister called for a redefinition of global governance to embody the principles of inclusiveness, equality, transparency and participatory action.
"The United Nations System must take the leading role in the refashioning of multilateral economic governance so as to establish a new regime that is fully legitimate and effective, so that states such as a Saint Lucia, given their openness, small size, diseconomies of scale and vulnerability, are not further victimised, marginalised and ostracised," he said.

Jamaica, CANA - Prime Minister Percival Patterson says Jamaican laws against homosexuality will remain in place despite overseas pressure for the scrapping of such legislation.
Patterson said Sunday that in a meeting last week with an Amnesty International delegation led by General Secretary Pierre Sane' he had rejected arguments that Jamaican laws which made homosexuality illegal should be abolished.
"I said to them that as long as I am Prime Minister no such thing will happen..." the prime minister declared to loud cheers from thousands of supporters at his Peoples National Party's (PNP) 62nd annual conference in Kingston's National Arena.
Patterson lashed out at the human rights group for what he suggested was its lopsided views.
He argued that Amnesty International should seek to not only defend the rights of "murderers, robbers and rapists" but the victims of crime who "also have human rights".
The organisation should also seek to deal with "poverty, ignorance and disease" which were also human rights' issues, Patterson said.

Montserrat ended the 2000 Leewards cricket tournament on a high, this due mainly to the exploits of Devon Williams almost 500 runs including 150 vs Antigua.

Tyrone Greenaway topped 300 runs and 20 wickets and wicket keeper David Lane’s usual brilliance behind the stumps backed up by his two centuries.

The three were deemed automatic selections to the Leeward squad for October regional Red Stripe bowl championship.

Back then there were three (William, Lane, Greenaway) now there are two.

Fact: Devon ‘Rackatang’ William and Tyrone ‘Charlie’ Greenaway are in the Leeward Island's 19 man squad.

Shocking: David Lane is out. Why?

Earlier this season Lane announced his retirement from cricket sighting differences with John Smith president of the Montserrat cricket association. However numerous fans of the soft-spoken popular wicket keeper came to the rescue and persuaded Lane to come back and the rest is history. Lane outclassed the other five wicket keepers in the competition with both gloves and bat. Why therefore is he not in the Leeward Island Squad?

Word out of Antigua from reliable sources close to the hierarchy of the Leeward cricket is that both Antigua and St. Kitts were pushing for Lane's inclusion, but the Leeward Island board was informed that Lane should not be considered for selection due to disciplinary reasons at home.

What? I have been close to the cricket; cricketers and officials all season and haven’t heard or seen the slightest hint of disciplinary problem with Mr. Lane.

When contacted captain of Montserrat team Devon Williams said he is not aware of any disciplinary concerns with Lane and manager Cedric Sheill said, "I don’t know any thing about that. In my report there was no such thing". Lane expresses surprise at the statement and one cricket executive member denied any knowledge about the matter.

The question that needs answered is who made this trumped up charge against Mr. Lane? And could this be a personal vendetta? The situation begs the question: Is there some traitor on board and should the horns be examined? A serious investigation into the matter should be launched through the sports department, the ministry and Minister of Sports and if this is proven to be so, the perpetrator should be permanently banned and eradicated from every aspect of cricket in Montserrat.

Personally I feel sad Lane has always given 110%, he is a good team man and with his soft voice is one of the greatest motivators and inspiration to a Montserrat cricket team.

With Jacob due to tour Australia in November with West Indies it means that David ‘Dow’ Lane would have kept cricket for the Leewards in the 2001 Red Stripe Cup vs Barbados, Jamaica etc. What a tremendous opportunity lost, and for what reason?

We are denied the privilege of hearing Reds Perriera, Bobby Fray, Jack Mathew, Andrew Manson et al searching their vocabularies to find objectives and superlatives to describe Lane’s work behind the stumps and his peculiar square cut, cover drive and flick off the pads.

But all is not lost. Three cheers for Devon Williams and Tyrone Greenaway your time has come. Prepare yourselves quickly and well, the future of cricket in Montserrat rests largely with you. The country is 100% behind you.

Williams needs to strike form early. Once this is done, I can visualize him walking to the crease at number 5 for the West Indies one-day team. Tyrone needs to make use of his considerable batting ability in tandem with his steady medium pace and brilliance in the field to forge ahead of other competitors.

The squad includes six Antiguans, five Nevisians, four Kittians, two Montserratians and two Anguillans.

Antigua: R. Jacobs wicket keeper, D Jo, A Lake, R Christopher, A Prince, W Cornwall.

Nevis: S Williams, C Tucket, R. Morton, K Authurton, and J Maynard

St. Kitts: J Mitchum, C Cannonier, J Saddler, And S Jeffers

Montserrat: D William, T Greenaway

Anguilla: A Adams, O Banks

Sylvester Joseph and Kerry Jeremy are on tour with the West Indies One-Day Team and were not considered for selection.

When will we stop clowning ourselves before our enemies? When will we stop fooling ourselves on the world stage? It seems that every time that we are given an opportunity to demonstrate our gladiatorial spirit, our prowess, our altruism, we tend to waste the one-in-a-lifetime chance to send the world a positive message. Instead, we often educate them on our "badness," "facetiousness," "ignorance" and "crab-like-behaviour."

The Jamaicans, noted for their natural talents and ingenuity, though labelled as a brutal, undisciplined, rebellious and aggressive population, opted to clown themselves in Sydney instead of crowning themselves. Before millions of international television viewers, the Olympians and their management opted to wash their dirty linen in the boisterous Indian and South Pacific Oceans instead of the tranquil Caribbean Sea.

It certainly was not "Cool Runnings," as Bob Marley had preached. Dennis Gary of the Associated Press reported that a group of Jamaican runners, considered medal contenders in the relays, gathered in the international zone of the Olympic Village to publicize their threat Monday (Sunday night EDT), carrying placards reading, "Merlene out, Peta-Gaye in. No relays."

Danny McFarlane, a 400-meter runner, said that team officials had announced that Ottey would compete in the 100 meters in place of Peta-Gaye Dowdie, who beat her in the Jamaican Olympic track trials. McFarlane and the other protesters sat in a semicircle at the international zone, where athletes can meet with visitors.

Then they walked around the village area, holding the protest placards. "We don't think it's fair. If it happens, we are not going to run in our relays," McFarlane said. He said he would bow out of the 1,600-meter relay but run in his individual event.

The Jamaican men's team was among the favorites for gold in the 1,600 relays, along with the United States, and Jamaican women were expected to challenge the United States for gold in the 400 relay.

The 40-year-old Ottey who has won seven Olympic medals, including two silver at the 1996 Games, and is returning from a one-year ban from international competition after traces of the steroid nandrolone were found in her system, placed fourth in the 100 meters at the Jamaican trials in July, behind Dowdie, Beverley McDonald and Tanya Lawrence. And the four were picked to run in the 400 relays.

The repercussions could have been far-reaching and could have had serious implications for the athletes, for Jamaican and Caribbean athletics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) threatened to throw Jamaica out of the 27th Olympic Games following a placard-bearing demonstration by more than 20 members of the track and field contingent at the athletes' village.

Head of delegation Don Anderson, who conveyed the IOC's 'directive' to the athletes who had been demonstrating for more than an hour in the international zone outside the Games village, said he understood they had some "critical, burning issues" which had prompted the demonstration but they were not expressing their feelings in the right way.

"The IOC called our president and they called me and the IOC has issued a directive that if the group of Jamaicans who are demonstrating are not in the village within 10 minutes they are going to pull out the entire Jamaican team, starting with the people who are out here," Anderson told the group.

Gregory Haughton, one of the spokespersons for the rebellious group, confirmed: "We are trying to send a message, we think the champion should run regardless."

Dowdie was obviously devastated by the decision of the track and field management. "I have never felt anything like this before," she said in a calm but breaking voice. She said the reason put forward for leaving her out was "she was not fit enough. If I was not fit I would not be here," she concluded.

The recent behaviour and performances of our sports personalities (both players and administrators) have dealt us too many blows below the belt, particularly when we consider that sports (particularly cricket, soccer and athletics) have been the most successful activities that established us as an important people in the international arena and ensure our competitiveness in the global marketplace. These recent developments (including the loss of our cricketing dominance, that is, the loss of the Frank Worrell Trophy and the Wisden Trophy) indeed weaken our efforts at international economic relations, embarrass us as a disadvantaged people and decimate the resolve of a new generation that, by our failure, is on the margin of society. Now when we examine these developments in the light of the fact that the foreign white man is given (by our leaders) more privileges than us in our own land (the land that our ancestors and nationalist leaders gave their lives for), it is a rather frustrating experience.

The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) had not dealt with the matter with equity and justice and seemed to have displayed very poor management, perhaps reflecting the crisis of governance, which is threatening to tear the society apart. The local press, The Gleaner, noted that the matter of who should run the women's 100 meters had been simmering for nearly three months and boiled at Sydney. Dowdie and McDonald threatened to withdraw from the relays if they were not allowed to run the 100. For a few days it was uncertain whether Jamaica would have been able to field any relays.

How often have our representatives frustrated us by the underhanded way that they manage? Our private and public institutions are crumbling; our faith is giving way to doubt as the very people whom we elect or appoint to manage our goods are eroding the values that we have cherished over time.

How long will our leaders misrepresent us? How long will our leaders cause us to monkey ourselves before the world? How long will we exhibit restraint in public

PHOTO CAPTION: They call him a leader with a difference! Sam Condor, Deputy Prime Minster, St Kitts-Nevis, and a sport developer, is generally accepted as a peoples’ representative (Photo: Moses Adrien)

Nobody needs to remind us that we are here because we want to live on Montserrat. Therefore, we must determine the cost to live here and find the money to maintain ourselves through the next stage.

I have said it before, but I will say it again. We can find that money from three sources. Firstly, we can rustle, pirate or, in plain English, steal what we need to run this island. Secondly, we can continue to rant and rave or, complain and demand from others what we want. Thirdly, we could collect from ourselves the money to manage Montserrat and then methodically seek assistance from others to meet any shortfall.

However, it is quite clear that stealing to meet our needs won't work; and that fussing or demanding won't work either. So, we are left with no alternative but to collect as much as possible from ourselves, and to have the faith that help would come, if we want to get through to the next stage.

What I am trying to say is that there is no point in throwing our hands in the air and saying we cannot afford to increase rates. Instead, we must adopt a holistic approach to taxation and our desire to remain on Montserrat.

We must understand that property tax, water rates, income tax, Port dues, fuel tax, electricity rates, tax arrears, customs duties and consumption tax are all part of the same thing. They are all taxes collected into one consolidated pot from which Montserrat must be managed.

Taxes are the money people pay to their government to provide services, to maintain a standard of living. We live here, so by implication all of us agreed to pay taxes and rates, whatever it costs.

So let us look at the big picture -- the whole of Montserrat -- and then determine our needs as a nation. Surely, we need an organised system of water service, we need an organised system of electricity service, we need a port, and we need roads. We need organised systems of health care, police protection, education and social welfare. We want telephone communications and cable TV entertainment too.

Still we need to put aside money for emergency operations and for economic hard times. And of course, we have to pay the employees who are privileged to work in the offices.

So chief, in the next stage it will be all about taxation. It can only be one thing, taxation. And whether we collect it as license fees from cable TV and Cable & Wireless, it is just the same as water rates, Port dues, property tax, lab fees, court fines or consumption tax.  So if it is easier to collect more from port dues and customs duty, collect more from them and subsidise water rates.  If it is easier to collect more fees from Cable TV, Cable & Wireless and court fines for the traffic offenses, collect more and subsidise the price of cooking gas.

This will be the economics of the next stage, optimum rates, inter- and intra-department subsidies, collecting more where it is easier to collect more. A little illustration should help. It is easier for the poor people to spend $30 extra each month at the supermarket -- a little 10cents here a little 60 cents there and a little 90 cents in dey-than for them to pay $5 more on their water bill.

I understand what you are trying to say Mr. Chief Minister, but you have not given me enough information to support your reasons for no increased rates.

For goodness sake, before you say that we cannot afford this or that tax, let us honestly determine the real cost for living on Montserrat and how much revenue we can collect from ourselves for the services provided by our government.

We must not go on stage and tell the world that we cannot pay increased water rates when so many of us owe over $14 million in tax arrears.

No, we cannot go on stage and shout no increase in property tax when the port authority, Cable TV and Cable & Wireless can put aside millions each year.

And we cannot continue to exempt pensioners, fishermen and farmers from income tax. We must not grant tax-free housing allowance and travel allowance to civil servants and politicians.

We must not complain about the cost of electricity if we are not prepared to define taxable income consistently or to improve our tax collection system.

In my view, the economics of the next stage commands that all the revenue from the resources of Montserrat be combined and used for the benefit of everybody. It should not be that Port is doing well and Water Authority is catching hell. No, it's one people all agreeing to pay to their government the cost of running their country. And whether we pay at Water Authority or at Port Authority the tax is to be used to maintain a quality of life for all of us.

In my view, the tax collected is not only for politicians' gratuity or civil servants' pensions and medical insurance. A balance must be achieved whereby some of the customs duty and port dues are used to absorb the high cost of providing water to Montserratians.

The concept is not new. Consumption tax is used to subsidise health care and property tax is used to subsidise police protection. And that’s how it used to be -- water, power, telephone, land tax all paid into one revenue. It is holistic taxation; it is the concept for the next stage, the way forward.

Yes Bro. Brandt, it is realty all about holistic taxation, water rates, tax arrears, port dues, and all taxes coming together in economics for the next stage. And the good thing about the next stage is that the world would help us; but first we may have to acknowledge that tax arrears and water rates are one and the same thing.

Mr. CM the ball is still in your court; represent us! You must present, discuss and debate the issue of tax arrears if you honestly want financial relief for Montserratians.

There is no doubt that almost everyone in Montserrat is familiar with the word "harmful tax."

Harmful tax is defined as a company exempt from the payment of tax on dividends, interest, rents, royalties and capital gains paid to or made by persons not resident in Montserrat.

There are three such legislations in Montserrat which fall under the OECD's harmful tax.

They are -

1. The International Business Company Ordinance 1985;
2. Limited Liability Company Act 1998; and
3. Limited Partnership Act 1998.

Under the International Business Company Ordinance 1985 an International Business Company is defined as a Company that does not -

1. carry on business with persons resident in Montserrat;
2. own an interest in real property in Montserrat other than a lease of property for use as an office from which to communicate with its members or in which its books and records are maintained;
3. accept banking deposits from persons resident in Montserrat;
4. accept contracts of insurance from persons resident in Montserrat.

If a company falls within the definition of an International Business Company, then by virtue of section 111 of the Ordinance it is exempted from the payment of taxes on dividends, interest, rents, royalties and capital gains paid to or made by persons not resident in Montserrat.

Under section 71 of the Limited Liability Company Act 1998 a Limited Liability Company which does no business in Montserrat is exempted from taxation. Under section 17 of Limited Partnership Act 1998 there is a similar provision in relation to Limited Partnerships which carry on no business in Montserrat.

There is double taxation relief under the Income Tax Act that is harmful to Montserrat's economy and should be repealed.

Section 92 of the Income Tax Act (Vol. 1 of the Interim Revised Booklets) states - "If the Governor-in-Council by Order declares that arrangements specified in the Order have been with the Government of any territory outside of Montserrat with a view to affording relief from double taxation in relation to income tax or any tax of a similar character imposed by the laws of that territory, and that it is expedient that those arrangements should have effect, the arrangements shall have effect in relation to income tax notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any enactment."

Montserrat has double taxation agreements with the following countries -

• Japan (1970)
• Commonwealth Caribbean Countries (1974)
• Canada (1952)
• Denmark (1956)
• New Zealand (1952)
• Norway (1956)
• Sweden (1954)
• United Kingdom (1948)
• U.S.A. (1958)
• Switzerland (1964)

If exempting a company from the payment of taxes on dividends, interest, rents, royalties and capital gains paid to or made by persons not resident in Montserrat, it may be now necessary that Montserrat re-look at the state of its Double Taxation Agreement with the various countries which could be considered as harmful tax in the light of our economy.

"I swam quite a few hundred yards out to sea and to my amazement, each child succeeded in swimming out to me, giving me a high five upon reaching. I took them all over to the rocks where within half an hour they all were not only diving but doing flips too. From that point on every time we performed, no matter where, each one of those 23 kids was there, enjoying and participating in our performance."
I have been to many festivals this grand in nature in the USA, Canada, and Africa, and I can honestly say that in terms of organization, presentation, planning, and implementation, this was the best- run event I've ever had the pleasure of participating in. St. Kitts did a wonderful job. God
willing, see you in Suriname in 2004.

(Robert Smith is a freelance journalist based in New York. He has been either living in or visiting Montserrat for the last 23 years. He calls Montserrat his home.)

By Mrs Joan Moinodeen District Nurse

A Pterygium is a fleshy triangular non-cancerous tumour that normally grows at the side of the eyeball. It may occur in both eyes and if it grows across the cornea can cause disturbances in vision. Its cause is not known.

Ptergyia are extremely common in tropical climate where people live outdoors a great deal of the time and are exposed to sun, wind and dust. Persons such as farmers, sailors and postmen are prone to develop this growth. Persons who are exposed to ultraviolet light are also prone to develop pterygium.

An eye examination is usually sufficient to diagnose the disorder.

Signs & Symptoms - You can see a flesh growing at the corner of the eyeball and there is redness and burning / irritation of the eye when exposed to sunlight.

Treatment - No treatment is required unless the pterygium encroaches on the pupillary area and obstructs vision. Then it should be removed. The purpose of pterygium removal is to excise the growth before it can significantly interfere with vision, or if it extends more than 1 mm into the cornea.

The surgery is very simple and it can be done at an ophthalmologist's office; however, most ophthalmologists prefer to remove it in the hospital if the facilities are conveniently present.

Prevention - Eye protection from ultraviolet light may have a preventive effect. Also protective glasses should be worn to prevent recurrences in people who work outdoors.

Jus wonderin whose the sticky bandit in the numero one travel office.

Jus wonderin if the editor will report on the political convention, which was held in Barbados.

Jus wonderin why the newly renovated clinic is so highlighted.

Jus wonderin what will become of the young men of this country if they continue to feature the white paper styles.

Jus wonderin if dem jus wonderers no jus read de paper.

Jus wonderin if the bank staffs are running for MISS WELL DRESS while leaving so many errors in their works.

Jus wonderin what problems tellers at the Bank have excusing customs more than a 100 times a day doing a reception job.

Jus wonderin who master minded that plan.

Jus wonderin when will Montserratians look for what the country needs and stop mind people's business.

Jus wonderin why so many people fighting fo land so dem know no dem ah fo left um.

Jus wonderin if the G on vehicles should change to H or M.

Jus wonderin if they think when they are representing a country it mean that they must grab what they can get now they have the chance.

Jus wonderin if we can find someone that has more than something good to say for the people of Montserrat to run for election.

Jus wonderin if no comment will open up her mouth and speak like some one who is willing to do a better job.

Jus wonderin if the minister could any longer take advice from the PS who always complaining to Governor.

Jus wonderin who the next con-victim will be for the foreign newsman.

Jus wonderin which of the communication specialists on island will get the vacant head station job.

Jus wonderin all who were frightened on September 17 last weekend with the rain.

Greetings comrades, welcome to another edition of labour speaks.

Today I am going to touch on a few issues that have caused me to stop and think -- where are we going, where are we headed?

In reading the latest edition of the Montserrat newsletter, which in my opinion should really be called the newsletter of the governor and company, I have developed a sense of fear for my country. A fear similar to that recently expressed by opposition MP Hughes in Anguilla. There is an item in that newsletter under the caption New Staff at governor’s office. I would like to know what is the reasoning behind recruiting staff for the governor’s office from England. We have an unemployment problem in Montserrat, whether or not some of us would like to face this reality. We have had children graduating from secondary school and I see no move to create employment for them. Yet, there is an office on island that recruits workers from England while the locals who are ready for the job market remain unemployed. Comrades my fear is that we are once again experiencing the same colonialistic, master slavery days attitude. Is it that the governor’s office is elite and therefore locals can be employed as no more than messengers and secretaries? Come on Montserratians, tell me if we are still held in the shackles of colonialism.

In that same newsletter is the text of the governor’s address delivered at the secondary school speech day exercise on July 4, 2000. There is a portion which reads and I quote: "last year the British government produced a white paper, partnership for progress and prosperity, which set out its ideas on how the relationship with overseas territories and the territories themselves should develop. There was much discussion at the time but this was concentrated on the narrow issues of the grant of British citizenship and certain human rights obligations. However the paper went much further than this. It made clear that the people of the territories should exercise the greatest possible control over their own lives and that the British government supported constitutional development. This is not simply about who controls the money. It concerns the promotion of open, transparent and accountable government and the fair and equitable exercise of power."

Comrades that is the governor’s opinion as given to a set of impressionable Montserratians. My opinion on this matter differs to a large extent.

Secondly to say that there was much discussion which was at the time concentrated on the narrow issues of British citizenship and certain human rights issues was misleading. The white paper was discussed in greater details by many. It only happens that the issues mentioned were seen by many as what would affect them personally and because of this people were more vocal on these issues. But then to call them narrow issues is again misleading, for any issue that affects the lives of people can never be termed as narrow. What is wrong with us Montserratians? Can we not open our eyes and see we are right back to where Bob Griffith and Willy Bramble began?

Further in that speech it was stated that the people of the territories should exercise the greatest possible control over their own lives and that the British government supported constitutional development. Comrades I personally, from what I have seen over the past few years, do not take this view. I am of the opinion that we are being dictated to left, right and centre and I would dare say that from his remarks I am of the opinion that this is the way the parliamentarian in Anguilla sees it. I do not and cannot believe that the British government has any intention that we exercise the greatest possible control of our lives; their actions in my opinion say otherwise. As to constitutional developments, is the governor speaking of constitutional reform in terms of writing a new constitution, or amending the old one? I think he left that one hanging, therefore one can draw whatever conclusions they so desired. However, I believe by now my listening public will know that from this end the support for any constitutional reform that empowers us as a people is supported.

Let us look further into the governor’s address where he said this is not simply about who controls the money, but concerns the promotion of open, transparent, and accountable government, and the fair and equitable exercise of power. Comrades the part that alludes to good governance is commendable. If we are to develop and if all are to benefit fully we need good governance. Therefore it is a necessity that we have the mechanisms in place to provide for such. Remember last week I said that James Madison said if men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. But comrades, recognising that men are not angels and we do not have angels governing us, we need to make sure that government is transparent, accountable, fair and exercises power in an equitable manner. We need to have the checks and balances in place. To say, however, that it is not about who controls the money in my opinion is a misnomer. In my opinion, as is the opinion of many others with whom I have spoken, what we have witnessed throughout this crisis period is basically a struggle as to who controls the money. I have heard a saying that he who controls the purse controls the people, and comrades we have witnessed this time and again throughout the last couple of years. Minister Weekes has a habit of saying he who pays the piper calls the tune and we have witnessed that time,and time again. Look at all that Brown & Root did, look at government headquarters. Look at the number of people brought here from England to work doing jobs that could be done by nationals or even workers from within this region. Look around comrades and tell me if it is not all about who controls the purse strings. When we are being told what we can or cannot accept, when we are told to jump and how high to jump, when we are rapped on our knuckles like naughty children, is it not all about who controls the money? Montserratians awake.

Comrades I really trust that the British government would like to see the people of the territories exercise greater control over their own lives. I do not want anyone to misinterpret me so I want to make it absolutely clear here that at this time I am not advocating independence when I speak of controlling our own lives. What I am speaking about is empowering us to make certain decisions in the interest of the country and people that would be best made by us and not by a man who sits at a desk in England.

But at the same time, comrades, let us not be fooled or lulled into a state of complacency by rhetorical speeches and the like. We need to open our eyes, ears and minds and discern and determine for ourselves what is and what is not. We have been liberated from physical slavery, comrades, but how free are we, when we are still living in mental and economic slavery? How free are we when we are still being subjected to the wiles of colonialism in a modern era? All the talk of partnership and yet I have not seen such partnership, what I have seen is an ascendancy. Comrades I know that this program will not rest well with some people but as usual I call it the way I see it. We need employment here for locals, we need empowerment for our government and people, we need to operate within a spirit of partnership and co-operation and not one of power play. Above all Montserratians if we are to progress rather than retrogress, if we are to succeed in our quest for taking this country and its people to prosperity, we need to emancipate ourselves from the mental slavery which on the one hand we bring on ourselves and on the other is thrust upon us and awake, work and unite. Otherwise we will forever remain in the yoke of colonialism.

GoM Tender Notification

The Government of Montserrat will shortly be inviting tenders for a number of building construction contracts. Details of these contracts are listed below.

Contractors interested in being included in the selective tender lists for one of more of these contracts are requested to notify the Government Architect, in writing, of their interest.

Interested contractors should provide full contact details of their company and a list, with values, of contracts undertaken in the last five years.

Initial submissions, indicating in which contract(s) the contractors are interested, should be delivered no later than midday, Friday 29 September 2000,

To: 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified citizens of the ECCB member countries to fill the post of Bank Examiner, in the Bank Supervision Department of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Basseterre, St Kitts.

• A good first or higher degree in Accounting, Economics, Banking, Finance, Business Management or professional qualification in Accounting, Banking, or Business Administration.

• Strong analytical skills and research techniques.

• The ability to work efficiently in a team.

• Good writing, oral, and other communication skills.

• Working knowledge of computerised business applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

The Bank Examiner will be directly responsible to the Senior Director, Bank Supervision Department for the proper performance of his/her duties, which will include all or any of the following:

1. Monitoring, assessing and evaluating the operations of financial institutions, and/or of assigned nonbank financial sector (s).
2. Preparing analytical reports on the performance of individual financial institutions, and/or of assigned nonbank financial sector (s).
3. Preparing reports on the financial system in an assigned ECCB member state.
4. Participating in the conduct of examinations of financial institutions.
5. Liasing with, and providing technical assistance to, regulators of nonbank financial institution in ECCB member states.
6. Undertaking such research activities and preparing special reports as may be assigned, or which are of relevance to the work of the Department.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applications stating qualifications and experience with the names and addresses of two (2) referees as well as certified copies of certificates, should be forwarded to:

Mondays, Fridays and Sundays

On Local Access TV - Channel 5 at 7.00 p.m

Beginning Monday 25, 2000

NOTICE is hereby given that the expiration of fourteen (14) from the date hereof, application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration Will Annexed in the Estate of Mary Daley late of Harris Montserrat be granted to Kharl Markham of Allen Markham & Associates, Banks, Montserrat, West Indies, the lawful Attorney for Mavis Watts the Executrix of the Estate.

ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested herein are requested forthwith to send particulars to me the undersigned.

FURTHER, any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice no later than fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice.

Dated this 14^th day of September 2000