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CM Defends HMG Against  Ally's Aid Call

By Helena Durand

The Hon. Chief Minister John Osborne defended Britain on a BBC news report Wednesday against statements by a fellow chief minister who sought to encourage more assistance from that country for Montserrat.

In responding to a lobbying effort on Montserrat’s behalf by Chief Minister of the British Virgin Island, Hon. Ralph O’Neal, Mr Osborne said, “They [Britain] have been fairly good to us. I think the Minister that’s responsible for Montserrat, Claire Short; is very sympathetic to our needs. In fact, I am not going to complain at this moment.”

At a recently held Chief Ministers meeting, Mr. O’Neal had called on Britain to give more aid to Montserrat because he said he felt it had fallen short in its duties towards the island, one of its overseas dependent territories which was experiencing “distress.”

In defending Britain, Mr Osborne told the BBC news, “…I think they have given us a fair amount of money…most of the people [Montserratians] have gone to England, [and]… as I’m sure you might well be aware, or I think Mr. O’Neal is aware, we do not have any natural resources in Montserrat.”

That statement, said former Chief Minister David Brandt, "is an insult to the people of Montserrat who have remained on the island holding steadfastly to the belief that by working together they can rebuild their homeland."

“The Chief Minister must retract that statement,” Mr. Brandt said. “The people of Montserrat are the island’s most valuable resource, its most valuable asset.”

A political observer here was "stunned"" to hear Mr. Osborne's statement. "How dare the Chief Minister say that Montserrat does not have any natural resources? If Montserrat has no resources, what is he Chief Minister of? Who is he elected to govern, animals?

"The people are the island’s natural resources. They are the ones who have to pool themselves together; in other words pool their resources together, and help develop the island. Therefore, to have said something like that was surely to slap Montserratians’ in the face, and the Chief Minister has to apologize to the people of Montserrat for that.”

When asked pointedly by the BBC reporter whether he shared Mr. O’Neal’s sentiments, Mr. Osborne replied, “well, to a certain extent.”  

Artist impression of the proposed Geralds bottom airport - see more here

He explained that he felt sure that Mr. O’Neal was talking about “how quickly we can get a proper airport, and a proper seaport.”

The political observer responded that, “it could not possibly be about the airport because the Chief Minister had already announced his government’s agreement with the British for an airstrip at Gerald’s.”

The observer compared Mr. Osborne’s statement to the international media “to that of former Minister of Health Adelina Tuitt when she told the media that we were alright just after the volcanic eruption.”

Although he said that Montserrat is fine where aid from Britain is concerned, Mr. Osborne conceded that, “they [Britain] probably need to inject a lot more capital in the areas where government usually gets revenue to support itself.” 

Sir Howard Fergus Leaves Speaker Chair

By Helena Durand

The end of an era arrived yesterday with the departure of Sir Howard Fergus from the Speaker’s Chair in the Legislative Council, the longest serving Speaker in the British Commonwealth, with 26 years of service.

Throughout his tenure he won the undisguised admiration and respect of all with whom he came in contact, particularly parliamentarians, who thought him firm and impartial in conducting Council meetings.

At his last sitting at the House yesterday, expressions of Godspeed, and goodwill came from both sides.

Chief Minister John Osborne noted that Sir Howard had been nominated by every administration since 1978 to serve as Speaker, which he called testimony to Sir Howard's fairness in the House.

Opposition Leader Hon. Reuben Meade remarked that with Sir Howard's departure, the customary nonpartisan chairing of meetings in the House had disappeared, as his successor and Deputy speaker, Member of Parliament John Wilson, is a party faithful government-appointee.

Mr. Wilson confessed that stepping into Sir Howard’s shoes is a daunting prospect.

“I must accept that the hugeness of your footprint frightens me," he said.

" I am a little frightened to think that maybe at the next sitting I might not at all be able to conduct the affairs of the House.”  

Sir Fergus' last sitting as Speaker of the House

The retiring Speaker accepted the kind remarks from members of the House, and said, “I owe the various governments a great debt, all of the Governments, all of the Oppositions and all of the people of Montserrat; Because of this Speakership, other doors have been opened unto me in the region, in the Commonwealth, and other honors have been bestowed upon me.” 

EDITORIAL

"Montserratians Now Have to Ask, Whose Side is John Osborne On?"

On the eve of his departure to England to meet with other Chief Ministers, British ministers and officials, our four-term Chief Minister John Osborne has confidently left the people of Montserrat wondering which part of his brain works in the interest of the people of Montserrat.

Earlier this week he was heard telling the BBC he is satisfied that the British Government has done its best in supporting Montserrat and that he has no complaints: " they [Britain], have been fairly good to us…. I in fact, I am not going to complain at this moment.”

Now that he has given the world the impression that All is well with Montserrat, hasn't he made it impossible for us to turn again and ask CARICOM, or any other country for that matter, for support and to lobby on our behalf with Britain?

But let's be fair to him. He immediately turned around and said: "well, to a certain extent he (BVI's Chief Minister Ralph O'Neil) is right because I know what he is talking about" in publicly urging Britain to give greater aid to Montserrat.

By that, he expects to soothe Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development, into giving us more money for "the airport, the seaport and to inject a lot more capital in the areas where government usually gets revenue to support itself."

Mr. Osborne needs to realize that this approach is almost idiotic in many ways; he needs to stop it. How can he not realize that his statement has made it downright difficult for Montserratians to ask Britain for assistance of any kind? Britain has simply to remind us that we have said they have given us much and have nothing to complain about now. Well, 'now you never…'; what British and colonial history has Mr. Osborne's "street smarts" taught him?

But, unfortunately, we are told repeatedly by a few discerning top officials, that such is the psyche that our negotiators take to DFID all the time.

Secondly, reacting to the voiced opposition to construction of an airport/airstrip at Geralds, Mr. Osborne said on Thursday evening,  "…the conclusion that we have reached is that we have no choice but to proceed with a temporary fixed-wing facility at Gerald’s."

When he was questioned and asked for clarification about the statement made on BBC, he fell into that mode where he confidently claims his super intelligence status over other Montserrat humans, that he as leader knows what to say when, and that it is up to anyone to interpret what he says the way they wish. The fact is that he is not human enough to admit that his statement might have been misplaced and did not represent accurately his own beliefs.

Following these calamitous statements and expressions by Mr. Osborne, the Deputy Chief Minister Lowell Lewis announced that commentators and hosts of talk programs on ZJB will be allowed back on the air, after they were told to stay away because conditions regarding public broadcasts were being reviewed. He said that this was conditional on, among other things, the broadcasts meeting or keeping to professional standards. Never any where in the world is anyone required to express themselves to or at "a professional standard."

The Chief Minister, after saying that (Executive Council) have agreed to the construction on a temporary airstrip at Geralds, was unable to tell Herman Sergeant of ZJB what temporary meant in the circumstances, or what the British (DFID) termed as temporary. He continues what is turning out to be very confusing, since Minister of Communications and Works Lewis says, "we are proceeding with the understanding that if the investigations, which are necessary, prove the area to be safe, that we will proceed."

The Chief Minister's statement by itself leaves no room for ifs and buts, but recently he has not been known for making the best of comments on anything regarding Montserrat. He doesn't seem to feel that even after making some decisions, particularly at this time in our history, he should explain the circumstances that guided him.  He doesn't forget, however, the old trick of boasting how poorly off Montserratians are against the high costs of everything, including the new water rate hikes, which he claims he is seeking to have reduced.

One of the arguments that opponents are using against the construction of any airport facility at Geralds is that the facility will in no way enhance the development of Montserrat, not now or ever. The Chief Minister, however, uses the need for the facility for the same development of Montserrat as one of the reasons for "having no choice but to agree," after Britian tells us nothing else is available but a temporary 500-meter airstrip.

This, we all know, will cost us $40 million, whilst the Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat says their research tells them a 1,200-meter airport can be had for $53 million dollars at Old Quaw, with all the potential and possibilities for a future with longevity for Montserrat.

The Chief Minister also cites reports, which he says came from Italians and Mexicans (civil aviation and airport experts), which say that Geralds is the best option for a 'temporary' airstrip which can be ready in two years. Who will doubt that (the safety factors apart)? But no one needed experts to convince us of that . The Chief Minister's own technicians must have told him (or did they or did he hear?) that the same experts went to great lengths to explain that only very special aircraft (9-seaters, of course, excepted) will be able to land at a Geralds airstrip, if the wind studies are favourable.

Mr. Michiel Vreedenburg, Regional Officer - Aerodromes and Ground Aids from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, seemingly ignorant to the wiles of DFID and HMG, said in a four-line paragraph: "…Old Quaw is not considered feasible due to its reduced usability due to the crosswind component, which would have a significant impact on operations…"

Using the flawed Gibbs consultants figures, Mr. Vreedenburg agrees that Thatch Valley offers the best option for an airport in Montserrat, but later concedes that "even though Old Quaw site has not been studied in the same level as the other sites, Geralds etc. …impacts will be of similar order to that for the Thatch Valley site."

It was for this reason, reportedly believing he was acting in Montserrat's best interests, that he told interest groups there was no point in putting a temporary airstrip at Old Quaw, immediately next to Thatch Valley, the preferable choice.

However, a strong statement that supports those opponents of an airstrip at Geralds, temporary or otherwise, came in the following ICAO official obsevation: "The proposed runway length of 500 meters is insufficient for operations of the design Twin Otter in conventional mode with a full payload on the Antigua-Montserrat sector, no refueling available, elevation of 550 ft, temperature of 32 degrees C and on and on…" It went on to point out the special type aircraft that would be required to meet the conditions, which it refers to as onerous.

Where the truth and reality of the Chief Minister's statement fit is for anyone who can read or perhaps hear to decide. In the end, putting aside the economics of the matter, it will be the lives of those who use the airstrip that may be at a greater risk than living in Plymouth presently with an active volcano. 

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

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

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

Strength  - but not to fight

"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress…' ''

Psalm 61:2

We must be careful not to overlook the fact that the quality of meekness described for us in the third saying of our Lord has nothing to do with natural temperament. The meekness and inner strength which He talks about comes not from natural disposition but from the divine indwelling.  This goes, of course, for all the eight characteristics - they are spiritual qualities, not natural ones. Some Christians say: "I am aggressive by nature so it's not possible for me to be meek.  This is how nature has endowed me and I must be the person I am." But we are born again, aren't we?  That, surely must count for something. Every Christian, whatever their natural temperament, is meant to be "meek" in the sense in which Jesus uses the word.

It might be helpful we consider for a moment what meekness is not.  It is not indolence. Indolence is aversion to exertion. I have heard people commend an individual for being meek when that person was simply idle. Again, meekness is not an easy-going kind of attitude - the attitude of someone who says: "Whatever will be will be", or, "Let's take life as it comes."  There are some Christians who have such a casual air about them that this can be mistaken for Biblical meekness.  We must learn to differentiate between that which is bestowed upon us by nature and that which is spiritual.

Meekness is not just being pleasant, either. One person can be nicer than another simply as a matter of temperament. No, meekness is a characteristic that results from a deep trust in God's ability to work His purposes out according to the dictates of the divine will. But doesn't this make for passive people? No, it makes for dependent people. There's a difference.  

Father, I thank You for showing me that meekness is not passivity, but an inner mastery of my spirit. You give me the strength not to fight. Why struggle when I can trust? May Your Son's meekness become mine. Amen.   

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Great Limericks

Dear Editor,

Last week’s Volcano Limericks were great and kudos to the caption-writer of “Drain Rich Spa.”  In addition to being appropriate to its subject, it’s a very clever anagram.

An Interested Observer

Juror Explains Verdict In 'People v. Osborne'

Dear Mr. Editor,
I was called out of retirement to sit on a case, "The people of Montserrat against John Alfred Osborne (The Chief Minister of Montserrat). The case is a very simple one and the facts were well presented by both the prosecutor and the lawyers for the defendant.
As I reflect on the evidence it is clear to me that life may never be back to normal on this beautiful little island. To arrive at my verdict I really had to reflect on the opening remarks of the prosecutor.
He stated:
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you will hear in this case how John Alfred Osborne is totally incapable of being a Member of Parliament, much more Chief Minister of Montserrat, or of any household for that matter.

Those of us who are Montserratians have our own views as to what we think on previous occasions.

"By the evidence that I will present in this case, I will show that the accused might have reasons to be working on behalf of Her Majesty's Government to the detriment of the people of Montserrat.
"It is alleged," the prosecutor went on, "that her Majesty's Government might still be considering bringing their own charges against the accused, and this may be the reason why he appears to be saying things, in praise of them. "
"Members of the jury, it is clear that he is working against the people of this island when he is going to tell the world, via the BBC, that the British Government has given Montserrat a 'fair' amount of money. Not even the DFID or other British officials use such words. They may say that we were given substantial amounts of funding, but I cannot recall them saying fair. Saying that the British gave us a fair amount of money may leave one to wonder, could he mean 'adequate' which is a meaning given to the word fair.

The prosecutor was really upset as he continued.
"Members of the jury, when you look at the state of affairs in Montserrat, and see the suffering and agony of the people, what is a fair amount of money? People are still in shelters, unemployment is very high, we need proper air and seaports that will meet the need of the island now and in the future, bills are killing the employed, much less the unemployed, what is a fair amount of money?
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, all of us on this island who are working are living from hand to mouth and still must pay mortgage on destroyed properties in South of the island. What is a fair amount of money? Here we have a man who had a great opportunity to agree with his fellow Chief Minister from the BVI and let the world know that we are still in need of a lot of money. How can he say the British have given us a fair amount of money? Isn't this a betrayal? Was it part of the ZJB's papishow Friday?

Well, ladies and gentlemen, you will cast judgement on him and I am pleading with you to find him guilty as charged."

As one of my colleagues once said in court, "there is one word in the dictionary to call persons this and it is L---.
I had to concur with the prosecutor; this man is not fit to lead us in the 21st century. The Chief Minister of the BVI must suddenly feel like a fish out of water. This man, trying to help us on Montserrat, telling the world from what he notices (and perhaps what he heard from the man himself) that Her Majesty's Government is not doing enough for Montserrat, and this Chief Minister is on the other hand saying this is not so. Isn't that a crime? What a man. He has said about Thatch Valley that he does not know where the money is going to come from to build the airport there, when his Minister of Communications and Works is doing everything in his power to show the British that that is where we want our airport. And what do the British officials do? They make references to what he says, so they ask themselves the same question; what a man?
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the MVO building he tells the world that they tell him in Antigua, that we the people in Montserrat have a big moneymaker in the MVO building. I couldn't help wonder what we here are telling him; What a man. Last week he told the media that people in Antigua respect him more than people in Montserrat. I wonder why should he think otherwise? We are the ones who know the idiotic human being he is, we are the ones who are suffering under his leadership, we are the ones who will have to do something to get rid of him.
Mr. Editor, my verdict in the case, "The people of Montserrat against John Alfred Osborne," is guilty as charged, and his sentence should be permanent dismissal from Parliament. Problem is how can we do it. ANY IDEAS? I have quite a few, but I'm open to any other suggestions.

Yours truly,

CAC 

Suicidal Terrorists Are Anything  but 'Brave'

Dear Editor,

This is in response to the person or persons who are Jus’ Wonderin’ why “everyone including President Bush think that terrorists are cowards.”  Well, mainly because they are.  A terrorist is a nihilist, someone who rejects totally the laws of a free society and who works in secret to bring it down by any means.  It doesn’t matter to him or her how many people must die for him to achieve his anarchistic ends.  A terrorist is a destroyer, a predator who thrives on chaos.  Yes, a terrorist is a coward, a bully who makes his plans and performs his despicable deeds upon unsuspecting victims under a dark cloak of secrecy.

Next: “ 'Jus’ Wonderin’ if persons who decide to kill themselves to make sure their goals are accomplished could be considered cowards.”  If the terrorists want to kill themselves, fine, that’s their choice.  But they have no right to take the lives of others in so doing.  That makes them murderers, sneaky, cowardly assassins who don’t give their victims a chance or a choice.

Then we have “Jus’ Wonderin’ if that could be considered a very brave act.”  In no way.  An assassin is not brave.  A brave man is valiant, heroic, gallant.  A brave man would issue or accept a challenge, which would, of course, mean his opponent would be aware of his intentions.  When he fought, he would fight like a man, fairly.

The snakes who carried out the recent atrocities in the United States of America hardly qualify as brave or courageous; they are simply bloodthirsty fanatics who thrive on hatred and anarchy.

S. Simpson

LOCAL and REGIONAL NEWS

HMS Coventry Sailors  Dismantle Derelict Bus

Crew members of the Royal Navy frigate, HMS Coventry, which arrived here Wednesday, participated in a number of community projects during their two days here, including demolition of the abandoned yellow school bus opposite the Montserrat Secondary School.

People who stopped to watch as the bus was taken apart for removal expressed mixed feelings. Some regretted its removal, considering it to have been a landmark for visitors and residents, while others called it the long overdue removal of an eyesore.

The husband and wife team of Harry and Ingrid Rapuano, Americans living on Montserrat, contributed greatly to the removal of the bus. They lent their welding tools to the sailors who were then able to continue their work of cutting the bus in two. The actual removal was done by the Public Works Department.

Captain Phillip Jones of the HMS Coventry said, ”I am delighted that our visit has allowed us to build on the Royal Navy’s existing strong ties with the people of Montserrat.”

Other projects undertaken by some members of the ship included an irrigation project, garden landscaping, armoury and weapon inspection, oil spillage exercise with Delta; and a review, and assessment of Operation Exodus with officials of the EOC.   

Reopened Sixth Form Has First 15 Students

Fifteen students have enrolled in the Sixth Form at the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS), the first since Sixth Form was discontinued some four years ago because of the volcanic crisis.

Principal of the MSS Kathleen Greenaway sees this as a good sign. She said she is satisfied with the number of students who have turned out for classes so far.

The school is offering Maths, Literature, English, Biology, Accounting, Caribbean studies (which is compulsory), Information Technology and Economics. 

These subjects come under the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), which replaces London Cambridge. 

HMS Coventry Helps Island on 2-Day Visit

The Royal Navy frigate HMS Coventry anchored in Little Bay on Wednesday for a two-day visit.

The Coventry, commanded by Captain Phillip Jones and carrying a crew of 237, is part of the North Atlantic Patrol Task Force.

During its stay, the crew assisted with a number of projects, including environmental clean-ups, landscaping and water irrigation, as well as assisting the Royal Montserrat Defense Force.

The captain and other senior officers paid courtesy calls on His Excellency the Governor Anthony Longrigg and Chief Minister John Osborne, and were briefed by MVO and EOC officials.

HMS Coventry’s five-month deployment to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea includes countering the illegal trade in drugs, mainly from South America, and responding to any emergency that might arise as a result of natural disasters in the region. 

Rotary Club Opens Hydroponics Project

On September 7th, The Rotary Club of Montserrat unofficially opened its long delayed hydroponics project at Carr's Bay. 

Club President Jim Hixon and the Honorable Minister, Mrs. Annie- Dyer-Howe, opened the demonstration project with short speeches in a brief ceremony during an open house public tour of the project.
A joint venture project of the Rotary Club of Montserrat, David Lea,  and Rotary's international partner, The London Rotary Club, this $50,000 project was originally conceived in late 1997 and jointly funded by the London Rotary Club and Rotary International.  

The first phase of the project, long delayed due to volcanic activity, is open to the public to see how produce is grown hydroponically.
Currently, lettuce is the primary crop being grown, other vegetables added as the project goes forward.  

The second stage of the project, slated to begin in November, will offer courses to teach hydroponic gardening and funds to provide a few small starter kits for persons seriously interested in taking up hydroponic gardening. 

Minister Dyer-Howe eeks Business Center

Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment Hon. Margaret Dyer-Howe is calling for the establishment of a Business Center to fill a need she sees on Montserrat.

She said the idea for the Business Center is not new but has been brought forward following the recently concluded workshops which took place on Montserrat. Mrs. Dyer-Howe said her ministry fully supports such a center. “I’m thinking of the establishment of a Business Center that would offer support services to arts and craft producers," she said. "Also, it will work to not only display our locally produced products, but can offer services in terms of product development, marketing, accounting services, continuity, and administration.”

The availability of such services from an established Business Center, Mrs. Dyer-Howe believes, “would support and help business operators to take their products from perhaps the infancy stage, into the commercial stage.”

Varying officials expressly suggest that some small businesses experience are stillborn or retarded, mainly because no market surveys were done to determine what their clientele most wanted. It is felt that the establishment of a Business Center, would greatly enhance business opportunities here, along with the viability of existing businesses.

One bank official said, “It is not enough to see somebody doing something successfully, and think you can do it as well…There are many things to consider. You must look at location, access, availability of the products, timeliness of the products, and the demand for the product.”

Police Warn Drivers About Road Blocking

Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon Morson is concerned that some drivers are obstructing the free flow of traffic while discharging their passengers.

Mr. Morson said the police have received several reports that the drivers, particularly those dropping off children at St. Augustine School in Woodlands, block traffic by stopping their vehicles at an angle on the road. 

“They discharge the children in the middle of the road, then they have to cross the road to get to the school,” Mr. Morson said.

He said while the police appreciate the drivers’ good intentions, the practice is dangerous and can cause accidents for which the drivers may be liable.

He recommends instead that drivers, including bus drivers, make the turn into Palm Loop and drop off the children at the school’s southern entrance.

Drivers are also complaining that some bus drivers tend to stop anywhere on the road without signalling to other drivers as they drop off passengers.

Other complaints are that some drivers in private vehicles, pull up beside each other to converse, leaving other drivers no choice but to wait until the conversation is over to go on their way. 

Six Montserratians Succeed at UWI

Six Montserratians from the public service and private sector have qualified for valid University of the West Indies credentials, following final examinations at the end of the academic year 2000-2001.

A UWI press release identified them as Geraldine Adams, Anne Buffonge-Thomas, Norman Cassell, Paulette Cooper and Cynthia Dyett, who studied on island for the Certificate in Business Administration, and Lynette Farrell, who studied for the Certificate in Public Administration.

Three of the students, namely Ms. Adams, Mr. Cassell and Ms. Dyett, have now entered the BSc Management programme, which is taught by the same methods. They will obtain credits for some of the courses taken in the Certificate programme.

The release signed by Professor Howard A. Fergus states, they were taught by a mixture of methods. They attended interactive teleconferences directed from one or other of the UWI campuses in Barbados, Jamaica or Trinidad; they also received specially written study material, and benefited from local tutorials conducted by Montserratian and other graduates.

Local tutors, the release states, “are important to the scheme although it is not always possible to find tutors for every single course.”

The University Centre, the release stated, “enjoys the co-operation and support of officials in the Ministry of Education and the Department of Administration.”  

Region Offers Cash, Free Stays To Terror Victims and Rescuers

CMC - Islands across the Caribbean moved Wednesday to offer Americans money and all-expenses-paid vacations in the aftermath of last week's terrorist attacks on United States landmark buildings, believed to have claimed more than 6,000 lives.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sen.. Alicia Hansen urged the legislature to provide US$10 million for the families of victims of the attacks,  to "send a clear signal that in this dark period of tragedy the future shines bright for our American family".
As it celebrated an independence anniversary Wednesday, St. Kitts and Nevis saluted the "super-human efforts" of New York City and Washington D.C. firefighters, rescue workers and police officers and offered them a one-week all-expenses-paid vacation in the islands. Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said, "It is from efforts such as these that our own fire and rescue and emergency security services can take inspiration as we continue to be in a state of disaster readiness during this hurricane season."
And in Grenada, businesswoman Alexandra Otway-Noel opened a fund to help victims, saying it may be an uncommon deed but it is important that people in the Caribbean do whatever they can to assist.

Miss Otway-Noel, who operates a family-run travel agency, noted that many families in Grenada and other Caribbean countries have been affected by the disaster since there are many nationals from the islands living and working in New York.  

Belize Gets US$3 Million For Tourism Development

BELMOPAN, Belize -- A US$3-Million loan agreement between Belize and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) was signed in Belmopan, the government announced this week.

The money will be used to pay for works being carried out under the Tourism Development Project (TDP), a bold initiative that aims to develop Belize's archaeological sites to make them more beneficial to tourism. 

The TDP is a four-year, US$14-Million project, which started on August 1, 2000. (IDB is providing US$11 Million and Republic of China US$3 Million)

Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Tourism Deon Pascascio says the project will have a massive impact on Tourism in that it will compliment Belize's aggressive marketing strategies. 

Upon completion of the project, archaeological sites, Caracol, Xunantunich Altun Ha, Lamnai, El Pilar and Cahal Pech will be able to accommodate more visitors, with better infrastructure.  

Jamaica Allots $462 Million To School Feeding Renewal

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC - The Jamaica government will spend J$462 million on the School Feeding Programme this academic year so that 456,000 children attending basic, primary, all-age and junior high schools will have at least one meal every day.
Of the sum, $203 million has been allocated to Nutrition Products Limited to produce and distribute nutribuns and milk, while $259 million will be used to provide schools with commodities and grants to prepare cooked lunches.
Head of the School Feeding Unit in the Ministry of Education, Helen Robertson said the government's involvement in the preparation of meals for students dates back to 1939.
Its objective is to encourage regular school attendance and to alleviate hunger and enhance the learning capacity of the pupils. The meals provided supply at least one third of the children's daily nutritional requirements.
There are two programmes within the ministry's portfolio that assist in the feeding of students, the nutribun and milk/drink programme and the traditional cooked lunch programme.
At least one aspect of the school feeding programme is in every basic, primary, all-age and junior high and some high schools, JIS said.

Securities Exchange Selects Its Managers

Mr. Baljit Vohra has been appointed General Manager of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE).

His appointment was announced last Friday by Chairman of the ECSE, Sir K. Dwight Venner, at a signing of a five-month contract with Intrados Consulting Group (ICG).

An ECSE press release notes that Mr. Vohra, who is President of the ICG, brings to the position “some 14 years' experience in the design and management of securities markets and pension reform projects. He has provided technical assistance to institutions around the world and has led capital market development initiatives in several countries including India, China, and the Russian Federation.”

Deputy General Manager is St. Lucian Mr. Jonathan Thompson, who has responsibility for internal controls and procedures.

He also brings to the ECSE some 14 years experience in Life Assurance and pensions, having previously worked in England with the Lloyds TSB Group; one of the largest bank assurance groups in the United Kingdom. 

Caribbean Region Urged To Stress Disaster Planning

Barbados, CMC - Caribbean countries need to be better prepared for hurricanes and other threats, disaster preparedness expert Jeremy Collymore said Sunday night.
Mr. Collymore, regional co-ordinator of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), said that even countries that had experienced hurricanes demonstrated "a high degree of complacency" when it came to preparedness for potential disaster.
Caribbean governments tended to be "event-driven," rushing to activate emergency systems as crises arise, rather than planning far ahead, he said on the Caribbean Media Corporation's "Talk Caribbean" TV programme.
He said that a number of disaster preparedness committees are activated in the region only after the start of the Caribbean/Atlantic Hurricane Season each June, rather than before. Disaster preparedness is a matter that ought to be nationally debated every year, he said, with parliaments playing a key role.

Bird Tells Fans of Terror To Get Out of Antigua

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua: - Prime Minister Lester Bird responded in anger to reports of people in St. John's drinking and celebrating last Tuesday's events in which four hijacked jetliners crashed into selected sites on the US mainland, killing thousands, including victims from Antigua and Barbuda. 

Speaking in an interview on the Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service (ABS), the Prime Minister declared that his government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda will not encourage such behaviour, and that he views the incident with growing concern for the future of Antigua and Barbuda.

"We take very strong views against it and it is very insensitive for those who have done that sort of thing, recognizing that Antiguans and Barbudans are reported dead in this particular incident. Those who feel so strongly about this, go back to your original country and do not stay in our country, where we are part of the whole Western concept of democracy and what we believe is right".

Mr. Bird said that he is not suggesting that Palestinians and others do not have some kind of justification for asserting their rights, "but we do not accept that suicide bombing and killing is a methodology and a means of dealing with problems."

"I am not saying that everything the United States says is acceptable, but clearly they are our allies, they are part of our democratic concept of how we run the world, and for some people to sit here and take a position of being supportive of terrorist against our own economic interests seems to me to be absolutely absurd", he concluded.

On Friday, Mr. Bird joined others in signing a book of condolence which was opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Queen Elizabeth Highway in St. John's. 

Terrorism's Impact Poses Many Threats to Region

Barbados,  CMC - In the Caribbean, where the developing nations of the region maintain important economic linkages with the U.S., most businessmen, economic analysts and academics agree that the terrorist aircraft attacks on the U.S. Pentagon and the twin towers of the World Trade Centre last week will skewer the fragile tourist industry.
Already, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has announced that it is suspending the weekly docking of the mega-cruise ship, Veedham. Thousands of booked passengers unable or fearfully unwilling to fly from various U.S. locations to join its vessels in the Florida ports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, where the cruises begin.
Prior to last Tuesday's terrorist activity, Jamaican authorities revealed that one million visitors checked in to that island during the first six months of the year. Total visitor expenditure for the period was projected at US$683 million, about US$18 million more than the period of 2000.
Despite these growth figures, Jamaica is concerned because they already represent the smallest quarterly expansion since 1999, compounded by the downturn in economic activity in the U.S.
Bermuda says its tourism arrivals continued to plunge in the first six months of this year. June arrivals tumbled by 16 percent to 62,564 while the six-month total of 207,673 -- a drop of 15 percent for the same period in 2000.
With regard to Barbados, 20 per cent of the tourist market is drawn from the United States -- 112,153 out of 544,696 visitors.
St. Lucia, which has been bothered of late with a serious downturn in its tourism sector, has experienced serious layoffs and temporary hotel closures. Tourism is St. Lucia's main foreign exchange earner with receipts in 2000 totalling more than US$259 million.
The situation is made more urgent for tourism officials in the Caribbean, who will meet in Jamaica next month for a major conference focusing on a multi-sectoral approach dealing with investment, taxation, business, trade and human resource management among other things.
And it is not only tourism that will be impacted.

Negative influences on tourism will inflate unemployment rolls, seriously curtail the manufacturing and retail trade in the dependent countries and adversely impact the bottom line of the domestic air carriers such as BWIA and Air Jamaica.

Post-Disaster Flight Travel Means Tough Rules, Delays

Air travelers face a new world of delays and frustrations in the wake of increased safety precautions imposed since the airborne terrorist attacks on New York and Washington on Sept. 11. New rules imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration, airports and the airlines will require passengers to allow extra time to get to and through airports, carry trip documents, and exercise patience.
Here is a list of new requirements and suggestions.

• Travelers are being asked to arrive a minimum of two hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow for tighter security procedures.
• Security checkpoints require proof of plans to travel, and the most certain form of proof is a boarding pass obtained from a ticket counter. To check in at the ticket counter, you must present either a paper ticket or proof of e-ticketing along with government-issued photo identification.
• Children do not need photo ID as long as an accompanying adult certifies their identity, according to the FAA.
• Curbside and off-airport check-in have been discontinued.
• Airports will watch vehicles more closely and restrict parking to keep vehicles at a distance from terminals. Consider public transportation and off-airport parking allow time for traffic diversions and congestion in parking facilities.
• Security personnel may single out more travelers for baggage and personal inspection.
• Passengers are prohibited from bringing knives (including eating utensils) and other cutting instruments—such as razors and scissors—aboard aircraft.
• Carry-on baggage may be severely restricted. If there is an item you feel you must bring on board and are unsure it will be permitted, call your airline.

Calling it 'War' Misstates the Obvious
Editor's Note: This is excerpted from an Internet posting Sept. 17, 2001, by Robert Wright, author of "The Moral Animal" and "Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny."
This is war. On that everyone seems to agree—or, at least, they agreed for a while. In the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, not just politicians but many pundits joined President Bush in declaring "war" on terrorism. But now, with the aid of some critical distance, a few observers have started asking whether that word doesn't obscure more than it illuminates.  
After all, a conventional war—a conflict between states or groups of states—is pretty straightforward. . . . Once you've obtained the objective, you can relax: Your enemy surrenders, and the game is over. . . .

I think the most dangerously misleading thing about the "war" metaphor still hasn't dawned on many people. We by and large haven't reckoned with the possible new meaning of the phrase "American casualties." . . .

The average American will realize that, this being war, the enemy will fight back, and American soldiers will come home in body bags. But the average American might not realize that the enemy could also fight back by parking truck bombs in American cities—that Americans who are already home may wind up in body bags.
A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll illustrates this blind spot. How many Americans favor responding to the terrorist attack by taking military action? 93 percent. And what if this means war? 86 percent. And what if it means civilian casualties abroad? 77 percent. And what if it means large numbers of U.S. troops getting killed? 69 percent. And what if it means large numbers of American civilians getting killed?
That's the question the pollsters didn't ask. They're still thinking about "war" in the conventional sense of the word.
Admittedly, President Bush has stressed that this is a new kind of war. Still, he has singled out our men and women in uniform as the ones who must gird themselves for combat. . . . Almost no one is imagining America turning into Israel, a place where every loud noise scares you to death. But it could well happen if our "war" on terrorism sufficiently inflames Islamic radicals. . . .
Yes, we do have to try to stop them, and this may well mean taking military action. But note that this whole line of rhetoric—they're already killing us, and we must stop them—is itself a warped byproduct of war-think. . . . In a conventional war, once the killing begins, the enemy is fully committed to your destruction, so there's no need to worry about further antagonizing him. . . .

Radical Islamic hatred of the United States is a variable that can go up or down. The commitment of the "enemy" to killing us isn't now anywhere near its theoretical maximum, and it may never reach zero. So one of our main jobs, for years and probably for decades, is to manage that variable. As we proceed on the various fronts we must now proceed on—including the military front—we have to keep radical Islamic hatred as low as possible. . . .
I seem to be talking about fighting a war while trying to avoid antagonizing the enemy! But I submit that this is the weird new reality we face. And if the language we're using to describe that reality makes it seem inconceivable, then it's time to find some new language

SPORTS

GUYANA – RED STRIPE BOWL FAVOURITE!

By Peter Adrien

It’s the MDC’s all the way! Yes, it’s either Guyana or Jamaica, in that order, for the Red Stripe Bowl. And should they lose their way, because of the “glorious uncertainty of the game,” Barbados and the Leewards XI would be the most likely competitors to benefit from their loss.

Did you know that the challenge for the 2001 Red Stripe Bowl starts on October 2 at Alpart, Jamaica and Uitvlugt, Guyana? But who will be lay hold on the coveted symbol of regional one-day cricket supremacy on Jamaica’s Hero’s weekend, October 14? Who are the favorites for the 2001 tournament? Which team is the front-runner for the premier regional one-day competition? Which teams are the likely upsetters?

The structure of the 2001 competition could enhance the chances of some teams and decimate the competitiveness of others. While we recognise the opportunity that the expansion of the tournament provides for many youngsters to showcase their talents before the selectors, who will be using this competition as part of the selection process for the World Cup, the established and talented teams, could outperform the new and inexperienced teams.

This could be particularly true for the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands, which were separated to allow for greater inclusion. In this year's competition, the Leeward Islands, one of the most competitive teams in regional cricket, is represented by two teams – Antigua, the winner of the LIAT sponsored Leeward Islands one-day tournament, and a Leewards XI. The Windwards Islands, who dominated and won the 2000 Red Stripe Bowl, has been split into two – Northern Windwards and Southern Windwards. Northern Windwards draws players from Dominica and St. Lucia in the north, while Southern Windward draws players from Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the south.

My front runners for the 2001 competition in Zone A are Jamaica and the Leewards XI. The Jamaican team will play a formidable team including talented players like Chris Gayle, Leon Garrick, Wavell Hinds and Marlon Samuels, all Test players. Former West Indies opening batsman Robert Samuels will add skills and experience and the rest of the team will include promising opening batsman and Brenton Parchment. The bowling department is very competitive, with the option to call upon Test bowling all-rounder Nehemiah Perry and Test fast bowler Franklyn Rose.

Trinidad is in Zone A. But even with the world-record holder, Brian Lara, the talented Daren Ganga, and the pedigree spinner, Dinanath Ramnarine, it is not a favourite, even if they could create a major upset. However one must be careful, because on their day, Brian Lara and Daren Ganga together could take the Red Stripe Bowl from their competitors.

The Leewards XI, boasting talented players like Stuart Williams, Junie Mitchum, Colin Cannonier, Tonito Willett and Omari Banks, could upset the balance of power. That is why they start like front-runner. The Leeward Islands’ opening batting pair of Williams and Mitchum is fairly strong. The collective experience of the classy stroke-maker, Stuart Williams, and the resilient batter, Junie Mitchum, could prove critical to the outcome of the tournament.

The Leewards XI definitely has a winning combination in this version of the game. Colin Cannonier should be determined to prove a point to the selectors after so many years of being on trial. But the fortune of the new grouping, of course, would be heavily dependent of the prolific performances of the former Test player and leader, Nevisian Stuart Williams. If he is able to stamp his authority on the game and have a locomotive effect on the team, the Leeward boys could conjure an upset. 

Although the Leewards XI’s bowling could lack sting and depth, West Indian batting susceptibility to spin should favour their swing and slow bowlers. These factors could provide the new team with an offside chance of making it to the finals and taking hold of the bowl.

Guyana is the definite favourite in Zone B (and indeed the competition), which includes Antigua, Barbados and Southern Windwards. Guyana has the best chance on paper of taking the 2001 regional title. The South American team is very well balanced, with quality players in all departments. With the likes of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Travis Dowlin and Cush, as a bundle of talent, the experienced and multi-faceted West Indian Test Captain, Carl Hooper, who will be playing to confirm his all-encompassing impact on regional cricket, would be a force to be reckoned with in or out of Guyana. And there arer a lot for players like Keith Semple, Neil McGarrell, Reon King, Mahendra Nagamootoo and his brother, wicketkeeper Vishal Nagamootoo, to play for.

Guyana has always boasted a rich stock of young, talented, and tried players. In fact, with the following pool of Test players, the champion team could fill in as many as six Test players in one match: Carl Hooper, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Reon King, Neil McGarrell and Mahendra Nagamootoo. 

Barbados, who is in Zone B, is made of up of a number of Test or regional “have-beens” who have shown, in the past, that they could harness their collective talents and experience and create major upsets and, even dominate regional competitions. They are therefore definitely a favourite for the championship, and a definite upsetter.

The two Windward Island teams will not be competitive forces. It is really a pity, as they should have been allowed to defend their title for the first time. The grouping could have done well with talents like Junior Murray, John Eugene, Kenroy Peters, Rommel Currency, Devon Smith, Kenroy Peters, Wayne Phillip and Shane Shillingford. But with the separation of the players who are yet to develop a strong cohesion, the WICB may have done them a disservice. After all, they needed the psychological boost that would have been derived from playing the regional tournament as defending champions.

The contest will be keen but Guyana is the favourite. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Guyana 2001 Busta Team and officials (Photo: Peter Adrien)

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

FEATURES/OPINION

America the Wrathful
Any man's death, the poet wrote, diminishes me,
And thousands now lie slain, the corpses of "jihad,"
Slaughtered by fanatics who pre-empt the Muslim god
To sanctify the villainies that they decree.
Diminished? Yes, but not disarmed by grief and rage,
My anger not the despair they sought to achieve;
Instead they have sown a field. When it ripens to sheave
Their harvest will be chaff of self-inflicted pillage.
I will not scythe alone, nor will I toil in vain,
For friends, and even foes, united in revulsion
At such carnage, have pledged support of my compulsion
To slowly but completely obliterate this stain.
Any death diminishes me, but the deaths of throngs
Reinforce my will to right such mindless wrongs.
                                                         By J. Donald Brandt 

SUPPORT TO PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

A four-person team from Enterprise plc, one of the UK’s leading economic and enterprise development organisations, with a successful track record in many parts of the world, is currently undertaking a DFID-funded project on Montserrat to look at providing support to the development of the private sector. The team is working directly with the Development Unit within the Government of Montserrat.

Objectives

The objectives of the project are to examine strategies and implement plans for the long-term development of the private sector in a way which benefits all strata of society.

The focus of the work is twofold. On the one hand it is seeking to strengthen indigenous businesses and support structures. Those currently active in business and those wishing to set up new businesses are constrained by factors such as the difficulties of importing and exporting, access to finance, labour costs and skills shortages, and the absence of a focal point for business advice. Special attention needs to be paid to the micro end of the business scale as a means of providing additional support to those with low incomes. This is seen as critical if inclusive “pro-poor” growth is to be promoted.

On the other hand the team will be looking at the provision of sectoral support to the private sector. In order to enable the island’s economy to be sustainable in the longer term, it is important to identify a number of key sectors which hold the potential for significant development. These need to be sectors which facilitate inclusive growth and provide a sound base from which the economy as a whole can develop.

Timeframe

The project comprises two phases. The first phase, entitled the identification and development phase, started in June and is scheduled to be completed in October of this year. There will then be an implementation phase in 2002 and 2003.

The approach

The team is adopting an inclusive approach which seeks to involve as many people as possible. Between June and August more than 90 meetings were held on island involving more than 200 individuals. About half the meetings were with representatives of the private sector, the community and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and about half with the public sector. Throughout its work, the team has benefited from a high degree of co-operation from every individual met and a sound platform has been established to take the project forward.

The private sector on Montserrat

The private sector is seen as the engine of growth on Montserrat but it has suffered badly since the volcanic crisis. The contribution of the private sector to the island’s economy has been declining since 1995, and sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing now contribute very little to GDP. Domestic exports have virtually ceased. In this context the way forward is seen as an essentially export-oriented private sector

What are the targets for private sector development on Montserrat? The main areas are:

·         Poverty alleviation

·         Micro business formation and self employment

·         Micro business growth and transformation into small businesses

·         Small business growth and increased competitiveness

·         Inward investment and joint ventures

Public consultation

An extensive process of public consultation is currently under way. A presentation of interim findings has been made to Government ministers and further presentations are planned to permanent secretaries and senior managers, the Governor, DFID, and the Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, a series of focus groups is planned to look at key sectors of the economy such as tourism, transport and communications, community groups, and financial services.

A round table panel discussion on Radio ZJB and an interview on People’s Television are also contributing to ensure that the activities of the project reach out to as many people as possible.

Finally, a public meeting is to be held at the Pentecostal church in Brades at 7 O’clock in the evening of Monday 1^st October. This is an opportunity for everyone on the island – business people, community workers, farmers and housewives – to come along to hear the latest plans and let their voices be heard. The entire community will thus be able to contribute to the outcomes of the consultancy.

Results of the consultancy

By mid-October the project team aims to achieve agreement on a small number of realistic and practical projects, each of which will have clearly stated and measurable outputs and outcomes. It is expected that these projects could cover such fields as inward investment, community enterprise, some sector-based initiatives and institutional strengthening. These projects should be capable of demonstrating benefit within the two years of the DFID project and should be self-sustaining beyond this period. The team also aims to reach agreement to implement the necessary degree of organisational change to support private sector development and the wider economic development on Montserrat.

This project provides a new approach to consultancy on Montserrat. Its real strength lies in the fact that it goes beyond simple research work with a thick report as the final outcome. The implementation of practical projects which have been developed through a large degree of consensus and consultation with a wide body of the population can make a real difference both to individual communities on the island and to the economy as a whole.

The message is that by working together we can make a difference. Montserrat will be following the different steps of the project with interest. 

THE STENCH OF DEATH

Can’t you smell it? Can’t you smell the stench of the rotting carcass of our economy? Can’t you see it is all but over? Look! Look! The blue flies, symbols of death, are buzzing around the drooping cadavers of our business places. The faces of our businessmen look more and more, each and every day, like caricatures of defeat, despondency, dejection and hopelessness.

Oh where might they find succor?

Not at the doorsteps of Zaccheus, the Tax Collector. For he will do naught but charge that we render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. For Zaccheus has no control or influence on Caesar. Zaccheus sees that Caesar cares not for the dire straits of the malnourished businessman or the unfortunate resident on Montserrat. However, by now, even Zaccheus understands that Caesar’s voracious appetite is fed by DFID’s disingenuous demands to further tax the unfortunate Montserratian or feels their wrath. And woe betide us, as the wrath of DFID unfurls its viper’s tongue and withholds life sustaining water, safe housing, affordable financing, accessible roads and transportation into and out of Montserrat by fixed winged transport.

And Zaccheus, like you, like me, continues to protest our helplessness and pay over our scarce dollars for property tax, on property in the exclusion zone; that neither Zaccheus nor you, nor I will ever see even unto the next millennium. And yea, you and I continue to pay business taxes on our fast failing business houses even as our staff’s payroll cannot be met. But wait! Do we not have a Chamber of Commerce? But nary a noise of discontentment. Are Chamber members in receipt of some benefit that we know not of?

What malcontents and incompetents lead this once mighty group?

But what is Zaccheus to do? What are you and I to do? What are Chamber members to do?

Should we turn to the Captains of the Sinking Ship of State? Oh. Whither shall we go to seek a balm for our aching homeland?

Will Moses take up his divining rod and part the Red Sea and lead on onto Nationhood? Will we uphold Moses now that he has paid us a fair price for our cheap souls?

But alas, Moses throws up his hands in despair and runs through Heathrow Airport tearing at his hair and gnashing his teeth proclaiming: “ Woe is me, Woe is me! This is too hard for me! No one, I say, no one can fight Whitehall! We can’t win! We will never win!”

And so, even as the spirit indeed is willing, the flesh is weak. So like Zaccheus, Moses and the Chamber turn their face against their people as watch as Caesar exacts his pound of flesh. Zaccheus, Moses, you and I know full well that Caesar meets our paycheck. So, I exhort thee, “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling.” And so, we all fall on our knees day and night and pray: “Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do”. And we ask that Caesar, that DFID, that Our Lord and Masters do the same thing unto us, forbearing threatening: knowing that our Master also is in heaven.

But lo and behold there is a Jezebel amongst us. This Jezebel is a DFID enabler. A Caesar facilitator.  Her “mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud”. She, with guile and cunning, like Delilah, has brought Emperors to their knees as she gleefully had shorn their locks. This Outsider, this Conniving Devil “sitteth in the lurking places of the villages, in the secret places doth she murder the innocent: her eyes are privily set against the poor.”

This Demon Spawn greedily snatches the future away from your children, nonchalantly tosses your business future into the gaping mouth of airports in Never Never Land. This recalcitrant, obdurate Schemer pushes Montserrat’s future deeper into the cavernous crater of the Soufriere volcano. This Beelzebub has no ties to the motherland. No understanding, no love, no concern of Our Homeland.  This Traitor has no fear, no contempt, no care, no interest, no dislike, no love, and no hatred for Caesar.

Should Caesar come or should Caesar go, it’s all in a days work for King's ransom. This insidious devious Conspirator is like a tapeworm; crawling up any available crack and crevice, at every available opportunity to offer up kisses and caresses so as to remain “King for a day, every day” in a foreign land.  This Jezebel should be hung drawn and quartered and thrown out to the dogs. Because it is not short of astounding that one so powerful could have been raised up, not in our midst, and yet sups at the throne of Caesar, despoils our future and chortles at our discomfort and our displeasure.

But we need not fear because “upon the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup”

Even as they plot and scheme to bring down the last vestiges of our beloved Homeland we know that “the Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their fruit shall thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a device, which they were not able to perform.”

But then why must we fret ourselves? Did we not know that the wicked walk on every side when the vilest men are exalted?  

Man From Baker Hill

SO YOU HAVE BAD BREATH !!?

My daughter refuses to eat onions.

When she was about 6 years old, after she had eaten  food laced with onions, her cousin told her that she had bad breath. She is now 14 years old and has not forgotten that embarrassing feeling from so long ago.

Recently I saw her blowing into her cupped hands to check the smell of her breath. I smiled at her, but I remembered how agonized she was over that long ago “can’t be forgotten” incident.

I told her to blow in my face, so that I could confirm whether or not her breath was smelling badly. It turned out to be a laughing matter between the two of us.

But I took the opportunity to explain to her that she should brush her tongue and teeth after every meal and that she should gargle her throat each morning before doing anything else.

Bad Breath!!

Nobody likes to be told that he/she has it.

Nobody likes to smell bad breath; and worst of all, few people have the courage to tell another person that he or she has bad breath. But in the short and long term, all of us will feel much better after somebody tells us whether or not we have foul breath.

One evening, back in 1996, I was trying to get “closer” to an intimate friend; but she turned her head slightly to the side. Immediately, “common sense” forced me to inquire if my breath was smelling foul. By her non-response, she confirmed my worst fears.

Although the lady behaved as any normal person would - “she was gonna be damned if she told…and be damned if she did not tell…”

Yes, you have guessed it. I have never forgiven the woman for just hinting that my breath was foul. Because of her honesty, I verbally attacked her. I accused her of allowing me to be “out-there” with a foul breath, talking in other people’s face.

I accused her of not caring about my health. I told her that it could have been cancer or something developing in my throat or insides. Yet, despite my feelings and attitude, I made appointments to see the local doctor and the ear, nose and throat specialist in Antigua. It turned out that I had severe sinus and throat infection, which were made worse by the inhalation of volcanic ash.

After that incident I made a pact with my co-worker and other close friends. I begged them to inform me as soon as they notice the slightest offensive smell from my mouth. In fact, as recently as last week, I asked the tellers at a Bank I frequent if they sometimes find my breath offensive; and I begged them to inform me if they do.

Of course, they laughed; but it was not a joking matter. Bad breath is a very serious matter. Many of us move about with very foul smelling breath, offending family, friends, enemy, co-workers and customers.

Stories of people with bad breath abound on Montserrat. These people are in almost every social or sports group. Many times these persons are gossiped about; but in most cases, they are unaware of their health, or socially offensive condition.

Recently I read a statement which explained that more employees are dismissed because of bad breath than for any other reason.

Whether that statement is true or false, bad breath is a fact of life. Some of us will have it and know it, but many more of us will have it and not know it.

Bad breath has many different causes. As explained earlier in this article, in my daughter’s case, it was just a matter of onions. In my case, it was a matter of sinus and throat infection. But bad breath, like I said, has many causes such as cavities, gum disease, cancer and perforations of tissues in the mouth, putrefaction of the intestines, especially when you’re hungry.

I almost believe that some wives think that “us men” use our mouth to do too many things – and because of that belief, they often hold back from telling “us men” that our mouths smell badly.

Oh gosh, Shhtt your mouth John!! You guilty sunava…young fig tree.

Still I must beg my fellow Montserratians, as one human being to another, to find the courage to tell friends, loved ones, co-workers and associates when they have bad breath.

Of course, I know that telling someone he or she has bad breath is almost as bad as committing suicide. Still, husbands tell your wives…Children tell your parents…Employers tell your employees…Choir members tell your preacher.

Let us make a combined effort to discuss the subject of bad breath, its causes and its effects.

Bad breath is not a crime. No one is born with it. But if you tell someone that he or she has bad breath, you can save a life, you may make a friend. You can enhance someone’s quality of life…by that most difficult to make gesture.

The problem is, if you have bad breath, you cannot hide it. Worst of all is the fact that most people who do have bad breath are not aware of it. But everyone else with whom you come in contact knows, and as friends, or simply as civic-minded persons, we ought to tell that individual that he or she has bad breath.

It does not matter how gently it is said. Telling someone that they have bad breath may very well strain whatever relationship there is between you. However, the person will soon realize that it is merely their pride which has been dented.  They will soon realize that you meant them no harm, and will come to appreciate you for what you are…a true friend.

If you are not sure about your breath, ask a close friend, a lover, or just someone whom you trust to tell you if you have bad breath. After all, it is your mouth, and it is only fair that when you open your mouth to talk to somebody, and that person trusts you enough to draw near to hear what you have to say, that you do not offend them by letting out foul air in their breathing space. 

TERRORISM IS A NO-WIN SITUATION

By Warren Woodberry

The young 10-year-old boy, with tears streaming down his face, ran home to his mother with his empty lunch bucket. He had just been terrorized by a group of older boys who resented his orderly life and his appearance of being from a privileged family.

In New York City on Tuesday September 11th, 2001, at 8:48 a.m., terrorists struck at the heart of New York's financial center by crashing a hijacked American Airlines plane, flight #11, into the face of the north tower of the famous World Trade Center also known as the 'Twin Towers" about 20 stories below the tower 110^th top floor. At 9:03 a.m., shortly after the first crash, a second hijacked plane, this time a United Airlines plane flight # 175, smashed into the south tower sending a ball of fire to the other side of the building.

On board were passengers, flight crews and several suicide bombers. Thousands of lives have been lost and shattered, not to mention the image of invincibility of the powerful United States of America. Money can buy another lunch for the 10-year-old and money can rebuild the shattered buildings but there is nothing that can restore the feeling of security for the 10-year-old as he returns to the same school where he was first attacked, nor the loss of lives and the feelings of  security once considered an unalienable right once one was safe in the USA.
Terrorism, the threat or use of violence, often against the civilian population, to achieve financial or political ends involves activities such as physical and mental assaults, assassinations, bombings, random killings, hijackings, and skyjackings. It is mainly used for political, not military, purposes, and by groups too weak to mount open assaults. Terrorism reaches back to ancient Greece and has occurred throughout history. In the 20th century acts of terrorism have been associated with the Italian Red Brigades, the Irish Republican Army, the Palestine Liberation Organization, Peru's Shining Path, and the Weathermen and many other groups.  It is a modern tool of the alienated and its psychological impact on the public has increased because of extensive coverage by the media.

Political terrorism has been used to intimidate voters by the burning of homes and businesses and by acts of assassination and terrorism has been used to control and frighten those of different religious and ethnic cultures throughout the world, from Africa to China, criss-crossing the world from East Timor to the Middle East. Governments find terrorism extremely difficult to prevent by use of force as the individuals that are committed to acts of terrorism, coupled with the belief that their death hastens them to their God, are not afraid to die.

When a child or a member of one's family falls victim to an untimely death at the hands of an identified or unidentified party, vows of vengeance can often be heard as the survivors turn their face to the sky in pain and anguish. It is safe to say that this story line and it's resulting effect on the world would have been rejected by all but the most imaginative fiction writers, with the exception, possibly, of Tom Clancy, one of my personal favorites, but even he with his fertile mind, would have rejected many of the resulting outcomes which are being played out today as reality.

The effects of this act will play out for many years  to come. The attack on America has brought home pain and suffering as no other act of terrorism has done in the 20th or the 21st century, not because it was against America but because it was against a country that had as it's slogan that all those who were oppressed and downtrodden would find a home in America. To imagine that some of those who answered this call would be gathered together to have their lives taken by their own countrymen.

It is ironic that I am hearing from many of those that took advantage of the refuge and offer of a better life offered by America now calling for the closing of immigration and the tightening up of freedom of travel in even the smallest countries in the world. It is possible that many have reached the saturation point and are effected by this freedom of movement in their social, economic and political life.  I can agree that too much of a good thing can be detrimental.  

It is my belief that there are few if any ethnic or religious groups in the world that did not lose someone in the recent attack on America. Africans, Australians, Chinese, Russians, Germans, Italians, Vietnamese, American Indians, Haitians, Antiguans, nationals from the Middle East, and hundreds of other nationalities who also lost their lives in the attack. Nor were religions, in all of their diversity, spared loss of life as Catholics, Protestants, Hara Krishna's, Buddhists, Jews, Voodoo practitioners and Muslims were among the many religions represented by those who lost there lives, as well as Agnostics, Atheists and those too young to form an opinion.
The Caribbean family has also been touched as many who journeyed to America to find a better life met their deaths in this tragedy.

Acts of terrorism are no longer acts that are witnessed on TV or are confined to some faraway country with a name that can barely be pronounced.  Frantic calls to loved ones who were employed in the area of the Twin Towers or aboard the hijacked planes are still pouring across communication lines from the Caribbean. Those willing to die or kill for their beliefs will continue to have an impact on the world, but it is obvious that all efforts must be made to reduce the feelings that terrorism is an answer for superpowers or for the less powerful. "Give me liberty or give me death". Although this was a chilling statement that showed an individual's willingness to die rather than be enslaved, it pales in comparison to the new feeling that thousands of innocent victims will die for injustices in which they played no part as a message to the rest of the world.

It is not difficult to question any religion that condones this interpretation as the will of God. At one time, and not many years ago in the history of man, Christianity and many other religions had no difficulty in a similar interpretation, feeling that they too had the right to take the life of innocent nonbelievers. It was wrong then and it is wrong now. Terrorism is a desperate act done by desperate men who in reality have decided that their God was no longer in control of balancing good with evil. To me it is an admission that they believe that their God has gotten it all wrong and that it is left up to them, mere mortals, to give their God a wakeup call. This thinking allowed those of the Catholic faith and other religions to take the lives of countless human beings in days gone by or to stand by while criminal governments committed the act and received the blessings of the church.

It is hoped that the guilty will be caught and punished in a court of law and that their conviction will be followed by a new call for discussion at the peace table. Terrorism is not new and one can only hope and pray that it is not an "act of war" to be continued, but will be now seen as a wakeup call so that the table of discussion for the rights of others will not be abandoned to allow only terrorism as a solution. No one will be a winner, neither the 10-year-old that was terrorized at school and lost his lunch nor the victims of the Attack on America. 

YOUR HISTORY IN SMALL DOSES

The W. H. Bramble Centenary

by Professor Howard A. Fergus, UWI

Monday 8 October 2001 will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of W.H. Bramble, son of Mary Ryan and the prominent figure James Towesland (Bodo) Allen.  One of our earliest trade unionists, he toiled to break the yoke of neo-slavery in the form of worker oppression.  He headed the first working class political party in the island and led ‘Labour’ to power on a number of occasions between 1952 and 1966.  His rhetoric at times took on a messianic tone and a liberating resonance.

            Listen to me, you landless people, you people,

                                    the industrial machinery of this country, arise

                                    and throw off the yoke that binds you like

                                    slaves to the Wade Plantation.

William Bramble’s ideas and works are imbedded in our culture and in what makes us Montserratians, and we should ensure that this and succeeding generations never forget him.  In this, we secured some success when in 1997 Blackburne Airport was officially re-named W.H. Bramble Airport; but this landmark can become a faded memory.

In this centenary season we should focus on the man, his legacy and his position in our history.  He should feature in newspapers and on the radio stations, he should be taught in schools and children and adults should write poems and songs about him.  Stalwarts like Bramble are abiding links to our bedrock culture and a source of national inspiration, especially in these troubled times.  (For more on W.H. Bramble see my Gallery Montserrat: Some Prominent History People in Our History, which profiles a number of Montserratians).  There is still room for research that goes deeper than I have gone on the man and his moment in history. 

FARMERS’ CORNER

By Justin ‘Hero’ Cassell

(Agricultural Development Officer)

 “EAT FROM THE LAND, NOT FROM THE CAN”

Week ending Friday 14^th September 2001

Agriculture Minister Tours Farmlands

Minister of Agriculture the Honourable Margaret (Annie) Dyer-Howe toured the major farming areas last Wednesday.  The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Housing and the Environment, Ms. Ann Marie Dewar, Director of Agriculture Gerard Gray, Government Press Officer Lionel Nanton, ZJB Manager Herman Sergant and Agricultural Development Officer Justin Cassell.

The aim of the tour was for the Minister and Permanent Secretary to gain on-site knowledge of the agricultural activities taking place on farms.

Stop No.1 -  Upper Blakes

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of recent road maintenance and enhancement work carried out at Upper Blakes.  The Minister made available approximately $11,000 of the Remedial vote funds for this project.  The Minister offered words of encouragement to farmer Abraham White, who expressed concerns about the marketing of his produce.

Stop No. 2 – Lord Hailes Poultry Farm

Mildred and Beresford Loving were commended by the Minister for their dedicated efforts in producing eggs and broilers.  These two entrepreneurs are participants of the current Egg Promotion and Marketing Project, which makes available $18,000 for poultry production expansion.

Stop No. 3  - Olveston Mountain

The Minister was able to observe the progress made with Dam Excavation and soil conservation work at Olveston Mountain.  The Minister expressed concern about the irregular rainfall patterns experienced.  She was assured by the Director of Agriculture that irrigation water will be available within the near future.

Stop No. 4  - Ray Greer’s Poultry Unit

Ray Greer’s poultry farm at Hope was the tour party’s final stop.  Mr Greer is another participant of the Egg Promotion and Marketing Project.  The Minister was very impressed with his poultry operation, pledging continued government support for Poultry producers.

Interviews conducted on the Minister’s tour of the farms were aired on ZJB’s special edition of Farmers Corner on Thursday 13^th September. 

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Remember 11/9/98?                            

Her Majesty’s visiting heralds                 

Are gauging our airport referrals              

They are eager to know                         

Before they locate it at Geralds.             

Remember 6/8/01?                              

The governor warns we might lose                      

That money by failing to choose;

He wants no more balking,                     

So stop all the talking;                                       

A poor site's no cause to refuse.

Remember 6/29/01?                            

Old Quaw, we are told, rhymes with cow;

It's a site picked out to show how                       

Her Majesty's heralds                                        

Are wrong to push Geralds;                                

Then CM says, 'Wow! But not now.'                    

Remember 7/13/01?                            

All alternatives DFID refuses,                             

Each rejected with fiscal excuses.                      

They're determined, you know,               

To build Geralds, then crow,                               

"There's your airstrip, which nobody uses."                                    

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin why Montserratians from over seas are wondering about what the CM say about the British and what they have done for us.

Jus wonderin why they laughing so loud, if statements surprise them.

Jus wonderin if the CM only care and why about the respect he gets from Antiguans and what they say to him.

Jus wonderin if he did not hear the people say long time they rather wait for something worthwhile airport and stop waste money with the British when it suit them.

Jus wonderin if the people say anything that we do not want at Geralds.

Jus wonderin why the members of his government and party walking face down.

Jus wonderin what the activist is going to do now the CM tell the world that his government will build the airstrip (temporary) at Geralds.

Jus wonderin if the Doc is willing to take over and if he is really complaining.

Jus wonderin if the young merchant will still support the chief.

Jus wonderin why the chief actions and behavior does not surprise me/anyone/us.

Jus wonderin if the chief is the only person who is getting a fair amount of money for the work he put in.

Jus wondering if is true he is collecting a fair amount per month to promote Clair Short and the British.

Jus wonderin if there were any benefits for him after he went to UK to campaign for Clair Short.

Jus wonderin why the Principal at the private school refuse to teach a class when the parents are paying her salary.

Jus wonderin if she does, if the school would still need another teacher.

Jus wonderin why they are deporting the foreigners so fast.

Jus wonderin if the police have legal backin to be deportin the foreigners jus lek a dat.

Jus wonderin if they can't just appeal to the magistrate.

Jus wonderin if the foreigners did not commit any crime and are not any burden like seeking welfare from anyone that they should not be deported, jus lek a dat.

Jus wonderin if the former ?COS back to get married.

Jus wonderin if the next speaker of the House could show impartiality and what is there to embarrass us and if what opposition suggest is really true.

Jus wonderin why the business people on Montserrat will not call sales to get rid of their dead stock.

Jus wonderin if the closure of the NDF is possible and how many years ago and who have been behind the plans for that.

Jus wonerin who organize for no more funding so the small business can't really function properly and how come we having talk of Small Business Centre when the NDF doing that so many years now.

Jus wonderin when the skeletons will break up.

Jus wonderin why only retired persons could work for the ECCB in Montserrat.

Jus wonderin if the MP will take over Land Development Authority as manager.

Jus wonderin if Cable TV put on more channels to justify a price increase.

Jus wonderin when the Redevelopment Committee organise a march against the airport at Geralds how many persons and what important persons will turn out to show support.

Jus wonderin if the new maid post at the CM house is government paid and if she will stay upstairs or downstairs.

Jus wonderin if the AG’s office is going the way of the Governor's office and employ local only in certain low positions.

Jus wonderin when the authorities will publish the results of the census, if there is any special reason for the delay.

Jus wonderin if it will have to be done again.

^{Reporter Jobs}