CM
Osborne Attends OT's London Session
By
Helena Durand
The 3rd Overseas Territories
Consultative Council meeting opened in London on Monday, 24 September, hosted by
Baroness Amos, Junior Minister to the Foreign Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Jack
Straw.
The session brings together UK Ministers with
responsibility for policy towards the Overseas
Territories, and Chief Ministers and other senior politicians from the
Overseas Territories. They are discussing a number of issues: the overall
relationship between the UK and the OT’s; international initiatives; financial
questions; education; human rights; aviation security; economic development, and
the environment.
Representing Montserrat is Chief Minister John
Osborne, who is accompanied by Director of Development, Mrs. Angela Greenaway.
In her opening remarks Baroness Amos said, “We
have a daunting agenda ahead of us covering a wide range of topics which not
only go to the heart of the relationship between us, but which are central to
the social and economic well-being of the Territories.”
She noted that there are some “difficult
issues” on the agenda that would lead to some frank and lively exchanges.
“Please see this as positive” she told her audience, “All relationships
face challenges. I see vigorous debate and discussion as testament to the
maturity of our relationship.”
She said that the message from governors is that
a good deal of progress is being made across a wide range of issues, but that
three particular issues have obscured the progress.
“These” she said, “were financial
regulation, the order in council on homosexual acts, and the government’s slow
progress on delivering the White Paper commitment to give British citizenship to
the BDTC’s. There was also a perception that the relationship is too
one-sided, and that we in London follow our own agenda and priorities, and
expect the OT’s to toe the line.”
She said, however, contrary to that perception,
that she, like her predecessor, Baroness Scotland, is committed to working in
partnership “to our mutual benefit. The programme of work set out in the White
Paper still holds good and is now in place. As you know, one of my first tasks
as Minister has been to take the British Overseas Territories Bill through the
House of Lords. I hope that the Bill will get the Royal Assent by the end of
this year or early next year. “
She said concerns about some aspects of the Bill
would be discussed at the meeting. She also said she recognized that,
“resources are limited and that dialogue and consultation on these issues is
critical. I also hope that discussion on domestic financial management and
borrowing will enable us to build a platform for a common understanding of the
importance which we attach to the OT’s operating prudent financial controls
and affordable debt management.”
She expressed sympathy with the families, friends
and loved ones on their loss due to the terrorist attack on the U.S., and noted
that the inevitable short term effect on the Caribbean territories could be
dramatic.
CM Off to Britain To Ask for Changes
By
Helena Durand
Chief Ministers of the British Overseas
Territories are visiting London this week to lobby the Government there to give
more aid to Montserrat.
This move stems from the fact that three years
ago, the British Government pledged £75 million in development aid to
Montserrat, which is still trying to recover from the ravages of a volcanic
eruption. A large portion of those funds has been spent on British-led
consultancies on the island.
Second to the issue of aid for Montserrat, the
Chief Ministers will press for greater autonomy in running the affairs of their
countries, and a say in the appointment of governors, who now are selected
solely by the British Government.
Montserrat's Chief Minister John Osborne will
also raise the question during this UK consultative forum of borrowing money
without the approval of HMG.
That matter was raised in parliament here last
week when the Government pushed through a Finance Administration Act intended to
make it easier to borrow funds critical to the island’s developmenr. The move
was supported by the Opposition.
The bill would allow the Government to borrow for
capital projects; support its current expenditures, and set up a contingency
fund. It would also authorize the Government to write off loans on its mortgage
finance programme for properties in the unsafe zone.
CM Osborne said in a ZJB radio newscast that the
argument for being able to borrow money without awaiting Britain’s approval is
being made very strongly by the Chief Minister of Anguilla.
He said he believes, along with the Anguillan
Chief Minister, that “some leeway has to be made to allow the elected
government to commit the country to certain debts in their interest. I am very
supportive of that, and nobody is more bitter than I am that every little thing
that we need to do has to be approved by DFID. I think that is an insult to an
elected government. I am going to make the point that we must be treated with
more respect.”
In support of the Bill, Minister of
Communications and Works Hon Dr. Lowell Lewis said, “I hope that this will
allow us to enter into arrangements which will allow completion of the programme
of recovery which we the people of Montserrat have to do within the existing
unsatisfactory budgetary aid framework”.
"The
Purpose of a Vibrant Economy Is to Make Montserrat Lively Again"
The word is that the Montserrat economy is dead.
It is not just sluggish, it is downright stationary at best. Hence the question
is asked by many whether it is worthwhile having Montserratian live on
Montserrat? It is phrased that way because it is believed that when the
Montserratians depart we will have a “Falklands Islands” in the Leeward
Islands.
Any current report on the economy and finances of
Montserrat will show a whole range of factors which require an economist or such
a trained or qualified person to explain adequately and responsibly. The
background to such a report will show that before the volcanic crisis of 1995,
with a population of approximately 10,500 to 12,000 people, Montserrat's per
capita GDP was approximately EC$14,000. Today any figure given would be
considered misleading because of the heavy increase in public spending and the
UK government’s budgetary aid.
Economic depression seems widespread, and in any
case we seem to have a hands-off attitude to international donors, moreso now
because of recent questionable statements by our honourable Chief Minister. But
on the face of it another consultancy or investigation must be worth it to
understand how £75 million could not produce an infrastructure that would be
the sound basis for development.
One ECCB financial report puts the GDP falling
from $132 million in 1992 to half that in 2000, producing a collapse of the
entire economy but for government services.
Another report shows that our productive sectors
are agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, water and electricity,
construction, retail and wholesale trade, hotels and restaurants,
communications, transportation, insurance and banks, real estate and housing,
and, of course, government services.
What part does the lack of an airport facility
play in all of this? Does it have to do with the failure to develop the
Financial Services sector, which at its lowest peak in 2000 brought in revenue
of EC$0.5 million with a staff of ONE:? And we know that our fees are probably
the lowest in the world.
And what about the private sector? What role is
the Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) playing; why do we hear so very
little from that corner, where is the partnership between them and government?
Recently we hear of a private sector study
"practical development." It was interesting to note that they had no
problem seeing Montserrat’s private sector as functional, and that in the here
and now, with some assistance. It appears that all that is needed is a coming
together of people with one mental mantra of moving forward. But what is this
about closing and merging ministries and closing some financial institutions?
The Montserrat Building Society is ‘catching
itself. With the failure of the soft-mortgage scheme and in spite of the efforts
of the Credit Union, mortgage housing financing is a big part of the economy
restructure of this island. There is the call for the Bank of Montserrat to step
forward and put the necessary funds and investment in the Montserrat Building
Society, even if it means a newly structured organization to get that once very
successful building industry moving again.
It is well known how the British government
refused to assist, but their purposes were twofold and we must make them fail,
just like they gave us a failing mortgage scheme. Failure to do this will be
failure to get the economy and Montserrat from the swamps. The Credit Union,
which is the other institution assisting in this area, also needs some quick
injections to continue contributing its bit; it is now known that had it not
been for its efforts in this area, we would be humming a different kind of tune.
The government and HMG have failed in being the
engine for economic recovery, but that is probably because of the two-timing
nature of some of their plans. In spite of that there was a spill-off of the
funds provided and full use must be made of that which we unavoidably received.
There needs to be a coming together of the minds
to help in the rebuilding efforts. Too much of the thinking and doing is left to
one crew, which by their nature is not so-inclined, no disrespect whatsoever. It
is a time for the call for "all hands on deck" to be heeded.
Never mind the chief minister; maybe his
intentions were good. Let us all pool our "resources" and make good on
the reason we stayed behind in the first place - to rebuild Montserrat!
Let’s get the building business going again; we
need the houses. It was our #1 priority at one point, but we didn’t seem to
know how to get it going. Let’s get the quarry going, let's get busy at Old
Quaw; the golf course, the airport/airstrip also at Old Quaw. Work fast on the
financial services, give it some priority.
Let us change the helicopter arrangement, let us discourage and stop the
"leakages" and make use of the funding; let us find through Caricom
and OECS some of the funds that are available. Fund those who are willing to
work.
Let us revisit this editorial in, say, five years
and hold up our heads. Do we have to wait till 2008? That was someone else’s
plan. Let’s put ours to work.
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
Hearing
but not heeding
For
reading & meditation - James 1:19-27
"Do
not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
(v.22)
Before we consider what we need to do in order to
ensure that we are dwelling in a house which no storm can destroy, permit me to
paraphrase what the Lord is saying in this remarkable illustration sometimes
referred to as "The two men and two houses."
Deep within our personality every one of us
attempts to build a place of refuge and rest -- a place of security and strength
from which we can move out to the world. The materials with which we build are
common to everyone -- intuition, the learning and application of basic life
principles, social awareness, and so on. As our houses go up there is not much
difference -- outwardly at least. The sun shines down and the houses look bright
and attractive. But the sun does not shine forever. Occasionally there are days
of storm, of sweeping rain and whistling winds, days of tempest. Under the
pressure of the storm one house crumbles, and the man living in it is rendered
homeless. Nearby a house of similar shape and size survives the storm and
remains intact. The man inside it is safe. What makes the difference? The
foundations. One man has built his house on sand, the other upon a rock.
The figure of speech is so simple that even a
child can get the point: if we want to build a secure place for our inner life
then we must pay attention to the foundations. And how do we do that? Our Lord
makes it clear in His introduction to the story: "Everyone who hears these
words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house
on the rock" (Matt. 7:24). Note the phrase and
puts them into practice. Many hear but do not heed. Thus their lives
crumble in time of storm.
Gracious Father, I realise that my life will be
made or broken at the place where I meet and deal with Your challenges. Help me
not to run away from them but to run towards them. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Proposed
Geralds Airport Is Too Close To People
First
of all, let me start by commending Bennette Roach and Bill Innanen for the
graphic reproductions of proposed Montserrat airports on their websites.
I've
got to say, however, that given the events of September 11th, putting
an airstrip in the heart of Geralds Bottom, as your interpretation suggests,
disturbs me quite deeply. That's not to suggest that I think that Montserrat
will be the next target for a terrorist plot. Far from it. However, air safety,
both on the ground and in the skies, has now become priority number one for the
entire world. Placing an airstrip in the middle of an already populated area, in
my opinion, is a major hazard. Just a few short months ago in St. Barths, a Twin
Wtter went down, not only killing all of the people on the airplane but several
on the ground as well -- not to mention the loss of property.
My
major concern is the number of houses that are close to the proposed airstrip. I
heard talk recently of the Government of Montserrat planning to relocate some of
the households at Geralds Bottom, but in the event of an accident, would it not
be better to have an airstrip far away from residential areas so as to minimize
loss of life for people on the ground?
It
looks to me that from a safety perspective (among others), it would be much more
sensible to place the airport at Old Quaw or Thatch Valley, where in the event
of an accident; potential for loss of life on the ground would be far less
severe than in an already heavily populated village such as Geralds. I guess
that the decision rests with our political leaders. Unfortunately for us, they
don't seem to be placing much value on the lives of ordinary Montserrat citizens
these days.
Harvey
Edgecombe
London
Police concerned about road accidents
By Helena Durand
Vehicular accidents last week have officers of
the Royal Montserrat Police Force very concerned, said Superintendent of Police,
John A Douglas.
Superintendent Douglas said, just last weekend,
there were accidents at Hill Top, Nixons, Fogathy, and Judy Piece.
The two accidents at Fogathy, he said were
“rather serious”. The first one which occurred on Wednesday September 19,
involved two vehicles; the other, more serious one, on September 22,
involved author Cathy Buffonge whose vehicle went off the road and down a
steep incline causing serious physical injuries which necessitated
hospitalization in Antigua.
Superintendent Douglas said, “we are appealing
to the general driving public to exercise more discretion. There is no question
of right of way. What it boils down to is discretion, and driving within the
speed limit.”
He said when drivers had all of Montserrat to
drive around, the speed limit even then was 40 mph. However,
having less ground to cover, and doing so in built up areas, the speed
limit he said is 20mph and must be adhered to.
“We appreciate the fact that driving at 20mph
in this day and age may not be ‘cool’;
but because of the smaller driving area, the speed limit must be
respected,” Mr. Douglas said.
He noted too “carelessness and exceeding the
speed limit by both experienced and inexperienced drivers,” are the major
causes of road accidents. Mr.
Douglas also wants to remind drivers that when it rains, the roads are slippery,
“particularly at Fogathy and they can lose control of their vehicles, more so
if they are speeding.”
Ag. Chief Minister Lewis attends OECS meeting
Acting Chief Minister Hon. Lowell Lewis joined
OECS Leaders today in St. Lucia to discuss the September 11 terrorists attack on
the US, and its impact of the on the sub-region.
The meeting was called by Grenada’s Prime
Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchel, who is
the current Chairman of the OECS.
A ZJB report said, the leaders will look at the
continued slow down in the world’s economy, and talks are expected to focus on
the impact of international development on the economies of OECS member states,
especially on the vital tourism industry sector and air transportation.
Since the attacks, the tourism industry in the
region has been put into a tailspin, most airlines, including the well
established ones, have been reporting significant reductions in bookings, and
the same can be said for the hotels.
Mr. Lewis and fellow leaders will look at this
situation, which is seriously affecting the economies of tourism dependent
Caribbean region.
Brief Earthquake Spans Antigua to Dominica
Compiled
from dispatches
A regional earthquake shook islands from Antigua
to Dominica early Tuesday night but there were no reports of serious damage or
injury.
The 15-second tremor, measured at 5.5 on the
Richter Scale, occurred at 7:17 p.m. The Seismic Research Unit in Trinidad said
the epicentre was located 43 kilometres east southeast of Antigua, at 17.19
degrees north and 61.47 degrees west.
In Montserrat, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory
reported that the earthquake felt was not related to activity at the island's
Soufriere Hills volcano.
Antigua lies directly above the fault line
between the Atlantic and Caribbean plates which accounts for the high level of
earthquake activity the country experiences.
The islands suffered extensively from a major earthquake on October 8, 1974.
Dominica's Disaster Preparedness Coordinator,
Cecil Shillingford, told reporters residents of that island have been nervous
about earthquakes following a series of tremors which affected the southern and
western parts of the island in late 1998 and in 1999.
At that time, seismologists and volcanogists from the Seismic Research Unit said
local tremors were related to volcanic activity, but that a volcanic eruption
was not imminent.
The Seismic Research Unit continues its monitoring with improved equipment
installed there.
Tuesday’s earthquake not of
Montserrat origin
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory has reported
that the regional earthquake felt on Tuesday evening at 7:17, was not related to
the Montserrat Soufriere Hills Volcano.
The epic center of the earthquake was located at
43 kilometers east of Antigua at 17.19 degrees north, and 61.47 degrees west.
The tremor, which lasted 15 seconds was recorded at 5.5 on the rector scale at a
depth of 30 kilometers.
The MVO said several aftershocks were also
recorded following the main tremor, and that the earthquake was felt in several
neighboring islands, including Antigua and Dominica.
St. Patrick’s Credit Union Summarizes Improvement
At the 37th Annual general Meeting of
the St. Patrick’s Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. last Saturday (September 22,
2001), President of the Board of Directors, Bennette Roach reported that the
Credit Union’s overall performance continued to improve as the volcanic
emergency eases.
An overview of the Credit Union revealed that the
years 1995 to 1999 had been very difficult and trying. The Credit Union, like
everything else, was impacted negatively by the mass migration. But the Credit
Union reported, “The society was able to survive by the support of the
worldwide credit union movement and accomplished some measure of savings
protection by working with members, adjusters, insurance companies to collect
just over EC$1.3 million in claims for property lost to volcanic activity.”
Regarding delinquency, in December 1993, only
4.49 percent of the total number of loans were delinquent. But by December 1999,
27.56 percent of the total number of loans outstanding were not only delinquent,
but deemed uncollectible
However, the Credit Union reported that appeals
and fund-raising efforts by management in the regional and international
community raised just under EC$5 million, “to apply to loan losses still
unrecovered after insurance settlements. Consequently, by the end of 1998 the Credit Union had
recovered 77 percent of the loans it had deemed unrecoverable in 1997, due to
migration of members and loss of property in the exclusion zone.”
By mid 1999 the Credit Union was operating with
relative normalcy and providing a satisfactory level of service to its members.
However, because of migration, the St. Patrick’s Co-operative Credit
Union Ltd. now services its members through the Credit Union in Dominica, Nevis,
St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and Grenada.
The annual report stated that an increase in
savings saw an increase in loan disbursements; but members' demands for housing
loans continued to surpass the credit union’s ability to satisfy their
demands.
The Board of Directors said, however, that the
increase in loans, accompanied by vigilant management and the responsibility of
members, saw an increasingly positive bottom line for the credit union. It said
this augurs well for the future, as it will ensure a rapid return to
profitability, sustainability, and the ability to pay dividends to members.
Constitutional Commission
Faulted for Lack of Women
The exclusion of women from the Constitutional
Commission has raised some eyebrows.
The five-man Commission, chaired by Sir Howard
Fergus, includes four other male members.
Before leaving for Britain for a Consultative
Forum, Chief Minister John Osborne told ZJB radio that the question of including
women had been raised.
“I think the point is well taken," he
said, "but after the matter was explained to me -- and I’m not a lawyer
-- I was satisfied with the explanation that whatever happens, women are going
to be involved as much as the men. The Constitution is not a political
statement… It is not going to be a man-made thing. Women are going to have as
much say as the men. It only happens that the people who are going to document
what is being said happen to be men. But it really doesn’t matter.”
David Brandt, former Chief Minister and
Attorney-at-Law, was not satisfied with Mr. Osborne’s response. Mr. Brandt
said that women are in the majority on the electoral list and that they hold
positions at every level in the community, so at least one could have graced the
Commission.
“You cannot leave out a majority when you are
appointing a body to represent the views of a community," Mr. Brandt said.
"If they are playing such a vital role in the society, how is it that they
do not qualify to be part of a Commission?”
Year-end Festival Plans Look
to Soca Expansion
Plans for the 2001year-end festival,
Montserrat’s biggest cultural event are falling into place, according to
Cultural Coordinator Shauna Harley, who told ZJB that most calypsonians were
already getting their songs prepared.
She welcomed that because there will be another
competition in which they can participate, the Soca Party Monarch Competition,
initiated by the OECS Office, which took place for the first time this year in
St. Lucia.
Ms. Harley said, “I suspect that maybe for the
next three or four years it will take place in St. Lucia, but our hope is that
it will be mixed throughout the region, the different islands as we go along.”
She said this competition is something for local
calypsonians to look forward to. “It is actually generating a lot of interest
because what the party monarch does, is it creates that really festive feeling;
because it’s just a night of pure fun, jam and wind, raise your flags, that
kind of thing. So, it’s something good to look forward to.”
Ms. Harley said the troupes from different
community groups have already sought advise from her department; wanting to know
about funding. She said there are already troupes such as Davy Hill Community,
the Lookout Community, the Spanish Community, Over the Bridge Massive, and a few
others.
She said that troupes have really expressed a
great deal of interest, but they need to be motivated to begin early, “so that
they can get something of high quality. You don’t just want a shabby-looking
troupe on the road, or on the stage. You want something that when we put up the
pictures on the Internet, or when people do a video of it, they can see the
quality of the product that we are offering here on Montserrat.”
Welfare Recipients Get Fund
Increase
Montserrat welfare recipients will begin getting
increases in their monthly allowances next month, the Hon. Idabelle Meade,
Minister for Community Services, announced this week.
In explaining the increases, Claudina Ryan of
Community Services said heads of households will receive $400 monthly, an
increase of $100, while spouses will receive $250, $50 more; and children under
12 years of age, $100.
The upgrade in the Social Welfare checks reflects
the escalation of the cost of living, Mrs. Meade said. It is hoped that the
additional monies will assist recipients with food, and other essential items.
The increases were not made earlier, she said, because of budgetary
constraints.
This new latitude may also be extended to
vulnerable groups of Montserratians in the neighboring Caribbean islands.
These groups, which include the elderly and
children, currently benefit from a DFID sponsored programme called TAMEC -
(Temporary Assistance for Montserratians Evacuees in the Caribbean), which is to
be terminated next March.
Barry Kavanagh, head of DFID on Montserrat, said
DFID has had that system in place since 1997, but given the time frame, the
beneficiaries are no longer evacuees.
The system he said was especially put in place to
assist the evacuees who had chosen to go to islands which were already “not
very prosperous” rather than other developed countries.
With the TAMEC programme coning to an end, Mrs.
Meade said, the Government of Montserrat is studying a proposal to assist such
persons in Antigua, Tortola, St. Kitts, St. Martin and Anguilla, who are said to
be experiencing “hardships.”
Chedmond
Browne Attending Telecommunications Conference
Parliamentarian Chedmond Browne is attending a
conference on telecommunications, e-commerce and new technologies in St. Lucia
which began yesterday and will end on Sunday.
The conference, which includes a trade
exhibition, has attracted American compute giant Microsoft, Cable &
Wireless, the British telecommunications giant, IBM, and KBMG.
Mr. Browne will participate in wide-ranging
discussions on how the region will tackle globalization and exploit the
opportunities it creates, and the forming of strategic alliances with regional
and international partners.
The overall objective of the conference is to
make companies more aware of what is available, and of strategies to bring them
into the 21st century's fast-changing technology.
A major talking point is expected to be the issue
of telecommunications regulations at a time when Caribbean countries are moving
to liberalize that industry.
Workshop Studies Health
Insurance
A one-day Social Health Insurance Workshop was
held here yesterday to develop a social health insurance scheme for Montserrat.
The workshop followed an earlier discussion in
June and dealt with issues such as the kind of coverage the scheme could
provide, how to decide who should contribute and who should get free care, and
how the scheme would be managed and administered.
The review of Social Welfare provision in
Montserrat began in September 1998. At the time of review, a new hospital was
being developed in St. Johns. It was envisaged that when the hospital was
operating normally, user charges for all services would be reviewed and
increased.
Concern was raised, however, that user charges
penalized persons at the point of greatest strain, when they were sick and the
family budget was under pressure, particularly since the volcanic crisis left
family budgets fragile.
The objective of a Social Health Insurance Scheme
is to allow persons to contribute financially to their health care when they are
well and able to do so, so that when they need care -- when they are ill -- they
will be in a position to receive it without having to pay user charges. The
scheme also is intended to ensure that all can access healthcare when they need
it, even if they are unable to pay for it, and to bring in funding which can be
used to improve the quality of health services on the island.
Government currently pays for much of the health
service directly out of revenue, supplemented by user charges.
It is envisaged that the insurance scheme could
replace the user charge element of funding for health, but for the foreseeable
future the state probably will have to continue much of the cost of the health
service.
National Day of Elderly Focuses on Challenges
Aging is fast becoming a major economic, social
and cultural issue, according to Valerie Lewis, President of the St. Vincent de
Paul Society here.
The Society is currently observing a week of
activities that will commemorate the National Day of the Elderly, an event
mandated by the United Nations and officially designated October 1st.
In an address for the occasion, Ms. Lewis noted
that the elderly population is “steadily increasing and the life expectancy
has increased.” In fact, she said, during the second half of the last century,
20 years was added to the average life expectancy, and this will have economic
and social consequences.
The critical question, she said, now that people
are aware of this trend, is “are adequate resources in place to meet the
increasing needs of the elderly? How prepared are we for long life and old
age?”
Bernadine Collins, Social Worker at Community
Services, plays a pivotal role in the local planning for the activities of
October 1st-7th, to coincide with the International Week
of the Elderly Activities. She said the volcanic crisis has restricted regular
outings for the elderly.
“They used to go out every week when the Red
Cross building was up in Plymouth. Not having such a place to go to, we decided
that we’re going to have activities wherein our senior citizens can come out.
So this year, along with our social interactions that we normally have
quarterly, this week we plan to have some very exciting and interesting
activities for our senior citizens,” Ms Collins said.
On Monday, International Day of the Elderly, the
Hon. Idabelle Meade, Minister for Community Services, will open the week with a
radio message. Other highlights include a special dinner at Cavalla Hill, lunch
hosted by His Excellency the Governor Anthony Longrigg, horticultural
activities, masquerades, an island-wide bus tour, and a day at the beach.
An excited group of elderly residents at Hill
View Home said Wednesday during therapeutic excises with Occupational Therapist
Mrs. Tammy Foote that they were looking forward to the Governor’s luncheon and
the day at the beach.
But the residents of the Hill View Home are the
not the only ones enjoying therapeutic exercises with Mrs. Foote. A U.S.
volunteer who is co-sponsored by the United Nations and the Peace Corps, Mrs.
Foote also works with the elderly at Sheltered Living Homes, other Homes and the
special needs children at the Brades school.
A British journalist arrested by Taliban
by Vincent
Brossel - Asia - Pacific Desk
RSF Asia -In a letter addressed to the Taliban Foreign Minister, Moulvi
Wakil Ahmad Motawakil, Reporters Without Borders (RSF-Reporters Sans Frontières)
protested against the arrest of journalist Yvonne Ridley of the British Sunday
Express newspaper. "The reporter was only exercising her right to inform
international public opinion about the situation inside Afghanistan", said
Robert Ménard, General Secretary of RSF. The organisation urged the minister to
ensure the release of the British journalist and her two guides. "Arresting
reporters who are only providing first hand accounts of the situation of the
Afghan people is not the best way to reassure international critics," added
M. Ménard.
According to information obtained by RSF, on 28 September 2001 the Taliban
militia arrested journalist Yvonne Ridley in Daur Buba district (near Jalalabad,
15 kilometres from the Pakistani border). The journalist with two
"guides" of unknown nationality, was wearing a burqah, the Afghan
attire and veil imposed on women by the Taliban. According to the Afghan Islamic
Press agency that provided the information, the Taliban also seized a camera.
The authorities accused the journalist of having entered Afghanistan
"illegally". She allegedly had no passport with her. Yvonne Ridley is
now detained in Jalalabad.
Yvonne Ridley is the first foreign journalist to
have been arrested by the Taliban since the 11 September 2001. Hundreds of
reporters are now in Pakistan and some of them have been trying to enter
Afghanistan. Last week, a BBC crew, dressed as Afghan women, managed to get
inside Afghanistan and film in villages near the border.
Her newspaper described Yvonne Ridley, 41, as a
very experienced reporter who had covered several conflicts. She had been in
Pakistan for several days, with a colleague from the Daily Express, to cover the
situation in the country and at the border.
USA, Pakistan, Afghanistan
& Osama bin Laden
Compiled from (Reuters) - Pakistan said on
Saturday it planned more talks with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers to try to
persuade them to hand over Saudi-born militant Osama bin Laden despite the
failure of two recent efforts.
"We will remain positively engaged," a
Foreign Ministry spokesman told a news conference hours after a team of
Pakistani Islamic clerics returned from inconclusive talks with the Taliban's
supreme leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar.
Pakistan's intelligence chief, Lieutenant-General
Mahmood Ahmed, led a delegation earlier this month for talks with Mullah Omar in
Kandahar to try to persuade the Taliban to hand over bin Laden and escape
possible U.S. military strikes.
He returned for a second trip with a group of
respected Islamic clerics on Friday, but that visit proved equally fruitless.
Washington accuses bin Laden of masterminding the
September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in
Washington in which some 6,500 are now feared dead.
The United States has vowed to hunt him down and
punish his Taliban protectors.
Pakistan, the only country still to recognise the
Taliban government, is now Afghanistan's only channel for any possible
diplomatic solution to the current crisis.
President George W. Bush has also ruled out any
negotiation with the Taliban on the matter, although they have not objected to
Pakistan's overtures.
The United Nations and international relief
organizations evacuated virtually all their foreign staff from Afghanistan after
the Sept. 11 attacks, leaving local Afghan staffers to tend to an estimated five
million people who rely on outside aid for survival.
OECS Heads Meet to Weigh Area Impact of U.S. Attacks
Heads of Government of the Organisation of
Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) were holding a Special Meeting in St. Lucia
today to consider the impact the recent terrorist attacks on the United States
may have on the economies of OECS member states.
OECS Chairman Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, called for the
Special Meeting to examine the current economic situation, the potential impact
on specific sectors, and to weigh policy responses, institutional responses and
financing.
Sir Dwight Venner, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, and Mr. Jean
Holder, Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, were invited to
make presentations.
The OECS comprise Anguilla, Antigua/Barbuda, the BVI, Dominica, Grenada,
Montserrat, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
St. Maarten
Official Talks Of OECS Membership
St. Maarten -- Leader of Government Commissioner
Sarah Wescott-Williams recently discussed with Prime Minister Denzil Douglas the
possibility of St. Maarten's joining the Organization of Eastern Caribbean
States (OECS),
The two were attending the St. Kitts & Nevis
Independence celebrations.
Ms. Wescott-Williams told the Government
Information Service (GIS), that Mr. Douglas was very supportive of St. Maarten's
intentions and offered his assistance.
Ms. Wescott-Williams said she is very pleased
with the cooperation that exists within the 20-year-old OECS in addressing
issues among the nine-member nations to advane the welfare of their individual
countries and populations.
After hearing of Saba's intentions to join the
OECS, Ms. Wescott-Williams has approached Saba's Commissioner Will Johnson to
exploring ways in which Saba and St. Maarten can support each other in their
quest for membership.
Nevis
Premier Amory Vows Ongoing Progress
Nevis
-- Newly elected Premier of Nevis the Hon. Vance Amory and Minister of Human
Resources pledged the removal of all obstacles to the continued progress of
Nevis.
He
made the pledge Sept. 10 at the official swearing in ceremony of the Ministers
of Government at Grove Park.
"Although
we have done a significant transformation of the economy of Nevis and the
physical face of Nevis over the years, we have not always had the full
co-operation of all the persons in this process." Mr.Amory said.
"We
shall develop and deliver a number of community based programs to enhance the
personal development of our people and to give them confidence and pride in
themselves and their country," he said.
After
the ministerial oaths, Mr. Amory made special mention of Mrs Olvis Dyer, a
newcomer in this election, who lost her bid to win the St Thomas’ seat.
However, the Premier noted that she will have an important role to play in the
future of the government.
Belize Groups Reassure Credit
Union Members
BELMPPAN, Belize -- The Department of
Cooperatives, Credit Unions and the Belize Credit Union League
reassured credit union members and the general public this week
that the credit union movement is strong and that members' saving are
well protected.
It encouraged more Belizans to join
the credit union family because Credit Unions continue to contribute to the
socio-economic development of Belize through the provision of loans in areas
such as education, home ownership and medical expenses for loved ones.
At the end of fiscal year March 31, 2001, membership was in excess of 70,000.
Credit unions provided 28,260 loans to the tune of $81.4 million. Assets
totaled $208 Million.
Referring to "the recent situation" at the Mount Carmel Credit Union
in Benque Viejo del Carmen, the Department of Cooperatives, the Belize
Credit Union League, Credit Unions and the Minister gave their full assurance
that their savings and investments are safe and that Mount Carmel and all other
credit unions will continue to provide efficient services.
Deviant Youngsters Disrupt Saba Schools
THE BOTTOM, Saba -- Lisa Hassell, Commissioner
responsible for Education, reports that social problems on the island are on the
increase.
She told the Saba Government Information Service
(SGIS), that the number of youngsters showing signs of deviant behaviour in
school is growing and that parents are at a loss on how to deal with it.
Ms. Hassell pledged that the Island Government
will use all its resources to deal with this problem.
Guyana, U.S. Locked In
Deportee Negotiations
Guyana, CMC - Guyana is preparing to accept at
least 80 of 141 deportees from the United States in order to avert a Washington
ban on issuing visas to Guyanese from October 10, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger
Luncheon said on Wednesday.
Dr. Luncheon said Foreign Affairs Minister Rudy Insanally and U.S. authorities
were locked in discussions here to finalise the deporting of between 70 and 80
Guyanese nationals.
Dr. Luncheon said many of the potential deportees left Guyana as minors.
"Our work so far is to try to identify that number, try to corroborate with
their families in North America ... many of these returnees their passports are
passports of children.
No tally showing how many of the deportees were convicted for drugs, homicide or
immigration offences was available. Dr. Luncheon noted, however, that at least
five were previously deported from the U.S. to Guyana.
In keeping with a recent US Supreme Court decision barring the Department of
Justice from indefinitely detaining immigrants jailed for crimes committed in
the U.S., Washington earlier this month threatened to stop granting immigrant
and non-immigrant visas to Guyanese if the deportees were not accepted in 30
days.
Guyana Priest Dies On Barbados Holiday
Barbados, CMC - Father Louis Kiss, a Roman
Catholic Priest who worked in the Guyana interior, died here Tuesday while on
holiday.
Fr. Kiss' host, Fr. Terrence Petry, said he suspected Kiss suffered a heart
attack while bathing off a west coast beach.
Fr. Kiss was born in Hungary but fled in 1956
during a revolution and joined the Jesuit priesthood in England. He later
migrated to Guyana, where he worked for several years among the indigenous
Amerindians.
PRESS RELEASE
The Leeward Islands Cricket Association is
pleased to announce the following squad of fourteen players who will represent
the Leewards X1 in the forthcoming Red Stripe Bowl which will takes place in
Jamaica.
Stuart Williams ( capt )
Elsroy Powell
Alex
Adams
Ronald Powell
Runako Morton
Jason Williams
Devon Williams
-MNI
Micky Mills
Junie Mitchum
Tonito Willett
Omari Banks
Sheldon Jeffers
Lesroy Irish
- MNI
Marlon Martin
By Peter Adrien
Great! This was the ideal description of the
decisive contests of the 2001 U.S. Open Tennis Championship. And, those who were
privileged to witness the Serena/Davenport battle; the Sampras/Agassi duel; the
Venus/Serena family-fight; and the Sampras/Hewitt clash, would share similar
sentiments. I became so involved that I shouted, chanted and celebrated.
Those were not mere contests between tennis
players. They were exceptional occasions of master craftsmen and craftswomen
exhibiting the qualities that are akin to great or legendary athletes –
ordinary men and women who do extraordinary things.
On September 5, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi
proved that they were true champions. The only difference between the two
Americans was the result. Before a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd and beneath
a near-full moon, Sampras and Agassi, the two greatest hard court players of the
Open era, staged their most epic battle yet -- a four-set marathon that had four
tie-breakers. Sampras, the 10th seed at this Grand Slam that he has won four
times previously, defeated Agassi, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5), in a
battle that lived up to the hype. Through 3 hours 33 minutes, neither broke the
other's serve once. Not once. Sampras, who now has a string of 71 service games
without being broken, hit 25 aces, his serve topping out at 128 mph. Agassi,
despite a slower serve, had 18 aces. Both had 83 first-serve points.
As closely as Sampras and Agassi played one
another, their styles were vastly different. Sampras, playing in his 500th
hard-court match, preferred to serve and rush the net immediately, as evidenced
by his 137 net approaches. Agassi, the all-time leader in hard-court matches
with 562 (and victories, with 446), came to the net only 21 times during the
match.
With both players serving so well, the crowd
became most aroused during those few times when it seemed as if someone might
actually break serve. Agassi had three opportunities, Sampras six, but both held
their serve as if protecting a nest. Before the fourth-set tiebreak, the entire
stadium crowd, few of whom had left even though it was after midnight, gave both
players a standing ovation. This was indeed a historic match and one which will
be played over and over again. It was really a Mohammad Ali/Joe Frazier fight.
But on September 9, the young Australian Lleyton
Hewitt was the better man. The 20-year old demolished the legendary Pete Sampras
7-6(4), 6-1, 6-1 and won his first U.S. Open crown on his opponent’s home turf
(USA). He outplayed his senior; out-thought his competitor; out-ran his father;
out-manoeuvred his opponent; and out-classed his opposite.
Hewitt was the truly better player on that day.
He consistently took Sampras' best shots and either cracked them at the
American's feet, or whipped them past his outstretched foe. Sampras said,
"He returned and passed as well as anyone I think I've ever played. He made
me play. I was hitting low volleys. The harder I served, the more I put into it,
the better he returned. He's got the best return in the game, the best wheels in
the game. He now possesses a much better serve. He's a great player. You'll see
him contending here for the next 10 years."
Sampras confessed that Hewitt is a better return
of server than Agassi, even though Agassi is considered by many to be the best
"returner" of all time. "He's quicker," Sampras said.
"Maybe he doesn't have the power, but he doesn't miss. He's very tough to
ace. He's got the hands and the feet. It's really impressive stuff." Hewitt
received US$850,000 for his victory. Many would agree that the 20-year-old
showed the psychological steeliness of a grizzled veteran.
The day before, September 8, the two Williams sisters proved their greatness by
outplaying females in their group and choosing to oppose each other in the
finals. That was a display of “family power.” Venus remarked, "This is
our first Grand Slam final together and really that's the way we like it to be.
Because then both of us win in a way." Their father and coach said that the
events unfolded just as he had planned since the two girls were small. Venus
Williams, the 21-year old, outplayed and out-foxed Serena Williams, the 19-year
old. Venus shoved aside any speculation as to who is the better player in her
family. She taught little sister Serena a lesson, beating her 6-2, 6-4 and
successfully defended her U.S. Open title.
In front of a packed house of celebrities and
tennis aficionados, Venus played a cool-headed, efficient match, patiently
waiting for Serena to make errors and crack under the strain of trying to upset
her beloved older sister in a Grand Slam final. Venus served with variety and
power, struck her ground strokes deep and kept Serena off balance by
consistently changing the depth and the pace of her ground strokes.
Venus beamed after the victory, but did not
engage in a wild celebratory dance. Both sisters called it a victory for the
family. And Serena, the 1999 U.S. Open champion, didn't break down in sorrowful
tears after the loss. She said, "In the past I would have been
disappointed, but I've grown as a competitor more than anything. I've realized
to take them as they come. I didn't get the moment. So it's all for Venus
now."
I suspect that we may never see another tennis
championship of such quality for many years. After all, we are only blessed with
these flashes in such compressed time once in a lifetime. Thank God I was
fortunate to have witnessed what may very well come to be known as the clashes
of the New Millennium.
All the qualities of true champions were on
display in the championship. The mettle was tested and the gold was purified in
the crucible of fire. Every athlete was severely tested for endurance, fitness,
fight, guts and skill. Every athlete was stretched beyond the limit. And the
stronger prevailed over the weaker.
Many of us, I am sure, might have entertained
doubt as to whether gladiatorial spirit was still possible in our
“press-button” society. Well, there is hope.
The new generation, after all, is not a lost
generation. There is hope for the future. There is hope that we could craft a
society that could survive; a society that could overcome the prevailing
obstacle and be competitive. We can “do it” if we “do it” together.
Let us express faith in our young people; let us
give every young man and woman a reason for hope; let us give every young man
and woman the will to fight and to succeed.
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
In Praise of a Leader
This article is in support of Mr. John Osborne
over his leadership on the airport matter.
I rise then to give support to my Leader, and to
shout my appreciation for his efforts to take Montserrat towards some measure of
viability. I feel that this island is being led as never before. Mr. Osborne has
shown a very high level of maturity. He seems to understand the tactics of
negotiating.
Thank you, Mr. John Osborne, for standing in
front of the line.
Thank you for leading in the struggle to provide
the people with a practical solution to the airport issue.
Thank you, Mr. Osborne, for delivering we the
people from the skewed desires of the 3-69 vocal minority who have consistently
attempted to derange and distract the realistic redevelopment of Montserrat.
This article is not about the many important
matters which ought to be discussed, debated and agreed upon while we move
forward. This article is not an agenda of matters to be debated by the talented
tenth, or the CRM.
So, this article is not about the airport or the
landing strip. It is not about wasting time with pipe dreams, such as airports
on top of a mountain and down the hill again to find some level spot.
This article is not about refusing a $40-million
airport, and then going begging a dollar here and there for a big, big, big
airport.
No!!! This article is about LEADERSHIP, it is
about praise and support for JOHN A OSBORNE, the man who I believed was too old
to offer decisive Leadership in the 21st century.
This article is not even about the inexperienced
politicians who are confusing the people. This article is not about rebuilding
town and country on Brades main road without a plan for parking and sewage
disposal.
This article is not about building residential
centres at Barzey’s and Cudjoe Head with shht pits on top of the next house
and no resale value for properties.
This article is not about emulating the planning
and orderliness of the Davy Hill and Lookout residential areas. Neither will
this article remind you of the advanced development in Old Towne, Woodlands, or
Olveston.
Good Grief No!!!
This article is not about selling a plot of land
on Brades road for $100,000. This article is not about an airport that could
only accommodate 9-seater planes, and even if… after all we would have an
airport. An airport that could handle nine charter flights a day, or 50 charter
flights in a week.
This article is not about mischievous people who
complain against the British "every tick the clock tick." It is not
about selfish and greedy people; neither is it about people who are too blind to
see that OECS leaders have reached out to Libya begging for a mere $10 million
to build their island’s economies. No!!! It is not about people who are too
lazy to open their eyes to see the $600 million that Britain has offered to
Montserrat.
This article is about John Osborne and the
airport issue.
It is not about a service station at Salem, and
the struggle between politicians.
The article is not about who I think should be
the deputy leader of the government.
This article is not about 6,000 Montserratians
who were forcibly moved from their homes in the east, the west or the south.
This is not about the 20,000 visitors who might visit if we have an airport.
This article is not about relocating 10 or 20 homes from the Gerald’s area;
and besides, so what if 100 more Montserratians have to be moved so that 1,000
relocated Montserratians can return by air travel to help restore economic and
social viability to Montserrat?
This article is not about the delay in announcing
the census results. It is not about whether the population has fallen below
4,000. No! It is not about the fact that over 1 percent of the population have
relocated to the UK since the start of Summer. So in this article I will not
consider that reducing population might mean reduced aid.
This article will not consider the fact that
while we are on the radio fuming and confusing,, and not attending to the needs
of Montserrat, the children are leaving for the good life…in the UK.
This article is not about issues for which the
people need leadership, discussion, debate and options. So I’m not writing
about integrating the civil servants pension scheme into the social security
fund. Neither will I write about the need for mortgage financing.
NO!!! This article will not address the need to
finance the housing needs of the future owners of the 200 service plots. No, I
will not even consider the need to create mortgage finance for those people who
are willing to buy their houses in Lookout.
This article is about support for the political
leader of Montserrat, who has declared that he knows what to speak, when to
speak, and where to speak.
This article is in praise of John Osborne who is
standing in front of the line taking all sorts of mischievous missiles from
people who will forever remain in the back of the bus, or at the back of the
line.
Can you hear me?
Do you understand that important matters are for
the editor? Understand that debates and options are the merchants who are
speaking labour.
But in case you still haven’t grasped it…
“it” is that the realistic redevelopment of Montserrat depends on much more
than whether or not the airport is placed at Gerald’s.
Now please bear with me for one brief second
more, so that I can tell you again what I have to say.
This article is in support of a Leader who by
boldly declaring that the government will take the airport at Gerald’s has
spoken for the silent majority of the population.
Mr. Osborne, on behalf of the silent majority of
Montserratians, I thank you for your leadership on the airport issue.
I thank you for telling the world and the people
of Montserrat that the site at Gerald’s for the new landing strip/airport, is
appropriate for our needs at this time.
May God bless you with long life, good health and
the love of your children.
MENTAL HEALTH FOR EVERYDAY
LIVING
By
Sharmen Thompson RN, RMN, Cert., BSc(Hons), CPN
How do you see yourself?
Have you ever asked yourself "Who
am I? Why am I who I am?"
Your ideas about yourself (your self concept) are
to do with:
How
you see yourself: self-image
How you
value yourself: self-esteem
A major influence on your self-concept is the way
you interpret other people’s reactions to you.
Your self-image does not always match your ideal
self (how you would like to see yourself). If there is a major difference
between your actual and ideal picture of yourself then you are likely to feel
that you are falling short and your self-esteem will be low.
A large difference can stop you both from setting targets that you can
achieve, and from recognizing your successes.
A small difference is likely to motivate you to
try new things and succeed. To
improve your self-esteem your aim is to narrow the gap between your ideal self
and your self-image.
How you feel about yourself is in turn closely
associated with your mental and physical health.
Your self-concept has a powerful influence on
what you do because it affects the way your future is influenced by what has
happened to you in the past. This can affect your decisions about the way you live,
whether to eat this or that, to be active or not, allowing time for relaxation
etc.
FEELINGS
Having a positive view of yourself depends on
feeling accepted and valued by other people, and on having confidence in your
ability to do things. Notice
situations which make you feel good and situations which make you feel
satisfied, secure or successful. Could
you put yourself in these situations more often or do you already frequently
feel this way?
If you experience feelings that are not so good,
can you identify why they occur and share them with someone?
Rather than keeping your feelings bottled up inside you, both those you
like and those you don’t like so much, you may find it helpful to share with
someone else. Remember this famous
quote, “This above all: to thine own
self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not be false
to any man”. Hamlet, Act1 Scene
111
By Beverly Anderson, M.D.
In many countries dogs are aptly called
“man’s best friend.” They have proven this as hunting companions, aids in war,
herding assistants and faithful friends. In
Montserrat I have found many people to be afraid of dogs.
Even more people are indifferent to them.
A very few take the time to know and love dogs.
I wish to offer information gleaned from 50 years of loving, owning,
breeding, raising and showing dogs. I
hope some of this information will ease the fear of this valuable creature and
add pleasure to the lives of both dogs and humans.
First, consider fear.
A strange dog approaches. What
to do? The first thing NOT to do is
run. A running object triggers in
an animal an ancient instinct to chase. It
is the way the species has survived. Similarly,
if we are afraid of something, OUR instinct is to get away, to run.
Running invites the very danger we seek to avoid.
Either stand still or continue walking as you were before you noticed the
dog approaching.
Secondly, do not make eye contact with a strange
dog. Do not stare into the dog’s
eyes. A dog considers this a
challenge and it invites hostility. Look to the side or past the dog while standing still or
continuing on your way. The dog may
walk away or may circle you. Remain
facing the dog, turning slowly if necessary.
Often the dog will leave. If
not, you can say “Good dog” if it seems friendly or “bad dog – go
home.” Then slowly back away.
The dog usually loses interest.
It is so very important to teach children not to
run from a dog. Few adults and no
child can out-run a dog. Have them stand still or walk slowly away.
Also, impress upon children that they must not tease a tied or fenced
dog, for the dog will then see children as enemies.
Some dogs will attack, almost always in the
following conditions:
to protect ‘his’ property
or owner
if cornered and threatened
If the dog has been taught to
be vicious. I have seen this
here in Montserrat. A dog is
teased and the owner encourages it to attack.
This is a dangerous practice. Much
could be said about it, but little would be printable.
To summarize:
Do not run; stand still or continue walking.
Do not stare into a strange dog’s eyes, look past him while you move
away slowly.
You will probably never encounter an unfriendly
or vicious dog, however. And if you should meet one who has been mistreated and is
unfriendly, he will most likely run away to avoid you.
Remember, God has created dogs to be our friends and they should always
be treated as friends.
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get along without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and
pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people
with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be
grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are
too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take
it out on you when,
through
no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without
resentment,
If you can ignore a friend’s limited education
and never correct him or her,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better
than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and
deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can honestly say that deep in your heart
you have no prejudice
against those who
don’t share your creed, color, religion or politics,
Then, my friend, you are ALMOST as good as your
dog.
The Old Quaw 'Option'
Dr. Lewis has found it unkind,
Offered access, how DFID declined,
But DFID thought, 'No,
'Why on earth should we go,
'When we've already made up our mind?'
A 'Slight Inconvenience'
Clearing Belham's deposits away
Will generate noise and delay,
There'll be potholes galore
For work crews to restore
Made by trucks creaking to Old Road Bay
Jus wonderin if they consulted with the people of
Gerald’s before demanding an airport be there.
Jus wonderin if the people really willing to give
up dem house and land for what de government can’t promise dem.
Jus wonderin bout de stadium wey HMG and de
xchief was suppose to put there.
Jus wonderin if dem tink dat a plane will have it
much easier landing than de helicopter.
Jus wonderin if we should remember Governor
Savage when he said only when certain “tings happen bout lives” on that
airstrip before DFID stop that craziness.
Jus wonderin why only the GOM want to have a say
in the proposed airport, when it won’t be used by dem alone.
Jus wonderin how many will prefer the potholes in
the sea to the turbulence and the threatening danger of aircraft.
Jus wonderin which airline will have the minds to
take the chance to use Gerald’s.
Jus wonderin which of the proposed/potential
sites really better.
Jus wonderin if we the people will ever know.
Jus wonderin if the CRM will put their money
where their mouth is and telling us everyting.
Jus wonderin if they are just full of hot air.
Jus wonderin when we will really get down to the
nitty-gritty of the problem.
Jus wonderin why the Doc allows his hands to be
tied when we all know he means well and he not in favor for Gerald’s.
Jus wonderin how much balls it will take for a
dissatisfied man to walk the road alone.
Jus wonderin why suddenly de police and
immigration harassing honest working people and leaving those P’s alone.
Jus wonderin if maybe they think their breads are
buttered with them.
Jus wonderin if is because DFID paying some
people salaries they feel that they can get rid of those who have to work hard
for their money.
Jus wonderin who holding the most against who,
the political scientist has against or the ex-chief.
Jus wonderin if dem people no no that if dem no
pay exit tax they robbing Montserrat.
Jus wonderin all who think the world stops
turning without them.
Jus wonderin bout this new talk bout welfare when
it is still those who have, who are getting more.
Jus wonderin if dem know who work hard still face
hard times.
Jus wonderin if plenty love can tek you out of de
hard times when de money and good times nar roll.
Jus wonderin how come dem bunch mek people saying
the forma chief look like a hero.
Jus wonderin what type of a representation the CM is making in the UK when he never even exchange one word with his colleagues or the people or their representativesabout the trip.
Jus wonderin if the MP is still fighting for a ministry.
Jus wonderin whom pays for the female passenger who frequently travels to and from Montserrat on the helicopter.
Jus wonderin if the MP is working so hard that he fell asleep behind the wheel.
Jus wonderin why we need DFID to come to the people and tell them what they are planning for Montserrat
Jus wonderin if the Committee for Redevelopment is waiting till it is too late to call for protest against the airport at Gerald's.
Jus wonderin how much it will cost to relocate the people at Gerald's and if this cost is to be added to the forty million.
Jus wonderin why the other members of the Committee was so quiet Wednesday night when the minister was on ZJB.
Jus wonderin if it illegal to make Montserratians pay departure tax when the Constitution call for the free movement of people.
Jus wonderin why so many Montserratians and other persons who qualify are relocating to the UK.
Jus wonderin if there is a plan to undermine one of our financial institutions.
Jus wonderin if is only stories politicians tell like the story-teller said.
Jus wonderin if it is not in order for jus wonderin to join and congratulate the ex-Speaker of the House.
Jus wonderin if Claire Shorte will now come and help the CM like he say he did for her in the UK’s last election.
Jus wonderin if a no ‘bird of a feather flock together’.
Jus wonderin if the gunman hang up his belt yet.
Jus wonderin if Montserrat so dead why the Evergreen so silent on Montserrat matters lately.
Jus wonderin if I can still get a free ticket to the UK.
Jus wonderin what will be the topics for calypsos this year.
Jus wonderin if DFID won the last elections and all who vote for them.
Jus wonderin whom will be the next Commissioner of police.
Jus wonderin if America now learn how to pray.
Jus wonderin if it is true the Hero and the Arrow will come out of retirement this year.
Jus wonderin if we have some Ben Ladens living here.
Jus wonderin if they plan to destroy our country worse than Hugo and the volcano.
Jus wonderin how come Cupid song is such a big hit in the USA.
Jus wonderin what some people was doing why they did not feel the earthquake Tuesday night.
Jus wonderin if it is time to start cleaning up Cork Hill.
Jus wonderin where the editor stranded now the symposium in Australia is postponed along with the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM).
Jus wonderin if Zena will return to WGN TV or is
she in Montserrat.
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