It was almost like a fairy tale this week between the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in a grisly car crash in Paris and her funeral Saturday in Westminster Abbey was a period of emotional finger pointing. Devotees of a figure ABC News described as 'a living icon, probably the most photographed woman in the world,' were seeking scapegoats, first for her death and then for what many condemned as continued disrespect to her by the British royal family. Their villains include:
The seven freelance photographers - familiarly known as
paparazzi - who reportedly were pursuing the speeding car
carrying the 36-year-old princess and her close friend Dodi
Fayed,
when it crashed into the
support pillar of an underpass. The crash killed the princess,
Fayed, and the chauffeur, Henri Paul. Diana's bodyguard; Trevor
Rees-Jones, was severely injured and not immediately available
for questioning by police. The photographers have been charged
with manslaughter.
Media around the world, whose willingness to pay princely sums for photographs of Princess Diana in her most unguarded moments fueled the unrelenting pursuit of the paparazzi.
Henri Paul, driver in the fatal crash, who was deputy chief of security at Paris' Hotel Ritz, owned by Dodi Fayed's father, Mohammed Fayed. The speedometer needle of the wrecked vehicle was reported to be frozen at 121mph, although later discounted. French police revealed after the crash that Paul's blood test revealed three and one-half times the legal limit of alcohol to determine intoxication.
The royal family, from whom the princess was officially estranged when her storybook marriage to Charles, Prince of Wales, collapsed after sensational press accounts of mutual infidelity led to an unprecedented divorce from an heir to the throne.
Many chafed that the princess was denied a state funeral, the
highest honour. Additional public concern centers on the future
of Princess William, 
15-year-old heir to the throne, and Harry, his
12-year-old brother, to whom the princess was a devoted and
openly affectionate mother. Their care now falls to the Prince of
Wales, whose dedication to his sons is clouded by his studied
aloofness.
QUEEN GETS SUPPORT FROM P.M. BLAIR
THE Prime Minister joined forces with St James's Palace to quash suggestions from some members of the public and sections of the media that the Royal Family has shown insufficient public grief over the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
"They are trying to make all the practical arrangements for the funeral, at the same time as comforting the two boys. They share our grief very much and we should respect that," Tony Blair said in Downing Street.
"All our energies are now directed towards trying to make this as tremendous a commemoration of Princess Diana as possible. To make sure we involve as many people as possible so we can express our own sense not just of national loss, but of personal loss, because I think people feel a personal loss themselves, and make it a service and event of which she would have been proud.
"I know those are very strongly the feelings of the Royal Family as well who are trying to cope in a tremendously difficult situation."
Condemnation of the photographers in
particular and the always believed that the press would kill her
in the end," he said from his home in South Africa.
"Not even I could imagine that they would take such a direct
hand in her death, as seems to be the case. It would appear that
every proprietor and every editor of every publication that has
paid for intrusive and exploitative photographs of her,
encouraging greedy and ruthless individuals to risk everything in
pursuit of Diana's image, has blood on his hands today."
Steve Coz, editor of the National Enquirer, a tabloid in which Princess Diana was frequently and prominently featured, said his magazine would not buy photos by the paparazzi involved in the crash, in an effort 'to send a message'. That was small relief to the media's critics who had learned that the photographers involved, beyond pursuing the princess' car, aggressively fought off police and rescue personnel while taking pictures of the victims still trapped inside the mangled vehicle. Reports in London said pictures of the princess inside the wrecked car had been offered to tabloids at prices ranging from $300,000 to $1 million.
Members of the media outside Kensington Palace, Diana's residence, were jeered, "You killed her. You're the scum," shouted someone in the crowd. A sign read, "A life wasted by the crooked greed of the media." In Paris, graffiti denounced 'paparazzi, assassins and cowards."
Of the chauffeur, associates at the Hotel Ritz said that people who spoke to him just before the fatal chase detected no evidence that he was intoxicated. Members of his family are seeking to conduct their own blood tests. Those seeking to exonerate the indicted photographers on the basis of the driver's alleged drunkenness drew this response from a French official. "French case law is that it is enough to prove that the chase had a role in what happened. The drunkenness or otherwise of the driver does not change matters"
Expressions of concern over official treatment of the late princess reflect the long-standing conflict between her position as a popular favorite and a palace pariah. That was typified by her candid revelations in published interviews of her own and her husband's infidelities, her difficult relationship with Buckingham Palace and her personal hopes for her sons and the charitable causes she espoused.
The staging of less than a state funeral in her honour prompted one mourner to complain. "They say she's not Winston Churchill, "who was the last non-royal person to be honoured with the state funeral. "But I think she's bigger than Churchill, I don't think they're doing enough."
One thing they were forced to do was to consider extending the planned mile-long route of the procession and publicise the 90-mile route of the cortege to her burial at Althorp in order to accommodate the millions of people expected to cram the region for the event.
As for the charities to which Diana was dedicated, they ranged from the Red Cross, through AIDS organizations to a worldwide campaign to ban land mines. The response to the princess' death was so great that Buckingham Palace established the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund to accommodate those seeking to help her charities.
For her sons,
Princess Diana bequeathed shares in her estate of £20 million,
most of which came from her divorce settlement from the Prince of
Wales, the rest from her father, the late Earl Spencer. Both
sons, whom she constantly sought to protect from the public eye,
faced a severe test in their participation at the very public
funeral of their mother.
Both princes are expected to remain in their exclusive private schools, William at Eton and Henry at Ludgrove, and to resume private lives overseen by their father, Charles, Prince of Wales.
The princess' personal jewelry, possessions and papers will remain part of the estate. Jewels with a royal lineage, the use of which she was allowed after the divorce, will return to the royal family under terms of the divorce settlement.
Following a tearful ceremony at Westminster Abbey, where funeral services were broadcast to an estimated 2 billion people worldwide, thousands of mourners said goodbye to Princess Diana Saturday as her cortege made its way through the sunlit British countryside.
As we watched on television, people tossed flowers onto the car as the hearse traveled through London carrying her casket to its final resting place in Althorp, Diana's ancestral home outside London.
The shining black hearse proceeded slowly north, with a police motorcycle escort on the English highway. BBC commentator said "Far more people are turning out here than for any previous royal inely good intentions were sneered at by the media. My own and only explanation is that genuine goodness is threatening to those at the opposite end of the moral spectrum."
"This was a different kind of funeral altogether. This was a more human one which, I think, was brought on by her good self and good works," reportedly said by Phyllis Kevin, a 72-year-old, who also said she had seen the funerals of King George, Winston Churchill and the Duke of Windsor.
In the moments before the service, Prince Charles and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry paused before entering the Abbey, standing before onlookers. With them walked Earl Spencer and Prince Philip, the Queen's husband. The Queen and the Queen Mother arrived ahead of the funeral procession.
Five days within each other these two departed this world from different lives, yet they they were friends and shared common goals
Mother Teresa, a beloved humanitarian known throughout the world for her charity towards the poor, died on Friday at age 87.
Mother Teresa, the Roman Catholic nun, who founded the order Missionaries of Charity, died of cardiac arrest at a heart clinic in Eastern India.
Pope John Paul II was told of the nun's death and immediately prayed for her, the Associated Press reported. The pontiff has planned a Mass on Saturday when it has been announced she will be buried, to honor Mother Teresa. "Her death touched his heart very deeply," a Vatican spokesman said.
Mother Teresa loved the poor and devoted her life to improving their plight. Several years ago, she told an interviewer that most people give too little thought to the indigent. "We don't know them, how lovable they are, how great they are," she said.
For her ministry and countless small gestures of charity, Mother Teresa herself was called great. In 1979, she won the Nobel Peace Prize for working in the poverty-stricken slums of Calcutta, India. But her generosity also spanned the globe and touched people suffering from all manner of disease and pain.
She was tiny and frail, ever hunched over inside her trademark blue and white robes. Yet she is likely to be remembered for her strength.
Her death saddened official Washington. President Clinton, described Mother Teresa "an incredible person" with a "stunning power of simple humility."
Though England is still struggling to cope with last week's violent death of Princess Diana, ABCNews said Buckingham Palace released a statement calling Mother Theresa's passing, "an extremely sad coincidence."
Word of the nun's death came as plans were completed for the burial of Diana's body on Saturday. The two women had met on several occasions and Mother Theresa was among the first to pay tribute to Diana, killed in a car crash in Paris last weekend.
Mother Theresa's death comes as a particularly numbing blow to India. The Albania-born nun first ventured to India in 1928, when she joined a convent in the northeast city of Darjeeling. In 1948, she became an Indian citizen and dedicated the rest of her life to improving the wretched conditions of the nation's slums.
The Governor, acting for the British Government (BG), the scientists also, mostly employees of the BG and local Government under its new leadership David Brandt, have taken the island one step closer to full-scale evacuating of Montserrat.
Residents have posed a series of speculative reasoning, some attempting to justify this recent decision, while others just think it is the disguised continuation of efforts to bring this island down to a population that will be forced to admit their inability to exist viably in Montserrat.
Three weeks ago, Bertrand Osborne's last days in office began, when they hastily ordered the immediate evacuation of Salem, pending the composition of new risk maps. This, the result of a report supposedly compiled, to bring into focus the current state of the volcano. It had devastating consequences for the island and its residents and homeowners.
The first fall-out got under-way when the ex Chief Minister refused to give any information relating to a package of assisted voluntary evacuation, sought for his people. The Governor who seemed to have assumed complete and total control of Montserrat, told the island, "It's a day we have been battling to avoid for over two years." Taken at face value, it's a concerned statement, but there are those who now know, that the Governor must have known that this was an ultimate desire of his Government.
The Salem evacuation left little option with the scarcity of accommodation further north. Residents would have to leave the island, but, before Osborne had submitted his proposal to Her Majesty's Government (HMG), there were British personnel on their way to Montserrat, to facilitate an off-island evacuation. They pounced on the Report, did not seek the scientist's guidance and with the British press proceeded to destroy further Montserrat's insurance coverage.. (See page 2 story on Insurance).
Since the damaging consequences of the scientists' report, there were other unprecedented moves. Professor Steve Sparkes, professor of geology at Bristol University in England, then head of the British funded Montserrat Volcano Observatory, publicly denounced the Governments for misunderstanding the scientific report delivered in mid-August.
The statements by British ministers, including Under Secretary of State George Foulkes, promoted by the press who jumped on the worst-case scenario, promoting a next to zero probability of serious volcanic explosions destructive to the island.
Professor Sparkes wrote in an English newspaper under the title 'Blinded by Science', that Mr. Foulkes had denied that he mis-interpreted the report. Sparkes observed that he did, and that the report was mishandled by the Government.
"First, Mr. Foulkes started his statement with the words, 'Over the past 24 hours, the volcano has become much more dangerous.' This incorrect statement bears no relationship to the context of the report, which was concerned with a long-term view of the volcano with no relevance to what the volcano was doing on a day-to-day basis," he said.
Those left on the island at this point belong to the business community, or already have some relatively safe accommodation (like residents from the north) or those who simply do not have anyone or anywhere to go overseas.
Most of the residents of Salem are defying the evacuation order, for obvious reasons. But it seems the authorities have been making a very basic error. They documented and agreed long ago, "The level of risk at which action (to evacuate an area) should be taken is often referred to as the "acceptable risk". It is the maximum level of risk that is acceptable by the individual or the community in preference to the inconvenience and hardship associated with implementing the evasive measures. Volcanic Crisis Management is a three-way affair between the scientists monitoring the volcano, the administrative authorities and the public."
Unfortunately this has never been practised and it seemed that most decisions with respect to the management of the volcano rested with the Governor.
Minister Foulkes has visited Montserrat and following discussions with various local groups, the Governor and Government, the recently strained relations seemed to open the discussion doors, but the Salem situation remains the same.
"A New Approach"
The Montserrat Volcano Crisis took on a new look as the dome sought to throw its tentacles further north.
Following the Claire Short/George Foulkes fiasco in the Tony Blair labour party government in England, and, in spite of the all-too sudden-death of the well-celebrated English heroine in princess Diana, under Secretary George Foulkes, found his way to Montserrat, into what he had presumed could be ‘the lion’s den. The whole affair could have cost Claire Short her ministerial post, but it could not compare to the losses suffered by residents, home and property owners of Montserrat. The withdrawal of insurance companies from Montserrat, may well have killed any serious chances of an early future existence in the northern half of Montserrat. But the good thing is that the subject is being discussed, while studies are being conducted to figure out a way to deal with it, and the British government is involved.
Since the change of government leadership, the Chief Minister and his inherited team have been busy with visits and meetings with Caricom head, labour MP Bernie Grant and more importantly Minister George Foulkes who serves with Clare Short in the Department of Foreign and International Development (DFID).
Brandt made moves to show that it is his intention to bring a new style of leadership to government and may have found conditions quite suited to his natural style of ruling by consensus. He invited all non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) to form themselves into a forum to deliberate on issues affecting Montserrat, to come-up with suggestions, advising government of their findings with a view to aiding their decision process. This forum would include ministers and other elected members of government.
The forum even in its infancy was called upon to present the Caricom boss, P.J. Patterson, prime minister of Jamaica with their own position on the needs of Montserrat and how they perceive Caricom’s ability to assist. Similarly sitting in discussions with the ministers, the forum was afforded audience with Minister Foulkes during which, a paper and presentation was delivered on the forums ideas regarding those issues facing Montserrat at the present moment of the crisis.
Reports on both occasions said that the Chief Minister and his ministers used both documents as the basis for discussion. It was reported also that Mr. Foulkes was most impressed by the presentation. Throughout, and following the minister’s visit, there seemed to be an air of reconciliation between Britain and Montserrat on their handling of the crisis.
For one thing, if nothing else was achieved, since there were more promises and commitments, the government of Montserrat will no longer sit across the desks of British civil servants in conducting the affairs of Montserrat, but will deal now at the highest level with the Ministers. That Prime Minister Tony Blair has been involved, must indeed be the beginning of a new era between Britain and Montserrat.
It is not the visit of Chief Minister Brandt to England shortly that will tell, but occupation of Montserrat by the volcano and what Montserrat will look like in the next few months. The risk the British government and the people of Montserrat will have to embrace is to move full speed with the development of the north until the volcano proves the scientists wrong.
Dear Sir,
M. Hensville's ("What is Happening at Radio Montserrat", Letter to the Editor, August 22, 1997,) expressed his concern about the state of affairs at the nation's station. One wonders why it is that a radio station which is the self-styled "voice of the people" and which is partly publicly funded, should be run so unlike the democracy it is here to serve. The responsibility of a radio station is to inform its public, in this case Montserrat and around the region. This requires the management of a good technical department, a professional broadcasting staff and a trained support staff. Radio Montserrat has all of these but management presents a lop-sided approach to what should be a coordinated effort involving those who work there. Staff input is a must. How else can management "manage" how else can management coordinate a balanced schedule of news, information, advertising, entertainment, discussion programmes and the like. If staff meetings are not held, how does the radio station staff communicate with each other? Does management communicate with staff? If there are no staff meetings, who then decides what should not be included? Who makes those policies and why are they made? Radio Montserrat is important to us. It is important that we here the truth and that we hear it without censorship.
Richard Payne
Dear Sir:
Landbase has had a long association with Montserrat, which is strengthened on a personal basis as the President of Landbase's sister is Clover Lea, who has been a resident of Montserrat for 17 years.
Over the years Landbase has carried out assignments in practically every Caribbean country. Our specialties are development, financing and consultancy in the leisure and tourism sectors. Among other jobs Landbase is currently involved in the development of Grenada New Port, a hotel project and a port and a leisure park in Jamaica and a resort project in Bonaire.
Some time ago we recognized that Montserrat was going to need a new capital and after making a number of trips to Montserrat, Landbase made a proposal to the Montserrat Government delegation which came to London.
What we have envisioned is a completely new town at a site at Little Bay and Carr's Bay. This will provide a new home for the businesses, which have been displaced out of Plymouth and the south of Montserrat.
The new capital will be designed as a complete town to contain sites for governmental office buildings; banking and other commercial enterprises; restaurants and entertainment activities; schools, churches and other public facilities; police and fire stations; shops and retail stores; general business offices; and residential dwellings catering to every income level. The plan will also include space for parks, cricket oval and green spaces for central gathering spots. The commercial aspects of the village will be designed around a new port that will include docking space for cruise ship tenders and for ferries from Antigua and possibly other islands and a marina to accommodate yachts and other vessels. A "broad-walk" that will cater to the shopping and entertainment needs of both local residents and tourists will be the focal point of the new town.
The town will also cater to tourism opportunities by planning for several hotels and for a residential field centre for scientists and students. This centre will be designed to allow a variety of experts to study the effects on the island of the aftermath of the volcano.
The new town is planed to be a "Celebration of Caribbean Architecture and Culture", taking its inspiration from the very best of traditional building in the region while at the same time having the best modern infrastructure and services. It will attract visitors from all over the Caribbean and the rest of the world, providing a market to the local traders and businesses.
Our aim is to assist Montserrat have the best capital in the Caribbean. This is a major project and it will create many employment opportunities both in its construction and in its ability to attract investment and business on completion. Old and new business being established by Montserratian's in the new town should be eligible for the low-cost financing schemes and other aid to be provided by the British Government.
Most importantly Landbase's proposal calls for ownership of the development to be incorporated in a Trust Company which will be established for the benefit of the Montserratian people.
Landbase has the backing of major construction groups from the UK. Sir Robert McAlpine and David Laing of the Laing construction group and Sanders Laing Architects who are also part of the design team.
Subject to final agreement Landbase will commence a detailed study of the Montserratian economy and of the needs of existing and displaced businesses so that their requirements can be incorporated into the detailed plan.
Inquiries from investors and business wishing to get involved are already coming in and we have just commenced discussions with Freedom Broadcasting Network from the USA, opening the opportunity of the new town having the finest communications infrastructure in the Caribbean.
View the Proposed Layout.
Bru Pearce
Landbase International Ltd.
More Aid and CDERA Helps Housing
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) keeps regional members informed of the status of the volcanic emergency in Montserrat. Following its report that much of the Central Zone had been evacuated after the explosive events of August. I listed these responses:
'In cooperation with the Government of Montserrat and the CARICOM Secretariat, CDERA is examining with the Government of Cuba appropriate pre-fabricated housing that could be urgently deployed to Montserrat, CDERA is further assessing local arrangements to accommodate external assistance.'
CDERA reported these pledges and contributions on behalf of Montserrat:
Supplemental to this report, it was pointed out that the United States Department of Humanitarian Affairs, which coordinates U.N responses to emergencies worldwide, remains in contact with the United Kingdom government but has had no UK request for the DHA to launch an appeal for international assistance.
The Aid Management Office (AMO) reported in a press release early last the services offered to the travelling public has been upgraded. They have obtained the services of a large catamaran-style vessel from Guadeloupe, MV "Antilles Express," to operate the Montserrat - Antigua ferry service.
The new vessel is faster, has greater passenger carrying capability than the earlier vessels and offer a much smoother ride. The "Antilles Express" can carry approximately two hundred passengers, and adjustments have been made to facilitate enhanced baggage capacity.
Following the arrival of the Antilles Express, a vessel not unfamiliar to Montserrat residents, the other vessels hired by the AMO, the "Deluxe" and the "Admiral Bay", will be withdrawn from service. This vessel has made many trips with residents of Guadeloupe who would arrive in Montserrat, mostly on Saturdays for day trips.
Feedback from the general public has been generally positive, but some remain suspicious and see the increase in capacity and an aid to speed up a process of evacuation when that becomes necessary.
The AMO in its press release says it: 'remains committed to providing the people of Montserrat with the best possible service in this time of crisis and need."
It has been reported in Britain, following the withdrawal of insurance coverage to Montserrat by United Insurance and Nemwill, that Royal and Sun Alliance told have said that they may cancel their Montserrat policies too.
The report featured a spokesman as saying "it's not feasible to just carry on regardless" and that they'll be making a decision about whether to cancel policies or not in the near future.
It seems that although reassurances may be forthcoming from Sun Alliance within the Caribbean and Montserrat at the moment, the ultimate decision will be taken at their head office in London.
Royal and/or Sun Alliance Insurance are known to be one of the longest standing property insurers in Montserrat.
"It's scandalous. They've been taking people's premiums for years and years. Now when there's the possibility of a claim they take advantage of the small print. People have got enough deal with without having this land on them," said one resident.
In most of the exclusion zone, the southern part of the island, homes have already been destroyed by the erupting volcano.
Nemwil, which has written 800 policies providing coverage of EC$ (US$60m), said it intends to meet valid claims up to August 28.
"It's not something we want to do, but under the circumstances and the potential lack of support from our own reinsurers, it is impossible to continue," said Jeffrey Montano, manager of Nemwil's overseas division.
United Insurance has provided coverage worth US$55m in Montserrat. "We have not been able to assess the damage, but it is likely to be significant," the company said.
For the two Caribbean-based insurers the volcano is a more serious threat than for Royal and Sun Alliance, which is a bigger company and pays out hundreds of millions of pounds in claims annually.
Royal and Sun is reviewing the situation and canceling policies is an option. "The two recent eruptions have had a major effect on the island.
The inhabited part has now shrunk to a point where it has to be questioned whether the future of the island is viable," it said.
A day after HM Gov. Frank Savage and Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne declared the area south of Nantes River unsafe, Canada's Consular Affairs Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade issued a travel advisory report on Montserrat. Excerpted quotations follow:
The Langs Soufriere Volcano on the island of Montserrat erupted on 25 June 1997 causing major pyroclastic flows. The airport is currently closed and will remain closed until further notice. Consequently, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is recommending that all Canadians leave the island. Therefore, we are recommending that Canadians defer all travel to Montserrat until further notice. The World Health Organization and Health Canada regularly provide bulletins on communicable diseases in other countries. These organizations report that dengue fever can occur in Montserrat….Health Canada strongly recommends an individual risk assessment by a travel medicine prior to departure from Canada.
Following their escape and surrender, the British warship HMS Liverpool, left Montserrat last week Wednesday with a handful of residents, who were the only ones on the island and who normally would have had no choice in their evacuation. Eight prisoners from the island’s jail who said they broke out of jail to meet with the island’s Governor to personally complain of their plight with the poor conditions at the prison.
"They were taken to the Caymans Islands where they will serve their sentences until another jail is built to replace the one lost to the Soufriere Hill volcano.
"Their return to Montserrat could be a long time in coming, although the British have all but abandoned plans to evacuate the island’s remaining 5,000 citizens. A new jail is well down the priority list when it comes to making the island habitable again.
1997 School Overseas Exam Results
The Montserrat Secondary has reported the following 1997 Overseas Exam Results.
CAMBRIDGE ‘A’ & ‘AO’ LEVELS
‘A’ Level results for June fell below the average % of the 1996 results. Also worthy of note is that fewer students wrote the examinations this year. Most outstanding student was Lachlan Dyett, who passed all the subjects he took. He gained C’s in Biology and Geography and a B in General Paper. Dietrich Edgecombe passed Chemistry and Echelle Wells passed History. There was a 75% pass rate in General Paper.
Cambridge ‘O’ Level
These results have not arrived yet.
Caribbean Examination Council - CXC
75% passes were record at General I & II levels and 60.2% at Basic I & II levels i.e. an overall % pass rate of 73.3 compared to 73.3 compared to 70% of 1996.
100% passes were record in:
BASIC PROFICIENCY
GENERAL PROFICIENCY
% passes in the other subjects are as fellows:
GENERAL PROFICIENCY
BASIC PROFICIENCY
Only two subject areas recorded percentages below 50.
Several students performed with distinction at the General Proficiency Level. Most outstanding among those were:
CHRISTOPHER FENTON 6 - l’S
KAHLILAH MICHAEL 5 - l’S 2 - ll’S
VERLYN DUBLIN 5- l’S l - II’S
DA-WAYNE RILEY 4 - l’S 3 - ll’S
Other students who gained seven passes are: Sheldon Allen, Sotonye Dublin, Oyintare Kagbala and Vekeisha Sweeney
These, like some other students are waiting their Cambridge ‘O’ Level results.
P.V.P STUDENTS
Eight P.V.P students wrote Electricity/ Electrons Basic Proficiency and six of them were successful
Mrs. Camilla Watts, principal of the school said, "I am very pleased with the results and must take this opportunity to commend the Ministry of Education, the parents, and students, and teachers for pressing on in the time of adversity. Even though the 1996 examination students were adversely affected by the volcanic activities this batch of students were more severely affected. I mentioned that to emphasize the fact that no praise can be too greater for all persons who contributed to the outstanding results.
"As educators we are anxious to begin the academic year 1997/1998 so we can proceed with business of educating our children. Until we are ready for that parents please ensure that your children spend time reading. Let them also enjoy whatever healthy leisure activities they can because once school get stared it should be many hours, weeks and months of hard work."
She offered congratulatory remarks to all students who performed with distinction and extended thanks to a dedicated team of teachers.
Hurricane Erika turned out not to be too troublesome for Montserratians except for the preparations in case it visited. It passed well north of us as it kept its WNW course.
Officials inspected shelters already overcrowded with people needing shelter as a result of the Soufriere Hills volcano. The biggest problem was the lack of travel services. The ferry service did not operate because of the expected high seas, resulting in travelers being stuck on either island Antigua and Montserrat, since Friday. Rough seas forced cancellation of ferry services in Anguilla, Antigua, Montserrat, St. Martin and Puerto Rico.
One is reminded of Bertrand Osborne's chiding Bennette Roach at a press conference, for suggesting that preparations and consideration should be given to air service for those days during the hurricane season, when hurricanes are in the area. Osborne had sternly reminded the press that the seas are calmest during the hurricane season.
On Saturday night as the hurricane moved west and north of us, there were some high seas and a few showers of rain in the night.
Montserratians are of course grateful that we have been spared serious effects from the hurricane.
Late last week issued the following press release.
The international project management firm of Brown and Root have been engaged by the department of international development in London to manage the $6.5m housing project approved by her Majesty's Government early in July.
The original terms of reference for the Brown and Root project team focused on building homes for 1,000 persons as quickly as possible, to provide conditions that were somewhat better than existing shelter conditions.
This re-emit was qualified by a need to consult with the local government in terms of the appropriateness and fit to the final product, as well as the need to maximize investment in the local economy.
The flexibility of this charge dictated that the firm would have to possess the requisite flexibility and networking support to satisfy the variety of conditions that this project entails.
The fact that Brown and Root is one of the world's largest and most diversified engineering project management and construction companies has enabled them to respond to the needs of both the British and Montserrat governments. The company can call on any of its 40,000 employees worldwide, and the depth of this knowledge and experience is being brought to bear on the unique circumstances that confront the people of Montserrat. With annual sales of US$6.4b (1996), the corner stone of their operating philosophy is a multi-disciplined capability, supported by shared international experience in solving problems.
Since arriving on Montserrat Brown and Root have produced plans for two settlements designed to be flexible, incorporating the unique ambiance of the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle, while utilizing modern concepts of environment friendliness and economic utility of space. The settlements were designed utilizing Caribbean expertise and will comprise a combination of top quality modular and concrete blockhouses.
The settlements are in the detailed planning stage, and a consultative meeting with the government of Montserrat is scheduled for later this week.
Brown and Root have supported the emergency effort in the area of procurement and logistics, and indeed the first emergency housing arrived on island Thursday, August 28.
Certainly, Brown and Root have facilitated other initiatives, specifically the CARICOM village, by clearing the site and putting in access roads well in advance of the visit of CARICOM chairman, Prime Minister Patterson. The company stands willing, ready and able to assist the people of Montserrat in this their time of greatest need.
Bernie Grant, Labor MP representing Tottenham, England, visited Montserrat for one day, the week before George Foulkes, parliamentary undersecretary of State in the Department for International Development (DFID).
Mr. Grant said he was visiting on the invitation of Mr. David Brandt, the newly installed Chief Minister, to try and assist with the British negotiations. He told a press conference that over the past two months, "I have been having meetings with the parliamentary undersecretary of State to the foreign office Baroness Symons, and also the undersecretary of the DFID George Foulkes. I am the chair person of the all party parliamentary group of the Caribbean and I am a member of the select committee for international development."
Mr. Grant also said that he was also asked by the Antigua Government to assist them with negotiations with the British Government in respect of the Montserratians, said to be about 3,000 presently relocated there.
He went to reflect on his visit to the island, having "seen the volcano at close quarters. I am indebted to scientists who explained to me a situation, which is extremely complex from a scientific point of view."
Referring to the state that existed between Montserrat and the British Government since the latest scientific report and Clare Short's outbursts, he said, "I have to say that I believe I have been able to identify the source of the problems. I believe that I am in a position to go back to London and speak as to the reason of the break down in communication between the Governments of UK and Montserrat. And I hope when I go back what I have to say, will be received as it is meant."
Even now the MP joined the many others before him in condemning the shelters. "I also believe that it is incumbent to remove the people from the shelters as soon as is humanly possible. There are no proper toilet facilities, there are no telephones for communication. We do not want refugees in the Caribbean."
He gave his views on the package being offered for voluntary evacuation saying that "any relocation package that is offered to people who wish to relocate within the region, must be matched with a similar package, for people who wish to remain in Montserrat."
He later in the press conference confirmed to all Montserrat that the British Government had been for some time working on taking over the country and ordering full evacuation of Montserrat. "At one stage I was pushing for the BG to declare a State of Emergency in Montserrat and to take over control of the country and to do a number of things including evacuation. I was one of those who favor that position," he said, expressing the opinion also, "now I do not support the position of the BG seizing control from the local government.
" I have every confidence in the current Chief Minister and other ministers. I believe there have been difficulties in the past not with this Chief Minister but with others in the past, but that is behind us now."
He observed the lethargy in the British funding and said: "I believe that the previous government has a lot to answer for."
The British pop star Elton
John, who recorded several times at Air Studios, Montserrat - one
of Diana's favorite rock stars and close friends - changed the
lyrics in the hit tune of "Candle in the Wind" to
reflect the beloved princess' death.
"Candle in the Wind," released in 1973, originally invoked Marilyn Monroe in its opening line - "Goodbye Norma Jean," a reference to the star's real name, Norma Jean Baker.
Instead of the original opening line, the new version read, "Goodbye England's rose, may you ever grow in our hearts."
Earlier in the week, newspapers in Britain had reported some disagreement between Buckingham Palace and Diana's family over whether John would have a role in Saturday's ceremony.
The following are the lyrics of the song:
"Goodbye England's rose,
may you ever grow in our hearts.
You were the grace that placed itself
where lives were torn apart.
You called out to our country,
and you whispered to those in pain.
Now you belong to heaven,
and the stars spell out your name.
And it seems to me you lived your life
like a candle in the wind:
never fading with the sunset
when the rain set in.
And your footsteps will always fall here,
along England's greenest hills;
your candle's burned out long before
your legend ever will.
Loveliness we've lost;
these empty days without your smile.
This torch we'll always carry
for our nation's golden child.
And even though we try,
the truth brings us to tears;
all our words cannot express
the joy you brought us through the years.
Goodbye England's rose,
from a country lost without your soul,
who'll miss the wings of your compassion
more than you'll ever know."
This is a summary of events involving Clare Short, Secretary of Department for International Development, since she first came to the attention of Montserratians on August 18 in a direct radio interview by Rose Willock, Manager of ZJB ,Radio Montserrat.
Details are gleaned from the British Press.
Her first direct radio contact with Montserrat established Clare Short's position on the needs of the volcano-stricken island. It came two days after H.M. Gov. Frank Savage and then Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne announced a subsidized "voluntary evacuation plan" for those wishing to leave the island.
Included in local discussions of such subsidies were unspecified proposals to Britian by the Montserrat Government for 18 months subsistence payments to individuals and married couples, with a lower additional grant for each child.
Ms. Short said in her live radio interview, that Britain had already pledged œ41 million in aid to Montserrat. "Money does not grow on trees," she told Rose Willock, and declared that more generous compensation was not under consideration.
The London Telegraph broke down for its readers that £41 million commitment like this:
In fact, the money comprises £12 million in budget aid, buying vehicles and renting villas as offices for British Government officials and local civil servants; £10 million on emergency services, primarily paying for the scientific monitoring of the volcano and subsidising a twice-daily helicopter service from Antigua; and £19 million of largely unspent money for infrastructure projects.
After Chief Minister Osborne's refusal later that Monday to reveal details of his Governments proposal on evacuation assistance, demonstrations erupted in Salem. That evening, in a TV interview Britain, Clare Short denied complaints that the British Government had acted too slowly. She dismissed the demonstrators as unrepresentative of the majority of those remaining on Montserrat and said, "We have provided funds for people who want to travel to Britain and we are now announcing a package for people who want to relocate in the Caribbean".
Later in the week, after continued demonstrations had persuaded then Chief Minister Osborne to stand aside, to be replaced by Chief Minister David S. Brandt. Miss Short accused the island's leaders of "sheer irresponsibility" in what she described as greedy demands for compensation. She precipitated her own crisis when she predicted that next, Montserratians would be demanding 'golden elephants'.
Angry reactions from Montserrat and in Britain drew a prompt announcement from Robin Cock, the Foreign Secretary, that a special action group, reporting directly to him, would be established to co-ordinate Britain's dealings with Montserrat. One British newspaper described this as "a humiliating snub for Clare Short."
In London, Mr. Cook said, "Our assistance strategy needs to be delivered speedily and efficiently and that requires co-operation across Whitehall. The Whitehall committee will ensure that the Government's four - point plan is implemented without delay."
From Montserrat, Chief Minister David S. Brandt greeted the Cook announcement as very good news and declared himself 'much more optimistic about the future rebuilding of our island."
Also in London, Clare Short conceded that her remarks about Montserratians had been offensive but insisted that they were never intended for public consumption. She struck back by calling Labor Party spokesmen "vile and dishonest" in trying to make her the scapegoat for the controversy about Montserrat.
She accused the Government of Prime Minister Tony Blaire of seeking to destroy her Department of International Development in order to get the funds committed there to Third World Aid. She described herself as "the whipping girl for people who cannot bear the idea of an independent department," and denounced "the reactionary end of the Foreign Office."
A spokesman at 10 Downing Street later told reporters, "We're not going to say anything about Clare Short at all. We are trying to look forward to the arrangements for Montserrat.
After the first meeting late last week of Mr. Cook's action group to co-ordinate Britain's relations with Montserrat, described in the British press as "a slap-down to Miss Short and her Deputy, George Foulkes," its members issued their first press release. It expressed their unanimous respect and admiration for Clare Short and her actions during Montserrat's volcanic crisis.
And while all this was going on, Governor Savage was in Montserrat, saying to news men: "Extra support is going to be needed for those who remain," adding that the price of basic foodstuffs would rise as imports dwindle."
There was "quite a high take-ups" of people wishing to travel to Britain under a deal allowing them a two-year visa under certain conditions and a work permit, Savage said.
And his biggest statement, one which seemed to run contrary to Ms. Short's position: "The British will pay compensation for those who stay and for those who go. There is NO BOTTOM LINE on what will be spent in either the infrastructure in the north of Montserrat, or for the Montserratians who remain."
By Howard Fergus
Fall out is in the nature of the volcano;
Sick with gas it farts and vomits
To relieve congested innards
Spreading waste no pit is big enough
to bury; but Montserrat Soufriere
has the record for choler and fallout
It pollutes politricks, and party
tongue and teeth fall out making way
for transplants and rejection by an ailing
body politic. The mob catches the fever
and a season of unreason reigns.
From his disadvantage point the Chief
is dazed and dizzy with events
natural and man-made; pushed by his peers
He falls a victim of fall out
This is not an intrusion to thrill ya
With some volcanic memorabilia
We just want to report
That a chat with Claire Short
Could cure you of your Anglophilia
This week has been dominated by minor rock fall activity from the dome. The rock falls and some very small hybrid earthquakes, sometimes merging into tremor, have been occurring at fairly regular intervals. The time between the peaks of activity has increased during the week, from 10 to 12 hours at the start to more than 16 hours at the end of the week. The cause of this cyclic activity is not yet known, but it has been observed during some of the more active episodes of this eruption, for instance during the explosions in the first half of August.
There have been small pyroclastic flows into Mosquito Ghaut on most days this week, often at the same time as a peak of rock fall and earthquake activity. Only a few small flows were seen in the Upper Gages Valley, most notably on the morning of 4 September. However activity currently appears to be concentrated above Mosquito Ghaut. There was an episode of major pyroclastic flow activity in Mosquito Ghaut on Saturday, 30th September. The main phase of activity began at 12.57 p.m. and increased to a peak at around 2 p.m. and was essentially over by 5 p.m. The biggest of the flows extended as far as the school at Harris village. The activity generated a sizable ash cloud, which rose to around 7,000 - 10,000 feet (2,100 -3,000 metres) above sea level, which was carried to the west and north-west by the wind.
Visual observation of the volcano has been restricted throughout the week due to low cloud. A survey of the dome last week showed that the dome is growing at a very fast rate and there is a lot of material accumulating above Gages. The size of the dome and the high extrusion rate mean that a large collapse could occur at any time, possibly without warning.
The upper part of Mosquito Ghaut is now completely filled with pyroclastic deposits and the recent activity has eroded a new deep gully in the deposits just below the dome. This new gully guides pyroclastic flows across Farrell's plain towards the northwest and the head of the Belham Valley. Any large flows in the Upper Gages Valley could also enter the Belham Valley. This makes it increasingly likely that large flows will find their way into the Belham Valley and, if large enough, travel all the way to the sea.
People should remain alert at all times. Access to the area south of the Nantes River is permitted daytime, but only for essential visits. Further explosions are still possible. In the event of an explosion people in the exclusion zone should evacuate immediately. People elsewhere on the island should seek shelter under a strong roof as soon as possible. An explosive event can result in ash and small rocks falling anywhere on the island.
MVO is in the process of moving to a new location on Mongo Hill. The present location in Old Towne is regarded as unsafe and under threat from pyroclastic surges and explosive activity.
Jus wonderin who are the persons on Montserrat who are party to the plans for total evacuation of the island. Mr. Speaker can you help identify the culprits?
Jus wonderin how many civil servants will be given a thank you slip shortly.
Jus wonderin if that the city and the port don't have to have the same name! Why not, for example, "New Plymouth" and another name for the port?
Jus wonderin if any member of the opposition could possibly be receiving a fraudulent salary.
Jus wonderin why our local politicians only ask for their constituency advise when their backs are against the wall.
Jus wonderin why some politician surround themselves with bap bap men who do no more than bap bap.
Jus wonderin if some of these men might be more of a concrete block tied around a drowning man's neck to some of our politicians.
Jus wonderin if anybody understands why Salem is evacuated if both the UK and the Montserrat Governments "misunderstood" the Scientists?
Jus wonderin if the firm contracted to build the houses in the north, will use the plan proposed by Alford Dyett or that of shanty towns by Cassell.
Jus wonderin why an English firm is contracted to build the houses who then subcontracts local contractors.
Jus wonderin if the members of the government asked Osborne to resign because they would not work with him as chief or with him as part of the government.
Jus wonderin, how comfortable the ex is, working now as an Indian with selected men whom he knows for years did not want to work with him.
Jus wonderin, if persons who are now allowed into Plymouth after signing disclaimers does not suggest that someone should be held accountable for previous loss of life and property in the unsafe zone.
Jus wonderin why the so called voluntary evacuation to the CARICOM countries cannot be implemented from Montserrat instead of Antigua.
Jus wonderin who decided that you don't need any financial assistance if you decide to relocate to the USA or Canada or Germany.
Jus wonderin if according to a caller on the Tough Talk program, some of the persons who have been working for two years on the volcanic crisis do not need a l-o-o-o-ng holiday.
Jus wonderin if the British government think that they start to spend money yet.
Jus wonderin if the film crews that are on island can just push cameras in any one's face where they come from without first asking permission.
Jus wonderin why persons in Salem and other areas are being chased when there is a 90-99 percent chance that there would not be a life threatening explosion.
Jus wonderin what would happen on island if that hurricane had really hit us.
Jus wonderin where are the relocated persons from Salem are really living.
MV Freda W.
With all machinery including main engine 405 H. P.
Rebuilt new March 1996.
Class Bureau - Excellent condition.
3 generators, all Lister Blackstone engines.
Speed 10.5- 11 knots.
Port of Registry, London, England.
Gross tonnage 428.
Dead weight 600.
Crew quarters, kitchen and storage rebuilt new.
Includes: 15 ton telescopic crane Mac Gregor, hatch covers, 2 hatches - I hole.
Fax. 664 - 491 - 3010. Great Western Shipping Co. Ltd. PO Box 56, Plymouth Montserrat.Negotiable - asking price US $400,000
Present trading-Caribbean.
Gem Radio Caribbean
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