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At Last Montserrat Can Buy Insurance Coverage Again

By Bennette Roach

Sometimes it seems that there is nothing good ever happening that is worth talking about. The problem is that good things do happen but hardly anyone notices because of too many problems.

Along with those who hung on with the civil service to keep Montserrat's government operating, a few businessmen managed to continue to operate because their services were needed, however simple. DFID did earn compliments for making some aid available, even though in small quantities, to small businesses on the island. This was most welcome by the few who benefited so far.

The problem was that, the banks were not making business loans, granting mortgages -- perhaps making no loans at all -- because, for one thing, no one could get insurance. There was no insurance company offering coverage. Often it is said that people left because of the inadequacy in housing, but not everyone left because there was no housing. Some left for pure economic reasons. They could not exist.

This week National General Insurance Corporation (NAGICO), operating in the Caribbean for more than 18 years, opened office doors officially to the business community, residents and homeowners of Montserrat, as they promised two weeks ago.

NAGICO is substantially reinsured by underwriters and Class "A" Reinsurance companies through Reinsurance Brokers H.S.B.C Gibbs Ltd. - wholly owned subsidiary of H.S.B.C Holdings, the world’s largest bank by capital.

Mr. Joshua Dharamraj, an Insurance Underwriter with the company, says, "Presently NAGICO is expanding in different islands in the Caribbean," and adds that they readily agreed to the proposal by Jim Van Hecke & Associates Ltd. to open an office here in Montserrat.

Mr. Dharamraj said that since they were not expected to offer volcanic coverage, "we didn’t really have to wait on that aspect of the report (scientists' report) for making our decision."

Speaking with The Reporter following the office opening formalities, Mr. Van Hecke explained how it started. "It actually came about through Mr. Mike Emmanuel. He has a friend by the name of Mr. Bill Rankin,, who did construction in St Maarten."

Van Hecke says that Mike asked Bill to come look at Montserrat and see what he could do about providing insurance for the building projects that they needed here, "since there was no insurance available to them over there."

"I was shocked when I heard of what the other companies had done," he said.
"We do not practice those types of ethics dealing with claims."

Meanwhile, Mr. Edison Maria, Agent Administrator and who will keep close touch with Montserrat, said "NAGICO is a most reliable company and that is why we are proud to get another star on the NAGICO shoulder."

At the opening ceremony, the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt sounded overjoyed. He said he had every expectation that NAGICO would not renege on its promises because it was in the midst of the crisis they came and offered insurance to Montserrat. "In the midst of this crisis several of the insurance companies who have collected our premiums over the years have abandoned us."

Mr. Brandt said he had every expectation that NAGICO would not do so. "And according to their policies," he said, "it would be possible for us, depending on the arrangement that you enter into with them, to get it much cheaper than with the present terms with insurance companies."

Mr. Brandt recalled that it was the withdrawal of the insurance companies operating in Montserrat that caused the downfall of the Montserrat Building Society.

But while the Chief Minister was praising NAGICO for coming to Montserrat's rescue, Governor Abbott was wishing for competition as he welcomed the insurance company. He said the future of the island depends on a viable insurance sector: "We have had a dialogue with a number of insurance companies since November last year," , he said. "We believe we are making progress and we hope that in the near future there will be some competition to NAGICO."

The insurance company plans to offer coverage rates similar to those that apply in St. Maarten, such as 10-percent discounts on premiums for properties with concrete roofs and to include properties with approved hurricane shutters and those with no previous claims. With a standard deductible of 2 percent, those seeking coverage with increased deductibles for as much as 10 percent of the sum insured will receive a 30-percent discount.

Coverage is expected to include loss or damage caused by fire, flood, explosion, storm, etc., with private dwellings obtaining coverage for public liability and loss of rent.

Mr. Van Hecke says he plans to conduct his business in the interest of the Montserrat public and that he plans to give support in those areas that he is accustomed to doing in the other islands.

As the Chief Minister hinted Sun Alliance did not leave Montserrat without insurance completely. Sun Alliance who has teamed up and now known as Royal & Sun Alliance still offer insurance coverage for, among others, motor insurance (without volcanic and related earthquake cover), public liability, contractors' indemnity. Unofficial sources say that they will soon be offering homeowners and household comprehensive coverage.

Nemwill Insurance is another company that did not completely leave our shores, also offering motor insurance.

Montserratians Need to Have Commitment and Visions

It was more than disheartening to hear the Honourable Rupert Weekes, Minister of Communication and Works say in a new radio program: "We realise we have once chance and we have to do it right."

He was discussing the airport issue which has commanded a lot of discussion over the past few weeks. The question to be answered here is, ‘what did Minister Weekes mean?’ Was this a suggestion that if we do not accept one of the options, or rather the option being sold by the consultants on behalf of the British Government, that we would not see an airport again in Montserrat?

GIBB Ltd. is the firm engaged to do the feasibility study of an airport for Montserrat. About to be in circulation is a GIBB production of a brochure with a heading which reads 'Montserrat Airport Public Consultation - September 1998.' Obviously somebody is not happy with the results of the consulation to date, which shows that Montserratians are saying a big NO to an airport at Geralds and in fact are suggesting that only Thatch Valley can make sense in spite of the initial cost. The minister mentioned in his broadcast that there will be further public consultations which will allow the consultants to sell the Geralds option as the most viable, or better yet the only one.

The brochure sets out various headings such as, the Basis for Analysis, Financial Summary, Total Donor Funds Available and a brief Project Evaluation of the four option sites for an airport.

The Basis for Analysis briefly lists points showing the situation of an airstrip, without an airstrip, its consequences and its justification.

Part of the tasks of the Social Development Expert in compiling the GIBB feasibility study was to "consider the possible effects of a with airstrip scenario on increasing economic investment and job creation." In the report of the study it states: "The Government predicts that the population will return to its pre volcano level of approximately 10,000 by the year 2008. It is considered that this projection is optimistic. It is felt that the probable projection would be 7,000 in the next 10 to 20 years. The pessimistic population projection is around 4,000 during the next 10 years."

Well, it is more than reasonable to assume that the entire study, and all the arguments, projections, analyses, everything involved in coming to every bit of conclusion will be and are based on that statement. Top that with the GIBB need to sell this. It is entirely up to our government, particularly our technicians and others, to honestly tear into these findings, tearing them apart and informing the public. It cannot be left to the people who came up with these findings to continue to tell us that "Bramble is Best" with Geralds or Blakes or any of those options.

To do this our technicians will have to show that they are not gullible and overwhelmed by the size of the study, but break it up among them and study it page by page, using their own findings from the facts that exist.

They will have to show a kind of commitment that has not been evident by recent events. That commitment must be one where they can develop new dreams and visions. If they can be cajoled into believing that 10 years from now, the Montserrat population can be no more than 7,000 and worse 4,000 (which it probably is right now), then something is very wrong. There is a hymn sung often in the Catholic Church here titled 'The Spirit is Amovin All over, All over this land' and one verse says, ' Old men are dreaming dreams, and young men and women see the light.' This song must become a reality for us or else we and our children will be doomed forever.

Besides the very study says "The projected economic recovery is dependent on attracting tourism back to the island." It reports business leaders as saying that "without an airstrip the economy of the island will gradually die and certainly not recover." That is difficult to believe, but such statements should be tested for truth before accepting them.

Advice to 4 Officials: Settle Out of Court

Dear Mr. Editor,

I have read with great interest your last issue of the Reporter, in particular, an article headed "Four Officials Sued Over Geralds Squalor."

Such an action is timely. That situation at Geralds has been prevalent for some time now. I lived not too far from there and can attest some of the atrocities sited in the affidavit. One of the things that truly amazes me is that Mr. Robin Cook touched down in that area on his visit to Montserrat. Prince Andrew also came through there. Coming to think of it, all of the dignitaries who have the preferential right to the helicopter service come through there. The question is, are they blind, or was that eyesore conveniently 'hidden' from them? I really do not see how one could hide an area so big, and one that you see when flying in and when flying out via helicopter. Should I be also led to believe also that the "four in question" do not know what goes on at Geralds Park?

Now as I read the article in the paper, another part of it caught my eye and I will proceed to re-present it.

"Cassell also said that even before he filed the writ, he has been warned of victimization. "Now," says Cassell, "I am being enquired of whether I'm on a scholarship at university, and whether my father has enough money to take care of the countersuits."

Now, why should a man have to fear persecution for standing up for the rights of the less privileged? I know Warren personally, and he neither has an ax to grind nor any point to prove other than the mission he has now embarked on. What is the use of acquiring knowledge if one does not use it for the betterment of his fellow man? These people are at Geralds Park by no choice of their own, and until they can do better for themselves the Government is responsible for making their situation as humane as possible.

Geralds Park, at present, is a far cry from that. Perhaps Warren should file a writ for the 498 people still in shelters after three years into a crisis.

The next question -- yes there are more question which I would like answers to -- is why has it taken Warren to step forward when there are others in his field who are much more experienced than he is? Is it a matter of who would pay for their services? Warren, is anyone paying you for your services related to this matter?

On a final note, I suggest that the "four" concerned, read the August 21^st issue of the Reporter, the article entitled "Antigua Civil Servant Foils Bird Government".

The Privy Council's ruling against the Government of Antigua sends a loud and clear message, and whether or not Warren is a civil servant the message is the same. Victimization of any form will not be tolerated. And on the flip side, governments and their officials can and will be held accountable for their actions.

My advice to the four is, settle out of court. A battle you may win, but definitely not the war!

To Warren, keep up the good work!

Darren Roache.

CORECA Visits Montserrat Again

by Pat Ryan

On Saturday, August 29, 1998, a group of eight headed by President of CORECA, Mr. Julien Merion, arrived on the Antilles Express for a weekend of talks, visits and sightseeing. This was the first time that such a large group from that organisation had come to the island even though this was now the fifth trip.

On previous occasions , beginning in July 1997, CORECA had brought medical supplies and school materials which had been handed over to the Montserrat Red Cross for distribution. Last December they co-hosted the weeklong stay in Guadeloupe of 17 students and two teachers of MSS. On January 3, Julien Merion and Claire Corenthin braved choppy seas to deliver gifts to pupils of the Brades and St. Augustine Schools.

In addition to their ongoing programme SOS Montserrat, CORECA also liaises with the Montserrat Association in St. Thomas. Mrs. Paquerette LaFontaine is the CORECA link person for St. Thomas. She was a constant visitor to burn victims who were sent to Guadeloupe after the June 25 pyroclastic flows and now keeps in close touch with Mrs Albertha Greenaway (St. Thomas), sister of the late Mary Greenaway.

Much was accomplished during the short visit this past weekend. Almost immediately upon arrival, the visitors were taken to Brades, where they thoroughly enjoyed the concert put on by the children who had participated in the summer workshops. After the concert, late though it was, the group met with Chief Minister, the Honourable David Brandt , Reverend Joan Meade, President of the Montserrat Christian Council, and Mr Claude Brown, Project Officer of the MCC. Some of the group attended Mass on Sunday morning, where they were introduced to the congregation. Monique Toumson, speaking on behalf of CORECA, said how happy they were to be here in a show of solidarity with us. Later that morning Superintendent Charles Greeney, member of Montserrat's CERCLE FRANCAIS, took the visitors on a tour of the island. They were able to see for themselves some of the devastation visited on us by the volcano and made a stop at the newly opened Golden Age Home where they delivered some supplies. The journey further north took in Davy Hill, Lookout, the MVO and the site of a proposed shelter project initiated by the Methodist Church in Cavalla Hill.

There was a picnic at Woodlands on Sunday afternoon . This was an opportunity for students who had been to Guadeloupe and their parents to return some of the hospitality that had been extended to them. The final activity was dinner at Grand View in Baker Hill. Addressing the CORECA delegation, Chief Minister, the Honourable David Brandt, reiterated his words of the previous evening when he said that as much as we appreciate the material supplies that people send to us, an actual visit really underscores their solidarity with us. CORECA President Julien Merion stressed his sentiment that people of the Caribbean should feel one with each other and that language should never be allowed to be a barrier. I must say here that both Julien and Monique addressed us in English, Reverend Joan Meade spoke both French and Creole and the Chief Minister himself began his address in French, a sign of his willingness to break down the language barriers.

Thanks are due to a number of persons who helped to make the trip a reality and also provided shelter and refreshment to the visitors. Everyone with whom the visitors came into contact made them feel very welcome. I wish to say a special word of thanks to The Montserrat Christian Council, who provided accommodation; Mr Eugene Skerritt , PS Communications and Works, and Miss Sarah Silcott of MAS, who facilitated the journey by ferry; John and Cheryl of The People’s Place, who provided excellent goat water and had every one clamouring for the recipe; staff at The MVO, who did a wonderful job giving information to the visitors; parents who provided help in cash or kind, and those parents and students who made the effort to go the Woodlands to give a special welcome to CORECA. SOS Montserrat continues and there are other projects in the pipeline. As future visits are being planned, we would like to hear from anyone who would be willing to house one or two guests in the future.

Lara Rains and Colonial Rites is published by publishers Peepal Tree Press, which claims to be the largest independent publisher of Caribbean writing in the world; so the book should reach a wide audience. This attractively produced book is available from the University Centre at Manjack, and should be on everyone’s shopping list, whether to enrich one’s home or to send as a gift. It’s to be hoped that the Ministry of Education will take this book on board, so that students can be exposed to more of our local literature.

Defence Force May End Full-Time Duty

A news report on ZJB this week reported that there is a possibility the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) may stand down in the near future.

The RMDF is now only 40 strong but was a part-time unit while in Plymouth.. It was mobilised as a full-time unit since the start of the volcanic crisis, carrying out a diverse range of duties.

Their headquarters is at Parcel Piece in the Gerald's area, where there are dormitories, bathrooms, canteen, recreational, and office facilities. The current Commanding Officer of the force is Captain Michael Duberry.

The captain says that even if the camp stands down, some members will remain at headquarters to at least secure valuable equipment that has been acquired.

Hurricane Shelter Locations Listed

The Emergency Department has issued a Resident's Guide for the 1998 hurricane season and in it publishes the list of hurricane shelters for this year.

The list is: Lookout School, Judy Piece Methodist Church, St John's Anglican Church, St John's Church of God of Prophecy, St John's SDA Church, St John's Emmanuel Apostolic Church, SDA Church Shelter at Mongo Hill, Cavalla Hill Methodist Church, Brades School, Brades Pentecostal Church, St Peter's Anglican Church, Rockland's Hideaway (downstairs), and Salem Campus of MSS.

According to the department, all the shelters have been inspected and minor repairs are currently being undertaken on the buildings to make them safer for the hurricane season.

Library Improvements Stalled by Lack of Site

One of the last government buildings to be constructed in Plymouth, being completed even after Plymouth had been evacuated, was the public library.

This week it was reported that efforts were underway to find a new site for the library in the north.

It is presently operated from a dwelling house in Woodlands and lack of space has been a big hindrance to its proper function.

The United Nations Children's Education Fund (UNICEF) has made available eight Portacabins and Britain has made a grant of £48,000 providing further assistance..

As the library continues to offer its service to the island, land is said to be the main obstacle to getting the buildings in place and the library into better facilities.

Substitute Sports Field Ready Near Little Bay

Football players now have the use of an area at Little Bay for practice sessions. The area, adjacent to the new main road to the temporary jetty at Little Bay, has been made level and graded for sports.

Football officials, however, are reportedly very unhappy about this. One top member of the executive said that they have spent time and money received from supporters to plant grass on an area that seemed ready made, adjacent to the small petrol bulk station at Carrs Bay.

The Chief Minister said in an interview several weeks ago that this area would be used in spite of criticisms that it was close to the bulk, pointing out that in Plymouth major bulk stations were located very close to public facilities and were never considered a deterrent.

The soccer players were never allowed to use the facility prepared at Carrs Bay, but they are saying that the area now made ready for them is a swamp area and will not be usable when it rains.

Hylroy Bramble Is Barbados Conferee

Mr. Hylroy Bramble, general secretary of the Allied Workers Union of Montserrat, is in Barbados participating in a regional labour symposium.

The symposium, sponsored by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) along with the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), runs from August 31 - September 4.

The theme is "Impact on Caribbean Economies and Strategies for Action."

Dump Site Relocation Again Said to Be Near

The Little Bay dump site has been more than an eyesore to the public and residents in its vicinity.

It has been several months since the Honourable Rupert Weekes complained that he could not understand what the delay was in moving the site to new ground at New Windward.

This week it was announced that the site is being made ready and that a topographical survey is being awaited from a consultancy firm in Canada. An area has already been cut for access roads, trenches will be dug for the garbage and fencing will be provided.

Calls to UK reduced by 50%

Cable & Wireless offers special weekend discount package

In a press release this yesterday, Cable & Wireless announced that it is bringing to Montserrat a whole month of savings on weekend calls to the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Starting 5^th September and running every weekend in September, customers can save 50% on every minute after the first 10 minutes on calls to the United Kingdom and Ireland. Weekends are from midnight Friday to midnight Sunday. Only direct dial calls made from fixed lines are eligible i.e. not calls made using payphones, cards or cellular phones.

"Cable & Wireless is happy to offer the customers in Montserrat the opportunity to talk to their family and friends in the UK at a much cheaper rate. This is another indication of our efforts to respond to customer requests to lower international rates," said Interim General Manager, Neville Dublin.

Cable & Wireless offered a similar discount package to customers in July to persons calling the United States.

FEATURES

Health and Happiness

By the Editors of Men's Heath Book

Why does he expect our sex life to be like Sharon Stone's and -----------

Lights, Camera, Traction

All our lives, we have been scouring movies for clues about how to behave with women and what to expect from them if things get steamy.

But since sex, like everything, is more resplendent in the movies than in real life, don't let sexy movies wreck your sex life. Here are a few guidelines.

Do not wait in breathless anticipation of the great big, purple, wrenching, universe-obliterating orgasm. We'd like to think that every few months you and your partner would have a session that would subsequently require you to call an engineer to come out and inspect the joists, but most of the time, people content themselves with sex that is nice, companionable, warm, wet and considerably tamer than what Demi does.

Do not expect your wife to look like Sharon Stone. Bear in mind that the woman making love on the movie screen has benefited from the best efforts of the makeup artlst, the personal trainer, the lighting crew, thc beads-of-sexual-exertion-related-sweat application guy, and so on. Give your wife or girlfriend a $4,000-per-climax art-direction budget, and she'd look pretty good, too.

Be thankful you're not a porn star. It's supposed to reflect male fantasies, but in fact, sex in porn movies is exactly what you don't want sex to be like: joyless, unsafe, and more frequently anal than most of us prefer.

Do not expect what you see on film to feel good in real life. If you ever tried to imitate that passionate scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in From Here to Eternity, you know how awful it is. You wind up with about eight pounds of sand jammed into cavities where sand ought not to go, and the person you're kissing tastes like a pretzel.

Do not attempt to rip, tear, or mangle your partner's clothes. You know that in real life if you ever tried to rip a bodice you'd hear, "Hey! That was from Bergdorf's!"

Why does she want to be held after sex? (And for how long before I can roll over and get some sleep?)

Afterplay = Affirmation of Intimacy

She wants to smooch and snuggle and lie there entwined in your arms until you both fall asleep, and if you don't feel like doing that, she feels spurned and lonely, abandoned on the wet spot in the bed. Because for many women, these moments of spent, drowsy, intimate afterplay are all-important. It makes them feel loved and close to their partners (and we already determined that women think sex is emotional). In some ways, women say, these moments are even better than orgasm itself.

Part of it also has to do with biology. The swelling of a woman's genitals during sexual excitement returns to normal much more slowly than a man's--it often takes 5 or 10 minutes, rather than a minute. Women tend not to get sleepy after orgasm, and their genitals don't become hypersensitive like men's do, according to William H. Masters, M.D., and Virginia E. Johnson, of the former Masters and Johnson Institute in St. Louis. Women have no refractory period either--with sufficient stimulation many women are capable of having another orgasm with no time-out at all.

The good news is finding some common ground that suits the needs of afterward. Try to pay more attention to the way your actions will affect her; be sensitive to her need for touching and caresses afterward. Try lying there with your penis inside her as long as you can, even though its glory days are -- for the moment --over. Remember that, like any good novel or movie, the way it all ends is perhaps the most important part.

By Pat Ryan

At last it’s here! The third in the series of annual accounts of life in Montserrat at the mercy of the volcano is now in circulation. The Volcano! Series is Cathy Buffonge’s response to the need for information that is accurate and easily accessible to all. The language is clear and precise and photographs and diagrams are used to support the text. Most of us have a kind of memory of events, but not many of us have clear recall of just when those events took place or even the details surrounding them. This is precisely what makes the Volcano! booklets so valuable. We are taken month by month through the crisis. Indeed, should the volcano continue its 30 year cycle of manifestations, each family would do well to secure the entire collection of booklets as a source of information for future generations. Just think how much better off we would have been able to manage the present crisis, had we had in 1995 the kind of information they will have access to in 2025!

The colour and design of VOLCANO! 3 are very attractive and eye-catching . Given the kind of year that 1997 was, it is a larger production than either of the two previous booklets. Its intrinsic worth exceeds the asking price of EC$25.00 and with Christmas just around the corner, it's a great gift idea for those at home and abroad.

By Dr. Howard Fergus

Cathy Buffonge recently published a third monograph on the Volcano. Of 141

pages .It is the most substantial of the three and indeed the most handsomely produced. She deserves

congratulations and some should go to the printers, Ideal Printers. We are not only developing

home-grown writers but both our printers have increasingly demonstrated the capacity to produce

books professionally. "Volcano Book 3 -Events in Montserrat During 1997" is, as the title suggests, reportage, but it is an important record, a kind of significant event in the life of a country and its people at a crucial time of its existence. It will always be a valuable handbook and reference source on the social and historical life of Montserrat in the volcanic era. The book is not just about the volcano but the life and times of the volcano. The photographs of the disaster add to the value of the book and would have been better in colour, but those of us in the book business are aware of the cost of printing photographs in colour. The Volcano will undoubtedly generate much writing and studies by international scholars and writers, and it is good to have locals among them. We cannot be dependent for everything . The Cathy Buffonge books make her something of an authority on the chronological events of the volcanic period. I have long and often spoken of the need to develop a local literature, meaning mostly literary products in an artistic sense, such as poetry, story and drama. But a Montserratian literature has a broader meaning to include all valuable writing on Montserrat. Such writing has significantly increased over the last three years, tanks to persons like Cathy Buffonge. These works are worthy of public support. As far as monetary gains are concerned, these works are labours of love. Marketing from Montserrat is difficult and there is no foundation to support the arts or any literary products. All the more I applaud the efforts of Cathy Buffonge.

Does a parent have the right to discipline his or her child with corporal punishment? Yes, so long as it is

reasonable, not excessive,and does not have the potential to harm the child. Otherwise failure to exercise

a minimum degree of care in disciplining a child is neglect. Numerous factors have to be considered in

assessing whether a parent caregiver’s chosen form of punishment was reasonable. They include:

- the child’s age

- his or her physical and mental condition

- the nature and severity of the injuries sustained

- whether the punishment was degrading or emotionally damaging to the child

-whether the punishment was inflicted for gratification of the caregiver and caused by rage,or for the

purpose of training the child and preserving discipline.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse and neglect and verbal abuse may be considered together as emotional maltreatment because of their similar predictors and consequences. The emotionally maltreated child may or may not also be physically or sexually abused, but physically abused children are always emotionally maltreated.

For a parent child relationship to be emotionally abusive,there must be an action or series of actions or emotions by the parents that have caused emotional enjury or harm to the child. It is unfortunate that often the true extent of injuries inflicted by emotional abuse cannot be seen until later in life; even then, the disordered behaviour of the adult may not be connected to the emotional abuse received as a child. An emotionally maltreated child and an emotionally disturbed child may display similar behaviour, but the parents actions may help to differenciate the cause of the problem. Parents of an emotionally disturbed child generally recognize that there is a problem and seek help, whereas the parent of an emotionally maltreated child may blame the child for the problem and refuse or delay offers of help. The parents of the emotionally maltreated child may at times appear unconcerned about their child’s welfare.

The Neglected Child

A maltreated or neglected child is a child under sixteen/eighteen years of age who is defined as a neglected child by the family or who has had serious physical injury inflicted upon him or her other than accidental means. A Neglected child is a child less than sixteen years of age whose physical, mental, or emotional condition has been impaired or is in imminent danger of becoming impaired as a result of the failure of his parent or guardian or other caregiver to exercise a minimum degree of care. In supplying the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter or education, or medical, dental, optometric or surgical care though that person is financially able to do so or has been offered financial or other reasonable means to do so. In providing the child with proper supervision or guardianship, by unreasonably allowing to be inflicted harm, or a substantial risk of harm, including excessive corporal punishment, or by misusing drugs or alcohol to the extent that he of she loses control of his or her actions or who abandons the child.

Emotional Neglect

A state of substantially diminished psychological or interlectual functioning by the child. The failure to thrive, a condition whereby infants and older children fall below standard measurments in height and weight where no organic basis for deficiencies can be found. Failure to thrive is associated with inadequate parental interaction with the infant or child and the lack of skills or knowledge to feed and care for him or her properly. The child’s pattern of uncontrollable agressive or self-destructive impulses, which result in injuries to self or others. The child’s long-term impaired interlectual and psychological functioning (indicated by lowered school performance). The child’s acting out or misbehaviour, including incorrigibility , or habitual truancy exhibitedd over a period of timeand not related to temporary or situational familial stress.

To be continued ...

Government Information Service

Chief Minister Addresses NAGICO Opening

"Today is a day that all Montserrat longed for. Because we are in the

process of rebuilding it is important that we have a reliable insurance company." Chief Minister Brandt said at the official opening of the NAGICO Insurance Montserrat Office in Sweeney’s Wednesday September 2.

"In the midst of this crisis several of the insurance companies who have collected our premiums for over the years have abandoned us. All of them have entered into agreements with our citizens whereby our citizens have to bear 40% of the risk. And they increased the mandatory deduction to 5%. This was done at a time when our country was on its knees." Chief Minister Brandt explained.

"That is not all. In the midst of the crisis when they knew that the volcano was continuing they withdrew their coverage and sought to say that any damage done after that time will not be paid for by them," he added.

The Montserratian leader said that as a result of their actions

The Montserrat Building Society failed. The little man who lost his house, his

personal effects, and put a hundred dollars in the Building Society for

such a time like this was not able to get his hundred dollars. " We call

that an unconscionable act. . . . And I always make that point whenever

I speak to my CARICOM colleagues that they have to look out for those

insurance companies." Mr. Brandt intimated.

"It happened to Montserrat today but it can happen to them anytime. And whenever one of the family is affected by a situation it has to be a concerted act by all of us otherwise they can pick us off one by one. And that is why when NAGICO said they were coming to Montserrat we put the matter in the hands of the Central Bank to do all the necessary investigations."

He said the ECCB checked with NAGICO’s re-insurers and were satisfied that they are a company that Montserrat can do business with.

"But what I would like to say to them; one knows that when one is courting one makes all kinds of promises then after the marriage, sometimes things start to breakdown. That is why perhaps the priest says at the beginning for better or for worst and until death do us part. I don’t want them say that when a crisis comes that they will leave."

The Montserrat Head of Government said he had every expectation that NAGICO would not, because it is in the midst of the crisis they came and offered insurance to Montserrat. " And according to their policies it would be possible for us depending on the arrangement that you enter into with them much to get it much cheaper than with the present terms with insurance companies." Chief Minister Brandt said.

"But we the government, we are not leaving it there. Because of our action our OECS colleagues have agreed that there should be some common type of insurance law And next Wednesday we will call the different insurance companies together here in Montserrat. And the Central Bank and their lawyers will come here in Montserrat to discuss the policy. It is befitting that it came to Montserrat first because we raised the mater first." He added.

"As has been rightly said when a poor man works and he achieve something and it is destroyed by a disaster there should be some compensation for him. And I today welcome NAGICO in Montserrat. I believe you will perform a good service." The Montserrat Government Leader said.

"I believe you will play your part. And we are going to play our part. And once each side keeps to its obligation it will augur well for Montserrat and all Montserratians." Chief Minister Brandt concluded.

Operating in St. Maarten for over 15 years, NAGICO, is substantially reinsured by underwriters and Class "A" Reinsurance companies through Reinsurance Brokers H.S.B.C Gibbs Ltd - wholly owned subsidiary of H.S.B.C Holdings, the world’s largest bank by capital.

Montserrat to be represented at Commonwealth Games.

A four-man team will carry Montserrat’s challenge at the 16^th Commonwealth Games in Malaysia September 11 to 21.

Julius Bradshaw, Kwame Galloway, Dale Aymer and Cardelle Fenton will compete in the 100 and 200 metres sprint events.

The four athletes will be accompanied to Kuala Lumpur by coach Wilston Scotland and delegate Chef de Mission Bruce Farara.

Bradshaw, who relocated to Philadelphia in the United States with the onset of volcanic activity has been winning for his school at state championships, while Fenton, who relocated to the United Kingdom, has been training in Tottenham with the current holder of the World Junior record for the 100 metres.

Galloway and Aymer, both of whom are in Antigua, represented Montserrat at the Carifta Games in Trinidad earlier this year and won sprint events.

Coach Scotland, who has been giving constant advice to the sprinters, says it will be very interesting to see the level of improvement on personal best times.

He however says he regrets that Darren Tuitt would be absent from the Games.

Tuitt will miss the Malaysia trip because of other engagements.

Coach Scotland says Tuitt’s presence would have bolstered the team significantly since he has been running very fast this year.

He said Tuitt has been breaking records at his school in North Carolina and no doubt would have been in medal contention in Malaysia.

However, Coach Scotland is adamant that his athletes will make Montserrat very proud at the Commonwealth Games..

The Montserrat contingent is expected to leave for Kuala Lumpur on September 9^.

Statement by the Honourable Minister of Education, Health & Community Services

Colleagues, Friends. After eight months in the year, I feel the need to provide an overview of the activities of my Ministry, that is the Ministry of Education, Health & Community Services, for the benefit of those who have an interest in what is happening on Montserrat.

I would also like to thank all those individuals and agencies who have worked so tirelessly to support the work of the Ministry. It is no doubt that this support and goodwill have given us at the Ministry the impetus to continue to strive for improved services.

Health

The areas of focus for health, this year were:

1. Development of Health Facilities;

2. Training of Health Staff;

3. Improved Sanitation;

4. Improved Care of the Elderly

The destruction of the New Glendon Hospital and the conversion of the St. John’s School into a hospital has posed some serious challenges for all those who provide or receive health care. I am pleased to report the completion of the ward block, which represents the first phase of the project, and that the new facility will be in use this weekend. Tenders for Phase II of the project have been awarded. This phase will result in the upgrading of the Medical laboratory and the nursing administration block and when this is completed in the next three months it will be the home of the Medical lab, Pharmacy and medical records. The final block is expected to be completed in the next four months and will house the hospital administration and the casualty department. There will also be a general upgrading of the hospital grounds and storage facilities in the future.

The Health Department has now seen the successful completion of training of nine of its staff members during the year: five nurses (midwifery), two with degrees in health science, a radiographer and a medical technologist. Already, this year a further six nurses will undergo general and midwifery training. Special thanks must be given to the governments of St. Kitts & Nevis and Dominica, who assisted us in training the nurses.

The issue of poor sanitation has been a difficult one for the Ministry, for while we have responsibility for the specification and maintenance of health standards the underlying cause, that is, inadequate housing, has not been addressed as quickly as we would have liked and many of the temporary features established at the beginning of the crisis have expired their useful life. The Ministry has responded in several ways through projects, vigilant monitoring and treatment of areas and facilities affected. The project for the transfer of the Little Bay dump site has been approved; we now await the design specifications and this is due within the next three weeks. Some may feel the process is too slow but I believe that it is better to proceed slowly and ensure that the new site is done properly and in accordance with our needs.

In terms of the Care of the Elderly, there has been much improvement in the facilities provided. The facilities, I am proud to say, are even better and have more capacity than what was available before the volcanic crisis in 1995, thanks to the partnership of Red Cross and Government.

Social Welfare

The key issues in the area of social welfare are:

1. Provision of Public Assistance

2. Community Development

3. Youth Development

The aim of public assistance is to provide assistance to those who are incapable of providing for themselves or who qualify based on an assessment of their need. During this crisis, Government has recognised the magnitude of the loss of Montserratians and has extended this assistance to many Montserratians through the Food Vouchers/Monetary Assistance Programme. The latter was always a temporary arrangement to assist persons while they make an effort to adjust or rebuild their lives. This assistance will be reviewed by Price Waterhouse, who have been awarded the consultancy to review the Government Social Welfare Programmes. They will be on island within the next week for approximately five (5) weeks. The report is expected to form the basis of Government’s Social Welfare Policy and, where possible, everyone should participate in the process.

The Community Services Department continues to promote community development through the development of community groups and the forging of strong links with our social partners - Red Cross, Montserrat Christian Council etc. The operation of the Golden Years Home and the Hill View Home for the elderly are tangible evidence of this partnership. The Ministry will continue to encourage this kind of partnership as we seek to define our future.

The Ministry continues to see our young people as the pillars of the future. Over the last year and again this year through the Community Services, the Ministry has stepped up its programmes for the young. These programmes include counselling, workshops, team building and programmes geared at encouraging participation. As I speak, our children have just completed summer courses in swimming, dancing, drama and steel pan and will be performing for us on Saturday, 29 August, at the Brades School.

Education

I will now present a brief review of the 1997/98 school year and after which I will present an overview of some of the plans for the upcoming school year.

At the end of the 1996/97 school year, volcanic activity threatened the delivery of educational services to all sectors of the system. This was due mainly to the loss of

1. all physical facilities at the secondary and post secondary levels;

2. most of the facilities at the primary and early childhood levels.

The main goal of the Ministry then was to provide facilities for the operation of the different sub-systems.

All schools re-opened late. The Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) operated as a single campus from Lookout Site for the school year. One of the major problems which affected the school’s programme was the absence of laboratories and workshops. This happened because the school was now operating in buildings which were designed primarily for use as a Primary School.

Meanwhile, the Brades Primary School re-opened in mid-November when three T1-11 wooden structures were provided as accommodation. However, as the shelterees were still living on the compound, many problems were created for the school's administration.

During the year, early childhood education services were also provided at the St. Johns and Brades Nursery Schools and the St. Johns Day Care Centre.

Mention must be made too of the review of the education system, which was undertaken by British consultants earlier this year. Officials in the Ministry of Education have studied the draft report and have submitted some comments to the consultants.

The past school year was a challenging one for all persons in involved in the provision of educational services, but the Ministry of Education remains committed to providing high quality education for all students within the system.

Plans for 1998/99 School Year.

In preparation for the upcoming school year, a number of actions have been taken by the Ministry to ensure that some stability is brought back to the education system.

At present, work is nearing completion at the MSS (Look Out) on the conversion of two classrooms into Science Labs. In addition tenders have been received for the conversion of another classroom to a home economics lab and work will begin on this within the following week.

In addition, approval has been received for the construction of a temporary building to accommodate two classrooms at Lookout. This building will be constructed by the Royal Montserrat Defence Force, and should commence on Monday. Completion is scheduled within two weeks, assuming that there are no delays.

At the Primary level education will be provided at the Brades School. I am very pleased to announce that those individuals who were living in the original buildings have been re-housed and preparations have been made to ensure that the school buildings and playground are cleaned for the commencement of school on Tuesday 1st September.

I should like to express my sincerest thanks to all the individuals and agencies which were responsible for making the transition from shelter to school possible.

Early childhood education services will be provided at the Brades Nursery School and also at the St. Johns Nursery School. Please be advised that the St. Johns Nursery is still operating out of the ground floor of the Brades Primary School. A Day Care service will be provided at the St. Johns Day Care Centre, but at this time the service can only be provided on a limited basis. This is due to the lack of adequate accommodation. The Ministry has already submitted a project aimed at providing adequate accommodate at this level.

School Transportation. It is the intention of this Government to ensure that no child is denied access to educational services because of the lack of transportation. In the past the Ministry has provided a service and has made attempts to expand its fleet of buses. To this end a project for a new 42 seater school bus has been approved. Discussions are ongoing in order to ensure that the bus acquired would be appropriate for our terrain and road network.

The Ministry of Education is making every effort to introduce computer education at the Primary level. In this regard a task group has been formed to assist the Ministry in the implementation of this project. Already four computers have been acquired and will be commissioned as soon as a secure room is available on the school compound.

Sixth Form remains an issue of national importance and the Ministry of Education is exploring several ways of starting this important programme again. However, at this time, it would appear that this will be delayed by several important factors, which include the lack of appropriate facilities, teachers availability etc.

One of the goals which is reflected in the Ministry’s annual work plan for the 1998/99 school year is to improve effectiveness and efficiency at all levels of the system. During this year the Department will attempt a number of strategies towards this goal. Despite the effects of the volcanic crisis, the Department wants to ensure that the potential of each student is explored to its full extent and that what goes on in the classroom is still relevant and will contribute to the development of healthy and well balanced citizens capable of dealing effectively with a variety of situations.

Labour

The Labour Department has recently produced a leaflet, "The Labour laws and you," for the benefit of those persons who for whatever reason need to have a basic knowledge of the employment ordinance. The effort is made to encourage compliance with the regulations. The Ministry is in the process of filling the vacancy within the department and greater effort will be made in ensuring that the labour laws and policies are not implemented. It must be understood that while the labour policies and regulations should reflect the economic conditions they must ensure that there is no abuse.

Culture

It is said that a country without a culture is likened to a country without an identity. The Ministry will therefore seek to support and develop cultural activities and those programmes which lend themselves to fashioning our cultural identity.

Sir George Martin has pledged some US$500,000 towards the building of a cultural centre. A committee has been established to identify a site and all Montserratians are encouraged to forward suggestions on the design of such a facility. There are many other individuals and agencies that have been contacted and are committed to this project. I believe that when this facility is completed it would be one that would make Montserratians proud.

On September 29, 1998, with the support of Richard Bronson, the Many Happy Returns Concert II will be staged. It s expected that this will become an annual event.

Gibson Musical Instruments, an international musical company ,has pledged musical instruments to the school and to pay the salary of a music teacher for one year. The Ministry supports this effort and will do everything within its power to make this a reality for our children and for Montserrat.

The Government of Montserrat welcomes the news of the extension of the TPS since it offers relief to Montserratians who wish to leave the island as a result of the crisis.

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin wha jus happen to de gias boat and when dis gias problem goin normalise.

Jus wonderin how they could charge any one $1,500.00 for two buckets of sand.

Jus wonderin if charging $30.00 per yard for the sand is not encouraging people to try other means when they still have to pay for truckin.

Jus wonderin if at that price it is not cheaper to import sand.

Jus wonderin why private property would be taken and sold just as government pleases.

Jus wonderin what land will allocated for recreation in the north since Gerald Park is being taken over completely.

Jus wonderin if any of the ministers who openly talked against an airport at Geralds are getting soft on the issue.

Jus wonderin if they are really listening to the people and if the people's opinion really matter since they are not coming up with the money.

Jus wonderin if jobs will be made available for returning graduates after the crisis.

Jus wonderin if it is true that all the Montserratians going to school in England are only studying computers and that some of them are only going to classes for four hours a week.

Jus wonderin why departure tax continues to be not payable for both nationals and non-nationals.

Jus wonderin when the free boat ride will stop so that more money can stay on the island, or be given for more beneficial purposes to Montserrat.

Jus wonderin what surprises there will be and if it would not be a good idea to do some kind of survey to find out how committed we are to Montserrat's future.

Jus wonderin what provisions have been made to rectify the hospital drainage problem which are causing animals in nearby areas to die.

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