The Worlds Best
Last week end His Excellency Governor Savage
called a press conference where the panel included himself, the
Honorable Chief Minister, Reuben Meade,
Head Scientist, Dr. Richie Robertson and Director of the Emergency
Operating Center (EOC), Mr. Franklin Michael. It was mainly to
release publicly the new Volcanic Hazard Risk Map
in which the Governor had high praise for the scientists, and
to update the changes and improvements at the MVO as well as the
administration's plans for handling the ongoing crisis.
The Governor called it, "probably the most sophisticated volcanic warning alert system in the world. It has to be because we are working within very fine tolerance levels on a very small island."
The Chief Minister referred to it as having, "surpassed what the United Nations have in their own documentation on emergency procedures and indeed hazard mapping."
The Hazard Map along with the description of the Alert System and Definition of Boundary Limits for the Map, set out quite clearly the Alert Stages, with the observed activity and the actions to be taken by the administration in respect of the affected zones which ranged from A to G.
Scientist Richie Robertson in explaining the map cleared up the terms 'safe zone' and 'unsafe zone' when he said, "If you are thinking that safe means you will not have ash fall that is not what safe means. For us scientifically, what safe means is that you are not going to be exposed to some life threatening event." This safe zone issue has been a big one as people have said that no where in Montserrat is safe by virtue of the fact that ash has fallen on at least one occasion as far north as St. John's.
The conference was certainly intended to restore confidence in the management authorities which according to the Governor, referring to the level of the management curve, said that for "the events of 17 and 18 September, for various reasons we fell behind it." It behooves the administration, "to ensure we don't get behind the curve again." He outlined briefly the improvements in new equipment and the centralization of the EOC and MVO financial administration and office location.
The Governor was reporting on the outcome of his 'stern' meetings with the other administrators and scientists previously reported when he said that, "...there will have to be some changes as a result of this." In that item we reported the Governor reminding Montserratians that every level of confidence must be placed in the scientists.
Some months ago we hinted that we could see a change in who heads the MVO. The Governor revealed a compromise position where, "the observatory will be coming under joint SRU/BGS management". He explained, "By marrying the SRU (Seismic Research Unit) with BGS (British Geological Survey) which has got more resources, we are hoping to bring together on a continuing basis a high class team which hopefully will take us through to the end of the volcanic crisis."
The Chief Minister at the conference called on people to play
their role in the crisis not allowing elections concerns to cause
them to lose focus, remembering not to, "use the fact that
these alert systems are being put in place to scare people by
saying yes we have to move people now and that is why we are doing
these things." Referring to the shelters he said, "we
need to recognize that shelters and holding areas for a particular
period of time and they are what the word says. There are quite
a number of people who feel should be of hotel type..."
Last Friday, with delayed expectation, the Honorable Minister of Education, Health, Welfare and Labor announced her separation from the National Progressive Party and her intention to contest the coming elections as an Independent.
Miss Howes did not resign her ministerial office, raising questions concerning the constitutionality of her position in Executive Council, where she will sit as a non-supporting member of the party in power. Although there is no Legislature the government in power continues to run the country until the elections. Of course questions are being asked whether the NPP has the right to be still running the country following the resignation of Nowell Tuitt, worsened by the resignation from the NPP by Miss Howes.
The Governor says it raises no problems constitutionally, since it is a matter for Chief Minister Meade who says, that he will not cause the headache of having to replace her for the short period up to elections. "It is better to have someone in charge of the Ministry and I do not expect her to do anything untoward,'' said Meade.
But said David Brandt: "It is an outrage for the Honourable Lazelle Howes to resign from the NPP saying that they were lacking in 'integrity, veracity and transparency', and at the same time to remain as Minister of Education, Health, Welfare and Labor, thus drawing her salary as Minister. This is contrary to all political decency, and the Chief Minister as leader on whom these accusations are leveled, should dismiss her forthwith. But he will not do this, because he wants to hold on to power at all costs."
The Chief Minister said, that as leader of the party he had not received her official resignation, and would not comment on her statements as to the faithfulness of his party to the high ideals they promised, integrity, veracity and transparency. He said that is a matter for her to explain what she was referring to, sarcastically praising Joel Webb contestant in the PPA, for organizing Howes resignation.
Reports have been quite mixed on her move as some feel that it was not a kind thing for her to wait until this point to make this move. Others feel her loyalty to the party was a good act on her part.
Following is the greater part of Miss Howes' statement on radio.
"Fellow citizens of Montserrat, after very long and careful consideration I've decided to withdraw my membership from the NPP. I want all of you to know that this is not a decision which I have taken either lightly or unadvisedly, but it is one over which I have agonized during the last couple of weeks.
"As a founding member of the NPP, I was proud to be one of the framers of the primary goals of the party, one of which was to return respectability and integrity to government, to be truly honorable, impartial and transparent in all our actions. We were also going to be examples of hard work and diligent service and of putting the well-being of our country above our personal well-being, whether it be economic, political or otherwise.
"The NPP administration has every reason to be proud of its record in terms of its hard work and I am not at all myself ashamed of my own contribution to the government and people of Montserrat. I am thankful for the opportunity I have had, to serve in one of the island's most prestigious even though extremely demanding positions; And with one of the most hardworking chief Ministers this country has ever seen. I am indebted to all of you.
"It is my own feeling, and I say this with no tongue in cheek, that I have worked diligently oft times against great odds, some of which were unexpected and unwarranted in both their nature and their origin. I have tried both faithfully and loyally I think, to execute the mandate delivered to me by you the people...
"The mandate in any body's books is a tall order and I have no fear in saying that despite resource constraints in the first few years of our administration, despite the setbacks of the last 15 months, we have something to show for our efforts. These I will not detail now.
"Now that we have to the end of our first 5 year, it is only prudent and imperative I think, that before launching into efforts to seek a second term, that I review rather critically, my own position and direction politically, and to evaluate and assess how this position and this direction line up with the goals and the aspirations of the people I serve.
Having fulfilled what I would consider to the first 5 year contract with the people of Montserrat (if I'm permitted borrow the concept of the contract), I have proceeded to ask myself some very tough questions, the consideration of which have guided my decision. I have questioned myself about among other things the nature and supportiveness of the environment in which I have tried over the last 5 years to achieve legitimate political goals. I have asked myself about the level and strength of the recognition and respect given to the size and significance both of the constituency I represent and the port folio I have carried. I've asked my self about, above all, the faithfulness of the party to the high ideals, some of which I have mentioned before, integrity, veracity, transparency.
"Responses or lack thereof to a host of other questions I have, I assure you, have brought me to my present position. Let me say here up front that I have serious misgivings about the appropriateness of the kind of political warring which usually accompanies electioneering. Appropriateness, considering our present time and circumstances. Bearing in mind the dispersion of my constituency around the island, the discomfort in which many of them now live, the absence of scores of them from our shores Bearing in mind too, the ever presence of an active and life threatening volcano in our midst, I have very serious reservation about the usual patterns of politicking and campaigning.
"On the advise however of many of my supporters, and remembering
the endorsement which I received at the last election, considering
the generosity of support which I know still exist for me, and
in view of the challenges of our times I have decided to contest
the Plymouth seat. I owe it I think to those of you who have been
depending upon me to serve you. I owe to the children whose future
on this island I am committed to enrich and enhance; I owe it
to the young people to whom the coming millennium belongs and
to whom we have promised to give a chance. I owe to the senior
citizens, the custodians of our cultural heritage, for whom policy
initiatives have begun and must be taken forward. I owe it to
the women of this country who have earned the right to be respected,
to be heard and to be recognized and whose humanness have a special
place in the governance and government of our country in these
times. I owe it to the people of Plymouth now living all across
the island from Lees to Judy piece and it is to you that I offer
myself as a candidate. People of Plymouth, lees gages, Ryner's
Village, Webbs, Jubilee Town, Victoria Village and Boston Village,
Parsons Amersham, Fort Barrington, Richmond Hill, Foxes Bay, Weekes',
Byam, St. George's Hill, Dagenham, George Street, I offer myself
to you this time as an Independent candidate and I want you consider
this as a serious offer. I shall come to you again on this matter
to discuss my offer and my perspective in a few days. In the meantime
it is my sincere hope, that this election will bring out the best
in of and for all Montserratian including the candidates. May
God bless us."
It may be mere speculation now, but it can become real in a very short time, when we see a more positive approach by the British Government to ensure that their aid money is spent in the manner they planned.
The Honorable Reuben Meade in his position as Chief Minister, which he enjoys up to November 11 suggested, "the MVO, EOC and the entire emergency operation where money is concerned, decisions, important and critical decisions which are required, we need to have it in a position where these guys (elections candidates) can't put their hands on the money and do things indiscriminately."
While it is believed in high government circles that the C M is misinterpreting the moves to centralize some financial management and the positioning of British Officials in the administration, it is still believed that there will be further moves should the government take a particular shape following the elections.
There is no doubt that Montserrat will suffer a set back in any quest that we may have envisaged for independence in the immediate future. And while we were almost certain we would not hear any talk of independence in the campaign, as the number of candidates reach its record high, Cheddy Browne, a strong promoter of independence has arrived on island and confirmed his intention to contest the elections on an independence platform. It is doubtful that he will muster much support among other candidates on the subject, for indeed some who had previously promoted, expressed lack of confidence in our very existence in Montserrat at all at this time.
Montserrat needs more than ever to look forward and we must discourage moves to more deeply colonize us. More and more the danger exists, that as move deeper into the volcanic crisis and our dependency upon the British Government and other donor agencies increases, we should not forget or even ignore the need to stay focus. If we are not careful to use this as one of the criteria in electing our next leaders, there will be many more who will go/run away, not from the volcano, but from life in Montserrat.
This week, as the number of candidates announcing their intentions to contest elections grow to near unprecedented numbers, the more it is being grumbled that there should be a run off between candidates to at least two to contest a seat. What is happening is that the possibility is ever present that a candidate can be elected to represent a constituency with as few as 20% of the available votes in that constituency. Does that make sense and what will it mean, if each of the seven seats were won in similar fashion?
I believe it is clear and there is no apology from this medium
when we keep insisting and beseeching that the electorate make
certain demands on these candidates, many of whose motives could
be questionable, to tell us just how they intend to take this
country forward and out of the unfortunate position in which we
find ourselves.
Amidst much constitutional questions and loyalty to the Union, Honorable Reuben Meade in a press conference announced the entry of Mrs. Vereen Thomas Woolcock to replace their Minister of Education, Health, Labor and Culture, Miss Lazelle Howes in contesting the next general elections.
She is the General Secretary of the Montserrat Allied Workers Union since 1972 and was announced as being no stranger to the NPP as she was a founding member. She supported her position as a founding member having facilitated meetings back in 1991 trying to formulate the NPP which was swept into power after a short campaign. This has caused double upon her loyalty to the Union as she is being heavily criticized for supposedly not supporting the Seamen and Waterfront Unions during their struggle with the Port Authority just after a new board was installed by the NPP government. It is also reported that the Union's Constitution forbids political party affiliations.
Mrs. Woolcock explained that she only gave the "yes word"
to the party after consultation with other officials of the Union.
She unsuccessfully contested the Northern seat in 1983 losing
badly to Benjie Chalmers of PLM, on the United National Front
ticket led by Dr. George Irish, founder and former president of
the Union.
During this week, at least 3 more candidates announced their inclusion in the race, two of whom have been in the general elections race before. They are Mr. Chedmond Browne who previously contested the Plymouth seat; Mrs. Vereeen Thomas Woolcock who previously contested the Northern seat and newcomer, Mr. Charlesworth 'Sonny' Philips contesting the Central seat.
Mr. Browne is no new comer to the political scene having contested elections before and the same is true for Mrs. Verene Thomas Woolcock.
Mr. Charlesworth Philip is a new comer rushed to fill in as PPA's contestant for the Central seat. He is reported to be one the persons for NPP's leader's success in the Cork Hill area in 1991.
They bring to twenty six, the number of confirmed, announced candidates vying for the seven seats in the Montserrat Legislature, and all of whom are included in 3 main parties, National Progressive Party (NPP - former Concerned Citizens); Movement for National Reconstruction (MNR - combined former PDP and NDP) Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA - combined PLM and PLP) with the remainder being Independents.
There is the strong concern that none of the main parties will win a majority encouraging the speculation of a coalition for the next government. But while some are already changing their tune about coalition, leader of the NPP, Reuben Meade has said, "Coalition governments or the coming together of people for political expediency and convenience cannot and will not work in Montserrat. If you are not of the same view point if you are not of the same learning, you cannot trust one another, how can you work closely together in the best interest of the public?"
Leader of PPA John Osborne when launching his party said "even that the word 'coalition' sounds wrong," expressing no interest whatsoever in a coalition with any one else. Recently he has changed his tune saying it can be considered. Others are not closing the door and are keeping their options open.
criticized for supposedly not supporting the Seamen and Waterfront Unions during their crisis with the port authority right after a new board was installed by the NPP government. It is also reported that the Union Constitution forbids political party affiliations.
Mrs. Woolcock explained that she only gave the yes word to the
party only after consultation with other officials of the Union.
She unsuccessfully contested the Northern seat in 1983 losing
badly to Benjie Chalmers, on the United National Front ticket
led by Dr. George Irish, founder and former president of the Union.
"Only the Issues Matter"
It is the right of every Montserratian to offer his or herself up for public office.
The people of Montserrat have the right to reject or accept whoever offer themselves for public office.
For this election, it seems that many Montserratians are convinced that they have the ability to lead us into the 21st century. Let us examine the basis on which they have come to this decision.
What do you expect from a Minister of Government? What should be expected from a Minister of Government? The answers I believe would be the same from every Montserratian. We want a Government made up of persons who have the interest of Montserrat and Montserratians at heart and who would make our lives more comfortable even as we live with the uncertainty of an active volcano.
If this is what we want from our Government, then why do we go to the only public forum available at this time, the political meetings, and let those persons who are asking us to have them represent us, continually insult us?
A political meeting must be the venue for incumbents and hopefuls to let us know why they believe that they have the wherewithal to act on behalf the people of Montserrat. They must show their track record. They must justify their requests of the people of Montserrat. They must show why they are the best choice. They must make a case for themselves. They must convince the voting public that only he or she can move us, volcano and all, into a comfortable place in the future.
I must say that so far these current round of political meetings have been little more than mud slinging matches. We are a civil and Christian society. Let us continue to behave like civil and God-fearing people.
It debases every Montserratian when we cheer our potential representatives standing on a public platform asking for our votes while at the same time making untrue, veiled, vilifying, character assassination type statements about their opponents. Not only are Montserratians wider and deeper than that, but we cannot afford at this crucial time in the history of Montserrat to allow candidates not to stick to the issues.
And what are the issues? The issues are:-
What are you going to do for me if you are elected?
What have you done for Montserratians in the past?
What have you done to ease the burden of even one Montserratian since the onset of the volcanic activity?
Why are you better qualified than the other candidate?
How are you going to put in place the promises you are now making me?
In other words:- DEMAND THAT ALL CANDIDATES SPEAK TO THE ISSUES .
Walk away from candidates who engage in name-calling and character assassination. Or ask that they speak to the issues that are of importance to all Montserratians at this time.
But just being able to speak to the issues is not sufficient. Their ability to speak the issues is just as important. Can the candidate articulate the issues properly? Once again we are back to the issue of Standard Caribbean English. And yes, this is important. If this is the representative that we elect, can we trust him or her to go out in the big wide world of Funders and properly articulate the needs of Montserrat.
But is it sufficient to have a candidate who is articulate, can speak to the issues and have a good track record? I say no! These are all important pieces of the giant puzzle. Just as important is the contempt or respect that the Regional and International community and yes, the mother country, hold for your choice of candidate.
What kind of impression can a candidate make on the Regional or International community when he or she calls him or herself a black animal and then asks of you to vote for him or her because this black animal is always a winner? What can such a candidate bring to the negotiating table? What reputable Funder can be impressed or moved to sit down and discuss funding issues with a candidate who continues to berate and insult them while beating his or her chest and boasting about his or her ability to get twice the funding already supplied? What can such a candidate bring to the people of Montserrat after such a "stand-up comedy" routine?
And this funding issue is of great and grave significance for the people of Montserrat at this time. We cannot move to any comfortable life in the immediate future without the assistance and goodwill of all Funders out there in the International Community.
This funding issue is also of significance when one weighs and analyses the many promises being made by the candidates at this time. We are an intelligent people who are politically aware and firmly rooted in reality.
The voting public knows an empty promise when it hears one. So, not only must we demand that candidates address the issues, we must also hold them up to ridicule when they bring us promises that are clearly unreasonable and unattainable.
It is not acceptable for candidates to promise us miles of new roads, computers on every desk in every school, cement houses for all dislocated Montserrratians, free money by the plane load without ever indicating where from and how all this money is coming.
Every grant that the Government and people of Montserrat has received in the past and might continue to receive in the future comes from tax payers and voters in somebody else's country. Why should these tax payers and voters be comfortable with supporting the people of Montserrat when our candidates hold their elected officials up to ridicule?
And where in the World will all this free money come from when we allow our candidates to continue to insult our Benevolent Funders?
We must not allow ourselves to be fooled by the slick and glib tongues of some candidates. Grant Funds are not out there for the taking.
Finally, we need to assess our candidates on trust and loyalty.
How many candidates have violated the trust and confidence of a close associate by suddenly and without warning switching sides?
Should you trust a candidate who can not clearly show a commitment to one side or the other? How can the voting public trust that candidate to carry out his or her promises?
Electing a Government is serious business. Electing a Government for this time in Montserrat's history makes this an even more serious business. Montserratians must demand that candidates show that they fully understand the issues that are of importance to Montserrat, that they are capable of doing right by us, that they have a track record that we can live with, and that they are worthy of our vote.
Every candidate owes that to the voting public. We can not accept
less from them. We have a right to demand they give us the respect
we deserve.
Southern
Bertrand B Osborne 45.8%
Idabelle Griffith-Meade 33.2%
Justin "Hero" Cassell 20%
Undecided 1%
Plymouth
P. Austin Bramble 35.4%
Lazelle Howes 21%
Brundel Meade 21.4%
Vereen Thomas Woolcock 9.3%
Chedmond Browne 6.9%
Undecided 7%
Windward
David S Brandt 47%
Beatrice Fenton 30%
Joseph Meade 20%
Undecided 3%
Eastern
Joel Webbe 40%
Adelina Tuitt 29%
Nowell "Dada" Tuitt 19%
James "Mountain Man" Lee 9.9%
Undecided 2.1%
Northern
Rupert Weekes 53%
John Ponteen 37%
Theo Bramble 4%
Undecided 6%
Northwestern
John Osborne 37.3%
Charles Kirnon 35.8%
Jim Bass 19.9%
George Tuitt 2%
Undecided 5%
Central
Rueben Meade 51%
Charlesworth "Sunny" Phillip 30%
John Wilson 11%
Johnny Dublin 3%
Richard Payne 1%
Undecided 4%
Yesterday, Credit Union members throughout the world celebrated Credit Union Day. Bennette Roach, president of the St. Patrick's Co-op Credit Union here in Montserrat, gave to messages on Radio ZJB.
The first which follows, was from the president of Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU), Mr. Melvin R. Edwards:
"Fellow cooperators:
Today, we rally national attention to acknowledge the significant economic and social benefits generated by financial co-operatives. Indeed we in the Caribbean have achieved much, but yesterday's performance does oblige us to confront and contemplate the challenges of tomorrow and beyond.
Mindful of the growth increments we have made, the dictates of member satisfaction and market share impress upon us the urgency of adjusting to modernized legislation, securing enabling Government policies and re-engineering our business strategies, technologies and practices. We have also seen the wisdom of retooling and energizing our employees towards the provision of attractive products and services which will continuously amaze and endear our members and their families.
For it is by strengthening human and institutional capital that credit unions will sharpen their competitive advantage and maintain the lead in fostering regional integration. The concept of ONE CO-OPERATIVE SYSTEM therefore offers a sound basis for interlinking and consolidating, wider opportunities for product diversification and excellence, safer launching-pad for more economic ventures and, above all, greater scope for maximum community participation.
Remember "TOGETHER WE CAN RUN THINGS: SUCCESS RUNS IN OUR GENES!"
With these thoughts, I wish you HAPPY CREDIT UNION DAY and exhort
you to heighten the groundwork for 1997 which the Confederation
has dedicated as the Year of Cooperatives.
Following is Mr. Roach's own message:
"PICTURE THE POSSIBILITIES" is the theme selected for this year's International Credit Union Day which we celebrate today.
At this time of our history, we here in Montserrat are well into the crisis of an erupting volcano, which has affected the lives of every single person living here or who have left our shores in the hope of better comfort and peace of mind. We are also in the heat of political campaign for General Elections on November 11, a little more than 3 weeks away.
The theme becomes even more relevant for us more than anyone else today and that is why I am appealing to every one of our members and indeed the entire community to do just that: "PICTURE THE POSSIBILITIES".
Pictures will be made and painted for us; some will be blank, some will be in black and white and some will be colored and some very colorful. Others will even require your own interpretations. We will be required to see the possibilities, since even the most colorful ones may have none whatever. Yet in the end we will be the final judges and must therefore bring justice upon ourselves.
Credit Unions the world over have been success stories and no less here in Montserrat, but as we face these difficult times, because the very nature of Credit Unions is to start from little or nothing, let each and every one of our members lead the way in picturing the possibilities as we plan our way forward.
The Credit Union is alive and well.
Politics on Montserrat continue to provide unmatched entertainment for the pundits both local and regional; and yes even international. Unprecedented numbers of candidates are busy setting hard to out fires to the campaign trail; Soufriere Hills you are hot yes, but these political hopefuls are fixed on giving you a steadfast run for the hottest local ticket.
Three and a half parties and so many independents, it is a miracle that we are still a dependent territory. But let us get serious now and examine some issues so far in the political process. We all know volcano or no volcano elections will go on; as the elections commission cogently confirmed, well the people have their franchise to defend and do not forget the great phrase, "give me liberty or give me death".
Mr. Dodds, what a man! He will no doubt be remembered for striking the match which inflamed the political trail in 96. Yes indeed he had set the ball rolling with his timely resignation on September 16 at which point he was operating on a fully loaded magma chamber full of fire and genuine desire. Desire to set things straight and to get the country moving; a man among men Dodds had taken the lead.
Up, but not for long, as citing the possibility of being pushed to the background, Soufriere Hills retaliated with hot rocks which pulverized a portion of Dodds constituency. Coincidence? Well it is debatable - What was first a timely move later proved quite untimely as the volcano was back in full control commanding the total attention of residents and authorities, government and all.
The Dodds pressed on none the less and latest reports indicate that he made an intrepid attempt recently to draw a dark blanket on the issues at his latest campaign outing at Salem, but much to his disillusionment the once gullible residents did not fall for the gambit; hence it's back to the sketching board, huh dodds? I know you will get them next time around. Meantime, like Soufriere Hills just restock on the incandescent material in your now apparently empty magma chamber.
Three and a half parties and still I cannot get a good dance. These party men and women need to come a lot better than that; let's face it over one hundred million is at stake guys. Control of the purse strings is critical to survival in these times of crisis, but then that's another issue.
The other political hopefuls meanwhile (the heavily dependent independents) continue to watch, pray and wait with the exception of Mr. Letts Get It On who has decided to take matters into his own hands,
His apparent theory? Well if the votes would not come to me I
will go to the votes, hence undaunted Mr. Letts Get It On. has
switched constituencies from Plymouth to Central. Those big boys
in central had better make way because ready or not "Heere's
Johnie!!!", who has the final laugh now eh? Ha Ha Ha.
Following is the summary of an address to Rotary by Dr. Wolfe Krebs speaking about the building of a jetty in Little Bay.
I want to talk to you about Little Bay and how important it is to for tourism in Montserrat.
In 1994, Caribbean tourism in general increased on average about 10.4 percent. That was about the figure our government gave us for the increase in tourism in Montserrat before the volcanic crisis.
Some islands, however, fared much better than 10.4 percent average. The Turks and Caicos had a 30- percent increase. Anguilla 34.7; Cayman, 24 Guadeloupe, 62; Curocao, 24. So Montserrat could do much better in tourism than it has in the past.
In recent years, a new kind of tourism has developed, the so-called eco-tourist. Compare these numbers, also for 1994, from another source, with traditional tourism in the Caribbean: traditional tourism increased by 4.5 percent average; however, the increase in eco-tourism was 30 percent. That means that if these numbers are consistent, the 10.4 percent average increase for all tourism came mainly from the increase in eco-tourism.
According to the World Tourism Organization, it is expected that in the years 2000 eco tourism will be 75 percent of all tourism in the whole world. What does eco-tourism mean? They say eco-tourism is minimum environmental effect on the country they visit. Minimum effect on the maximum respect for the cultures in the visited countries. Maximal economic benefit to the host countries. Maximal recreational satisfaction to tourists.
The top-ranked activities in the Caribbean of all tourists, traditional and eco tourists, are fishing, then sailing, then nature and outdoor activities. Fourth is scuba diving. Fifth is underwater sports. Those are from comparative ranking of 20 different activities.
Eco- tourists are well off people: They are professionals; 25 percent of them make more than 90,000 U.S. a year; 27 percent are in the range of $30,000 to 60,000 a year. That is much higher than for the average traditional tourist.
If Montserrat want to get eco tourists, that means we will have to care for them. And to care for eco tourists means to care for our own country. If we don't do that, if we rape our country, it won't be appealing to those people and they will not visit us. Who wants to see a garbage dump in Little Bay if he comes to enjoy nature?
There is another sector. Scuba diving is a very important part of eco tourism and adventure tourism. It goes hand in hand with them. Look at money that is spent by divers and by average tourists. In America, the average adventure tourist non diver spends about $871 U.S. per trip, domestic or abroad. The average diving adventure tourist spends about $1,275 per trip. From this figure you see that the diver spends his money for diving in addition to the other expenditures. Getting divers here would mean that they would spend money for normal activities and that their spending for diving would be on top of that. So it would be beneficial for Montserrat to get divers here.
Montserrat is extremely well- suited for divers because it has some of the best diving in the whole Caribbean. And one of the best of its diving spots is Little Bay.
Some information about Little Bay in general. When you come from Cars Bay, you come along that little river valley as you go around Potato Hill, and then you get into Little Bay. If you look at that valley, you see that it is a ancient crater of a volcano. There is even a small dome there, a mountain which looks like a pyramid. The sea level about 20,000 years ago was much lower than now, so the crater may have had a closed wall. There may have been a lake in that and the lake may have broken through in two places, where we now have Little Bay and where we have the road from Little Bay to Carrs Bay. So it is a very interesting geological feature.
Little Bay is one of Montserrat's few sand beaches. There are not very many Foxes Bay, Isles Bay and then Old Road Bay; there is not much sand in Woodlands Bay; and then there are Carrs Bay, Little Bay and Rendezous Bay. Nature lovers find sand beaches very interesting things because they are not just dead sand. The sand is full of life. In sand beaches in the tidal zone you have one of the richest biological environments possible. It's full of creatures. Worms, decapods and many other animals. You can see how rich it is when you take a diving glass and snorkel in the surf zone and watch the many fish that feed on all these creatures in the sand.
At times it is full of fish just where the waves splash on the beach. Since the island has so few sand beaches, Little Bay should be very valuable to us. It is valuable for recreation for the local population, as well as for tourists. Little Bay has in the center the sandy beach, and a big sand bottom land which goes from the beach to 30 to 40 feet out. That used to be all covered with sea grass before Hurricane Luis, but Luis took away most of the sea grass beds. That was the worst damage Luis did to the ecology in the sea.
At the south and North ends of Little Bay there are two reefs. The north reef is along Rendezous Bluff and covers rocks from the bluff down to the sand. So when you go about 30 feet from the bluff it is all rocky, and on those rocks are coral and sponges in a dazzling multitude. The other reef is in front of or below potato Hill. The first emergency jetty was begun just north of the end of that reef. These two reefs are amazing because they are shallow water reefs. They are only 20 feet deep, or at the deepest 30 feet, yet they have many different varieties of life there, both invertebrates and fish.
They are unique shallow water reefs. At one spot in the Potato Hill reef, black coral is growing in just 10-15 feet of water. Normally you have to dive 100 feet to see that. Under one ledge, a big deep sea fen is growing in about 15 feet of water. It was about two feet high, but it was broken off by Luis. It is growing back and is now about two inches high. There is a wire coral, which is a kind of coral usually found in water 80 to 100 feet deep. So this reveals that here is a very healthy reef.
Now there are threats to these reefs. First is the garbage disposal, which is now overflowing. There are raw sewage pits which over flow and still are used. That runs right into the south end of the Potato Hill reef. The other threat is the proposed emergency jetty, on the north side of Little Bay.
There has been talk for many years now about making the whole area of Little Bay, including the reefs, a national park. That would attract a lot of tourist for instance, a man living in Saudi Arabia, Greg Hendricks, comes here almost every year. He says that this is the best dive he ever had. He has dived the Red Sea and elsewhere in the world. The editor of an Australian dive magazine was here. She said she never saw so many colors under water in her life.
So here is such a treasure that you can't just use as the only argument, "We'll build an emergency jetty there because it's government land." That is playing with the future of Montserrat, and we cannot do that if we want to attract people here.
The ocean future society, a very respected society in America, says, "Fishers are being depleted and scientists predict that the majority of coral reefs could be gone within 35 years." If Montserrat should still have its reefs, there would be no problem getting people here.
Dr. Krebs showed an unedited videotape taken during a dive
a few weeks ago at Little Bay. He described the varieties of marine
life as they appeared on the screen. He emphasized those species
thriving in Little Bay at depths ranging from 10 to 30 feet that
ordinarily are found on other islands only at far greater depths.
Improvements on the way for School Library
The Shamrock Lions Club of Montserrat is planning a Walk-A-Thon in aid of a program to improve the Montserrat Secondary School.
A news release from the Lions Club states that the Walk-A-Thon will take place on Saturday, 26th October.
It will start at 6:00 a.m. at Glendon Hospital in St. John's to
the airport check point and back to St. John's. Members of the
Lions Club are collecting pledges for the Walk-A-Thon and the
public is urged to support the MSS Library Benefit Fund.
Grassroots to Contest Elections
Political independence in Montserrat will be the main platform issue for one candidate for the upcoming general elections.
Grassroots commentator Chedmon Browne has just returned to the
island after a few months in the United States having announced
his candidacy since January to contest the Plymouth seat. He has
been one of the most vocal proponents for Montserrat's independence
over the past fifteen years and he says this is an issue none
of the other candidates have been able to address.
Opportunities for Overseas Study
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan is offering awards at institutions and universities in the United Kingdom.
The awards are offered each year to Commonwealth citizens or British protected persons who live in a Commonwealth country. Montserrat qualified for the programme being a Colony of Britain and to be eligible, students must have a degree or equivalent qualifications with at least upper second class honors.
The awards are normally available to persons who have graduated from a first degree or Masters programs within the last 10 years.
The scholarships are open to both men and women, but there is a keen interest to increase the number of women taking part in the scheme.
Montserratians wishing to apply for one of the Commonwealth Scholarships
with just contact the Scholarship Committee at the Department
of Administration by the end of this month.
Another international organization will make a contribution to the Government's Family Units Program.
Partners of the Americas has established a Montserrat Family Relief Fund in the United States. It's president Bill Reese says, "the organization's goal is to raise enough funds to build at least one house for a displaced family".
Mr. Reese says Partners branches throughout the United States
have been alerted to the situation on Montserrat and are expected
to contribute to the fund. Meanwhile, a special appeal will be
made at Partners annual convention in Boston next month. 25% of
the relocated population now live in shelters in the safe north
of the island and the government hopes to use the family units
to reduce this number. One family unit costs in the region of
US$12,000 dollars and so far, 42 units have been completed.
There is growing concern among politicians that not enough people
are getting involved in the political process. Candidate, John
Dublin says there is a lack of interest by some young people in
politics. He says not many young voters are attending political
meetings and believes tradition has shaped the way young people
view politics on Montserrat. He is urging young people to become
more actively involved in politics, by attending meetings and
staying on top of issues.
Family Therapist Miss Clarice Barnes represented Montserrat at the Caribbean NGO's Strategic Planning Conference in Curacao this week. The conference is organized by the Women In Development Europe and the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA).
The meeting ran from October 10 to 14, and is a follow up to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.
Before departing Miss Barnes said the objectives are to review the results of the Beijing Conference and to report on the post conference activities in the region. She says the conference will also identify sources of human, technical and financial assistance to help NGO's in implementing their projects.
Participants will examine regional plans of action from government
bodies, United Nations agencies and other regional networks.
The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has wrapped up its current sitting on Montserrat.
Seven cases were heard by Acting Chief Justice Dennis Byron, Justice Albert Redhead, and Justice Matthew.
In the only civil case, the court heard an appeal against a decision to award an employee for unfair dismissal. Joan Ryan a former clerk at the Montserrat Allied Workers Union was dismissed several years ago and was awarded $15000.00 dollars by the Labor Tribunal for unfair dismissal.
MAWU appealed the case but the court has indicated the appeal will be dismissed in a written decision to be submitted later.
The court also heard an appeal by Charlesworth Piper and Alric Lynch against their conviction for attempted murder. Arguments were heard on both sides but the court has reserved its judgment in the case to be given later.
Devon Martin, Kenrick Fenton, and Kiethroy Allen appealed against their conviction s earlier this year for burglary. They lost their appeals, along with Kenroy Allen who appealed against his conviction for driving an uninsured vehicle.
The court also dismissed an appeal from St. Clair Boatswain who
was convicted for aggravated burglary and theft.
Jus wonderin if the CM started the mud slinging by accusing the young man from Cork Hill for the club money.
Jus wonderin if these mud slings are true: one man is accused of taking insurance money and was trying to leave the country with it and also employing migrant Montserratians in the US, and threatening them with deportation when they complain or ask for higher wages; and another is being accused of owing Inland Revenue taxes and Social Security money that is already taken from workers.
Jus wonderin if the former minister of Communication and Works can tell us which politician is printing money and whether the Governor already asked the police to investigate the allegation.
Jus wonderin if we might end up with more candidates than voters.
Jus wonderin if the second of the 90's version of bull water party will take place in early November.
Jus wonderin if a house under construction near the McChesney property could be causing a problem.
Jus wonderin if it is true that several students were sent home from the Secondary School because of pregnancy.
Jus wonderin if any of the political parties asked the editor to join their party.
Jus wonderin if it is true that one or more of the candidates contesting the approaching elections have been heavily involved in the illegal drug trade.
Jus wonderin if it is possible that most of the workers are not going to vote for their boss.
Jus wonderin now the lady minister has cleared the air, what made the incumbent government lacking in integrity, veracity and transparency.
Jus wonderin if the payment procedure of the government has changed since you can just take your bills to Development Unit instead of Treasury and collect payment.
Jus wonderin if it is the major financial support of the British
at the MVO that gave their scientists joint management status.
The People's Progressive Alliance (PPA) Speaks
The People's Progressive Alliance is poised to restore the dignity of our people, the economy and the society. We will once again put our people in a strong position to compete with the best in the world.
The PPA will raise the standard of living of the people of Montserrat by unleashing their creative productive energies and enterprise, in whatever areas of excellence they may choose. It will further create the greatest measure of social betterment through sound planning and management of the human, financial and economic resources of the island, and by strategically developing educational opportunities for all.
The People's Progressive Alliance will bring back the good times and implement many important programs.
Island wide road program:
A major road works repair program will be put in place immediately after PPA is elected to office.
Agriculture:
We will restructure the agricultural sector to enable Montserrat to become self sufficient in food production. Beyond that we will develop export niche markets for such commodities as: herbal teas, which can be grown on our mountain sides, Q-tips from Montserrat cotton, mangoes, cut flowers, hot peppers, and agro-products.
Live stock:
The PPA will facilitate the availability of lands for live stock production and encourage the promotion of an export market to assist our farmers in acquiring a better standard of living. We will approach the international community for feed and medicine.
Fisheries:
The PPA will allow duty-free concessions on equipment and provide technical assistance to our fishermen. We will maintain and improve fishing harbors and other facilities.
Off shore Financial Services:
The PPA will develop a state-of-the-art financial center, similar to those of the most successful models. This center will be responsible for the development of legislation agreements and treaties with strategic marketing programs, to make Montserrat a world class player in this lucrative financial sector.
Manufacturing:
The PPA will revise and enhance the existing incentive programs for the development of a dynamic manufacturing sector with special emphasis on an export-led thrust. Special assistance will be given to Montserratians to enable them to participate in manufacturing. We will assume responsibility for the marketing of all companies in Montserrat's export trade. A free zone area will be created for informatics and tele-marketing and other export related industries. The PPA administration will create at least (750) seven hundred and fifty new jobs in this sector within the next five years.
Education:
Education will be the corner stone on which our new development strategy will be built. Our education policy will be geared towards making Montserratians competitive in all areas of human endeavor. We will diversify the curriculum allowing for greater emphasis on scientific and technical pursuits, to ensure that every child leaving school has an applied skill, and can utilize computers and other integrated technologies.
A comprehensive review of our education system from pre-school to schedule to secondary will be done, to ensure that all students are given full and comprehensive education without biases.
The PPA will establish computer labs in all Primary and Secondary schools.
Technical College:
The PPA will revise the curriculum to support manufacturing and other industries.
University:
The PPA Government will develop a scholarship program which will allow every one who qualifies, the opportunity to pursue college and university education.
Tourism Development:
The PPA will increase the tourism budget so that we can aggressively market and promote Montserrat. We will work with critical agencies such as the Montserrat National Trust to improve and develop the tourism product. Emphasis will be placed on areas outside of the danger zone.
Housing:
The PPA recognizes the critical needs for housing in light of the ongoing volcanic crisis. We will mount a solicitation program to seek assistance from Britain, the United States, Canada, some of the Asian countries and other friendly democracies to move our people out of the uncomfortable shelters, they now occupy.
Health:
We will leave no un-explored opportunities to upgrade our health care system. Our first priority will be to review the status of health professionals: doctors, nurses technical personnel and other aides, to ensure that they are properly remunerated, trained and recognized. They will be equipped with the appropriate tools and equipment needed to develop a hospital and health centers of excellence.
Social Services:
We are aware of the significant numbers of elderly, indigents, infirmed and mentally ill persons who must be cared for in our society. We will address this situation immediately and reverse the unfortunate neglect of our own loved ones.
Sports development:
The status of sports in Montserrat is at an all time low. The PPA will do all possible to develop and encourage sporting activities in all communities on Montserrat. We will increase budgetary allocations and technical support for sports and sporting organizations. We will pursue international sports scholarships like other Caribbean islands, so that we will be able to place our youngsters into colleges and universities in North America, and other places.
Northern Montserrat Development:
The unfortunate circumstances due to the current volcanic activities present the challenge to build a new city on the northern side of the island. This will require tremendous amounts of planning, and a strong program to solicit assistance from the international community. The PPA will be able to put the proper proposals and programs in place to attract the necessary funding to bring about this mammoth but relevant task. We will begin this assignment immediately, on our election to office.
Public Servants Salary Increases:
We believe that salary increases for public servants including: nurses, teachers, police, and civil servants, is a must. The PPA will leave no stone unturned to fulfill this promise.
Extra- ordinary relief
The PPA will grant extra-ordinary tax relief to businesses and
property owners in both the safe and unsafe zones. We recognize
the difficulties that property owners are undergoing and we will
make every effort to assist them.
The People's Progressive Alliance Candidates
including newcomer Mr. Charlesworth 'Sonny' Philips
Applications are invited from suitably qualified citizens of the
ECCB member countries to fill the post of Economist in the Research
and information Department of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
Applicant should have:
Strong analytical and quantitative skills as evidenced by a good first degree in Economics.
A high degree of initiative and the ability to work effectively in a team.
A masters Degree and/or experience in data analysis and interpretation
would be desirable.
Duties
The Economist will be directly responsible to the Director of Research and Information for the proper performance of his/her duties which would include:
1. Monitoring developments in the assigned country (ECCB area): responsibility for the collection and analysis of information, including the basis data needed for the preparation of periodical reviews on the functioning of the economy for inclusion in the Bank's Monthly. Quarterly and Annual Reports.
2. Duties in the Debt Monitoring Unit, including the provision of technical assistance to enable member states to accurately maintain their databases on debt.
3. Preparation and analysis of balance of Payments Statistics of the member countries.
4. Pursuing research in keeping with the purposes of the Bank, or as assigned from time to time.
5. Preparing, briefing papers and policy proposals for the purpose of advising the Bank's management.
6. Providing assistance to the participating governments in the preparation for missions of international organizations like the IMF and IBRD, and in other areas as required.
7. Other related duties as may be assigned from time to time by
the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the Director, Research and
Information.
SALARY:
Salary will be payable in the scale of $48,482 - $54,493 per annum.
A house allowance is also payable.
Applications stating qualifications and experience with the name and address of two (2) referees should be forwarded to:
The Bank Secretary
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
P.O.Box 89
Basseterre
St Kitts
to reach no later than 31 October 1996
Applications which do not meet the minimum requirements indicated
above will not be acknowledge.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the
post of Community Worker, Basic Needs Trust Fund, Fourth projects
in the Development Unit.
DUTIES
The Community Worker will be responsible to the Project Manager
for the involvement of communities in the identification, implementation
and maintenance of all sub-projects funded by the project.
Details on the specific tasks can be obtained from the Development
Unit between the hours of 8.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.
QUALIFICATIONS
The applicant should possess:
1. A Certificate in Social Work.
2. Five years experience working with community organizations.
3. Good written and oral communication skills.
4. Effective interpersonal skills.
TERMS
Salary will commensurate with qualification and experience.
SUBMISSIONS
Applicants giving full details of qualifications and experience should be submitted to: The Development Unit
P.O. Box 292
Montserrat
no later than October 21, 1996.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of ECONOMIST EDF PROGRAMME MONITORING AND COORDINATION UNIT COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA.
Duties:
The economist will be required to provide support to the EDF/PMCU in the following areas:
- project identification, appraisal and preparation;
- project monitoring and reporting;
- services to the Stabex Committee
- financial monitoring
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates should possess the following basic qualifications:
- An economics degree;
- Experience in agricultural project preparation and analysis in developing countries;
- Computer literacy with respect to word processing and spread
sheets;
- Good command of spoken and written English.
Desirable qualifications include:
- a postgraduate qualification in a relevant social science;
- a professional qualification in accountancy;
- familiarity with EDF financial and management procedures;
- Caribbean work experience in bananas and diversified
agriculture;
- knowledge of Caribbean languages.
Candidates must be ACP or EU nationals only.
The successful candidate will be offered a contract for two years
in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for a further
year. Terms, conditions and remuneration of service will commensurate
with the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.
Applications should be sent to:
Mr. Gilbert Williams
Financial Secretary and EDF National Authorizing Officer
Ministry of Finance
Industry and Planning
Government Headquarters
Roseau
Dominica
with a copy to the Head of Delegation, Delegation of the
European Commission in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, P.O.
Box 054C, Bridgetown, Barbados, before 15th November, 1996.
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