Reuben T. Meade, Leader of NPP and current Chief Minister
"We have stabilized the economy… We prayed together..."
John Osborne, Leader of PPA and former Chief Minister
"Bring back the Good Times"
Austin P. Bramble, Leader of MNR and former Chief Minister
"Montserrat needs a leader that understands and can respond
to the problems"
David S. Brandt, former NPP and Min. of Communications & Works
"There must be a Plan"
Lazelle Howes - Former NPP member and Minister of Education, Health & Welfare
"We must come together to work in... alliances or none at
all"
George Piper, Retired Businessman, Just joined the race
"We need leadership"
John Dublin, former PLM and Minister of Education, Health and Welfare
"We must get back out of Grant in Aid"
Three leaders of the main parties and some of the Independents.
Analysts feel that the outcome of the forth coming general election
is too uncertain now, but feel certain that no party will win
more than 3 seats.
The only "print" press in Montserrat, in addition to the many constraints it faces, suffers from the kinds of problems that put it back, way back in time.
It may be true there were those times when the Reporter being managed by a political party sought to deal mostly with highlighting the wrongs as it saw it. Over the past two years under new management, as it grapples with the difficulty of making the publication viable to meet its legal debts, it has been referred to by some as 'the Government newspaper; while government officials, at the same time accused it of not saying good about government.
On top of all this, the newspaper has had to deal with a type of ignorance which would be laughed at and scorned by any other country claiming to be half developed as we would like to believe we are. There are those who think of radio (Radio ZJB) our government radio station, as the only news media.
If you ask the question, 'is it really ignorance that causes this?' The answer an easy 'no'! But so many are afraid that their very ignorance, incompetence and injustice may be exposed.
It is insulting when persons associated with the organizers of a recent 'Mass Casualty Assimilation' exercise will say in defense of not involving the press, "we did not want every body to know," when in fact in a critique session , they couldn't see the necessity of involving the press. The main organizers this time, were consultants out of the Overseas Development Aid (ODA) here and the absence of the press was drawn to their attention by another consultant also connected.
It took local authorities who earlier had similar opinions back in time since they had three months ago, appeared to have conceded in a similar critique session, that the press was vital and had a role to play in such matters. The simple truth is that such people are afraid of their own failures, have much to hide or have very little regard for the public in spite of their other pretenses.
Of interest however is that Mr. G. M. Wise who co-coordinated
the exercise reported that communications during the exercise
"were at best patchy and at worst, non-existent." Yet
he notes, only the 'Jus Wonderin' column of the Reporter.
By The Independent Thinker
Let us assume that individuals run for public office because they are moved by some deep love of country, some monumental desire to serve the people of Montserrat, some inner commitment to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people on Montserrat.
These are fair assumptions. These are good assumptions. In fact these should be the only motives that drive candidates to declare their candidacy and hand over their deposits.
But by listening to the candidates and observing their behavior it is clear, that for the most part, our present crop of candidates are prompted to run for public office by motives other than to fight "the good fight for the welfare of the people of Montserrat."
Listen to their public statements:-
"We can not reveal our plans for Montserrat now. Other parties or people will steal them."
"I fool the British. The British 'friad me."
"We want Independence now. "
"My constituents needs new roads."
"We must win by any means necessary."
"He is the most hardworking man I know, but...well... you see......I mean...my party was not transparent in its dealings."
If these are the motives that drives our present crop of candidates then your duty is obvious. Your duty is to swiftly and immediately eliminate them.
Ask yourself what reputable or well meaning candidate will be so fearful as to not put forward his or her plans for development now, so that we can weigh them and decide if this is the road we want to take?
Ask yourself what fool hardy candidate would bite the only hand that is feeding Montserrat by heaping ridicule and scorn on the heads of the of our only Benevolent Funder?
Ask yourself what muddled candidate will shout from the roof tops "Independence" at a time in our history when our circumstances show us to be clearly dependent?
Ask your self what selfish candidate will seek roads for only his or her constituency when ALL constituencies are clearly in need of roads?
Ask your self what power hungry egomaniac is driven to publicly declare that this election must be won by any means necessary when a frightening and heretofore unheard of insanity is creeping into the election process where by tires are being slashed and telephone threats are being made late into the night?
Ask yourself what waffling candidate can faithfully request that you elect them to represent your desires when their own desires seem to be shaped by the wind?
When you have answered these questions it is clear that candidates displaying these sentiments can not help themselves. Neither can they help you. They never intended to help Montserrat.
If by their actions you know them to:-incite family and riots, send paid hecklers to opponents public meetings, put paid males in female clothing, offer many jobs or money at election time, be known in their communities as users or distributors of controlled substances, pass fellow church-goers in empty cars after preaching sermons on human kindness.
Then continue your elimination process. You know and I know that such candidates can not be true representatives of the people of Montserrat. Their actions speak louder than their words.
Are not the opponent candidates and their supporters people of Montserrat? Should they be excluded from the respect and promises that these candidates give their own supporters?
Are these candidates indicating that they are interested in doing the greatest good for the greatest number of Montserratians?
The answers to these questions are easily found and very clear. Just as clear must be your treatment of these candidates. You have no choice but to eliminate them.
Many Montserratians agree that an election at this time is not desirable. Many more Montserratians feel that there are too many unqualified and questionable candidates in the race. Last week's Editorial raised the concern of the possibility of a candidate being elected with 20% of the votes. This is a critical concern.
Splitting 1,000 votes among 5 candidates could result in a candidate being elected with perhaps even less than 20% of the votes when you consider spoiled ballots. This is clearly not democracy! The majority of voters voted AGAINST this candidate. He or she DOES NOT HAVE THE SUPPORT OF HIS CONSTITUENCY! Your process of elimination must therefore continue. Eliminate 90% of the Independent candidates. Only 2 have any real chances of election. Only 1 has any validity. Why squander your vote on an Independent candidate who can not even decide exactly where his or her constituency lie? Why squander your vote on Independent candidates who question the moral fibre of the candidates who he or she shares a public platform with? Go even further. Eliminate the candidate who waited until today to suddenly jump into the fray. Eliminate candidates who have already given our Benevolent Funders cause to begin the process of removing financial control from the hands of our elected representatives. Eliminate candidates who have not resided in Montserrat in the past six months.
Eliminate candidates who can not support their own family's political allies. Eliminate candidates who seem to have a political price tag. Eliminate candidates who seek to set up divisions in our small island. Use your vote to cut them from the political machinery now and forever!
Rumors are rife in any election season. And rumors do sway voters. Any of the above reasons for eliminating candidates could be based on innuendo and rumor. You must be vigilant in your scrutiny of candidates. You must research your facts.
The facts are clear. The facts are: there is a certain amount of fear being introduced in this election campaign by most parties and candidates many Montserratians are not moved to vote in the upcoming general elections some candidates have had links with other administrations that clearly have a tainted record with respect to use of government funds some candidates have been seen to be under the influence of a controlled substance hecklers have been disruptive at political meetings families have been at war men dressed in women's clothing have been seen at political meetings Analyze the facts. Determine the truth.
Montserrat needs true representatives of the people. These are
the only candidates that count. Your duty is clear. Do right by
Montserrat. You have no other choice.
by J.T. Gage
The scent of the quarry is in the air filling the nostrils of every carnivore of election status with the bitter - sweet smell of Montserrat's most baffling election bid that ever was. Every hunter is sharpening the necessary weapons for the job, and the lions and lionesses are roaring in the sun.
And well might they roar! For there will be no easy meal through to the hearts of these volcano-toughened, dislocated, re-located people. No nonsense, or dressed-up promises are going to sink in. The country is in another mood. What's worse, its getting near to Christmas and parents and their children are looking forth to something more tangible than election promises.
But how does one declare ones self a candidate in this arena of claw and bang political demonstrative preliminaries , unless one runs with the pack? How can one dethrone a king unless one knows his methods?
And this is where my heart goes out to the candidates, especially the young ones. In order to get their points across, they're going to make unpardonable mistakes, both in promise and personality. These characters will inevitably crumple into the dust.
You see, its the wrong period of the century. The wrong era of an epic upheaval is the life of this country. The bid to dispose anyone in a time of crisis such as this, runs contrary to all human understanding.
But if the leader decides to throw in the towel for some reason beyond our comprehension, then the race to replace the leader is the democratic right of any capable individual.
It is not the time to voice useless criticisms, neither scalding remarks, nor boastful sentiments that make negative impression on people who are cognizant of the election methods. This is not the time! And, given the exposure of an international press and its people who are in profound commiseration with a robust and flexible government, the roaring contenders had better have a few access up their sleeves set against two back-drops of Natures making, one of them demanding the respect that only the Creator himself may call to sleep, the other, a simple and feeble, insufficient 'Homo sapien' like the rest of us, who took the reins and kept the team going for half a decade despite all odds, is no push-over.
The man can give as good as he gets and seemed to have thriven on the tight-rope of five years of political needling.
However, the decks are being cleared for action, and the second preliminaries are going to be fought in a battle of even hard-hitting and selective words which constituents never dreamt existed.
Hyperbole? No! Pure Facts for if the string of new-comers or veterans for that matter are going in for the word game which up to the moment appears to be their only weapon, they stand little or no chance at all against the calculative memorandum of a leader who knows how to talk - and talk, he will!
The INDEPENDENT THINKER now laid out some of the most valuable
insights yet to come before the thinking public, and the inspiration
behind his/her writing must have come from a Christian source.
Well rounded and directly candid, I see no reason why a voter
can make any other than the right choice, when the time comes.
I implore you read his questions and issues. Again and again.
Lees Tracking Poll
----------------------------------
Southern
Bertrand B Osborne 40%
Idabelle Griffith-Meade 32.1%
Justin "Hero" Cassell 25.9%
Undecided 2%
----------------------------------
Plymouth
P. Austin Bramble 30%
Brunelle Meade 23%
Lazelle Howes 14%
Vereen Thomas Woolcock 8%
Chedmond Browne 20%
Undecided 5%
----------------------------------
Windward
David S Brandt 47%
Beatrice Fenton 34%
Joseph Meade 15%
Undecided 4%
----------------------------------
Eastern
Joel Webbe 31%
Adelina Tuitt 25.3%
Nowell "Dada" Tuitt 20%
James "Mountain Man" Lee16.7%
Undecided 7%
----------------------------------
Northern
Rupert Weekes 50.1%
John Ponteen 40%
Theo Bramble 6%
Undecided 3.9%
----------------------------------
Northwestern
John Osborne 41.3%
Charles Kirnon 40.6%
Jim Bass 8.1%
George Tuitt 2%
Undecided 8%
----------------------------------
Central
Rueben Meade 43.8%
Charlesworth "Sunny" Phillip 30%
John Wilson 14.7%
Johnny Dublin 3.5%
Richard Payne 2%
Undecided 6%
----------------------------------
Notes:
There was a typographical error in leaving out Brunelle Meade last Week.
George Piper
of Central officially released his candidacy on Wednesday afternoon.
At that time, the polling in the constituency had already been
done, so he has been omitted from the list of candidates for this
week.
Let me begin by offering unfeigned words of congratulations to the "Independent Thinker" for what I thought was a good piece in last week's paper. At least there is someone here who is looking beyond the callous and asinine ploys by some political hopefuls to keep the relevant issues shrouded in a blanket of darkness. Apparently some of our so called seasoned and experienced politicians are still living in the past when gimmicks and blatant bullshit (sorry) was all required to win a political election. It is really reassuring to see that not everyone has remained in that modus operandi and some have indeed entered the world of light and are demanding better.
Believe me someone had to take the lead; it is now up to those who have been endowed with the gift of vision to help enlighten our less fortunate brothers and sisters who have not quite caught on to the dead beat nature of some of the so called politicians here. We are on the brink of the 21st century and indeed another millennium. If there are persons who are not convinced that we have been retrogressing steadily over the last few years they just need to look around the region at islands which were once "worse off" than us.
Apart from our colonialist way of thinking I truly feel politics has played a big role in where we are today. In this age of rapid growth and reform it is a dishonor to hear the ideological persuasions of some of those who have held political office in this country.
I feel the time has come for Montserratians to stand up and demand more from political representatives. They must realize that their job does not end after they have won their seat in parliament. For too long we have adopted a stance where we tend to look at those elected to political office as being godly instead of mere mortals just like the rest of us. Politics is all about the lives of the people who have entrusted their care into the hands of people who they genuinely believe could help them improve their conditions. That is the deal. It is not acceptable for after someone is voted into office that he or she forgets the reason why they were placed there. By virtue of being elected to office makes that person indebted to us the electorate and not the other way around. This should be some opportune food for thought for the political hopefuls in the 96 race.
It is not about declaring your candidacy and winning a seat in parliament; no it is much more than that. It is about the lives of the thousands of people who have opted to remain here in the face of great adversities. The people of this island have suffered long enough; Hugo in 89 and volcanic activity since July 95; the last thing they need is a political disaster. So politicians please reconsider. Are you truly of good intentions and are up to the task of leading these distressed people out of the misery and pain they have been enduring for so long? If not I demand that you withdraw your candidacy forthwith.
Now in less than 3 weeks the people of this country will be going to the polls once again. The upcoming elections are of even greater significance than those of the past owing to the precarious position in which we find ourselves. It is no time for ill advised trivial selections; it is instead a time for serious reasoning and rationalizing, It is not about who the family usually votes for: for once we must part with that impetus for selection.
The field of candidates for the elections is very wide. 27 to be exact, and it is hard to believe that of that number we will not be able to choose 7 who have the necessary skills and drive to help the needy of this island. It is not about the individual politicians because most of them are in a position to pick up and leave the island at will. Instead it is about the people of this island who genuinely cannot pick up and leave, they are the ones who will suffer if events here come to a disastrous head.
So members of the electorate the days of jokes and carelessness are on hold for now. Maybe that was all right when things were nice, but they are not now.
We need to get this nation out of the doldrums and restore prosperity.
Let us bring back the days when Montserrat was the gem of the
Caribbean, the one place where everyone wanted to come and stay.
Things are hard now, but the upcoming elections could signal a
step in the forward direction, but in contrast with the wrong
choice it could spell the end of what is the most attractive island
in the Caribbean.
The Builder by definition needs to have something to build. He must have vision of the finished structure in mind. Whether that vision is of his own design or one that is given to him, he must make it his own. He must understand what it is he intends to achieve when his job is complete.
The Builder must have a plan to make his vision become a reality. This plan must include details of the materials to be used and how they will be acquired, the tools required and the workmen who can use those tools.
The Builder must organize the work required and the management and supervision of all elements involved in the construction.
The Builder needs to know what he needs and when. The builder needs to know if what he needs is available. If not, will it be? when? or if at all.
In other words: The Builder must know what resources are needed, how to acquire them and how to utilize those resources that are available in order to fulfill the vision.
We have many aspiring Builders for the construction of a future Montserrat. We have many potential bidders for the job. What is their vision? Where is their plan? What resources are needed? How are we going to acquire those resources?
Who is addressing these questions? What are the answers?
We have at present tools designed to maintain a structure that we know is not suited to our needs. We have workers trained to use those flawed tools. We have plans for our past and not our future. We have a designer that understands little of our needs.
We need a vision. We need new plans. We need new tools.
We need to create our own vision, draft our own plans, choose appropriate tools and find the right workers to do the job.
We need self-determination. We need a real democracy. We need
a real constitution.
Sir,
On my brief visit to Montserrat I have steadfastly avoided all gatherings which can be described as political meetings. I therefore seek space in your valuable paper to record my amusement at reports which seem to indicate that a certain Mr. Joel Webbe went to great lengths to weave me into his political presentation at Salem with the absolutely false claim that I sustained a gunshot wound at the hands of one Austin Bramble.
Mr. Editor, I do know Joel Webbe. When as an Insurance Salesman in the mid sixties he was about to migrate to the USA, a representative of the Insurance Company for which he worked strenuously attempted to prevent Joel from leaving Blackburne Airport for reasons I don not intend to mention here. I was the individual who telephoned a certain lawyer whose authentic intervention persuaded the Immigration Officer to allow the young man to leave the island.
I am even more astonished, Mr. Editor, that Mr. Webbe was speaking on the platform of my old sparring partner, Mr. John A Osborne.
It was not so long ago that the British Government, following a lengthy and expensive investigation, had John arrested and charged for misbehavior in public office. Joel was not among those of us, who, despite past political differences, deplored the British action. John certainly must have told Joel the identity of the journalist who recommend him to defense counsel who secured his acquittal.
What is exceptionally amusing is the fact that while the Jury was deliberating, it was common knowledge that Joel Webbe and his closest buddy were beseeching their God to find the No 1 Defendant guilty on all counts and also to expose him to one of those "rot-in-jail-" sentences.
John Osborne should take Joel Webbe in his office and in the most fatherly fashion explain the awful web he weaves when he practices to deceive.
Howell R Bramble
Dear Mr. Editor,
On the evening of Thursday, October 24, 1996 the program "Government and People" featured a two-hour political broadcast in support of the re-election of the National Progress Party (NPP) and especially of its leader Mr. Reuben Meade. It was not a paid political advertisement but formed a part of the program "Government and People"
It may be that the NPP ought to be re-elected. On the other hand it may be that they ought to be removed from office. As a civil servant I cannot openly indulge in that type of discussion. But permit me to express my disgust at the type of one-sided political brainwashing that was aired on our national radio station under the guise of "Government and People".
There cannot be a fair election without a fair campaign . The management of Radio Montserrat should apologize to the people.
George Kirnon
Dear Mr. Editor,
Thank you for the space in your weekly publication to publish my disgust with the contempt and dishonesty with which Mr. Manu Chandiramani, managing director of Rams Emdee Ltd. treated us.
I initially started to write a letter to the Minister of Finance, Mr Reuben T Meade, copied to the voucher office, but abandoned the process very early as I was informed correctly or incorrectly that both dependents know of what Mr Chandiramani is doing is contrary to what he was advised.
Firstly Mr. Editor, Rams Emdee Ltd. operating in the unsafe zone, is not allowed to accept food vouchers given to individuals from the Government of Montserrat.
Secondly food vouchers are not supposed to be exchanged for cash nor are they supposed to be used to purchase commodities outside food and toiletries.
As if, contrary to instructions from the gov't, it was not bad enough for Mr. Chandiramani to illegally allow persons (outside merchants) to shop in his supermarket using the food vouchers. He is also exchanging these vouchers for cash.
If the Government even wanted to turn a blind eye to the fact that Mr. Chandiramani is not suppose to accept food vouchers from shoppers how can they ( knowingly) allow Mr. Rams to exchange the vouchers for cash.
Is this practice not a breakdown in what the vouchers are suppose to ensure.
If a shopper at Rams Emdee is found to shoplift as much as a candy while there, and he or she cannot even pay for the candy, that person is turned over to the police by Mr. Rams for their dishonesty.
Well who is going to turn over Mr. Manu Chandiramani to the police? Is his actions are not as grave or worst? Is the law for some of us and not the others?
While I am on the Rams case let me say here that it is profoundly unfair for some of the most of us to live up for passes to visit the unsafe zone and sometimes been turned down or only allowed two hours in, when Mr. Rams and his imported unskilled workers are allowed in from 6:00 a.m. until whenever, even after curfew hours.
My understanding is that for him to even be conducting business at Plymouth is at present illegal.
The integrity of those in authority re the above is hereby questionable.
Respectfully
Timid
Mr. editor I would like to share my views on the issue of party politic on Montserrat. Let me state categorically here, that I am not saying that independent candidates cannot make meaningful contributions if they are elected.
Since the election fever took over from the volcano there seems to be all kind of statements made on the radio and in the news paper about what type of system should be put in place for our general election on November 12. Some persons went as far as submitting articles to the Commission of Inquiry that was held to determine whether we should have an election what type of system should be in place.
The most tacked about system other than the party system is one where by our parliamentarians should be elected by the country on a whole and not by constituency. This means that who ever declares themselves as a candidate for general elections must be elected only by a constituency but must be able to present themselves for approval from every voter on island. This argument have its pros and cons but that could be dealt with at a later date.
Our local electoral process is quite appropriate, but what is lacking is good, well organized party structures. None of the parties that are now contesting the elections are around for six years and the NPP party is five years old just because it is the party of the incumbent government. If and when we have parties that have good structures, that start from constituency groups, with conventions and other activities where by, the leaders are held accountable within the party itself, then party politics will play the role it should.
The last party that functioned for any long period on island was the PLM party but as soon as it lost an election it went blowing in the wind and this the norm with all other parties in the past. So when we criticize a well defined democratic process that have worked all over the world even in neighboring islands much smaller than Montserrat we should not only call for change but look at the problem and see where the real problem lies.
Working Voter
Mr Editor:
me friten, Mr. Editor me friten fu true. Well, well, well look pan people a run fu election and nuff fu dem a run independant. I never hear so many people way fraid de volcano demself want to tek ova de manigment u de country,and de manigment u de valcaina crisis. Mr. Editor gad bless election, if a no me fu um I wouda neva know wa some u dem gat lack up in a clasit, dem brute an criminul dey. A wa dem tec are we fa, all de time are a suffa dem never come go see how are we do, some a dem no even tark to are we but now you a know dat dem a you family becarse dem want you X, but ley me tell dem dis, family a no family, me no no who me a vuart fa, but me know who me nar vuart fa so ley dem come. De idea de odo day dis persen mit me in na de shelta, an out to de clear blue sky start up dis canvuseasion, an a den me fine out dat e a run fu elecsion. And de vagibun always pass me in a e motovehicle, an neva tell me howde, but now want to tark to me. Wa me me supoars to do? Well I did not do anything ,but when e don say wa e ha fu say me tel e, well I wish you all de bes but no wais you time pan me becarse me nar voart fu you. If you see e feice, if e could a arks the groung fu upen up an tec e een e wouldo sink een.
You know wa else me friten fa, a wan so carl party wey gat wan group wid some well know bandits. One dem me say are we brain shalla an are we belly lang, but ley me remine dem, are we gat wan local saying, "once bitten twice shy."
Some Creole
Dr. Fergus Resource Person Caricom Ministers of Culture
ARICOM Ministers of Culture will gather in St Kitts/Nevis on October 29 and 30 to address two important matters. These are: The future of CARIFESTA and the CARICOM Foundation of Arts and Culture.
UWI Resident Tutor, Dr. Howard Fergus who is the Interim Chairman of the Foundation has been invited to attend the meeting as a Resource Person.
In related news, Dr. Fergus will arrive in St Kitts from St Croix where on Saturday, October 26, he will deliver a paper at a Literary Conference at the University of the Virgin Islands. The Conference is being held to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the literary Journal - The Caribbean Writer to which Dr. Fergus has been a constant contributor. The title of his paper is: "The Role of Literary Magazines in Developing a National Literature."
Famous West Indian poets Derek Walcott, Edward Kamau, Braithwaite
and Lorna Goodison have been invited to the conference as special
guests.
President of the Fort St George Community Action Group James Cabey represented the National Youth Council ...NYC at a regional youth leaders meeting in Barbados on October 18 to 21.
The meeting was held to give NYC's in the region an opportunity to report on the realities facing their councils.
Participants also looked at how they can draw from each other's experience and support to make NYC's more appealing and attractive to young people.
The local council received high praise for its effort in assisting youths and single parent families in the ongoing volcanic crisis.
While there, Mr. Cabey informed the other participants of the
volcanic situation on the island, supporting his presentation
with videos and photographs. He also received verbal commitments
for further support to the Council's single parent family project.
The Caribbean Examination Council...CXC is paying special attention to education on Montserrat during the crisis.
CXC Registrar Irene Walter who is based in Barbados is scheduled to pay a one day visit to the island next Monday. Her visit is mainly to discuss the post Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate.. CSEC which is scheduled to come on stream shortly.
The CSEC Certificate will also take the opportunity to look at
Montserrat's concerns in preparing local children for the 1997
CXC exams and other CXC activities on the island. While here she
will meet with education officials and members of the National
CXC Committee and visit the Salem Campus of the Montserrat Secondary
School.
Montserratians continue to benefit from an ongoing Visiting Specialist Program. Two specialists are scheduled to visit the island this weekend; this Saturday 26 October and Sunday 27 October.
They are an Orthopedic Surgeon and an Ear Nose and Throat... ENT Surgeon, both of whom will be coming from the neighboring French island of Guadeloupe.
The Ministry of Health is reminding patients with referrals to the ENT and Orthopedic Surgeons to call the Medical Records Clerk to confirm their appointments.
Patients will be seen at the casualty department of the hospital
in St. Johns between 9am and 3pm tomorrow and Sunday.
The Ministry of Health is taking steps to strengthen the care being offered to residents with asthma.
A respiratory Clinic has been established at the Glendon Hospital and Health Promotion Officer Josephine Tuitt says the aim of the clinic is to monitor asthmatics more closely, particularly now with the ongoing volcanic crisis.
She says given the situation with ash and the anticipated quality of the air, the Ministry wants to ensure that Asthmatics do not get out of control.
Miss Tuitt says known asthmatics and persons with respiratory problems who have been referred by private doctors, are being invited to attend the clinic every Wednesday morning.
The clinic is being conducted by Physician Specialist at the Glendon
Hospital, Doctor Prakash.
Residents Seek Travel Assistance
More residents have been opting for the voluntary relocation scheme to the United Kingdom.
Latest reports indicate nearly 644 forms for the program have been issued, and of that number 524 have been completed and returned to local authorities.
Reports also suggest that there are currently 57 residents holding confirmed bookings for the voluntary relocation scheme to the United Kingdom.
We have learnt that several people have also requested financial assistance from Government to enable them to take up the offer.
Chief Minister Meade has indicated a willingness on the part of
Government to provide such assistance to residents who would like
to take up the scheme but are restrained by the cost.
Authorities here have said that there will be no voting by proxy for the upcoming general elections.
They have ruled out this possibility even though much of the electorate have moved overseas as a result of the volcanic crisis.
This means that Montserratians who have relocated to other islands will have to return home if they wish to cast their ballots.
Chief Minister Reuben T Meade says voting by proxy would require
a constitutional change, saying also that the NPP will not actively
encourage Montserratians overseas to return home to vote.
Schools on Montserrat will soon be provided with computers; through gifts from a Technical College in Oswego City in Up State New York, with which Montserrat is twinned.
22 computers were sent to Montserrat by BOCES, a College in Oswego
County. They were brought in with other supplies which arrived
here last weekend for the EOC, Red Cross, The Rotary Club and
the hospital. The goods were transported to Montserrat on the
U.S Air National Guard C-130 which landed here last Friday. The
plane load of goods was organized by Partners of the Americas
under the U.S. Government's Denton Amendment. The computers will
soon be distributed to all Primary schools on the island.
Caribbean Federation of Youth (CFY)
The Caribbean Federation of Youth (CFY) continues to receive support to assist the members of the local National Youth Council and single parent families on Montserrat.
In an appeal launched earlier this year, the Federation has just received assistance from the Caribbean Policy Development Center (CPDC) based in Barbados, the Commonwealth Youth Program (CYP) regional office in Guyana and the World Youth Foundation (WYF).
Support to this project has also been forthcoming from sister councils in the region.
The Caribbean Federation of Youth (CFY) has received some funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to conduct a Constitutional review and establishment of a Strategic Plan into the 21st Century. This study is presently ongoing. The Consultant - Mr. George Huggins (past Director of CPDC, Barbados) has just completed his study in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and is this week in St. Lucia. He would use the opportunity to interview NYC members, past CFY Executive members and youths in general. Telephone interviews would be done in other member councils in the region. A draft report would be presented at a CFY Regional meeting to be held in November.
The CFY Secretariat has just completed a Director of NGO"s in the Caribbean. Funding for this came from the Youth Platform with the European Union in Belgium. It was realized at a recent meeting that their was no documented information on NGO's and their work in the Caribbean. This document would be submitted to the Youth Platform office for approval before circulation.
The Caribbean Federation of Youth (CFY) is presently making preparations
for a Caribbean delegation to participate in the World Youth Forum
of the United Nations System to be held in Vienna, Austria from
November 25 - 29, 1996. Prior to the Youth Forum, the Federation
would participate in the Co-ordination Meeting between Regional
Youth Structures. The CFY has been co-chair for a working group
on Youth and Social Integration: Drug Abuse and Juvenile Delinquency.
National Youth Council - Montserrat
Montserrat was represented at a Regional Youth Leaders Meeting held in Barbados from October 18 - 21, 1996. Representative of the National Youth Council was James Cabey - President of the Fort St. George Community Action Group and P. R. O of the Red Cross First Aiders.
The main objective of the meeting was for NYC's in the region to share a report on the local realities of their Council and to see where they can draw from each other's experience and support to make their councils more appealing and attractive to young people.
The local Council received high praise for their effort assisting some youths and single parent families in the ongoing volcanic crisis on Montserrat.
Key speakers at the meeting present the following topics:
- Direction of Youth as we approach the 21st Century
- The Effective Management of an Organization
- Motivation: Striving for Excellence
Remarks were also made by:
- President of Optimist Club of Barbados, West - Geoffrey Brathwaite
- Former President of B/dos Youth Council - David Bower
- Vice President, WAY - Jefferson Kirton
During the meeting the Montserrat representative was given the opportunity to appraise the participants on the volcanic situation on Montserrat. His presentation was supported by Videos and photographs. A verbal commitment was received for further support to the youth councils single parent family project.
The meeting was sponsored by the World Assembly of Youth (WAY)
and the World Youth Foundation (WYF) and hosted by the Optimist
Club of Barbados, West.
Volcano or Not, Mountain Bike Race is on
All indicators are pointing to another year of a successful mountain bike competition taking place on Montserrat, volcano notwithstanding. The Fifth Annual Montserrat Mountain Bike Challenge and Second Annual Fat Tire Festival, scheduled for the week of November 8-17, are going ahead as planned.
Unless Mother Nature interferes, the events will take place at Island Bikes property on Foxes Bay Road (the former St. Christopher's School). Included in the race schedule are four events: an Uphill Challenge, a Downhill Challenge, a Cross Country Challenge and a Dual Slalom Elimination Challenge. If Mother Nature decides it is time to wake us all up again with a volcanic eruption of some sort, the venue for the race will change to Gerold's Bottom and all events will be staged there.
NO NEED TO RACE TO BE INVOLVED _ VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
To find out more about how you can get involved in the newest Olympic sport, be sure to attend the Montserrat Cycle Association meeting taking place this Saturday at 3 PM at the old St. Christopher's School. This meeting will tell you what you need to know to enter the competitions or how you can help by volunteering to help with the many details involved in staging a mountain bike event. Volunteers are as important to us as competitors; it is very difficult to stage events without volunteers.
SPECIAL LOW FEE TO JOIN ASSOCIATION _ NO REGISTRATION FEES TO RACE
In an effort to get more Montserratians involved in the fun and excitement that is so much a part of the sport of mountain biking membership in the Montserrat Cycle Association will be only EC$10 for the first 6 months. The Association is offering this reduced membership fee at the meeting this weekend only. Not only can you join the Association for just $10, but that membership will entitle you to compete in the Montserrat Challenge events without paying any registration fees.
Normal registration fees are US$35 to enter all four events, or US$10 to enter individual events. The only requirement Montserratians will have to fulfill to compete is to join the Montserrat Cycle Association for EC$ 10.00. This small fee will allow you to compete for any of the prizes available and you will receive an official Montserrat Cycle Association identity card. To compete you must have your own bike and a helmet. If you don't have a helmet, we will have some available for you to use, but you cannot compete without one.
PRIZES ARE STACKING UP
The prize list for this year's Challenge include a brand-new Cannondale
M900 mountain bike (worth US$1000.00), a week-long cruise for
two on Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, Rock Shox, Bolle sunglasses,
Free style watches, Giro helmets and many more. You can't win
if you don't compete! Be sure to attend the meeting on Saturday
to find out more about mountain biking and how you can help make
this event a success and look in The Reporter next week for updated
news.
Montserrat Loses Again - Football
It was a disappointing weekend for football fans here. The local team suffered back to back defeats at the hands of St Thomas, in the first round of matches in the 1996 Leeward Islands Football Association tournament.
In game 1 on Saturday St. Thomas was able to edge out the local team 2 goals to 1 with Kurt Webb scoring for Montserrat. The local squad had another dismal performance in the return game on Sunday when they loss by a margin of 3 goals to 1. Seasons campaigner Everton 'Pops" Morris converted the only goal for Montserrat in that game.
Montserrat was due to play St. Thomas on a home and away basis in the first round of matches in the LIFA tournament; but because of the lack of proper facilities due to the volcanic crisis they were forced to play both games overseas.
The losses over the weekend have dashed any hopes the home team
may have had of advancing to the finals of the LIFA tournament
set for Antigua next month.
Jus wonderin how the people of Richmond Hill were told they could live there and no clears the streets, while those of Plymouth are being cleared frequently and no one lives there.
Jus wonderin if the news paper man is so afraid of the volcano that he travels with he visits the island he travels with his suitcase in the back of his car. Meanwhile there are some too who who never ever move unless they have their bag too.
The volcano is really having a serious effect on the candidates running in the election, or the public is doing a good job at fooling them. Jus wonderin how come all of them are claiming to be the front runner in the election campaign in their constituency.
Jus wonderin if the election is causing families to break up because of different affiliations.
Jus wonderin why cable TV charge its customers the full monthly rates when they were off the air for several days during the volcano crises.
Jus wonderin how persons who have not left the country and are very much alive and well names are not on the voters registered.
Jus wonderin how come the local certified Tour Guides will not be used to conduct tours for the tours of the expected cruise ship.
Jus wonderin if is better for us to have an explosion now an then and then freedom from ash. It is well over one month have passed since the September 17/18 volcanic explosion and no more ash have affected the people of Montserrat yet.
Jus wonderin if we couldn't have a runoff election before we have general elections on November 11.
Jus wonderin if after election any of the elected persons will become the hottest political prostitute/s in our history.
Jus wonderin what other powers will be taken away from the Minister of Finance before the next government is formed.
Jus wonderin if the old politicians cannot stick to the issues on the political platform and leave the character assassination for when they are in front their mirrors.
All over the world political enemies are able to forgive one another despite their wars, abuses, conflicts or whatever problem they have, jus wonderin if some political opponents in Montserrat can do likewise.
The cowboys are out so the Indians come out to play, jus wonderin when they will stop insulting their customers who are shopping in the safe zone.
Jus wonderin why there are still boulders blocking the entrance
going into Richmond Hill from Sturge Park despite the promises
made by the Governor and the police.
People's Progressive Alliance (PPA)Solution
The people of Montserrat are faced with many difficult challenges.
High unemployment, personal and business bankruptcies, deplorable shelters and inadequate living conditions for those with family and helpless friends. Unsatisfactory schooling facilities, inadequate and unsafe health care, a declining population, and a dead economy, are all part of a growing number of problems which must be given immediate attention.
The erupting volcano at Soufriere Hills, have forced the evacuation of more than half the island's population to the northern side of Montserrat. Plymouth, the main commercial center is closed. And many businesses are finding it difficult or impossible to relocate and restart their operations. Even where they have restarted , the businesses are failing because of increasing unemployment and mass migration.
For the past seven months many of our people have essentially put their lives on hold. Chief Minister Rueben Meade and his government are utterly unable to cope with the many problems and concerns that are making life unbearable and near impossible, for the citizens of Montserrat.
The opportunity will be given to us on November 11, to reject - to be rid of the NPP government of Rueben Meade. They have done far too little, to relieve the hurt, hunger and distress of many Montserratians.
For those of you who have never visited a shelter we implore you to do so. You will be overwhelmed by the sight of our people existing like animals - without justification. There is no excuse possible that they can offer for the degradation forced on occupants of the shelters.
The Rotary Club is an organization which seeks out and assist in the overall welfare of any community.
They spare head efforts to improve housing, education, the welfare of the elderly, the sick and other - such important causes.
The Rotary Club in Antigua recently visited Montserrat and assessed the shelters. They were horrified at the state of affairs existing there and aired a scathing report indicating their findings. Here is a sampling of their thoughts:
Sleeping conditions in shelters are totally inadequate, cruel and inhuman. The bathroom facilities are crude, inhospitable, lacking privacy and adequacy of numbers. Cooking facilities are inadequate and dangerous, given that table top stoves and cooking gas are stored among clothing and other personal items. These are some of the embarrassing and degrading statements that were made by them. These are the living conditions foisted on our people. Conditions they are powerless to do anything about.
Has basic comfort and human dignity been callously shoved aside?. Is our leader arrogant , uncaring? Or both! It is inconceivable that he is that inefficient - that helpless!! It may well be possible that he is completely overwhelmed by the entire situation!.
Montserrat is in a position to attract support and assistance from almost any country in the world, given the devastation that prevails. Chief Minister Rueben Meade's handling of the situation shows gross negligence, callousness and sheer lack of concern for the plight of our people.
The People's Progressive Alliance is willing, capable and committed, to work with the people of Montserrat, to restore their dignity, the economy and the society.
John Osborne and the PPA, will solicit aid to build proper housing, from many sources around the world, including our Caribbean neighbors.
Construction of these housing units will encourage many of our skilled workmen to return home. It will also free up our churches and schools.
We will restore common human dignity to thousands of our citizens, who for the past seven months, have given up their personal privacy and pride and have lost all hope.
The PPA recognizes the need to create jobs for many unemployed persons on Montserrat. To do this, we will establish several export processing businesses similar to the Rice Mills and W & W Electronics. Several Montserratians will be given the opportunity to become owners of these businesses.
The PPA has carefully considered twenty export businesses which can be developed during this present crisis. They will enhance employment and create new entrepreneurs.
Following are some of the enterprises that are being considered:
Iron manufacturing: for the US and European markets.
Cap manufacturing: to be set up as a cottage industry so that interested participants can work from home.
Infomatics telemarketing: In association with Cable and Wireless, the infomatics telemarketing business will employ many of our school leavers who will work with telephones and computers. Plans are in the pipe line to develop this particular industry very rapidly. The PPA government will pass the required free zone legislation which will put this development on fast track.
Injection molding: This process will allow for the production of plastic parts which will be used in the electronics industry. Further we can produce search lights, soap dishes, plastic knifes and forks, and a whole range of products which can be exported regionally, to the United States and Europe.
The PPA will negotiate with the banks to make it easier for those who are finding it difficult to pay mortgages. Mortgage moratoriums will be looked at immediately on our election to office.
We believe that the full cooperation of financial institutions, and other such organizations is needed to make it through this economic crisis.
The people of Montserrat are in need of good government to create the climate and opportunities to turn the country around and restore the good times that we once enjoyed. We urge you not to forget that during Austin Bramble's eight years as Chief Minister, Montserrat did poorly. During John Osborne's thirteen years in office Montserrat became a prosperous country. During Rueben Meade's five years in office Montserrat is seeing its worse days in recorded history.
WE URGE YOU TO SUPPORT JOHN OSBORNE AND THE P.P.A., THE PEOPLE'S
PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE "TO BRING BACK THE GOOD TIMES."
Vote for PPA Candidates
John Osborne, Joel Webbe, Joseph Meade, Brunell Meade, Idabelle
Griffith-Meade , John Ponteen, Charlesworth Phillip
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
The public is hereby notified that for a person to qualify for elected membership to the Legislative Council, he or she must be a Commonwealth citizen age 21 or upwards and has resided on Montserrat for a period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of his nomination for election, or is domiciled in Montserrat and is resident therein on the date of nomination.
A person is disqualified for membership if inter alia he has been adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in any part of the Commonwealth and has not been discharged; or is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.
(In other words, a Montserratian who has acquired American citizenship by naturalization is not qualified for membership in the Legislative Council).
(Sgd.) H A Fergus
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Irene Joyce and the relatives
of the late
William (Dick) Joyce
would like to thank all those who assisted in caring for him during his long illness.
Many thanks to all who sent flowers, cards, telephoned or in any way expressed sympathy on his passing.
Your caring concern has supported us in our time of bereavement.
May he rest in peace.
Notice is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date hereof, application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration with the will annexed in the estate of Daisy Mona Wade, deceased, be granted to Thomas Benjamin Wade, the residuary legatee named in the will of the deceased.
All persons claiming to be beneficially interested therein are requested to send forthwith particulars thereof to me, the undersigned.
Further, any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice not later than fourteen (14) days from the date of this Notice.
Dated this 16th day of October, 1996
Mary J Roach
Solicitor for the Applicant
Dated this 16th day of October, 1996
Aid Administrative Assistant - Governor's Office
Opportunity for an
AID ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
in
H.E. THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
There is an IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITY for an AID ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (AAA) in HE The Governor's Office.
The British Government (HMG), through its Dependent Territories Regional Secretariat (DTRS) in Barbados, wishes to appoint an assistant to the recently arrived First Secretary (Aid) to be based in HE The Governor's office, Montserrat.
DTRS is responsible for the management of all HMG financial resources
available to support Montserrat. These are expected to amount
to more than EC$100 million over the next three years. DTRS has
recently appointed a First Secretary (Aid) to represent them in
Montserrat. They now wish to appoint an AAA in order to provide
the necessary assistance and back -up to the Aid Secretary. The
post will be for an initial period of 2 years and is subject to
the satisfactory completion of a 3 month probationary period.
The appointment will carry a locally-taxable salary in the range
EC$28,224 x 1020 - 34,344 p.a. (GoM grade: Assistant Secretary,
M19-M13), plus traveling allowance of EC$450 per month and telephone
allowance of EC35 per month (both non taxable). A higher salary
might be negotiable for an exceptional candidate.
Responsibilities
The Aid Administrative Assistant will be directly responsible to the Aid Secretary under the supervision of HE The Governor. The incumbent will:
I) provide administrative support to the Aid Secretary in the execution of his/her duties in managing the development program and substitute for him/her as required;
ii) assist in progressing and monitoring all FCO/ODA funded projects in Montserrat through close liaison with the Development Unit and GoM line ministries:
iii) assist in maintaining detailed accounts of expenditure on all projects in close liaison with the Development Unit and report to DTRS on a monthly basis;
iv) provide administrative support as required to the on-island ODA Engineering Adviser and to the other short-term technical advisers;
v) undertake any other related duties that HE The governor or
the Aid Secretary might reasonably require.
Experience and Eligibility
The successful applicant will have had previous experience of
administration work, ideally in the aid field, and a capacity
for sound financial management. He/she will require good inter-personal
skills as well as an ability to be flexible and work under pressure.
Computer literacy/word processing skills will be required. All
suitably qualified Montserratians and residents of Montserrat
are eligible to apply.
Applications
Applications, stating relevant experience, availability, two referees,
nationality and residential status should be submitted to the
Aid Secretary, HE The Governor's Office, Montserrat by close of
play on Friday 1 November. Applicants should be available for
interview in Montserrat during the w/b Monday 4 November. The
successful applicant will be expected to take up the position
as soon as possible but at any rate, other than exceptionally,
not later than Monday, 2 December.
MAWU's President Presents
As President of the Montserrat Allied Workers Union, I have a duty to defend The union in its actions, especially when I am a part of a decision. I am very disgusted and disappointed with the attitude of Mr. John Osborne and his team on the political platform, slandering the good name of the General Secretary of the union and myself. I have been President of this union for the last ten years after the departure of Dr Irish. Like every other organization, just as in any business there are ups and downs.
Mr. Osborne and his team has been campaigning like all other parties for the upcoming General Elections on November 11, 1996. The campaign has taken a mudslinging turn, that is disgusting and I feel strongly that I must defend the truth.
In 1989 after the passing of hurricane Hugo, the General Secretary - Mrs. Vereen Thomas-Woolcock, went to Brighton England to the Postal Telegraph and Telecommunication World Conference. On her return she informed the Executive Committee that she asked the international body to help the union financially since we were badly damaged by Hurricane Hugo, and they agreed to give some assistance. The International Organization, Postal Telegraph and Telecommunication International - PTTI, immediately asked for an estimate on damages for the building which was done by Mr. St. Clair Jeffers and approved by the Executive Committee of Montserrat Allied Workers Union. This estimated cost was sent to the PTTI.
Work started on the building and although we did not get the full amount that was estimated for the building, we managed to get the job done. In addition, the General Secretary with the knowledge of the Executive Committee, sought other funding to purchase chairs and other office equipment. Our minutes which are recorded and signed, show that at least ninety percent of the Executive Committee members were present at the meeting and in some cases one hundred percent endorsed what was done. Two years later, we employed a secretary name Joan Ryan. It was obvious that she came with a hidden agenda, because within one year of her employment she along with six other executive members set about to destroy the General Secretary.
The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions - ICFTU, invited the General Secretary to attend a women conference in Brussels on behalf of Caribbean women since she is the Caribbean Women's
Representative. When she returned from Brussels the General Secretary was told by a member of staff that there is a plan ahead by some of the Executive members and the secretary to get rid of her. The staff member said that some members of the Executive said in her presence that they are going to "Clip The General Secretary's wings". When the General Secretary came to me and asked if I knew anything of the plan I said, "No", but I will call an Executive Committee Meeting to find out if the statement was true.
I immediately called an Executive Committee meeting. The majority of the members refused to come to the meeting, as a matter of fact, several other meetings were called to discuss the matter and they refused to attend, even when we invited the General Secretary of The Caribbean Congress of Labor - Mr. Kurtist Augustus, to come and listen to the accusation, they refused to attend. The Foreman- Vice-President - Mr. Charles Kirnon, who was now Minister, was asked to come in and chair the meeting. It was only at that time we were able to have a quorum. But those Executive Committee Members had a plan, that plan was to get rid of the General Secretary. Even though they were given the privilege to select an accountant other than the one that the Union usually use to do its accounts (because they said that the General Secretary and the Accountant are friends) they refused to accept the fact that their accountant stated that nothing has been done by the General Secretary that the Executive Committee were not aware of.
The group of seven decided that at all cost they must destroy the General Secretary, so they set out on a mission. They photocopied every document available and sent it to people in the community that they think will have a dislike for the Union or the General Secretary. In addition, they sent the same documents and receipts to the International director of the Postal Telegraph and Telecommunication International - PTTI, and the Caribbean Congress of Labor - Mr. Kurtis Augustus and Mr. Estario Chittick, respectively, to inform them about the expenditure of the funds without the knowledge of the General Secretary or myself.
Naturally the international and Regional Representative contacted us on the matter. After we were contacted by the international body, we invited the international bodies to come in and assess the situation for themselves, because moneys do not come in the President or the General Secretary's name. It comes in under the name of the Montserrat Allied Workers Union. There are three signatures to the Unions Account - The General Secretary, The Treasurer and The President. Any two of these persons can sign on behalf of the Union.
It is interesting to note that it was only those cheques that were signed by the General Secretary and the President were scrutinized, Why? Because the treasurer was a part of the "famous seven" plot".
I fired Joan Ryan because she wrote the General Secretary and myself, a six page insulting letter, Why? She has the backing of the majority of the Executive Committee, therefore, she does as she pleases, and even though I was patient she did not stop there but she continued to write more insulting letters in M A W U's time and on M A W U's computer, refusing to do any work that the General Secretary gave her to do.
The International Labor Organization sent in the Regional Director - Mr. George DePeana and the Caribbean Congress of Labor General Secretary - Mr. Kurtis Augustus, to hear the accusations before the General body of the union. We had a packed house at the General Conference and those of you who were there will recall that Mr. DePeana from the I. L. O. chaired the meeting. Three members of the famous seven came to the meeting. The General Secretary presented her case plus the audited accounts which were audited by Government Auditors. Mr. DePeana asked that all those who want to refute what was said by the General Secretary, had the opportunity to do so. Immediately, with the exception of one member from the "famous seven" who said that all he heard were lies, no one else spoke. When Mr. DePeana asked the members to explain to the membership about the lies he could not explain instead of explaining he walked out of the meeting this made the membership very angry that what they came to hear concerning the accusation about the General Secretary they did not hear.
On the basis of the famous seven conduct and false accusation a resolution was passed that they must not take any executive position in the MAWU but that they can be a Union Member if they desired to. Ms Joan Ryan took the union to the Labor Tribunal for wrongful dismissal and those who were involved in trying to overthrow the General Secretary (after the membership returned, the said General Secretary and the President were elected unopposed to run the affairs of the union) went to the court and witnessed on Joan Ryan's behalf. The aim was to get rid of the General Secretary at all cost and even though we had to send the Police to Joan Ryan's house for the unions documents and file that she took up without the President and General Secretary knowledge and the other members knew that she had the Union files in her house, the other six members of the Executive Committee condone that type of behavior.
The Labor Tribunal heard her case and decided that technically I dismissed her wrongfully. The Judges upheld the decision. Whatever Mr. Osborne and his team want to conclude, the General Secretary did not do anything that the Executive Committee and myself did not know. Therefore, I want to put on record, that
1. The General Secretary did not take the Unions money to do anything for her personal use. All cheques are signed by two persons, on behalf of the union.
2. That every transaction on behalf of the Union was known by every Executive Committee member, and I will challenge anyone who say that they did not know what transpired.
3. That it was pure envy against the General Secretary by those seven members and those who may have believed them. Why did they want to destroy her? Is it because I did not join their plot.
4. Whatever was done on behalf of the Union was in the interest of the workers of Montserrat.
5. The General Secretary is one of the most respected person in the entire region. She holds the post of 2nd Vice President of the Caribbean Congress of Labor for the last nine years and is the Caribbean Women Representative on the ICFTU Executive body for the last 8 years. She has served the workers of this country for over 20 years.
When Mr. John Osborne came to me, I told him the truth and I know that he and his team asked another Executive member and he also told them the truth. So to go on a political platform and smear the good name of the General Secretary and myself and then say that it is "politics" you and your team Mr. Osborne, should be ashamed of yourselves. If a person decide to run for public office, he or she should be given the opportunity to be elected or rejected by the electorate and not on character assassination. Let the people decide on the basis of clean politics.
Charles "Nick" Ryan
President - M A W U
It's easy for anybody to say what people want. But saying what must be done to get it, is a little more difficult. So while Beatrice Fenton and Joseph Meade is out seeking votes David Brandt the best representative yet for Windward is calling on the Chief Minister, to relieve the suffering of the People of Windward who live in churches and make shift shelters in the so called safe for too long. In a Face to face with the Chief Minister, David Brandt was calling for a date when the people from Windward will be put in single unit accommodation. Accommodation suitable for human beings.
Places where they have access to a kitchen with a sink, places
wired and connected with electricity a place with a proper toilet
and a useful fridge and fans for the shelter at Brades. Improve
the conditions now, says David Brandt. And if the Chief Minister
can't do better, for the sake of people of Windward David Brandt
is ready to show him and whoever else how. In this time of crises
The People of Windward have been made to suffer too much for too
long. They have been jammed up in churches and make shift shelters
for too long. Mothers with new born children must be given single
unit shelters now. David Brandt says it again when sufficient
is sufficient, it's more than enough. And it's David Brandt who
wants people who get food and are living in shelters to get an
allowance so they could buy toiletries, like tampons and so. Now!
people of Windward tell everybody, tell anybody, David Brandt
is Number one... Say it nicely. My vote is for David S. Brandt.
David Brandt's 1992 Anniversary Speech
Speech Delivered - Friday October 16th, 1992
ADDRESS BY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS MR. DAVID BRANDT
ON THE OCCASION OF HIS FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE
My first year at the Ministry of Communication Works and Sports has been in many ways a frustrating year but one which nevertheless has brought me valuable experience and a greater understanding of our limitations as a Government both in dealing with the British and in dealing with one another.
We as a new Government have not succeeded in making our people partners in our efforts; we have not consulted with them enough, we have not been sufficiently sensitive to their troubles and we have not done enough to relieve the strains created by the recession .
That recession has had great impact on Public Works causing cutbacks in our programs. We have had to lay off workers and reduce the work week for others. the problems have been further aggravated by the slowness with which aid projects are being approved.
I do not propose in this address to list once again the projects at the Ministry and by recounting them try to convince that much is happening. Like you I am deeply dissatisfied with the pace of the action at the Ministry and it is now my first concern that changes be introduced that will make it possible for us to be far more productive. This must be the immediate focus of our energy.
The British Government is itself proposing far reaching changes to the system with which we now operate. We are dependent on British Aid and they have always had a say in how that aid is used but these changes are so enormous that it is necessary hat the entire Montserrat Community at home and abroad engage in extensive public discussions about their impact. It is important that some consensus be reached as to the response we should make to the British plan and that all our people be involved. Not only must we hear from people like, Vincent Placide, Johnny Wyke, Justin Cassell, Malcolm Harris, and our long time friends and supporters but we must invite the views of Mr. John Osborne, Mr. Austin Bramble, Mr. David Edgecombe, Mr. David Fenton, Mr. Donald Douglas, Mr. Reginald Ponde, Miss Nicole Ryan, Mr. Kenny Cassell and others.
We must go to Boston and hear from Oral Howes, from Alfred Molyneaux, Sam Edwards and others.We must go to New York and speak to people like Laurine Fenton, George Irish and Ashton Daley. We must go to Miami to hear from Yvonne Ryan, and Candace West.
We must hear from Juliette Ceesay and Peter Bramble from Washington.
Uriel Gilkes and Hess Matthew and Josephine Skerritt are just a few of the people we must talk to in Montreal.
Noel White and Leroy Martin must add their wisdom to the voices of our people in California. The thousands of Montserratians in England understand better than most our predicament. Let us hear from all of them from Kwamen Kubweza to William Trant.
Where our people are, we must listen to their voices and make them partners in our decisions. It is my belief that we must begin right now to make Government more responsive and cut through the bureaucracy, the red tape and the apathy that make it so difficult for Montserratians to find redress to their problems.
We need to make bold decisions we need to act. We must quit the hand wringing and the nervous chatter and move decisively.
We should review our sand policy and look at our options including that of opening up a beach while we are making that review. We have to remove as many impediments as possible from the construction trade. We need to find ways to revitalize construction not put handicaps in its way.
We must review our chicken policy, everybody is losing by the present policy. Our intentions were good when we tried to encourage the local production of chicken. Something has gone wrong let us acknowledge it and try to find some way to correct the situation.
We can no longer continue to conduct the affairs of the country without a plan. If we don't have a plan then we are going nowhere. The lack of planning has shown up in the way we fail to even anticipate staffing needs in the civil service and getting people trained to meet them. So we are constantly asking for personnel from Britain and elsewhere while our people are looking for jobs or occupying positions that do no justice to their ability.
In Sports we need coaches to be trained and they must be paid decent salaries, we need physiotherapists, trainers, doctors who specialize in sports medicine. Let me say here and now, any Government of which I am a part must have a plan. We must set goals and we must have direction. This drift must stop! If we need to talk to our people to set an agenda for the future then let the talks begin!
With such a plan we can identify areas of need and give scholarships to people who can fill those needs. We must send people for training when positions are becoming vacant. We should stop hiring people first and sending them to be trained after.
We must stop paying others to provide services that we can provide ourselves and slow down the drain on our resources.
We need to have our insurance company as they do in St. Kitts and Antigua.
We are facing serious problems but it is the sign of strength
of character when a Government can better despite the difficulties.
Act Now
Purchase a piece of this exclusive housing estate overlooking the beautiful Carrs Bay Shoreline
Ideal for Home Construction
Exclusive Financing Available For more information
Contact:
Ms. Flora Griffith
Tel. 491-3630
Tar River Estate house reduced to mere walls
Tar River Valley burnt from the pyroclastic flows of September 17/18, 1996
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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