Much discussion was triggered in Montserrat this week after Mr. John Osborne, former Chief Minister of Montserrat nearly 10 years ago, said in a public statement that no one gives money to people they don’t trust.

The statement and the subsequent response by Chief Minister David Brand left people debating about which of the two came out the better in the exchange.

The statement originated in an interview on ZJB radio in which Mr. Osborne was to announce his candidacy, after which he dived into an elocution about a reported expression by the right honourable Clare Short, minister in charge of the Department for International Development in the British Government.

Ms. Short was earlier reported to have said she did not like the Montserrat Chief Minister Mr. David Brandt. She had attended a meeting with Montserratians and one lady reported:

"I was present at the meeting and ...Ms. Short did state that she does not like the CM. She refused to answer any questions about the development of Montserrat, except to say that the development is not for returning Montserratians, but for the 4,000 Montserratians presently on island, and Montserratians has a per capita income of £6,250 which is very high compared to other developing countries in the world.
"She also stated that its about time Montserrat and other islands get away from the dog and bone attitude, that is why each year the contributions from the HMG will be decreased.
"I was the one who initiated the discussion. I asked her what percentage of the £25 million that is given to Montserrat annually does actually reach on the ground for project development, and is it true that HMG staff, and the helicopter are being maintained out of this money. She said that I did not know what I was saying. She never answered the question.
"When asked the same question over again she said that she was not there to answer any questions about Montserrat and was actually upset and wanted to walk out of the meeting.
"After Mr Riley spoke to her she decided to stay. She said she was there are as the MP for the Ladywood constituency and not as a Minister of HMG."

"If you are going to say that the Chief Minister is untrustworthy and you are the one responsible for giving financial aid, you don’t give money to people you don’t trust. So is she going to say that she won’t give us money as long as Mr. Brandt is there? I don’t know."

In his response, Chief Minister Brandt said, in effect, yes and no:

"His heart is in the right place and I would expect that together all of us would support each other against all external forces," but then pointed out that the statements made by Mr. Osborne) were not true.

That was later confirmed by the chairman of the meeting to whom the lady above referred, Mr. William Riley, a Montserratian now living in England. He said that Ms. Short said neither of those things but rather that Mr. Brandt was not one of her favourite politicians.

Mr. Brandt said that not being a favourite of any British Minister, "is alright by me… I will not sacrifice what I believe to be in the best interest of the people of Montserrat for a good name from the British. My people would always come first and if there is a conflict between what I felt to be in their best interest and what the British feels to be in their best interest."

Mr. Brandt countered the frequent suggestion that he antagonised the British: "I would like to say that I look forward to a harmonious relationship between DFID, British officials and the British government and Clare Short and others, but as I said before …I will pursue my course and even if I am called a person who is not favored that is of no concern to me, because I am here and I understand the situation."

In response to Mr. Osborne's suggestion that Montserrat could suffer from lack of financial aid if Mr. Brandt was not trusted by the lady in charge of the financial aid to Montserrat, the Chief Minister stated there were seven projects due to come on stream before the end of January next year. These were:

• Nursery School Accommodation Lookout - November 13, 2000
• Lands and Survey/land Development Authority - November 13, 2000
• Sheltered Housing, Lookout - November 27, 2000
• Alterations to Shelters
• (Refurbishment of RMDF Base& the Geralds Prison) - December 4, 2000
• Police Station, Brades - December 4, 2000
• Montserrat Volcano Observatory - December 18, 2000
• (Construction of new clinic, Alterations to existing Clinic)
• Fire Station, Brades - January 8, 2001

Mr. Brandt in his response had thanked Mr. Osborne for his thoughtfulness and support for considering the supposed statement by Miss Clare Short to be a dangerous one, suggesting that Mr. Osborne himself would understand since he had suffered at their hands, having been accused by them of dishonesty.

Dr. Howard Fergus, acting Governor of Montserrat, took to ZJB radio this week to tell farmers, fishermen and other residents of Montserrat to keep clear of eastern vicinity of the the Soufriere Hills volcano.

He also warned that the Exclusion Zone in the east is to be strictly enforced and that all sand mining in the Trants area is to cease immediately.

The action came on the heels of information from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) that the dome continues to grow and a collapse is very likely.

Acting Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) Dr. Peter Dunkley said Thursday in an interview on the radio station that the dome is high with spines and that a collapse is anticipated, which, if and when it occurs, will impact mostly if not only the east, but that the collapse could also fall inwards into the crater.

Dr. Fergus in his radio statement said: "The MVO has canvassed the opinion of a number of senior scientists who have worked at the Observatory, including Dr Gill Norton, the substantive Director, and Professor Steve Sparkes, and all are in agreement that the area around the airport is at risk."

The acting Governor said that for a number of months contractors have been allowed into the designated Exclusion Zone to remove sand from Trants Bay to assist in the reconstruction effort. "However, because of the risks associated with the area, scientists have advised the Government of Montserrat that continued operations in this area are very dangerous," he said.

He then advised: "This means that farming and sand mining operations in the area are to cease immediately. The Police must also discontinue the use of their Firearms Range in the Trants area. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment will shortly announce alternative arrangements for obtaining sand for the vital construction industry."

He said that following a meeting of the Volcano Executive Group (VEG), "we are not unmindful of its importance to the economy and to our social rehabilitation. In addition, the Marine Exclusion Zone is to be strictly enforced and fishermen are asked to stay clear of this area."

Dr. Fergus was quick to emphasise that there was no threat to the occupied areas in the 'safe zone':

"Let me emphasise that nothing has changed for the general population in the inhabited area. All we are doing is to ask persons to keep out of the vulnerable eastern section of the Exclusion Zone…as a responsible administration, we must err on the side of caution."

The recent dome growth has put the height of the volcano over 1,050 metres above sea-level, with growth at a rate of about four cubic metres per second. The volume of material has been put at over 50 million cubic metres.

This week saw some maneuverings between a former chief minister, John Osborne, who lost his seat in 1991, and the current Chief Minister David Brandt of Montserrat, who took on the reins in September 1997 after the southern constituency representative Bertrand Osborne stepped aside.

The issues surrounded conflicting reports about a meeting in England addressed by the Rt. Honourable Clare Short, who is in change of the ministry Department for International Development (DFID) in the British Government. The earliest report stated that Miss Short had said in discussions with a Montserrat group that she did not like Chief Minister David Brandt. It was also reported that she said "…that it's about time Montserrat and other islands get away from the dog and bone attitude; that is why each year the contributions from the HMG will be decreased."

The Montserratian lady, who attended that meeting, also reported that she received no answers to her questions about how much of the £25 million that is given to Montserrat annually actually reaches the ground for project development, and whether it is true that HMG staff, and the helicopter are being maintained out of this money

After Mr. John Osborne expressed his disgust about the issue, he was told that there was no report suggesting that Ms. Short said anything about distrusting the chief minister. He expressed then the same sentiments on Radio Montserrat in an interview in which he was supposed to be announcing his candidacy for the next elections.

It was no mistake that he deliberately made the following statement: "For Minister Short to say that she doesn’t like the Chief Minister and she does not trust him to me is a dangerous statement. To say you don’t trust him is a dangerous statement. To say you don’t like somebody is all right, because you don’t have to like everybody. But a minister when in England is going to say she doesn’t trust the Chief Minister of a British colony she must have good reason to say so."

Unfortunately the radio station claims ignorance of what the British lady minister had been reported to have said, until further investigations revealed information from Mr. William B. Riley who lives in England and chaired the meeting in question. He said that Ms. Short did not speak of "not trusting the chief minister," but instead had said that he (David Brandt) is not one of her favourite politicians. Mr. Riley was critical of the report that said that she said she didn't like him, but there is little difference between the statement 'not liking' and that of not being 'a favourite'.

The lady who filed the 'not liking report' said she was present at the same meeting and that it was Mr. Riley who encouraged Ms. Short to remain at the meeting when she was prepared to walk out because she didn't like the questions.

The Chief Minister responded to the John Osborne statement by expressing appreciation for his concern that he should find displeasure in the supposed statement by Ms. Short about her distrust in him. But he showed that it wasn't lost on him. He said, "The statements made by John Osborne were not true but his heart is in the right place."

He went on further to chastise Mr. Osborne for suggesting that if Ms. Short did not trust him, "you don’t give money to people you don’t trust." He recalled that Mr. Osborne himself must understand the very situation he is describing, himself having been accused by the British of being untrustworthy. He discounted Mr. Osborne's concerns by taking the opportunity to announce several projects that were ready to commence to the tune of some £6 million.

The disguise in both these men's statements was not lost on Montserratians anywhere, and there are some who thought the Chief Minister took advantage and went too far. But others felt that Mr. Osborne deserved the response for his attempt at subtlety, especially when he could not be sure that Ms. Short in fact made the statements the way he suggested.

Following what was obviously an attempt at a veiled statement of support, it was suggested that the intention was to have the Governor investigate the facts of Ms. Short's statement with a view of challenging Mr. Brandt's worthiness of being Chief Minister.

There is no doubt that election strategies are being chanced about and that there was some repartee involved. Yet some of it is not the kind of campaign we should expect. While in most cases there will be responses to and clarifications given to remarks and comments made by one or the other, we hope that the candidates, some of whom have begun to declare their interest in the next contest, will avoid wasting time on issues and stories that are not worthy of discussion.

This most recent exchange should have been avoided in the interest of ensuring that the public gets proper and meaningful information other than that which seeks to create discontent and misrepresentation. Fortunately, it could not be said that the public suffered in this instance, but if it continues in this vein Montserratians in the long run would be the worse off.

For reading meditation- Colossians 3:21

"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." (v.21)

There are two sides to every relationship

There are two sides to every relationship, and in the text before us now Paul, as always, shows that not all the rights are on one side and all the duties on the other. Fathers too have a responsibility to their children –not to "over –correct [them], or they will grow up feeling inferior and frustrated’ (Phillips).

The apostle’s words here beg the question: Why aren’t mothers included in this instruction? I have thought long and hard about this and its is my conviction, based on years of experience in counseling, that by and large fathers tend to be more harsh with their children than mothers. A Christian psychiatrist says:"Behind most problem children you will find a problem father." he was speaking hyperbolically of course for we all, I am sure, know children with the most loving parents who have come from the most wonderful homes and yet have turned out delinquent. I think, however, that statistics will support the statement that fathers tend to come down more heavily on their children than mothers.

Hear what Paul says once again: "Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged," Coming down hard on children crushes their tender and sensitive spirits. It is no good a father lamenting the fact that his child is not as strong and self-reliant as he himself is if he uses his strength to squash and undermine the child’s fragile ego rather than develop it. Endless criticism, harsh punishments, unrealistic expectations, will have their effect in the long run. Many a child who is timid, fearful and plagued with deep feelings of inferiority and guilt has got that way not so much by nature. Christ’s rule applies as much to fathers as to anyone.

O father, our slowness in heeding the principles of Your Word is written in the devastation, frustration and breakdown of our family life. Give us another chance and help us to learn the ways of Your Word. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Dear Editor,

With new elections just over the horizon, it's political season again, and we understand the need for aspiring candidates to seize whatever opportunities become available.

Nevertheless, the professed concern of member of the opposition and former chief minister John Osborne about continued British financial aid to Montserrat seems a trifle overdrawn.

Mr. Osborne says he is alarmed by the reported animosity of Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development, toward the incumbent Chief Minister, whom it was reported she neither likes nor trusts.

(Since then, the Chief Minister has dismissed that report as inaccurate and a Montserratian who chaired the Birmingham meeting at which Ms. Short spoke said she alluded to the Chief Minister only as not one of her favorite politicians.)

In any case, in his radio statement, Mr. Osborne voiced his fear that Ms. Short's reported lack of trust in the Chief Minister might endanger continued provision of DFID funds to Montserrat. He declared that he intends to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on his next trip to England and inquire exactly why Ms. Short doesn't trust the Chief Minister.

This prompts three observations:

• Mr. Osborne knows as well as the rest of us that Clare Short's resentment at providing Montserrat with DFID funds she wishes to use to rescue the needy of the world was evident long before the ascendancy of the Chief Minister she is said not to trust.
• One hopes Mr. Osborne will not rashly canvass the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to determine who among the functionaries there are willing to openly declare their trust in him.
• In the event that any Montserratian is publicly declared by Clare Short to be someone she finds likable and trustworthy, the voters of Montserrat would do well to avoid doing the same.

About 400 persons have reported for testing under the respiratory health survey.

The survey, which came to an end yesterday, saw one person referred overseas for additional testing.

Efforts to receive a full update up press time proved unsuccessful but X-ray Specialist Marion Russell reported the team was very impressed with the willingness of residents to participate in the study.

The three-week study conducted by the Institute of Occupational Medicine in the United Kingdom targeted residents who were exposed to ash emissions from the volcano.

Tourism Week gets underway on Sunday with a Gospel Fest Concert at the Brades Pentecostal Church.

Other events include an open day at the Montserrat National Trust, a Best Village Competition and a community clean up.

Also taking place as part of Tourism Week is a live panel discussion Monday night at eight o’clock on Radio Montserrat.

Meanwhile A student from the Brades Primary School has won the Tourism Week slogan competition.

Ten-year-old Jamilia Greenaway submitted the winning entry - The solution is to stop pollution for Tourism Week 2000. Miss Greenaway will receive a cash prize at a ceremony at her school next week to coincide with Tourism Week activities.

The Marine Unit of the Royal Montserrat Police Force came to the rescue of a motor vessel which developed engine trouble when traveling from St. Marten to St. Vincent .

The MV Shamrock responded to an emergency call from the Vincentian-registered vessel MV Smoke Away on Saturday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon Morson says the 22-foot fishing vessel was found at Redonda with only one engine operating.

The vessel was escorted to Little Bay where the three Vincentian crewmen carried out repairs to the engine.

The MV Smoke Away and its crew were expected to leave here the following day.

A ZJB report on Tuesday said that the Montserrat Community Support Trust in England has been given another financial boost by the UK Government.

The Home Office has pumped another £250,000 into the organization for the 2000/2001 financial year.

The Montserrat Coordinator at the Home Office Ian Barton says this will enable the Trust to carry out its programme of support and assistance for Montserratians in the UK.

The Montserrat Community Support Trust was established to help Montserratians resettle in England.

Mr. Barton says he is encouraged by the programme proposed for 2000/2001, which sets out ambitious targets in the fields of education, health, culture and community development.

He says the Home Office remains committed to supporting the Montserratian community in the UK, not only through funding, but by ensuring the needs of the community are taken into account by other Government departments.

Montserrat Electricity Services (Monlec) announced Thursday that the electricity supply was almost back to normal.

Managing Director Hilton Howson said the power plant had been operating with two of its three generator sets since Wednesday. As a result, the load shedding programme, instituted when power generation was limited to one generator, had been discontinued.

Mr. Howson said that although the situation had improved the plant is not back to its full capacity.

The Managing Director said intensive investigations are being carried out to identify the problem with the other generator set. But he said the company doesn’t anticipate any problems with the electricity supply in the near future.

Montserratians were recently treated to a new series of local programmes;.

"Basil About" presented by Radio Montserrat ZJB's senior announcer Basil Chambers and produced by Tropical Film Studios, showed a variety of local activities which featured the following: -

1. Basil at cricket and the Heliport plus Joel Webb receiving the Manufacturing Entrepreneur of Year 2000 award.
2. Basil at masquerades. Featuring the activities of the Caribbean Cultural Festival in St Thomas, September 2000.
3. Basil interviews for International Teachers Day and excerpts from reopening of the Salem Campus of the Montserrat Secondary School.
4. Basil presents St Augustine School's 125^th Anniversary Street Parade.
5. Basil presents Vegetarian Cooking.
6. Basil at basketball. Festival 1991, New Year’s Day Parade.
7. Basil presents award to "Guess where I am" winner.

Barbados welcomes home Olympic medal winner Obadale Thompson

Yvette and Charles get married

8. Basil talks to fishermen. Mosquito control. The making of Basil About

The series was made possible by sponsorship of Cable & Wireless through Lonsdale Advertising Agency of Barbados. The producers plan a repeat showing of this series during Festival 2000, and plan to produce a new series for November and December.

In the last programme, the presenter gave a demonstration on how the programme was produced with a low cost portable production studio, showing how a normally expensive service could be made affordable for a small community.

The Commonwealth should mobilize its considerable political and human resources to lead the world in defusing global problems before they erupt into conflicts, concluded Parliamentarians from all regions of the organization during a late September discussion on the future of the body in the new millennium.

Approximately 450 representatives from more than 150 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures met in London and Edinburgh from 20 to 29 September under the auspices of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

They called on the Commonwealth to lead a global campaign to eradicate poverty and move the world into a new era of equitable and sustainable development for all.

While emphasing that poverty was the principal threat to good governance and the peaceful development of all peoples, conference delegates also identified other areas in which they said a new revitalized Commonwealth could develop practical solutions that would show the world how to deal peacefully with problems.

The results of their discussion on the future of the Commonwealth will be channelled by the CPA into the High-Level Review of the Commonwealth to be considered by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their 2001 meeting in Brisbane, Australia.

The U.K. meeting, the 46^th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, culminated in a final plenary session in which delegates argued that the Commonwealth could become a more influential force in the international community if its network of Parliamentarians is used to identify and help resolve issues before they deteriorate into confrontations.

Advancing the rights of women, particularly by increasing their level of representation in the political arena, eradicating illiteracy, urging large and powerful nations to hear the voices of small and weaker states in other international fora, and enhancing the technological infrastructure and training available in developing countries were among the principal areas in which members said the Commonwealth could assist member nations.

They said the Commonwealth network could be mobilized to share information and expertise to benefit all states. Members said the Commonwealth should serve as a bridge between other international organizations whose memberships it spans, as an influential voice for smaller and weaker Commonwealth nations with agencies such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Trade Organization.

The Antigua and Barbuda government on Wednesday said it was too early to measure the impact on revenue of a decision by the business community not to clear goods at the ports.
Many businesses agreed on the action Monday as a form of protest against government's refusal to rescind a law that provides for a new 2-percent tax on gross earnings of over EC$50,000 (US$18,518) yearly for unincorporated businesses and professionals.
Financial Secretary Lennox Weston said, however, a tally of Wednesday's earnings was not expected before Thursday. He said the Customs Department normally earns about EC$500,000 to EC$700,000 (US$185,185 to US$259,259) each day in various duties and taxes levied on imports.
Debate on the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2000 continued Thursday.
Expecting the bill to be approved by government's simple parliamentary majority, business owners and operators planned to meet late Thursday to discuss intensifying their protest action by closing businesses from as early as next Monday.
The business community is complaining that government is imposing new taxes while failing to collect large sums of outstanding taxes under existing laws.
Government said the turnover tax would replace the 25-percent Business Tax on profits, since international consultants found that many unincorporated businesses were evading that tax by declaring lower or no profits.
Corporate businesses would not pay the 2-percent tax but would be required to pay their 40- percent corporate tax on a monthly basis.
Under the new law, unincorporated businesses would be given a 90-day grace period to receive credit on sales but at the same time they would be required to pay any taxes owed pending the findings of any objections that might be filed.

Government has previously argued that the estimated EC$50 million (US$18,518,518) it hoped to garner from the 2-percent tax was needed for government to continue massive social and physical infrastructural projects and pay its wage bill to what it acknowledges is a bloated public service.
The opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) accused government of being "selective and discriminatory" because the tax measure would largely target local self-employed persons, professionals and other categories of workers while excluding the large immigrant community who repatriated much of their earnings.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP) -- Barbados will shed Cable & Wireless' legal monopoly over its telecommunications market within two years, becoming the latest Caribbean island to loosen the British firm's hold on the region.
The government will begin granting cellular licenses to other companies in December, Prime Minister Owen Arthur said. Starting in April, it will open the local telephone market to competition, and liberalize the long-distance market in 2002.
Officials of Cable and Wireless, which has a contract for exclusive service in Barbados through 2011, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
"This prevailing monopoly structure is incapable of adequately satisfying the demand for increased delivery of telecommunications services," Mr. Arthur said. "It inhibits the economic development of our country and is inconsistent with the worldwide trend of liberalization in telecommunications."

He said a measure to allow Barbados' open market will be introduced in
parliament shortly, and that the government also will present legislation to regulate rates to "protect consumers from unfair pricing practices."
Jamaica started the trend last year with its breakthrough agreement with Cable and Wireless to end its monopoly within three years. Last week, five eastern Caribbean islands said they would break open their markets by mid-November, despite Cable and Wireless' pleas for a gradual phaseout.
Caribbean governments have complained about high rates, prompting the company to lower long distance rates in October. Calls from the islands to the United States that used to cost between $1.85 and $2.77 now range from 75 cents to $2 per minute on weekdays.
Still, island leaders say the monopoly contracts, usually for terms of 20 years or more, keep them on the sidelines of the rapidly expanding and increasingly global telecommunications sector.
Leaders from Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Lucia have reached an agreement to open their markets to competition by Nov. 15, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States announced last week.
Cable and Wireless also serves Antigua and Barbuda and the Britishterritories of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

John Bell, director general and CEO of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), recently spearheaded talks with Gordon Almond, managing director Longhaul Leisure, British Airways, to discuss the feasibility of British Airways resuming service to San Juan.

"To increase air service to the Caribbean, we held preliminary discussions with Mr Almond of British Airways’ to renew British Airways interest in the Caribbean market," Mr. Bell said. "Airlift to the region is vital for the further development and sustainability of the Caribbean hospitality industry.

"San Juan is a natural distribution point for many of the Leeward Islands that lack adequate air service from the European market. It would be natural for European vacationers flying British Airways to connect with any number of fights departing from San Juan to the remainder of the Caribbean.

"Our initial conversations with British Airways are a direct result of Mr. Almond’s attendance at the Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference (CHIC) in June, and we are looking forward to future discussions with Mr. Almond and his organization."

CHA is headquartered is in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and maintains an office in Miami, Florida.

Barbados- The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), consisting of government ministers representing 33 member nations and a range of other tourism officials and interesting parties, has called for regional Heads of Government to convene a Caribbean tourism Summit to deal with issue that would allow tourism to grow and increasingly benefit the people of the region.

Jean Holder, secretary General of the CTO, says, "There are issues that cannot be address by tourism minister alone and need the direct involvement and attention of the Heads. These include investment, air access, product and human resources development, fiscal incentives, marketing funding and crime and safety issue.

The first Tourism Summit, held in 1992, led to the creation of the very successful Regional Marketing Programme, which has helped generate increased tourism, boost employment and increase earning throughout the Caribbean

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank will shortly be putting into circulation a new family of notes with enhanced security features. These upgraded designs are meant to help combat counterfeiting.

The $5 and $20 denominations were issued in St. Vincent and The Grenadines on October 18. Among the additional security features are the following:

A security gold foil at the top right hand corner of the note. On the $20 note this highly reflective gold foil is in the shape of a butterfly. On the $5 note the shape is that of a shark..

A new security watermark with a portrait of the Queen is on the front left of the note, but can be seen on both sides. A watermark highlight which reads ‘ECCB’ can also be clearly seen when the note is held up to the light.

An upgraded security thread running through the note from top to bottom and appearing on the surface of the paper at intervals. When the note is held up to the light, text in the thread becomes visible. This text reads ‘ECCB’ and can be seen from both the front and the back of the note.

The new $5 and $20 notes will be followed by upgraded notes of all denominations throughout the currency union.

The Montserrat Cricket Association have decided to postpone the GINSENG UP One Day League until next year. The league failed to begin as planned last weekend and it was not possible to organise a full tournament within the time available, given the urgenct need to relay the square at Salem Park.

The GINSENG UP One Day League will now form a key part of the MCA's preparations for the 2001 Leewards tournament. The MCA thanked the league’s co-sponsors, St. Kitts Breweries and MS Osborne, for their understanding and continued support.

The MCA now seeks to have the square relaid immediately so that it can be brought back into use at the beginning of January, 2001. It thanks the Public Works Department who will be facilitating this work.

The Windward Islands are the one-day champions and a New Era has begun! My faith is being rewarded faster than I anticipated. First, after the loss of the Wisden Trophy to England on Monday September 4, 2000, ended 31 years of West Indian cricketing dominance, I comforted my readership: "There is hope! The future looks hopeful!" I pointed to the birth of Ramnaresh Sarwan as a natural West Indian batsman and emphasised: "There is more good news. Developments in the Windward Islands have confirmed that there is hope in the distant future. The Windward Islands ended 25 years in doldrums of West Indies youth cricket by winning the coveted 2000 Under-19 championship title at Bourda, Guyana."

Second, after the memorable performances in the 2000 Olympics, I emphasised that the developments in Sydney marked a renaissance in Caribbean athletics, and that like it had done in 1960-61 under Frank Worrell and in 1992/93, when the West Indies cricket team bounced back from the abyss and went on to beat the Aussies 2-1, that it could signal a revival in West Indies cricket.

Well, the gods always deliver faster than we expect. After 11 years (since winning the title in 1989), the Windward Islands, the whipping boys of regional cricket (in both versions of the game), dominated the 2000 regional premier one-day competition and won the coveted Red Stripe Bowl, symbol of limited-overs cricket supremacy in the West Indies.

These developments confirmed the revival and reformation in West Indies cricket, which has been evident since the West Indies Under-15 team won the Under-15 Costcutter World Challenge, by defeating Pakistan in the final, at Lord’s on Thursday August 10, 2000. Mind you, this does not suggest that we are internationally competitive, and does not negate the fact that the senior team is going to receive its expected pounding at the hands of the merciless Aussies. But, a new period in West Indies cricket has begun.

Let’s get back to the competition. It is neither a stroke of luck nor mere fortune that results in a weak team bouncing back from years of defeat to dominate the shorter version of the game at both the junior and senior levels. The evidence strongly suggest that the southern boys -- the boys from the agricultural belt -- after their defeat at the hands of the Guyanese in the opening match, outplayed their opponents – Bermuda, the Leeward Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and the Leeward Islands – in every departments of the game.

In the semi-finals and the finals, the combined efforts of opposing West Indian players -- Wavell Hinds, Jimmy Adams, Marlon Samuels, Robert Samuels, Laurie Williams, Nehemiah Perry and Franklyn Rose of Jamaica, and Stuart Williams, Sylvester Joseph, Dave Joseph, Keith Arthurton and Ridley Jacobs of the Leeward Islands -- could not overcome the team effort of pacers Nixon McLean, Cameron Cuffy and McNeil Morgan; leg-spinner Rawl Lewis; left-arm spinner Roy Marshall; batsmen Devon Smith, Romel Currency and John Eugene and prolific wicket-batsman Junior Murray.

We never credited the Windward Islanders with requisite capital to win the tournament. My prediction was that the Leewards Islanders with their experience would "lay hold on the Red Stripe Bowl" even if the battle would not be easy. I argued that an eleven, which included "Stuart Williams, Junie Mitchum, Keith Arthurton, Runako Morton, Dave Joseph, Colin Cannonier, Ridley Jacobs, Carl Tuckett, Wilden Cornwall, John Maynard and Goldwin Prince," would be the most competitive in the tournament. But national politics has partly contributed to their failure. Unless they can overcome that cancer, they will be frustrated. What a waste of talents!

But I was careful to point out that the Leeward cricketers would have "to overcome the resilient and talented Guyanese and the much improved and confident Windward Islanders." I noted that the Windward Islands should not be taken for granted anymore since their consistent performances in the 2000 Under-19 tournament. The southern boys have experience and resilience and boast a number of young talents, including Grenadian left-hander Devon Smith, who captained the Windward Islands to their first title in regional youth cricket, scoring 336 runs and capturing the MVP honour.

I reminded my readership of the technically sound, in-form and prolific young batsman Romel Currency, who anchored the batting against Jamaica in the Under-19 final match, tamed the Jamaican bowlers and ensured victory, and the second coming of the St Lucian talented batsman, John Eugene, who was back with a mission.

The evidence confirmed that the Windward Islands were indeed the most balanced team in the competition. They had youthful talents of Smith and Currency; firepower of McLean and Cuffy; skillful craftsmanship of Lewis, Shillingford and Marshall; power-batting of Murray and McLean; and intellectual capital of Marshall, Joseph and Eugene.

In the context of the low scores in the one-day tournament, the Windward Islands’ performances were exceptional. They amassed scores of 104, 252 for five, 178 for five, 104 for four, 191 for six, and 164 for five. They accumulated 993 from 242.8 overs for the loss of 35 wickets. That is to say, they scored at 4.09 runs per over and lost one wicket for every 28.37 runs accumulated.

Romel Currency was as stable as the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which has the distinction of being one of the two stable currencies in the world, the other being the US dollar. Just as the EC dollar has been stable for 24 years, Currency he has been stable from birth. That is good news for West Indies cricket. He amassed 194 runs with a highest total of 65 not out with an average of 48.66.

Junior Murray, who was voted the MVP for the finals, scored the only century of the tournament (100*). He accumulated 231 runs at an average of 46.20. And the wickets were well distributed. McLean collected 13; Marshall took 11; Lewis took eight; and Cuffy took five.

Colin Croft concluded: "The final result justified the cricket played over the weekend. Rawl Lewis and his guys emulated their Under-19 team and played the best cricket of the weekend. Finally, with all of the work put in by the Windward Islands Cricket Board, and their players too, they are coming of age. They deserve the victory in the 2000 Red Stripe Bowl." And that is the naked truth.

Windward Islands cricket is slowly coming of age and we hope that the cricketers would carry that capital to the 2001 Busta Cup, the regional four-day championship.

But can the cricket administration harness the talents? Can the selectors make the right choices? Can the managers to manage the transformation?

Congratulations to Rawl Lewis, the players, the management and the Board.

PHOTO CAPTION: Rawl Lewis (L), Windward captain and Junior Murray(R), MVP (Photo: Peter Adrien)

Stress is a physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation (a major health factor).

Humans, like all animals, have innate stress alarm systems originally designed to help us fight or run away when faced with danger. In earlier, simpler times this fight or flight response was appropriate. In today's world, however, the dangers are no longer so obvious or simple. We experience multiple, prolonged, often ambiguous stresses for which immediate action is often impossible. One commonly expressed theory is that years of failing to discharge the body’s stress response can damage the body’s immune system and result in many different kinds of ill health.

Some common causes of stress are:-

1. Financial insecurity
2. Job loss, job changes or a new job
3. Death of somebody we love and/or need
4. Ending or beginning of a relationship
5. Having a baby
6. Moving
7. Being discriminated against because of race, class, age, looks, sexual preference or physical disability
8. Any illness for which we can find no appropriate care

Let's now look at some symptoms of excessive stress.

1. Headaches, neck, back and shoulder pains
2. Insomnia
3. Skin rashes
4. Jaw pains and toothaches
5. Stomach aches, diarrhea, loss or increase in appetite
6. Greater susceptibility to colds, influenza or other illnesses or worsening of existing conditions.
7. Depression, anxiety, irritability nervous twitches, often referred to as ‘tics,’ even despair.

There are also possible long-term consequences of living with too much stress, the common ones being:

1. Ulcer of the stomach
2. High blood pressure
3. Higher risk of coronary heart disease
4. Rheumatoid arthritis and cancer

Here are some ways to minimize the effects of stress:

1. Exercise at least two or three times a week
2. Eat a balanced diet
3. Meditation
4. Foot rubs/massages
5. Long hot baths
6. One which most of us seem to forget is to take some time to ourselves.

It is therefore very important for us to identify the causes of negative and excessive stress in our lives and to change as many as we can.

It has been observed that a few non-nationals have been entering Montserrat and selling goods for sale without obtaining a trade licences.

Under the Ordinance no person shall follow or carry on the trade or business of a merchant or of a huckster or pedlar or of a travelling merchant with having first obtaining from the Accountant General a licence.

Any person who acts in contravention of any provisions of the Ordinance is guilty and on summary conviction thereto to a penalty not exceeding $500.

This penalty has been in place for 28 years and should now be revised to protect our small business on islands.

Under the Trade Licence Ordinance there are three categories of trade licences.

(a) Merchant Licences - which is divided in five categories - First class $300.00,

second class $150, third class $100, fourth class $50, and fifth class $25.

(b) Husksters and Pedlars - $5.00

(c) Travelling agents is divided into two categories -

(i) An individual, firm or company for and on behalf of whom the travelling agent is acting - $200

(ii) travelling agent personally - $50

The fee charge for a trade licence commences on the first day of January in each year and expires on the 31^st day of December of the year in which the licence is granted.

The Ordinance does not define categories of merchant licence. However a person is required to apply to the Accountant General who, with two assessors (Economist from the Development Unit and a representative from the Ministry of Trade), will decide the class of licence that should be issued to the applicant.

On Wednesday October 25, 2000 the Honourable Brunel Meade Minister of Agriculture Trade and the Environment went on a tour of the Davy Hill and Lookout housing development accompanied by Government Press Officer Cecil Cassell. At Davy Hill the Min. Meade was brought up to date with the new sewage system that is being put in place by construction workers. The project is undertaken by the Montserrat Water Authority to improve the present system and to make it more environmentally friendly.

As Minister of Housing Mr Meade was very concerned about complains from residence in the Davy Hill and Lookout areas, about the houses deterioration. He visited one of the houses that are being repaired. The minister discussed problems caused by water and the type of material that was used to construct the houses.

Garling House for the elderly at Davy Hill was Mr Meade’s next stop. He was shown some of the craft that were made by the elderly persons in the home. He held discussions with them and their care taker Joycelyn Bramble. Minister Meade promised to assist them with some issues that was raised and to get his ministry to help put in place a back yard garden to help keep the folks active.

Over in Lookout Minister Meade also spoke to some residence in the area. He paid special attention to the problems expressed by the residence and informed the householders that their concerns will soon be addressed. He also noted the problem they faced with loose live stock and stray dogs. Minister Meade took the opportunity to encourage residence in both Davy Hill and Lookout to take part in the Tree Planting Day, November 1, 2000.

The sewage plant operations was next and Min Meade was very impressed with the efficiency and quality of the water that came from the plant. Meade was given a tour of the plant by Mr Bill Tong, Engineering Technologist of the Montserrat water Authority. Mr Tong explained and gave a demonstration to the Minister, the operations of the plant. He also emphasized the fact that according to international standards the water from the plant could be used for human consumption.

The Minister will continue the familiarisation tour of the agricultural fields and farmers next week.

Workers in Davy Hill showing Minister Meade one of the new sewage manhole

Meade looking at interior renovation in one of Davy Hill houses

Minister having a friendly exchange with Garling Hill Home for the elderly

Min Meade talking with residence in Lookout.

Meade an Tong at Sewage Plant.

Meade checking problems at window at Lookout.

On Tuesday October 10, 2000 Mr Rupert Weeks Minister of Communication and Works went on a tour of the Public Works Department, (PWD) garage the Heliport and the Port Authority. Mr Weekes was accompanied by his Permanent Secretary Eugene Skerritt, Senior Secretary Judith Jeffers, Government Press Officer Cecil Cassell and Herman Sergeant Acting Manager of radio Montserrat. Mr Weekes and his entourage were given a tour of the hotmix plant by Garry Allen and the garage by Caleb Greenaway. Mr Meade said that he was very pleased with the way the workers at PWD took the initiative and built buildings and made the area a very good working environment without any government funding.

At the Heliport Mr Norman Cassell gave the Minister and his team a tour of the new terminal building and the grounds. The Minister complimented Cassell and his team for the good work that they have being doing in the unusual circumstances.

Port Authority Manager Mr Jemmouth gave the team a comprehensive tour of Port Little Bay and pointed out the areas that the new propose on land port upgrading facilities will be placed. Min Meade was full of high praise for the workers at all the departments and persons working in other areas in his ministries. He also complimented them for the commitment and dedication during this trying time.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is the parliamentary wing of the commonwealth and brings together some 15,000 Commonwealth Parliamentarians, from more than 164 Parliaments and Legislatures in 51 of the 54 Commonwealth countries around the world. The Secretariat is located in London.

Reporting to the Executive Committee of the Association, the Secretary-General heads a staff of 14 and is primary responsible for the overall promotion of the association’s activities. The Secretary-General is the chief executive officer of the Association and, in that capacity, administers its affairs and manages the staff of it Secretariat. He/She will be a person who has demonstrated leadership qualities and will have an external knowledge of Commonwealth and parliamentary affairs.

The appointment will be for a five-year contract period from 1 January 2002. The salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience and will not be less than £70,000 p.a. In addition an overseas allowance of 15% of the gross salary will be paid to a successful applicant from outside the British Isles. A non-contributory pension plan and health care insurance are also provided.

Candidates wishing to apply for the post should submit their application and detailed curriculum vitae in writing (e-mail not acceptable) to ensure receipt by 28 December 2000, marked CONFIDENTIAL, to:

Note: There are no scheduled flights on Wednesdays

For further information, please contact Montserrat Aviation Services at Telephone 491-2533/2362 or 491-6988

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

The candidate hadn't intended

To see his campaign quickly ended

When he beamed, clearly proud,

And declared to the crowd,

"Clare Short considers me splendid."

We regret the disruptions, you see,

But generators don't run for free.

Though everyone cares,

We can't afford spares,

Still, we're back running two out of three.

Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: editor@montserratreporter.org

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