Week
to Honor Worth Of Sir Howard Fergus
A
week-long of celebratory activities in honor of Professor Sir Howard Fergus have
been planned from October 21 to 27.
A release from the Office of the Chief Minister
stated “Montserrat is extremely proud of the achievements of Professor Sir
Howard Fergus, especially on his receipt of a Professorship from the University
of the West Indies and Knighthood.”
The Office of the Chief Minister, under the chairmanship of Permanent Secretary Sarita Francis has set up a coordinating committee, which has organized the week of activities. The week includes a thanksgiving service, exhibitions at the Public Library and National Trust, and an Award Banquet.
Lowell Lewis Rejects Reuben Meade Claim
By Helena Durand
Hon Dr.
Lowell Lewis & Opposition Leader Reuben
Meade
Minister for Communications and Works Dr. Lowell
Lewis is convinced that Opposition Leader Reuben Meade’s statement this week
criticizing the Government of Montserrat’s decision to go with Gerald’s as
the site for the temporary airstrip, and its inability to secure funds
elsewhere, is dishonest.
He told the media, “Any loan for Montserrat is
tied with the British guarantee by the British Government, and he [Mr. Meade]
knows it. He knows that the ability for Montserrat to gain a loan today, after
the volcano, is very difficult than what it was before the volcano when we were
out of grant in aid. But he’s being very dishonest.”
That dishonesty and the Opposition’s inability
to see beyond politicking he called typical sour grapes.
“Having soundly beaten him [at the polls] Mr.
Meade is lucky to get his seat. We offered a hand straight away,” Dr. Lewis
said countering Mr. Meade's criticism of the Government for not reaching out and
seeking the expertise of the Opposition.
“Just like he said we could have called him," Dr. Lewis
said, "he could have called us as well, and what we have demonstrated is
that we don’t really need his help.”
Dr. Lewis said while it is true that establishing
a task force as Mr. Meade has suggested, to negotiate with the British
Government is a good idea, “what can be better than a Government who has won
seven of nine seats?”
He said his government’s decision to go with
the Geralds site was based on several things: costing, timeliness, and data
already available from helicopter operations at Geralds.
Like the Chief Minister and other concerned
groups, Dr. Lewis said he would have preferred Blakes to Geralds, since Blakes
was seen from the onset as the best of the potential airport sites, but that it
was expensive and not enough data had been collected on the area.
Dr. Lewis dismissed Mr. Meade's faulting the
government as incompetent and for not having done their homework, since “his
blunders were inherited by the New PLM Government.”
Reuben Meade Rebuts CM: 'Our Hands Are Not Tied'
By
Helena Durand
At a recent press conference to “clear the
air” on the airport issue, Chief Minister John Osborne was emphatic about
Montserrat’s options where the airport is concerned.
The British, he said, have given Montserrat an
ultimatum, which leaves his Government and the people of Montserrat with no
choice.
“They say if we don’t take it (the airport at
Geralds), we’re not going to get any other airport. They didn’t hesitate to
say so…. They might very well change the ferry and bring in another ferry that
is not as fast as this one, not as comfortable as this one; and if they do away
with the helicopter, and people are sick in Montserrat and you cannot get them
out, they could die here because you don’t have an operation from an airport.
I’m the one who is going to be blamed for it. I’m not taking that chance.
Let the British build their temporary airport.”
But
Member of the Opposition Reuben Meade says, contrary to the Chief Ministers
fears,
“Our hands are not tied. It is simply that we
are not willing to take the hard decisions. If something goes wrong, the buck
has got to stop someplace, and the buck must not stop with the British. The buck
must stop with the Chief Minister, because he is the Chief Executive Officer on
Montserrat, and it is for him, therefore, to be able to put to bear sufficient
pressure on the British.”
Mr. Osborne has said, however, not only are his
government’s hands tied in regard to British inflexibility on an airport at
Geralds, but also “we cannot go anywhere else and borrow money. We cannot
borrow money! We don’t have any
money for ourselves. We cannot do anything without the British Government.”
Not so, says Mr. Meade. “I can tell you for a
fact that there are other institutions around the region who can assist; maybe
not at the same magnitude, but in terms of some of their technical assistance,
they can provide you with technical support.”
Citing the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) as
one of the institutions, Mr. Meade said it “provides technical assistance to
member countries. We are full members of the Caribbean Development Bank, and
paid up members of the Caribbean Development Bank."
Mr Meade said the CDB has not been called upon to
do anything of substance in Montserrat since 1996; nor is the Caricom Community
Secretariat being sufficiently involved in the whole process and what has been
happening on the island since 1997. He
believes, “We have put all of our eggs into one basket so to speak; in that
everything must be done by the British.”
Chief
Minister Osborne, however, challenged “all those people out there
talking.”
“They don’t understand," he said.
"I have the responsibility to make the decision for the people of
Montserrat. I have been elected for
that purpose and I’m not going to make the mistake to end up in a situation
where we don’t have the ferry, nor the helicopter and still don’t have a
fixed wing aircraft.”
“If the people out side talking have ways and
means of where they can find money to build a bigger airport then let’s get on
with it.”
In explaining his earlier silence on the airport issue Mr. Meade said, “I have simply decided, let me wait out and see where the Government of Montserrat was going to take us. The decisions and discussions were being taken by the Chief Minister and his team, with the British Government, and there really was no room for public discussion and debate.”
"Injured
Pride is Not the Leadership To End Confusion and Avert Despair"
In a country where democracy prevails, whether by
pretense or otherwise, where there is a vibrant multi-party political and
governing system, where the people get to decide or choose once in a while, it
is not unusual for them to be left in the dark and confused into submission.
Chief Minister John Osborne declared this week
that he is now older and wiser in the way he
deals with the British. He returned last week from England where he attended
meetings with his counterparts from the other British dependent territories and
reported how successful his meetings were.
He was subjected to a few brief questions,
following his long statement, by ZJB staff. But that was after he had regained
his composure following a press conference where he showed his impatience at the
on-going discussion on the airport issues and statements by his fellow party
members.
What he didn’t realize at the time is that
Montserratians were hearing from him the frustrating picture when he declared
that there was nothing more to do but acquiesce to the doings of the British,
and worse, that there was nowhere or anyone else to turn to.
Opposition member Reuben Meade took up the matter
by stating that the Montserrat government’s hands "were not tied."
That prompted a response from deputy leader Dr. Lowell Lewis follow accusing Mr.
Meade of dishonesty with specific reference to the issue of choosing Geralds as
the airport site.
In this one week the people of Montserrat must be
quite confused by the various outbursts, but next week they will have a chance
to think of some good things while we celebrate with Professor Sir Howard Fergus
during a week of activities organized in his honour by the Chief Minister’s
office.
Listening to Mr. Osborne declare that one cannot
bite the hand that feeds him, one wonders what his reaction would be to the
infant that bites on its mother’s breast while she breast-feeds it. Picture
the baby look at its mother’s face while he feeds. The mother who doesn’t
need to look at the baby is distracted, even catching up with some other
convenient chore, when she suddenly feels the squeeze on her breast nipple. Talk
about "biting the hand that feeds you."
Accusations were flying around and there were
enough to drown the island, but it all leaves the island in a state requiring
action. Mr. Osborne could not have made it any clearer that he is in water much
too deep, comparing the times now with those of deceased worthies W.H. Bramble
and Robert Griffith and claiming that he receives no credit for what Montserrat
achieved during the 1980s.
From our position, however, Montserrat is small,
beginning life over again and it is wrong for us at any time to throw up our
hands and claim impotence and blindness.
Except
for the editorial, opinion articles expressed in these pages are not necessarily
those of the Montserrat Reporter editors, employees or advisers.
Readers are encouraged to submit commentary articles.
All viewpoints, unless libelous, in poor taste, or anonymous, are
welcome. Send your contributions to
The Editor, P.O. Box 306, Olveston, Montserrat, W. I., e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org.
Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped
envelope. The Montserrat Reporter
is a privately owned independent newspaper.
Jus
Wonderin items may be called in at telephone 491-4715 or Fax 491-2430
Hidden
Poison
For reading and meditation - Colossians 3:1-17
"Bear with each other and forgive any
grievances you may have against one another." (v. 13)
Recently we stated that an unforgiving spirit is
one of the biggest contributions towards physical, mental and emotional ill
health. Can this really be true?
Consider the evidence.
A doctor once told me that he was baffled as to
the cause of a baby's poor health until one day the mother confessed to a
burning resentment against her husband who had refused to accept the baby.
The doctor said to her: "Now I know what is wrong with your baby.
The poison of your ill will is coming through the milk you are giving to
it." As soon as the doctor, a
Christian, had shown her how to give up her resentment, the child began to
thrive.
Recently, when in Romania, a woman spoke to me at
the beginning of my time there and said she was burning with hate towards those
who had supported the communist regime prior to the revolution. Her eyes were
glazed, and behind them I could discern a burnt-out soul. I talked with her
briefly and showed her the steps towards forgiveness. On my last day in that
place she brought her husband along to the marriage seminar I was conducting and
told me with great pleasure that as a result of abandoning her resentment, a
long-standing physical problem had now cleared up. If there is one thing I have
learned over the years it is this: the condition of our physical health.
Now this must not be taken too far so that we
then conclude every illness is due to the soul's condition. but in all
probability between 50 and 60 percent of physical problems (some would put the
figure higher) are rooted in our attitudes. Resentment and bitterness corrode
the soul. Get rid of them.
O God, I
recognise that I pass on to my body the health or disorder of my soul. Therefore
I accept the health God provides. Help me follow Your way in everything. In
Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Constitutional
Commission Unwisely Excludes Women
Dear Editor,
Let me tell my fellow Montserratians that for the
first time in our history we have been given an opportunity to have a say in
fashioning the constitutional document which will govern us.
This opportunity could easily be categorised as a watershed in our
history, for the new constitution which will result from this exercise will be
the supreme law of Montserrat perhaps for generations to come.
Her Majesty, by virtue of the powers vested in
her under the West Indies Act of 1962, has appointed the Governor to be the
person in Montserrat who would be in charge of this exercise.
The Governor, being the authority charged with
the conduct of good government in Montserrat, appointed a commission to, among
other things, “examine the present
constitution of M/rat and to make recommendations designed to modernise the
constitution in accordance with the
aspirations and expectations of the people of Montserrat.”
The Governor appointed
a Commission comprising five men. According to him he only appointed a chairman
and the selection of the others were made on the recommendation of the
Government and the Opposition, and he accepted it. We all know that he was not
bound to take their advice. The ultimate responsibility rests squarely on his
shoulders.
As soon as it became
known that all members of the Commission were men, several persons began to ask
why did the Governor not appoint women to the Commission as well. The Governor
has stated that he did not see any reason for women to be appointed to the
Commission because: (a) the role of the Commissioners was only to take
submissions and, women would be given an opportunity to make their submissions
to the Commission; (b) that women represent an interest group and if he were to
place a woman on the Commission, other interest groups may ask why they are not
represented on the Commission as well.
Regarding his first
point that the Commissioners’ only role was to take submissions: is the
Governor saying that of the thousands of Montserrat women, living here and
abroad, he could not find even two women capable of taking such submissions?
He could not be serious.
I submit that the role
of the Commissioners is not only to take submissions but also that they must
have the skill to analyze the submissions so that the said submissions can be
reduced and placed into a manageable document.
Each one of them must
be capable of writing at least one chapter of the report and perhaps a chapter
in the new Constitution as well. I ask His Excellency, can you honestly say that each member
of your Commission possesses those skills?
I know you can find
several women who possess those capabilities. To exclude women from the
Commission on the ground that they would represent an interest group is
fallacious and reduces women to a category less than men.
Men and women are equal in Montserrat.
You have appointed men
to the Commission and you do not say that they represent an interest group
because they are men, yet you exclude women and say if they are placed on the
Commission they would represent an interest group. Suppose that five women were
appointed to the Commission and a request was made for a man to be included in
the number, would you have said that you would not appoint a man because he
represents an interest group? I think not. Even you will now realize that your
argument is fatuous and foolhardy. You
say that no interest group should be placed on the Commission, yet you appoint a
Trade Unionist and a person to represent Montserratians abroad.
Could you please explain that?
And why are there no
youths on this commission? Again in this day and age it seems impossible that
this can be an oversight. Is this all a part of our not growing up? The voting
age is from 18 years.
I am not asking His
Excellency that women and youths be included on the Commission just because they
are women and young, but on merit.
Let us examine the
facts: Women hold the highest positions in the Civil Service; e.g., Permanent
Secretaries, the Principal of the Montserrat Secondary School, the Head Teachers
of all the Primary Schools, the Accountant General, the Director of Development
Unit and the Registrar of the High Court;
Within
the last five years, 80 percent of the graduates in law at Universities have
been women;
About
90 percent of the graduates in Medicine have been women;
Approximately
90 percent of our University Students are women and they do better than men in
their results. Women do better in
our Secondary School exams than men.
The
Director of the NDF is a woman.
The majority of the
names on the voters’ lists are women. In every organization on island, women are the shakers and
movers, even in the church.
I believe I have said
enough to convince His Excellency that at least two women should be placed on
the Commission, not because they are women, but on merit.
To place one woman would seem to be symbolic and condescending.
I hereby request that
the Governor reconsider his position and appoint at least two women to the
Commission in the interest of good government in Montserrat.
Thank you.
David
S. Brandt
Olveston
Montserrat
Supports OTCC Anti-terrorist Financing Plan
At the recently held Overseas Territories
Consultative Council (OTCC) meeting in London, Montserrat joined with other
Overseas Territories in full support for any measure which the UK and other
countries take to tackle terrorism, particularly arresting the flow of financing
to the Taliban and other terrorist organizations.
A press statement from the office of Chief
Minister John Osborne said, “Montserrat has already incorporated into its
legislation all UNSCR sanctions, including 1267 (aimed against the Taliban),
1333 (aimed against Bin Laden) and 1373 (on terrorist financing), and is
vigorously enforcing them.”
According to the release, the Government of
Montserrat has written to “all the bank and financial institutions listed in
Montserrat to remind them of the importance the Montserrat Government attaches
to this legislation and its implementation.”
It said Montserrat adheres fully to the “FATF
40 recommendations against money laundering and had its compliance with them
checked and approved by the FATF and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force
(CFATF).”
Because Montserrat is part of the Caribbean, it
said, “we also adhere to the additional 19 recommendations by the CFATF.”
St. Patrick's Credit Union Pleases ECCB Official
The St. Patrick's Credit Union joined the
worldwide celebration of International Credit Union Day on Thursday with an Open
Day and a historic display. Featured in the display were the Minutes of the
Inaugural Meeting of the Credit Union held on June 18, 1957, along with
membership cards from the same period.
The pace for the celebration of Credit Union Week
was set by the arrival of Mr. Peter Adrian of the East Caribbean Central Bank.
Mr. Adrian was here to conduct an assessment of the St. Patrick's Credit Union
structures, systems and policies. Ongoing institutional strengthening of the
Credit Union is being undertaken with funding from CIDA under an Organization of
Eastern Caribbean States program to strengthen all its credit unions.
St Patrick's Credit Union is one of 17 OECS
credit unions participating in this CPEC/CCCU project aimed at ensuring that
Credit Unions implement Best Practices, create strong and safe institutions and
in the process become model credit unions.
Mr. Adrian held meetings with the Chief Minister,
the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, the Financial Secretary
and the Attorney General.
He conducted a workshop for all credit union
staff and another for all Directors and Committees.
Mr. Adrian indicated that he was happy with the
response that he received from Government and Credit Union officials. But he
noted that he was most pleased with the assurance of officials that Montserrat
would soon be joining other OECS countries who have adopted the OECS harmonized
Co-operative Legislation.
This, he said, is the framework required to
ensure members that the Credit Union is being properly monitored and that the
Government has adequate overview of the conduct of the Credit Unions affairs.
Mr. Adrian also commented on the phenomenal
growth and staying power of the Credit Union in the difficult economic
circumstances caused by volcanic activity.
Mr. Adrian and the Executive Director of the Credit Union participated in a
television broadcast on PTV on Credit Union Day.
The Eastern Caribbean Securities Market (ECSM)
became a reality today, October 19, 2001, when the bell rang at (9:00 this
morning to signal the start of trading on the Eastern Caribbean Securities
Exchange, an ECSE press release said.
Two companies making history as being the first
listed on the Exchange are, the Bank of Nevis Ltd, and East Caribbean Finance
Holding Company in St. Lucia.
According to the release, four broker-dealer
firms served as intermediaries when the market opened. They are the Bank of
Nevis Ltd, Bank of St. Lucia Ltd, Antigua and Barbuda Investment Bank Ltd, and
the National Commercial Bank (SVG) Ltd.
A cross section of Government officials, private
sector and banking representative anfd journalist from the OECS countries
witnessed the official opening of the market and were privy to the live trading
environment.
The Montserrat media is well represented along
with representatives from the eight OECS territories: Mr. Herman Sergeant acting
Manager Radio Montserrat, Mr. Bennette Roach, Managing Editor of the Montserrat
Reporter and Mr. Debzil Edgecombe of People’s Television.
A symposium under the theme: The
Development, Integration and Regulation of the Financial System is
to take place later today. Panelists will discuss issues related to developing
the financial system, creating a single financial space and optimizing the
regulatory framework in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.
MSS Parents, Teachers Elect Lyndell Greer
Lyndell Greer is the elected President of the
Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS).
She replaces outgoing President Dr. Ronnie
Cooper, who was thanked Wednesday for almost four years of dutiful service.
Other members of the new Executive are Mrs. Susan
Edgecombe, Vice President; Alfred Ryan, Treasurer and XXXXX, Secretary.. Floor
members are Robert Fergus, Delrose Hixon and Rachel Ryan.
Among concerns raised at the PTA were that hopes
to build lockers for the students and a cafeteria for the school have not been
realized.
Miss Kathleen Greenaway, President and Principal
of the School, said these issues must now be taken up by the new Executive.
In related news, the Ministry of Education will
hold a National Consultation on the Five-Year Education Development Plan on
October 22 at Brades Pentecostal Church at
7:30 p.m.
Among the varying issues affecting schools on the
island to be discussed are the curriculum; class sizes; books; human resources;
training; material resources; special needs; physical facilities; environment;
discipline; teacher/student relationship; post secondary/tertiary education; the
education system; sports; transportation; school lunch programme; health and
financial resources.
Montserrat Tourism Looks to the Future
By
Helena Durand
In efforts to further strengthen Montserrat’s
faltering Tourism Industry, the Government of Montserrat is improving the Port
facilities at Little Bay.
Dr. Lowell Lewis, Minister for Communications and
Works with responsibility for Ports, said the improvements will accommodate an
increasing number of tourists to the island on Day Tours.
Since the start of the Tuesday Day Tours,
instituted by Wall Trading and Montserrat Aviation services (MAS), an average of
30 tourists come in every Tuesday.
To accommodate them, the Government is expanding
the car park behind the passenger terminal to provide more room for buses which
pick up and discharge the tourists. Plans are also underway to enhance the
passenger terminal facilities, which will include provising cover for passengers
who have to wait outside before being processed by Immigration. Plans also
include the construction of a VIP area and a First Aid (Sick Bay) area.
Director of Tourism Ernestine Cassell said the
island’s tourism industry has suffered enormously since the volcanic eruptions
in 1995, and that the effects of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the
United States are difficult to pinpoint.
She said, “though some other Caribbean islands
have felt the impact of the Trade Center collapse, here on Montserrat our two
major hotels say they did not have bookings for the winter season. The real
estate people also say there were really no bookings for rentals.”
She is concerned, however, that the recently
introduced Tuesday Day Tours might be affected by the American crisis, because
“the day tour visitors come through Antigua, and if there is a fall-off in
Antigua, then the fall-off will impact significantly on Montserrat.”
She said she is hopeful, however, that given the
stringent security measures being undertaken, “people will soon begin
traveling again.”
Ms. Cassell said it is not far fetched to
consider Montserrat a holiday destination of the Caribbean. “Right now,” she
said, “the Caribbean is the safest travel destination, particularly
Montserrat, which is practically crime-free.”
She said there has been enough talk about the
idea of inter-regional traveling, and that it is time for more forceful
promotion. The offer of special package tours, she said, will greatly benefit
the island.
Shirley Ryner, Acting Manager of Montserrat
Aviation Services (MAS), said, “We do have the Day Tour package. MAS offers
Day Tour tickets to visitors for $85 per day tour and is part of a day tour
package offered by Antigua.”
The day tours, she said, began just a few weeks
ago and are to extend for eight weeks, after which the program will be reviewed.
She said the idea of encouraging Stay Over
Visitors with a special package has been brought up, but details have to be
worked out with the main stakeholders before MAS would be able to offer special
prizes to facilitate it.
CM Osborne returns bearing fruits
By Helena Durand
Chief
Minister John Osborne said he is pleased with his trip to the United Kingdom
where he along with other Chief Ministers of Britain’s Overseas Territories
(OT), attended the third OT Consultative Council meeting.
Mr. Osborne who was accompanied by Director of
the Development Unit Mrs. Angela Greenaway, said among reasons for his pleasure
is that he had “useful meetings with DFID Officials including the
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, on the project approval
process and other projects in the pipeline.”
Mr. Osborne said, Secretary of State Clare Short,
emphasized her continued support for Montserrat, and indicated that she wanted
to see less micro management of projects from London and wanted “the
Government of Montserrat to have more autonomy in dealing with the
projects.”
According to CM Osborne, her goal of ‘less
micro management’ welcomed since
“I had raised the issue some time ago of being
allowed to spend up to 10% of our local revenue on minor projects without having
to go to DFID for approval. I stressed the need again for Ministers of
Government to have a greater autonomy in terms of expenditure.” He said he
also discussed this issue with the Head of the Overseas Territories Department
who promised to “review this and respond quickly.”
Mr. Osborne even greater news in that he has
announced that the Secretary of State has approved the Housing Programme for the
island which cost 10 million pounds.
The main components of the Housing Programme he
said are: the development of a further 200 Serviced Lots at Lookout at a
cost of 2.5 million pounds. These would provide serviced lots for housing,
churches, shops and recreational activities. It is also to fund the relocation
of the existing sewerage treatment plant and the construction of a new plant.
The Serviced Lot project will also facilitate the
release of the European Union financing for the construction of 50 Starter
Homes; provide Sheltered Housing for the Elderly and Mentally ill at a cost of
1.85 million pounds; continue the Self Build Materials Grant Scheme at a cost of
3.7 million pounds; refurbish the houses at Davy Hill and Shin Land, and
establish a Housing Corporation which would merge the existing Housing Unit and
Land Development Authority (LDA).
Mr. Osborne added, “I have just received
confirmation that the project for the construction of the Community College has
been approved.”
Rotary Club of Montserrat Presents Bench to Library
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Montserrat,
President James Hixon presented the Public Library with a bench.
Chief Librarian Ruth Allen said the bench was
welcome and would serve as a resting spot for visitors to the library who wanted
to wait outside, read a book, or just relax.
She said because eating is not allowed inside the
library, the bench will also serve the younger children well when they come to
the library and wish to eat their snacks.
Royal Montserrat
Police Force Plans Week of Varied Activities
The Royal Montserrat Police Force has scheduled
what they are calling an exciting week of activities from October 28 to November
3.
Inspector Errol Hazel said the activities are
geared towards fostering better police relationships and showing the public
“that the police is part of the community.”
Among activities planned are a church parade, an
obstacle team challenge, barbecue, poster competition, visiting senior citizens,
a treasure hunt, high visibility patrols, ZJB interviews on policing, a
guess-the-driver competition, a variety concert and a Police Charity Ball.
He said the treasure hunt's $500 prize will go to
the person/group who finds it. Guess-the-driver competition will take place at
Festival Village. A disguised driver will be made to drive a vehicle around
inside the square while spectators guess who he or she may be.
Inspector Hazel said it is important that the
police and communities work together as “we rely on you to do our jobs.” He
reminded the public of the importance of their police officers as they are the
ones, “who keep law and order, who maintain a stable society. It is policemen
who look to protect the people, particularly vulnerable persons such as children
and the elderly, and other victimized persons. It is the policeman who seeks to
stop the perpetrator from committing further offences.”
Working with communities, he said, was the reason
for launching the Community Policing efforts. The efforts paid off he said,
“because we notice that there is a better relationship between the police and
the public. More people approach the police and we are all working together to
arrive at the best solution.”
New Consumer Price Index Is Launched on Montserrat
by Helena
Durand
A new Consumer Price Index (CPI) was launched on
Monday on Montserrat and other islands of the Eastern Caribbean.
Financial
Secretary John Skerritt (pictured) said at the launching at
Tropical Mansion Suites that the CPI was symbolic of Montserrat’s slow, but
steady recovery. He said it reflected the continuous efforts by residents to
“once again put together the pieces of their lives.”
As an economic indicator, the Consumer Price
Index is the most widely used measure of inflation, Mr. Skerritt said, and is a
guide in evaluating the effectiveness of Government’s policy by improving the
monitoring of the island’s economic performance.
Chief Statistician Teresina Bodkin said the new
CPI now covers a wider range of goods and services, including mortgage payments,
and expenditures on education, overseas travel and consumer variables.
“We are pleased to be able to provide our local
and international users with data on consumer prices which is much more
reflective of the current spending pattern of Montserratians," she said.
"It is our hope that this information will contribute to more meaningful
analysis on the performance of the economy, and we would wish to encourage users
both within government and the private sector to make the fullest use of this
analytical tool.”
A household income and expenditure survey was
conducted in 1998 to monitor monthly expenditure and determine current spending
patterns. It was used to generate a new basket of goods, which is now more
representative of today’s household expenditure.
In declaring the function officially opened,
Chief Minister John Osborne reminded his audience that in the global village
which the world has become, whatever happens in the larger countries impacts on
Montserrat in some way, adding, “it is therefore necessary for us to plan our
economic development with this global environment in mind.”
Mr. Osborne said the CPI would provide him with
the information he needs to “negotiate with our funding agencies, regarding
the impact of certain censures that we are sometimes forced to take….” and
that it would also assist in “making a case for cost of living increases when
necessary."
He blamed the “unfortunate situation” in
Montserrat for the high costs of living, noting “even our imports and so on,
are priced different to what happens in the other islands. You get one price
this month, and the next shipment has another price.”
The CPI is produced monthly by the Department of
Statistics through the collection of prizes from various retail stores and
service establishments.
LIAT Hints Its Interest If Caribbean Star Asks
Antigua, CMC - Regional carrier LIAT (1974)
Limited has not ruled out the possibility of a business alliance with its
closest competitor, but insists that Caribbean Star must make the first move.
"The owner of Caribbean Star knows where LIAT is and I think he knows the
Chairman's number, so if he wants to invest in this company or do anything that
helps the welfare of LIAT, he only has to pick up the phone," said LIAT CEO
Gary Cullen on Monday during a 45th anniversary news conference called by the
airline.
He described the current nature of competition
between the two carriers as "senseless".and said the market just does
not exist at the moment for two airlines -- both of which operate out of Antigua
and compete head-to-head on close to a dozen routes.
LIAT currently has a strategic alliance with BWIA and a marketing agreement with
Air Jamaica. It is also involved in the Carib Sky Alliance with the St.
Maarten-based Windward Islands Airline (WINAIR) and the French carrier Air
Caribe.
Caribbean Star owner Allan Stanford had expressed some interest in LIAT before
launching Caribbean Star one year ago.
Wilbur Harrigan,Chairman of the LIAT Board of Directors, promised that should
such an opportunity arise "we will look at it." He said, however, that
the focus of shareholder governments was to have one properly run regional
airline and the Board was doing all in its power to ensure that LIAT remains
that airline.
World
Travel Congress To Get Caribbean Stress
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has
outlined its strategies for creating a Caribbean presence for its member
countries and allied partners during the ASTA World Travel Congress.
A press release from the CTO stated that the
Congress will welcome some 2,500 travel agents to New York from November 4 to 7.
The release said that these efforts will include
a special “Caribbean Village,” a cooperative Media Marketplace for consumer
and trade press, and the creation of Caribbean-themed T-shirts, designed
especially for ASTA travel agents attending the Congress.
The T-shirts will feature the CTO web site
address, a map of the Caribbean region and a tagline which especially tells
travel agents that the Caribbean Cares about them.
New political
party registered
Trinidad, CMC - Supporters of embattled
Prime Minister Basdeo Panday apparently have registered a new political
party for next December's general election - just in case
their United National Congress remains in the grip of rivals or is tied up in
the law courts.
Mr. Panday told a political meeting Tuesday night he had a "Plan B"
for the election.
Rivals including Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, sacked by Mr. Panday as Attorney
General, say they are in control of the UNC and are planning to bring their own
36 candidates, while the Panday group is looking to select its 36 candidates as
well.
With speculation rife that Trinidad and Tobago's
divided ruling party could be "tied up" in the courts, jeopardising
its chances in the December 10 general elections, Mr. Panday said a new party
has been registered with the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).
The faction of deputy political leader Maharaj has also accused Mr. Panday of
abandoning the post of UNC political leader and said that it was seeking to fill
the position.
Securities
Market Rules Studied by Regulators
A review of the Eastern Caribbean Security
Regulatory Commission’s (ECSRC) organisation, structure and functions, and
laws governing the operation of the Securities Market, was the high point of a
two-day seminar held at the ECCB Headquarters for Commissioners of the ECSRC
this week.
The ECSRC has been set up as an independent and
autonomous regulatory body for the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market (ECSM);
and was established by agreement between the participating Governments.
Under the terms of the agreement, the
commissioners are responsible for licensing, monitoring and supervising all
persons involved in securities trading, as well as safeguarding and protecting
the interests of investors.
Bright Future
Seen For 45-year-old LIAT
Antigua, CMC - On its 45th birthday Monday, top
officials of the cash-strapped regional airline LIAT were painting a bright
financial future for the carrier.
Chief Executive Gary Cullen told reporters that despite a 15-percent falloff in
business since the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, LIAT has
been moving forward and its heavy debt burden was slowly but surely coming down,
although the airline is still about EC$50 million (US$18.5 million) in the red.
Mr. Cullen said that in addition to getting the word out in the market place
that "LIAT is alive and well and giving good service," the airline has
been focused over the last year and the half on cost reduction.
"We started to tackle our cost base internally and we have reduced our cost
by almost 20 percent. Our target is 30 percent and we are two-thirds of the way
there," the LIAT CEO said.
The company's Chairman Wilbur Harrigan also said LIAT was closer than ever to
resolving its financial difficulties. In addition to a US$12 million bond issue
that is currently on the market, a commitment has been given by shareholder
governments for re-financing an additional US$12 million in debt.
LIAT marked the anniversary with a
church service at its hangar at the V.C Bird International Airport. A special
ceremony was also held in honour of staffers and the airline's founder Frank
Delisle.
Jamaican Forces
Seize US$37 million in Cocaine
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct. 17, CMC - Narcotics
police have put the street value on more than 2,000 pounds of cocaine seized
Tuesday in western Jamaica at around J$1.6 billion
(US$37 million).
Police, aided by members of the Jamaica Defence Force and intelligence from
Colombian law enforcement officers, swooped down on a 35-foot fibreglass boat
and house in the fishing village of Belmont, Westmoreland.
They seized 2,150 pounds (977.30 kilos) of the drug, along with 25 pounds (11
kilos) of marijuana, two 200-pound horsepower Yamaha engines, two satellite
phones, a cellular phone and a map of South America.
Police later confirmed that the
boat and drugs originated from the South American country of Colombia, known to
be the biggest trafficker of cocaine worldwide.
It was the biggest drug find in over five years and follows closely on the
discovery of over 250 pounds of cocaine in five packages at the adjoining
village of Whitehouse two weeks ago.
Guyana to Join Task Force Against Money Laundering
Guyana, CMC - Guyana will join the Caribbean
Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) from next year as part of efforts to
formally join the regional fight against money laundering, government announced
Wednesday.
For the US$5,000 per year membership fee, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon
said government hoped that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Bank of
Guyana could benefit from technical assistance from the Trinidad-based CFATF.
Asked whether Guyana really had a money laundering problem, Dr. Luncheon said
there was unconfirmed information about the extent of money laundering here.
"I believe rumours abound about the extent, not the presence, but the
extent to which money laundering prevails in our economy and I believe the
approach to establish its existence or its non-existence lies behind the resolve
to become a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force," he said.
The CFATF is an organisation of states of the Caribbean basin which have agreed
to implement common countermeasures to address the problem of criminal money
laundering. It was established as the result of meetings convened in Aruba in
May 1990 and Jamaica in November 1992.
Members of the CFATF are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas,
Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica,
Dominican Republic, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Monsterrat, Netherlands
Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Venezuela.
Britain Tells
Bermuda Of Its New Governor
Bermuda, CMC -- Seasoned administrator Sir John
Vereker has been appointed Bermuda's new governor, it was announced on
Wednesday, ending months of speculation over who would get what is regarded as a
plum overseas posting.
Sir John, 57, Britain's Permanent Secretary of the Department for International
Development, will succeed 62-year-old Uganda-born Thorold Masefield, who is
stepping down soon after being governor of Britain's most populous remaining
Overseas Territory for the past four years.
Sir John, who joined the Ministry of Overseas Development in 1967 and worked for
the World Bank from 1970 to 1972 before returning to the Overseas Development
Ministry, will take up his post next February, officials said.
The Bermuda Government was informed of the new appointment by the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London.
"The FCO are sending a signal that Bermuda is about to receive a new man
with a new perspective," Premier Jennifer Smith said. "I think he is a
refreshing change. Sir John's experience with the World Bank will prove this to
be an important appointment for Bermuda at this time."
Barbados, Cable & Wireless Start Liberalization Process
Barbados, CMC - The Barbados government and
British telecommunications giant, Cable & Wireless, signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) Tuesday which signalled the start of liberalisation of the
island's telecommunications market.
The MOU was signed by Minister of Economic Development, Industry and
International Business, Reginald Farley, and C&W officials led by Errald
Miller, Chief Executive Officer, C&W (West Indies) Ltd.
The liberalisation process in the
telecommunications market, part of the government's overall plan to fully
develop the thriving services sector, is slated to begin on December 1, 2001,
and end in July 2003.
Mr. Farley said the signing of the MOU represented the destruction of what he
called the "last vestige" of the archaic system -- characterised by
exclusive monopoly licences -- which had governed telecommunications in
Barbados"
Of C&W's role in a liberalised market, Mr. Miller said, "Cable &
Wireless is confident that the negotiating process will result in a competitive
environment that benefits customers, the company and the country. So, while I
congratulate these two fine teams here today, I am also reminding them that
there is still plenty more to be done."
Air Jamaica Adopts Insurance Surcharge
Jamaica, CMC - Air Jamaica has followed the
actions of other airlines and introduced a new insurance surcharge on all
tickets issued for travel on or after October 15, at the same time praising its
employees for their voluntary salary cuts, which the carrier said would save it
millions of dollars.
The national airline said that it was forced to slap the insurance tax on
passenger tickets, following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United
States and "dramatic increases" in insurance costs.
The surcharge of US$2.50 or its equivalent per passenger for each domestic
sector, and US$5 or its equivalent for each international sector, will be
collected at the time of ticket pick up and is applicable to all fares.
Meanwhile, the airline said that it will save over J$20 million (US$480,000)
over the next three months in voluntary salary givebacks as part of Air
Jamaica's efforts to cut operational costs and save jobs.
CARICOM Plans $18-million Tourism Promotional Project
Bahamas, CMC - Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Heads of Government have agreed at their just-ended emergency summit in the
Bahamas to undertake a US$18-million tourism promotion and marketing campaign
aimed at rescuing the industry out of a crisis.
The campaign will consist primarily of television advertisements in the United
States, United Kingdom and Canada, according to a release issued by the Bahamas
Information Services on Saturday.
Among other key decisions taken at the October 11-12 meeting, the Heads have
also agreed to hold a Tourism Summit December 8-9 at Atlantis Resort on Paradise
Island.
CARICOM Chairman, Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, said US$7.2 million
of the $18 million to be allocated for a tourism promotion and marketing
campaign budget will be spent between now and December 31.
CARICOM countries, he said, will contribute $4.5 million toward the campaign,
other CTO member states will give $5.5 million, while the private sector will
contribute $8 million to the venture.
Antigua's UPP Faces Fight for Leadership
Compiled
from dispatches
Antigua -- Prominent Antiguan lawyer Harold
Lovell will challenge Baldwin Spencer for the leadership of the main opposition
United Progressive Party (UPP) at its bi-annual convention next month.
Mr. Lovell declared Tuesday during a radio interview that he would be seeking
the post because of growing concern among some members of the party and
supporters that it has not been able to capitalise on the weaknesses in the
ruling Antigua Labour Party (ALP).
"The fact that I have decided to come forward is principally as a result of
the call which has been made to me to come forward and assist. The call spreads
throughout the support and membership of the party," Lovell said.
Mr. Spencer, who is also Leader of the Opposition in the House of
Representatives, promptly responded that he will "vigorously defend"
his position against his challenger at the UPP bi-annual convention on November
10-11. He has led the UPP since its merger in 1992/93 and staved off one
leadership bid from former MP and lawyer Donald Halstead in 1997. He has been
Leader of the Opposition since 1989.
Mr. Lovell claimed that supporters were dissatisfied with Mr. Spencer's
perceived inability to woo disaffected ALP supporters to the UPP.
"What we are seeing is disaffection from the ALP but we are not seeing at
the same time the ranks of the UPP swelling. And that's cause for concern
because at the end of the day our principle must be to defeat the ALP at the
polls," Mr. Lovell said.
"There is a view that if we continue as we are there is a risk that the
Labour Party, in due course, could recover and could once again trump at the
polls."
He praised Mr. Spencer for the job he has done thus far, but said he believed
the UPP needs new vision and strategy in an effort to garner more support ahead
of the next general elections due in 2004.
For his part, Mr. Spenser said, "The (UPP)
constitution clearly states that all positions within in the party are subject
to be challenged at a convention. He (Mr. Lovell) has the right to do so. I
accept that challenge.The legitimate and legal members of the party will make
their decision when the time comes."
Both Mr. Spencer and Mr. Lovell have been accused by critics of being too soft
in their approach to the cut and thrust of politics.
Both Spencer and Lovell have been accused by critics of being too soft in their
approach to the cut and thrust of politics.
Political leaders pray for peace
Jamaica, CMC - In a rare expression of solidarity
leaders of Jamaica's two main political parties, Prime Minister P.J Patterson of
the People's National Party and Opposition Jamaica Labour Party leader Edward
Seaga joined hands and prayed for peace Saturday at a service in the central
parish of Mandeville, Manchester.
It was a scene slightly remisiscent of the 1970's when legendary reggae
performer Bob Marley brought Seaga and the late Michael Manley together in a
concert at the national stadium in an effort to quell political warring at the
time.
This time it was no different as alleged politically motivated violence, which
broke out in early July in areas of West Kingston, Seaga's constituency, has
been responsible for the death toll climbing to well over 900 since the
beginning of the year.
During the service which was held at the Northern Caribbean University Chapel,
President of the West Indies Union of Seventh Day Adventists, Dr. Patrick Allen
invited Seaga and Petterson to the altar for prayer during which they held
hands.
Both leaders shook hands as a goodwill gesture after the prayer as Dr. Allen
said he hoped the symbolic unity would signify a new dawn in the country.
The service which lasted nearly two hours was attended by cabinet ministers,
members of the opposition and hundreds of Jamaicans who crammed the auditorium.
The service concentrated on national healing through special sessions dealing
with confession, restoration and supplication.
The initial proposal was made by Patterson for two days of worship for peace and
unity on Friday, October 6 and suggested that services be held across the
island.
Seaga did not hesitate in accepting the offer to participate.
Montserrat
Lacks Golf Course, But Not a Winning Golf Team
Competitive golfer Ivan Hixon is pleased that
Montserratians not only have the ability to play golf but to win at it.
He made that observation on his return to the
island after his team had won the Men’s net category at the Caribbean Golf
Tournament in St. Kitts, capturing the trophy with a score of 590. The other
Montserratian players were Leroy (Wanza) Daley, Kingsley Howe, and Wilston
Johnson.
The team's 590 was followed by St. Thomas's 591
and Barbados's 592 .
Mr. Hixon said one of the reasons Montserrat did
so well was because “Montserrat was one of the top countries for golf in the
Caribbean before the volcano,” but was destroyed in the wake of the eruption
of the Soufriere Hills volcano in 1997.
He said golf had always been an excellent game
for Montserrat and that “we have maintained our winning streak by practicing
on and off in the other Caribbean islands.”
In a congratulatory note which expressed pleasure
in announcing that the remnants of Montserrat's golf team won the Net division
of the tournament, it was also noted that Wilston (Picket) Johnson tied for
second in the individual low net.
On Friday last, the sports department held a
ceremony honoring the team's efforts at the Tropical Mansion Suites.
Of course the big question was, "What
would they be able to do if they had a golf course on which to practice?"
Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office which holds responsibility
for sports, Sarita Francis speaking for government said they supported building
a new course to help bring back tourism.
Other highlights of the tournament included the
trophies given to other winners.
In the Men's Gross, St. Kitts won with a score of
614, St. Thomas had 619, and Barbados 630.
In the Senior gross, Barbados led with 323, and
also led in the Net with 297.
In the Ladies' gross Barbados led with 340, as
did St. Croix in the Net with 295.
Participatants in the tournament were Antigua,
Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts,
St. Thomas and St. Croix.
By
Peter Adrien
Memorable and
entertaining! This is a fitting description of the 2001 Red Stripe Bowl finals
at the Kaiser Sport Club, Jamaica, on Oct 11, 12 and 14. The competitive teams
excelled; the best team dominated. Barbados proved its collective experience;
Jamaica exhibited its managerial limitation; and Trinidad reflected its
“softness” without a vintage Lara. Guyana won the 2001 Red Stripe Bowl and
confirmed that it is the most balanced team in regional cricket. The Kaiser
stage was taken over by young Guyanese batsman, Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was voted
the MVP of the finals, and “Sir” Carl Hooper, who reminded us of his
authority and artistry, in the latter part of the final game. It was really
lovely!
Tony Becca
described the final contest thus: “The Red Stripe Bowl cricket tournament
ended in a brilliant climax at Kaiser Sports Club … with Guyana overpowering
Barbados to pocket the US$10,000 first prize and to lift, for the second time,
the magnificent crystal bowl as limited-overs champions of the region. In a
beautiful contest before a large crowd and under a spotless blue sky, Guyana won
the regional title for a record seven times when, at the end of a blazing finish
during which they smashed 64 runs off 6.5 overs, captain Carl Hooper cut pacer
Pedro Collins high to the backward point boundary. At the end of a contest that
was so exciting, a match studded with so many outstanding performances and
scintillating and powerful strokes that the fans will never forget, the
scoreboard read, Barbados 221 for five off the allotted 50 overs, Guyana 223 for
four off 46.5. It was truly a day of cricket, lovely cricket.”
Yes, my
predictions were fairly accurate. I forecasted, “It’s the MDC’s all the
way! Yes, it’s either Guyana or Jamaica, in that order, for the Red Stripe
Bowl. And should they lose their way, because of the “glorious uncertainty of
the game,” Barbados and the Leewards XI would be the most likely competitors
to benefit from their loss. The Leewards IX faltered, but Barbados did change
things.
Jamaica paid
dearly for faltering against Trinidad in the last preliminary game. They
forfeited any chance of going through to the finals, having lost that game. This
is a lesson for West Indies cricket administrators, coachers and players.
Whatever the game; whoever the opponent; whatever the prize; the objective is to
win. Every time a team wins, it accumulates points (officially or unofficially).
The Jamaican cricketers will never forget their poor judgment; and the Jamaican
cricketing public will never forgive them for their folly. Having made a fatal
mistake, not even their home-town support; their voodoo and Pocomania; their
Shango and obeah; their witchcraft and mysticism could save them from the hands
of “Sir” Carl and his knights of the round table.
It was this
confidence, knowledge and leadership that made Carl Hooper play five spinners in
the finals against Barbados and opened the bowling with Neil McGarrell, his slow
left-arm spinner, and nail the Barbadian “under-class” batsman and took over
the final contest. We hope that this confidence and collective wisdom will be
brought to bear on the developing West Indies team as the relatively young and
inexperienced team comes against more mature opponents.
We must, however,
give credit to Guyanese Team High Command -- Pat Legall, the team manager, Clyde
Butts, the team coach, and Carl
Hooper, the team captain -- for the thinking, the planning, the combination of
inputs and the deadly execution that were explored before the Guyana final XI
was chosen. I really believe that the final game was won on the basis of that
pre-match planning. The management and technical team must be given credit for
the victory.
What about the
West Indies team? There is lot of hope for our batters. We had good performances
from Chris Gayle, Sarwan, and Hooper, members of the West Indies touring party.
Sarwan was particularly impressive. Beset by back problems during the period leading up to the
tournament, he was consistent without being spectacular once he entered the
competition. He compiled his runs with grace and exquisite timing. He had good
balance and batted with the usual ease and the supreme confident we have come to
associate with him. In fact, he threatened to destroy Pedro Collins with three
boundaries in one over.
But our bowling
remains a serious cause for concern. And the great Curtly Ambrose is right to be
impatience that the young seamers are taking too long to mature. The seam
bowling is much too ordinary for the destructive batters of Sri Lanka. And since
the West Indies team will certainly have problem playing or negotiating Muttiah
Moralitharan, who will restrict the Sri Lankan batsmen?
Carl Hooper will
be critical on the Sri Lanka tour! The intellectual capital, leadership skill
and high-value batsmanship that he brought to bear on the Red Stripe Bowl; the
leadership that brought the best from his team of young Guyanese warriors; that
caused them to unleash the aggression and resilience that have typified their
South American team; and that made ordinary players produce extraordinary
performances, will be badly needed on the Asian tour.
I say Bravo to
“Sir” Carl, who proved that leadership is a factor of production. But I say
to the manager, coach and the “knight” himself, this was a lesson to be
learnt.
Leadership and
collective responsibility will be key variables to ensure the balance of
aggression and resilience from young athletes playing not far (in Afghanistan)
from the battlefield where aggression and resilience is the name of the game.
Congratulations
to “Sir” Carl!
Peter Adrien is
an author, a syndicated sports analyst
and freelance photographer. He can be contacted via telephone (869) 465-4813
or E-mail: Adriens@caribsurf.com
PHOTO
CAPTION: Captain
Carl Hooper, a tactical leader. (Photo: Peter Adrien)
By Rachel Collis
The tragic events of the last few weeks and the
current scares from biological and chemical threats through the mail in the
United States, have heightened security around the world. We in Montserrat,
despite our close ties to the US, have always thought of ourselves as being two
steps removed from the slings and arrows of the fast-paced American way of life.
However, the recent discovery of an anthrax threat in our neighbour Trinidad not
only threatens our personal safety, but also our fragile tourism industry, which
we have high hopes of salvaging in the wake of the volcanic crisis and
intangible threats.
The
situation in Trinidad dictates that we must take whatever precautions are
necessary to prevent the injury or even death of our people from anthrax.
Keeping in mind that a hazardous agent can be enclosed in either a package or an
envelope, here is important information to observe when handling a letter or
package which we have reason to believe is suspicious.
According to the United States Postal Service,
the following characteristics of your mail is what should alert you to possible
danger:
It has no return
address, or it has one that can't be verified as legitimate.
Given its size it has
an unusual weight, or is oddly shaped.
It is marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential."
It has protruding wires, strange odors or stains.
It shows a country,
city or state in the postmark that doesn't match the return
address.
Some unique characteristics may assist you in identifying suspicious mail. Here are some items to remember when receiving mail:
In the case of anthrax it may be difficult to tell the contents, especially if it is in powder form. Were you to receive an anthrax threat by mail, the following precautions should be observed and strictly adhered to:
In the case of a letter or package bomb certain
signs may be more easily detected. For example, a letter bomb may feel rigid, or
appear uneven or lopsided. It may have an irregular shape, soft spots, or
bulges. Package bombs may be unprofessionally wrapped with several combinations
of tape used to secure the package. It
may be marked
"Fragile-Handle With Care" or "Rush-Do Not Delay". Although
placed devices may buzz or tick, mailed bombs generally do not. Some devices may
not explode on opening but may offer resistance and need pressure to remove the
contents. This pressure is what may trigger an explosion.
If you are suspicious of your mail and are unable to verify the contents with
the sender:
Rachel
Collis is a Tourism Consultant who has completed studies on global threats to
the tourism industry.
Note
Health officials in Trinidad and Tobago were
testing a white powdery substance Tuesday, that was found in a letter that might
possibly be the fatal anthrax discovered in other letters mailed to individuals
in the U.S.
The suspicious letter was opened by an employee of a Trinidad firm, Nealco
Datalink which sorts bulk mail sent by courier from the U.S. and transmitted
electronically back to the U.S.
That employee, along with seven others who worked in the vicinity, has been
hospitalised and treated with antibiotics but it is not known whether the staff
would be kept.
“EAT
FROM THE LAND, NOT FROM THE CAN”
Early
Planting of Irish Potato Forecasted
Farmers who have
registered for Irish potato seeds are reminded that the seeds are expected to
arrive on island the first week in November.
Land preparation should have already started and producers should check
the availability of other inputs necessary for the successful production of the
crop.
It is very important
that producers plant early. Make
sure that tubers have sprouted before planting.
New date for Tree Planting Day Set
The Director of
Agriculture, Mr Gerard Gray announced that December 5th is the date
for Tree Planting Day. As in
previous years recipients will be given three plants.
Be sure to prepare large holes (3ft x 3ft) in advance of collecting
plants. The start time of
distribution will be given at a later date.
Rainy Days in
Montserrat
Salute to H.W. Bramble
Our first-time CM had no guide;
The leader was forced to decide,
'When I know where we stand
'I won't go hat in hand,
'The British won't turn me aside.'
The Washing of Hands
HE insists Brits had no voice,
That Geralds was GOM's choice,
But John Osborne says he
Was told lose or agree,
And still they expect we'll rejoice.
Jus wonderin if rumors are true that two MPs want
to resign.
Jus wonderin what other problems Gerald’s will
pose.
Jus wonderin what we will really do if an anthrax
case arises here.
Jus wonderin how equipped are we to fight this
bacteria.
Jus wonderin if festival would be better or worse
this year.
Jus wonderin if they capitalized on their
fall-shorts of last year.
Jus wonderin if the queen contestants will
finally get the rewards promised them.
Jus wonderin if winners will be promptly
rewarded.
Jus wonderin if they are waiting for the last
minute to finish the dresses like last year.
Jus wonderin how much tape will be used this
year.
Jus wonderin why the officer so interested in jus
wonderin.
Jus wonderin why other banks can’t have a day
dedicated to them as well.
Jus wonderin how to congratulate St. Patrick
Credit Union.
Jus wonderin why the song for the week of Police
activities seem so out of tune.
Jus wonderin why the Inspector and Labour man
visiting the printing place so often.
Jus wonderin if it is all business.
Jus wonderin who try to clip de black bird wing.
Jus wonderin if the CK band had anything to do
with it.
Jus wonderin if de CM hiding anyting bout London.
Jus wonderin why de CM only had his employees ask
him questions publicly on his trip.
Jus wonderin just how close are the power people
and who they really are.
Jus wonderin if being blamed for something you
didn’t do don’t deserve an apology.
Jus wonderin what the outcome will be.
Jus
wonderin why my son dont write, or call since he got the tires them.
Jus
wonderin bout this Anthrax and whether it wasn’t around with people dying from
it all the time.
Summary
Report of Proceedings of the Legislative Council 12th October, 2001
In the Legislative Council on 12th
October, 2001 -
I The
following Statutory Rules and Orders were Laid on The Table:-
SR&O No. 26 of 2001
SR&O No. 27 of 2001
SR&O No. 28 of 2001
SR&O No. 29 of 2001
SR&O No. 30 of 2001
II
The following Bill had its Third Reading and was accordingly passed with
the following amendments:-
Audit Act 2001
First Reading
-
17th July, 2001
Second Reading
-
20th September, 2001
Deferred at Committee Stage
-
20th September, 2001
Third Reading
-
12th October, 2001
Amendment
Clause 19.
Delete as he considers necessary and add "as approved by the
Minister for Finance"
III
The following Bills had their Second and Third Readings and were
accordingly passed with the following amendments:-
1.
Firearms (Amendment) Act 2001
First Reading
-
20th September, 2001
Second Reading
-
12th October, 2001
Third Reading
-
12th October, 2001
Amendment
Clause 3. Punishment for the other offences
32(a) amend to read
"in the case of the first offence to a fine not exceeding $500; and
2.
Insurance Act 2001
First Reading
-
17th July, 2001
Deferred
-
2oth September, 2001
Second Reading
-
12th September, 2001
Third Reading
-
12th October, 2001
Amendments
1.
In Clause 22 remove all square brackets
2.
In Clause 207 delete the number "2000" and insert the number
"1977".
3.
In the Second Schedule delete item 5 and renumber items 6 and 7 as 5 and
6.
4.
In the Fourth Schedule delete the words "immoveable property"
wherever it appears in the Schedule.
5.
In the Fourth Schedule. B. (a). Final sentence. Remove square brackets.
IV
The following Bill had its Second and Third Reading and was accordingly
passed without amendments:-
Securities Act 2001
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