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Soft Mortgage Scheme Coming But NO Details

Asked about the total amount of money to be disbursed and the criteria for being getting money under the new scheme, Chief Minister Mr David Brandt said:

"In agreement with the United Kingdom government, I had undertaken that until all the steps were taken that I should not give any details," he told reporter at a news conference called to discuss the outcome of his 10 day visit that took him to the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK) and Trinidad and Tobago.

"I said I did not want to go into details and I would not be tricked into going into details by good questions," he added.

He, however, stated that all remaining steps would be completed for the Soft Mortgage Scheme to be activated between now and year-end "or soon thereafter" so that eligible persons would get at EC$150,000, part of which would be a grant. Previous reports had quoted government officials as saying that at least 27 percent of the individual sums would be a grant while the interest rate would be at least one percent below the going prime interest rate at commercial banks.

Pressed for an insight into those steps to be taken before the scheme begins, the Chief Minister said "the most important one" was the laying of the relevant documents in the British Parliament because it would result in a contingent liability.

"What happens is that the UK government, in addition to giving the grant, would be giving a guarantee so if someone did not pay, they were bound to pay," Mr Brandt, a British and West Indian-trained lawyer, explained.

The absence of details on the matters of criteria and total amount of money that would be approved for the scheme came sharply on the heels of charges and counter-charges by the Department for International Development (DfID) that the most economically disadvantaged did not benefit from the halted Materials Grant Scheme.

Government has, however, maintained that it stuck to the letter and spirit of the criteria for that scheme that had received the blessings of the UK government before.

The British aid agency had argued that the Materials Grant landed in the hands of those who had sufficient monies of their own to build more elaborate structures but the Chief Minister defended their efforts at putting up better structures.

"That was a good thing because, instead of keeping the monies in the bank, instead of sending it overseas, people created work and created wealth in their country so that is a very good thing that that happened."

In emphasizing the need for equal treatment of citizens, the Chief Minister declared that the Montserratian government’s position was "it would be wrong" for those who accessed the Materials Grant scheme to get free-money while those eligible for the Soft Mortgage Scheme would have to repay the full sum borrowed.

"For that reason, I prevailed so part of the grant would be free," he said.

Reporting on the housing aspect of the two-day Special Meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in Trinidad, the Chief Minister said that expected headway was not made because of a time-lapse by an officer assigned duties.

In keeping with a request by regional leaders at their July meeting, Montserrat was mandated to provide a costing of 10 houses to CARICOM and the cost for another five to Jamaica at the next meeting held earlier this week.

"Unfortunately, the information reached my office and reached CARICOM late so the Ministers were not in a position to consider these matters when they went to the meeting," Brandt said.

"It is very important that when people are asked to do things, that they do them on a timely basis especially when it has such wide-ranging consequences," he said, adding that he has assumed some previously delegated duties to ensure action is taken in a timely manner

In the absence of that information, he said a decision was taken at the October meeting of regional leaders that CARICOM, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) and a representative from Montserrat form a team "to get a proper costing" for submission to CARICOM so by the next meeting, a decision could be taken.

During his attendance of the Sunshine Awards, the Chief Minister received US$10,000 under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme (UND) to assist in the island’s housing drive.

The money was garnered from the sale of copies of a song on Montserrat by over 100 artistes and calypsonians from the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Suriname has promised to send prefabricated houses to Montserrat and persons to assist in their construction while Belize has requested information about the size and cost of the CARICOM houses with a view to providing assistance.

While overseas, Mr Brandt attended a Summit of Chief Ministers of remaining British dependencies prior to the first Consultative Council between the Chief Ministers and the UK Government, held in London.

There, the Chief Ministers made a collective case for the trimming of the powers of Governors in their territories as would be reported extensively in our next issue.

Computers at several government departments are among entities here that are infected with viruses, forcing experts to launch a massive inoculation campaign, senior government officials said Tuesday.

At least six viruses surfaced in recent weeks but were hardly noticed by nearly all computers at the Government Headquarters Complex that did not have their anti-virus programmes updated.

Three of them spotted by Norton’s Antivirus are W97m. Ethan.A; W97m.Appder.O and O97m.Tristate.C, some of which have been described as "very destructive."

Head of the government-run Computer Unit, Mrs Daphne Cassell declined to comment but other authorities told the Montserrat Reporter that the anti-virus software was being updated to contain the epidemic, sparked off by increased interaction with the Internet.

A statement on the phenomenon promised by Mrs Cassell was not forthcoming up to the time of going to press but one official pointed out that:

"We are doing as much as we can with the limitations that we have to update the virus protection," the official said.

The authorities said that one of the burning constraints faced by the Computer Unit was a serious shortage of staff to maintain the increasing number of computers in government offices.

As a result of a staff cutback in the civil service under the Resource Allocation Review (RAR), the Computer Unit now only has one technician.

While disputing suggestions that the RAR posed restrictions on staff recruitment, Permanent Secretary (Administration) Mrs Claudia Roach disclosed that efforts were already on stream to address the matter of staffing at the Computer Unit.

"The Computer Unit has been given permission to have more staff…The Computer Unit identified that as a need," she told the Montserrat Reporter.

She said that "we have had some responses" to an advertisement for a Systems Analyst Programmer but they are "not suitable".

The virus epidemic has not been exclusive to government departments but has affected individuals and Non-Government Organisations (NGO's) as well. Editor and Publisher Bennette Roach of the Montserrat Reporter complains that he has received documents both electronically and on diskettes that have been riddled with the viruses. not only from government departments but also from a cross section of the wider public.

"It’s a serious matter in that it can cost people much loss of data files and down-time and do damage to their hardware," he said in an invited comment.

MR/dc/99

Dr. Gordon Avery, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Montserrat, told the Montserrat Reporter Sunday that the girl died after consuming the "very toxic poison" two Sundays ago.

She was admitted to Montserrat's St John's Hospital the following day and later air-dashed to the Holberton Hospital in neighbouring Antigua where she died.

The medical official declined to comment on the circumstances that prompted her to drink the pesticide.

Medical sources report that anyone drinking Gramoxone rarely recovers because it adversely affects the liver and kidneys. Death could either be instantaneous or delayed.

EDITORIAL

Montserrat's economic recovery was a hot topic since hurricane Hugo almost flattened the island in 1989. It seemed to be just picking up in the mid-90's when the volcano struck.

Economic analysts had predicted a crash of the Montserrat economy moving into the late 80's. But just when it seemed that the off-shore banking business would save the day, the British Government stepped in and revised our Constitution, took away the business from the Ministry of Finance, and practically closed down what they said was a corrupt system under the John Osborne government.

As if that was not enough, they moved to prove their point and Scotland Yard came, investigated and pulled former Chief Minister John Osborne before the court. It was a certain belief that HMG held back certain aid funds from Montserrat under John Osborne's leadership, and the island remained blacklisted.

It was no surprise, then, that after he was kicked out. The Reuben Meade government was able to go through an exercise similar to what we just did with a country policy plan which promised some £25 million for the following three to five years. A new prison was to be built. We never got to that, but the government headquarters and new parliamentary buildings were constructed, and there was the renovation of the Old Glendon Hospital So, too, was a library, which was completed even while the ash was falling in 1996. There were plans to greatly improve what was then Blackburne airport.

To back-up somewhat, Hugo came and frightened the wits out of all of us, but it brought a flurry of activity, with construction repairs, new buildings and new cars putting much money in circulation.

Then the volcano came and brought brand new and complete devastation to being. The British Government thought very early that the easiest and perhaps simplest solution was to rid the island of human occupation. HMG probably did not bargain for the one-third or so of us, who chose, for one reason or another, to remain in Montserrat. That action has so far proven right if they believed that the volcano would not reach deep into the northern half of the island.

However, that action also brought a worse problem than ever experienced before. Very little business was conducted outside of Plymouth and many there suffered great losses. Besides that, because so much of the business was a 'buy and sell,' when two-thirds of the population fled the island, there was now no economy at all.

A little industrial village housed the rice mills and W&W Electronics, among others, which were key to the economy. But both of these closed, with W&W moving to Grenada to become a cornerstone for the economy there.

Today the island is fully supported by the British Government who apparently have a real hard time appreciating or understanding how the Montserrat economy existed before the volcano. They refuse to understand how people who received assistance under the materials grant scheme would not all build T-111 houses, instead scraping and finding additional funds to do better.

Since 1996 they agreed to assist small businesses (there are no big ones) and they are coming through with that, even though it took them over two years to get going. And now we hear the Chief Minister, upon his recent return from London, telling us that they are finally ready to go the whole distance. But they are not prepared to chance that those who might otherwise be able to build their own homse may benefit from the soft mortgage housing scheme.

That has passed the two-year mark and even with the Chief Minister supposedly using his recent visit for the Dependent Territories meeting to iron out the details, he is still unable to tell us that it is ready. His latest date is by December 31, which of course means the year 2000.

But still we will have to be able to convince the British Government what will make this island move successfully into the new millennium, in spite of its obvious setbacks. We will have to overcome the austere situation of bringing people back to build the workforce, while ensuring that there will be work first to entice them and keep them, thus making their return worthwhile.

We have said this before. We must encourage those with investments already on the island to return. It will give the little businesses just starting and those already in existence the kind of base they need to show that there is some hope and future for the island.

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.

c.c. The Honourable Chief Minister, Mr. David Brandt

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Anthony Abbott

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Ms. Veronica Lee

The Editor, Montserrat Reporter, Mr. Bennet Roach

28^th October, 1999

Dear Mr. Bramble,

It is with grave concern that I write this letter to you.

At a time like this, when all Montserratians should be working together to rebuild our island, a department within your Ministry is investing maximum time and effort in seeking to destroy its own clients. I am referring here to the Department of Agriculture and its hostile activities towards the few remaining dedicated and hard working crop farmers on island. I specifically mention crop farmers as it has been clear for some time now that the only animals of importance to your Ministry have been dogs and donkeys. It now seems that elements within your Ministry are trying to marginalise crop farmers in pretty much the same way as their livestock counterparts (or the livestock section of their enterprise) has been marginalised.

There are numerous examples that can be cited but the latest scheme is so despicable that it leaves one to wonder what the mission of the Department of Agriculture is? Your mission statement should make interesting reading.

Acting upon the instructions of the farmers’ group which the MCC is shepherding through its early developmental stages, I wrote to you on May 28, 1999 requesting that you assist the farmers in purchasing a shipment of fertilizer using funds from your fertilizer subsidy scheme. The farmers thought it important enough to take the plunge and purchase their own fertilizer because this important input was almost nonexistent for the last year. (As a matter of fact, there were farmers who had received purchase orders for fertilizer, these orders were paid for by the MCC, and the farmers still had difficulty in receiving this fertilizer). Attached to this letter was a quotation that was valid for 30 days. If the Ministry was interested in the farmers you would have responded in a timely manner whether negatively or positively. The Director of Agriculture was personally contacted by Mrs. Annette Lee on two additional occasions she presented him with a photocopy of the letter ( although the original letter was also carbon copied to him) in an attempt to elicit a response but her attempts were to no avail.

In August I received a letter dated July 20^th ,1999 with an answer that did not really address the matter referred to you on May 28^th .

Now it has been brought to the attention of the farmers’ group and myself that the Ministry of Agriculture has imported a quantity of between 100-200 bags of fertilizer for free distribution to selected farmers.

Members of the group and myself feel that this action is counterproductive. The group has incurred debt to purchase a container load (400 bags) of fertilizer ( a quantity that could fulfill Montserrat’s needs in excess of two years) now the Ministry has decided to import additional fertilizer for free distribution to some hand picked farmers. If the Department saw the need to purchase fertilizer, why not purchase from existing local stocks. The prices of the fertilizer the farmers’ group has brought in is the lowest price for fertilizer in Montserrat for the entire decade of the 90's so price cannot be an obstacle.

What is the Department’s aim? Is it to create an elite? Is this an attempt to prevent farmers from developing self reliance? Although you did not support the group in its purchase of the fertilizer, purchasing fertilizer from the group’s stocks would have helped its cash flow situation and allowed it to replenish other stocks such as seeds which are very essential if the intention is to feed the people of Montserrat and to be self sufficient. Instead, you are bringing in additional stocks. Mr. Bramble, the farmers’ group and the people of Montserrat deserve an explanation of these actions.

Mr. Bramble, on April 6^th ,1999 I met with you and some of your top Ministry Officials to discuss the MCC’s programme in the areas which overlap with your Ministry. At the end of the meeting you expressed a desire for such a meeting every three months. Your Director of Agriculture was supposed to convene these meetings. I have not yet received an invitation to any such meeting. I am now wondering if this is deliberate, especially in the light of recent events and also the fact that your Agriculture Development Officer was chastised for sharing his work plans with me.

Mr. Bramble, it worries me that we are supposed to be striving to develop a better Montserrat, yet acts of co-operation (though expressed verbally) seem to be the most difficult thing to achieve. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate your fisheries division. They seem to understand what working together means.

Yours sincerely,

The Editor, Montserrat Reporter

Sir, grant me a little space in your newspaper, to make some observations and seek some answers to some troubling questions that are on my mind. As a Montserratian, living in the USA some time, I have continually focused on my island where I was born.

My love of home caused me to start my retirement home in Richmond Hill. It is very unfortunate that our beautiful island was devastated by a volcano which prevented us from finishing my home. I have spent a lot of money on the island and I have no intention to give up my dream home in Richmond Hill.

I know of people living abroad in the Virgin Islands, New York, Boston, England, St Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, who want to come to their properties in Cork Hill, Weekes, Delvins, St George's Hill, Isle Bay and Richmond Hill. These areas were not devastated by pre volcano; the roads need to be cleared so that the people can have access to their homes that are deteriorating.

We call on the Chief Minister Mr David Brandt and members of his cabinet for some answers.

Thank you for your space.

Dear Mr Editor,

We anxiously awaited the receipt of the "Reporter" dated 1^st October to see the result of the meeting with Mr. Mike Wood, and to know what is planned for the areas South of Belham (SOB) that are habitable, but still nothing!

When the green light is given, will the utilities spring into action, has MONLEC, WATER AUTHORITY and PWD the funds, personnel and equipment to do the job? Specifically; - How long will the job take? Being over 70 now, like many, other retiree homeowners, time is not on our side.

Our only permanent home is in Foxes Bay, and working and living on Montserrat since 1971, we know only too well the problems of island life. We still had a temporary electric connection from Hugo when the volcano erupted, but we almost had the solution as trunking for the electric was laid in Foxes Bay ready for the cables -- can they still be used? Do MONLEC have the cable ready, have they got the transformers, the linesmen to install it all, can the power station take the extra load when SOB comes on line, can the engines in Lovers Lane be salvaged and used again?

After Hugo, power was restored quickly thanks to the British Electric Companies and the Royal Navy, who sent teams to help. Will they assist again? It's going to be a big job for MONLEC to undertake alone. Water and road clearance, also a big problem.

The public should have all these questions answered. We know Montserrat's pressing needs but it costs relativity little to plan for the future and gives hope and encouragement to all who love Montserrat and aim to return A.S.A.P.

Yours sincerely

Robert & Jean Bucknell

Foxes Bay

A relative had suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed and unable to speak clearly. There was evidence that she could hear; when I read to her, her eyes told me that she understood. I often read from the Bible to give her comfort and hope, but reading gave me new insight as well.

As I read the first chapter of Genesis, the story of creation suddenly emerged for me as a psalm of praise. I became aware that God brought into being a universe that had maintained its functions for eons of time. God had brought light from darkness, provided rhythms of night and day, and set in place seasons for sowing and reaping. God created life in all its forms and, as the crowning event, made humankind after God's own likeness. God gave everything a purpose.

The story in Genesis became a mirror reflecting my life. In my life, God has brought order from disarray. I lived in the darkness of stubborn self-centeredness until God's light exposed the error of my ways. Over the years, there have been seasons of exhilarating joy and excruciating grief. But God created me for a purpose, and it is good!

Prayer: Dear God, help me not to take for granted the miracles of creation. Thank you for the ways you bring hope and purpose to my life. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Look around and see what God has done.

Fern Underwood (Iowa)

As part of efforts to boost its pineapple production Montserrat has imported about 45,000 pineapple suckers from Guyana, and authorities have assured that they are free of the Pink Mealy Bug.

The island's pineapple production was virtually wiped out by volcanic activity in the south of the island during the past four years but with the arrival of the suckers, at least 10 farmers with plots of a quarter to half acre each would be spearheading a pineapple "bulking" programme.

Agricultural Development Officer Justin Cassell said that under the EC$35,000 project the island hopes to re-establish local self-sufficiency in pineapples.

With Guyana is one of several other Caribbean countries invaded by the destructive Pink Mealy Bug plant pest, Mr. Cassell assured that the suckers, expected to arrive here later this week, have been certified as free of any disease.

"They have been treated and went through a quarantine and all phytosanitary conditions have been satisfied," Mr. Cassell told the Montserrat Reporter

As part of the strategy to combat the destructive plant pest Guyana had quickly deployed wasps and beetles and implemented treatment protocols for fruit and vegetable exports as recommended by the Caribbean Agricultural Research Development Institute (CARDI).

The Montserrat pineapple variety, described as a "good performer and of very high quality," got to Guyana in 1926 via Trinidad and Tobago.

Police have received some results from DNA tracing tests but are tight-lipped about the findings as the probe continues into who might have raped an elderly North American-born woman in the early hours of September 27 at Olde Towne.

Police Commissioner Chris Burgess said the fact that the Police Force has posted an EC$7,000 reward for anyone having information leading to the arrest of the rapist was no indication that police had lost confidence in the DNA tests.

"Regardless of that, we still want witness evidence to do with the rape. DNA is not the be-all and end-all," he told the Montserrat Reporter.

While the rape victim and the three suspects from whom the specimens were taken for DNA tracing were cooperating fully in the investigations, the Commissioner lamented the limited progress that has been made so far.

"Overall, the enquiry is going very slowly because we are not able to collect and collate evidence to prove a case against any individual," Mr. Burgess said.

Additional results from the DNA tests are expected in the coming days but even when they arrive the police are not be expected to give any details.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) testing is a modern scientific crime detection technique, known worldwide for using the coded information that gives everyone a distinct biological identity.

Trinidadian economist Lloyd Best will deliver the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's Fourth Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture in St. Kitts on November 3. Best is Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of the West Indies and a former lecture in economics at the University of the West Indies. He will speak on the topic, Economic Theory and Economic Policy in the 20^th Century West Indies: The Lewis Tradition of Town and Gown.

The event, which will take place at the ECCB's Auditorium and Conference Centre, will also feature the ECCB award for Best Corporate Citizen among commercial banks in the currency area. Last's year's Best Corporate Citizen was the National Bank of Anguilla.

Over the following two days, November 4and 5, the ECCB will hold its 10^th Annual Conference with Commercial Banks under the theme, Innovations in the Financial Sector and Implications for the Regulatory Framework.

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) Capital Market Development Project is moving one step further with the visit of a team of legal consultants to ECCB member territories, according to a statement from the bank.

The team is charged with developing the legal and regulatory framework for the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market, the statement added.

The Aries team of Shane Reppert and Ray Astin also includes former Attorney General of St Kitts and Nevis MR Tapley Seaton.

In addition, Kittian Attorney Mr Anthony Gonsalves is counterparting the ECCB’s Legal Unit.

Everette Martin of the ECCB’s Bank Supervision Department completes the team which was expected to begin visiting the islands during the week.

The team has already met with Governor of the ECCB Mr. K. Dwight Venner, Deputy Governor Mr Errol Allen and Head of the Financial Enterprise Development Unit in the Governor’s Office Mr James Fleming to review their Terms of Reference and work schedules.

During their visit to the territories, the Consultants will meet with members of the legal fraternity including the Attorneys General, the National Steering Committees, the Registrars of Companies and the Comptrollers of Inland Revenue.

"This is an effort to conduct research and analysis on governing laws and their possible effects on Securities Legislation and Regulatory Framework," the central bank statement said.

The visit comes shortly on the heels of that of two teams from INTRADOS/ECCB.

INTRADOS is the consulting firm that has been contracted to design and implement an operating Securities Exchange including institutional and information technology infrastructure as well as training.

They are also responsible for the design and implementation of a Securities Exchange marketing, education and awareness programme.
They also visited ECCB member territories to familiarize the relevant parties with, as well as to obtain feedback on the blueprint for the Securities Exchange.

The Money and Capital Market Development Project aims to develop and improve the economies of the ECCB member territories, through the creation of alternative sources of capital. The ultimate goal is the creation of a single financial space within the OECS.

The Inter American Development Bank (IDB) is funding the project with counterpart resources from the ECCB.

As a group of three German ham radio operators prepared to participate in an international competition from Montserrat, the local ham radio operators association Monday said the hobby could bring tourist dollars to the island. Mr Bruce Farara, President of the Montserrat Amateur Radio Society said the worldwide hobby of reaching people across the globe on two-way communication radios could be used to market this little-known island.

"It's good for the economy and for tourism. That's a good tourism product," Farara told the Montserrat Reporter, adding that "we can assist the tourism department, we're ready to work with them."

Prior to the volcano, numerous ham-operators visited the island on an annual basis and contributed to the economy. Compared to other bigger countries with large numbers of ham radio operators Montserrat's call sign, VP2M, is hardly heard of and so there is always a craving to communicate with such places.

The local ham association has already assisted the visiting team in getting their operating licenses and would be helping them to rig their antennas in time for the competition expected to begin at the weekend.

MICHELLE LEE RECORDS GOOD GCSE RESULTS

Ms. Michelle Lee, daughter of Basil Lee, has passed 10 GCSE subjects or O'levels in Britain.

She gained grade B passes in French, Double Sciences (which is a combination of three modules -- Biology, Chemistry and Physics), English Language, written and oral, Religious Studies, English Literature and Theatre Studies. The other passes were in Maths, History, Design and Technology.

Her teachers at Skinner's Company School for Girls were very proud of her but disappointed that she decided not to return to that school's sixth form.

Ms. Lee now attends a sixth form college which is quite reputable for its students’ high achievement in A'levels. It is the second largest college in Britain.

Since she was in kindergarten she wanted to become a judge later in life. She is now studying Government and Politics, as well as English Literature and Sociology. After sixth form she is hoping to get into a good Law School.

Her mother Sharmen Thompson says that Michelle is very ambitious and is not interested in wasting time or being distracted by unimportant trivialities.

ASH Actress Cops Literary Award

Belonger, Ad-Ziko Simba was this year’s sole National Literary Arts gold medal winner in the Literary Arts Competition held in Jamaica.

The Competition was sponsored by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

Ad-Zico's story, "Of Love and Lies" was considered the best by a panel of judges from the JCDC.

On receiving the award, the slim, soft spoken Ms. Simba said:

"I don't think the full impact of it has hit me really...But I'm excited, relieved and humbled by this award."

Ad-Zico is expected to return to Montserrat shortly to begin rehearsals with fellow writer/actor Chadd Cumberbatch.

Their presentation of the critically acclaimed production "ASH, The Second Falling" is scheduled to 'fall' on December 15th-16th; and is already being talked about as the show not to miss this season.

We at the Reporter would like to extend congratulations to Ms. Simba on winning such a prestigious award.

Derek M. Osborne of Montserrat has successfully completed a Fellowship Admission Course and is now a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. He had previously graduated from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada, with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics (with Honours in Actuarial Science and a minor in Economics).

Derek's specially its Pensions. He is employed as Actuary with the National Insurance board of The Bahamas and has also been contracted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as Project Actuary of the ILO Umbrella Programme for Actuarial Reviews to Selected Countries of the Caribbean.

Derek is a son of Mr. & Mrs. Bertrand Osborne. He is married to Darnell nee Johnson of the Bahamas and they have one child, a son, Nagge.

New activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano in recent days caused by a large accumulation of rainwater appears to support scientific theories that the volcano is in fact cooling down.

Ever since the dome ceased growing nearly two years ago, volcanologists have been assuring residents that continued, dome collapses, ash eruptions and explosions were part of residual activity as the volcano was going back to sleep.

Given the fact that rainwater hardly triggered ash eruptions and explosions two years ago, Chief Scientist at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) Dr. Simon Young, said recent reaction of the volcano to large quantities of rainwater has proven scientific theory that the volcano was cooling off.

"The ground water is back up to its pre-volcano levels and that's because the volcano has been cooling down. It hasn't been producing any new magma for a year and a half, so the old volcano is re-establishing itself, which in certain ways is a good sign because we are getting back to what it was before the eruptions began in 1995.

"That essentially means that when we get heavy rains, that tops up the ground water system so that it coincides with the areas that are still hot in the lava dome and that causes steam to be produced and causes a pressure build-up which causes these explosions," he told the Montserrat Reporter.

After rainfall caused by Hurricane Jose and a weather disturbance in the Leeward Islands last week and earlier this week, an accumulation of rainwater in the volcano triggered the explosion.

The 6:45 a.m. explosion Tuesday pushed ash and finely ground material about 15,000 feet into the air, forcing residents in some areas of the island to quickly close their windows and doors to minimize clean-up operations later.

Others were seen retrieving washed clothing, hung outside overnight to dry.

There were two other volcanic events, one Thursday last week, and the other Sunday.

Unlike previous activity in recent months that were described as "ash eruptions" and "ash events," Dr Young Chief labeled that latest event an "explosion."

"We had a moderate-size explosion of the volcano this morning, directly related to the amount of rain that we have had over the past week," Dr. Young said.

Even though that explosion was similar in nature to when the volcano first began belching ash during 1995 and 1996, scientists have again assured that such activity did not mean a resurgence of violent activity similar to that which wiped out some areas in the south and east of the island.

"There may be some input from the heat of the volcano but it doesn't include new magma so there is no change really in the overall status of the volcano," he said.

While more activity of that kind was expected in days to come, the MVO official did not see the need for persons living in areas such as Frith's and Salem to evacuate once again because of concerns that the ash and dust could cause silicosis.

Dr. Young said he believes that the rain-induced explosions and dome collapses would assist in the speedier degradation of the dome and so decrease the frequency and magnitude of dome collapses and ash-falls.

From L to R: Lisa Hughes, Publisher of Conde’ Nast Traveler; Elveta Chalmers, Chaperone; Janelle White, Finalist; Jean Holder, Secretary General of CTO; Tom Wallace, Editor-in-Chief, Conde’ Nast Traveler

Janelle White was Montserrat’s Finalist at Conde Nast Traveler’s 1999 "My Caribbean Essay Contest."

She attended the 23^rd Conference of Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) held in Santo Doimingo, recently.

Life Slowly Returning To Normal In Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda, one of the neighbouring Caribbean islands where a large number of Montserratians sought refuge at the height of the volcanic crisis, has begun recovering from Hurricane Jose.

Reports from St. John’s, however, said that the tropical storm was putting a dampening effect on the October 29 Independence celebrations there.

The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) was able to assist most of the persons who stayed at shelters during the hurricane.According to NODS, only two shelters remain open since the passage of hurricane Jose'.

Three families are still to vacate these shelters, one at St. Phillips North and two at St. Georges.

Officials at the disaster office are working to find housing for families of five, four and two whose houses were destroyed by the hurricane.

Residents of Crabbes, Five Islands and Cobbs Cross, who have lost their homes, have been given tents by NODS or are staying with families and friends.

The National Independence Celebrations Steering Committee has had to cancel a few activities from this year’s independence programme due to the hurricane.

Those programmes are the Youth Rally, the schools calisthenics displays, marching bands in concert, the national dance festival craft display, the national dance festival and the recreational day for the elderly.

The heritage display for the private sector and schools were also cancelled.

The National Food Fair and the Panache competition will be held on November 5 along Independence Avenue.

A new date for the theatrical presentation,"Legend of King Klass," will be announced.

The scaled down programme now includes Patriotic programmes in schools, and the national song recital at the Spring Gardens Moravian Church and National Dress Day will be observed as scheduled on Friday 29.

The National Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Sunday at the Holy Family Cathedral.

Prime Minister Lester Bird will address the nation on November 1 -- Independence Day. The ceremonial parade will take place at the ARG and the steel band fiesta will be held in downtown St John's later that evening.

SPORTS

A wet outfield at Salem Park forced cricket officials to abandon Sunday’s game in the Montserrat Cricket Association one-day league.

Not a ball was bowled in the match Cudjoe Head versus Combined XI as heavy overnight rain and showers during the week saturated the field.

The game has been rescheduled to Saturday.

Cudjoe won its first game against Salem on October 10^th, while the Combined XI was knocked off by the Montserrat Youth team in the league’s opening encounter the previous week.

The other unbeaten team is Police, who beat the Montserrat Youth Team last week.

Cricket remains the number one sport in the English-speaking Caribbean, according to just released results of a market research by Cable & Wireless.

"And contrary to the belief of some commentators, cricket is gaining in popularity," the phone company said in a statement.

More than nine out of 10 people say someone in their family follows the game.

Nearly 1,200 people in 11 countries were interviewed during March, during the 1999 Cable & Wireless Series between West Indies and Australia.

More than two-thirds of those polled said they watched some of the Series on television, while over a third said they had attended or intended to go to a match in the Series.

Eighty-four percent of those polled agreed with the statement, "Cricket is the most popular sport in the Caribbean," a 4-percent increase on the previous year.

For those looking to the future of cricket, the news is also good. Eighty-six percent of under-25s agreed that cricket is the region's most popular sport.

When asked to name the most popular sport in their own country, respondents in six out of 11 countries named cricket, ahead of football and basketball, which show no signs of gaining ground in the popularity stakes.

Sonny Peart, Marketing Communications Manager for Cable & Wireless, said, "We carry out research to see how the public and our customers respond to our support for West Indies cricket.

"We're very pleased to see that support for cricket appears to be growing, as this validates our continued contribution to West Indies cricket.

"It's why we invest US$2.1 million a year in the region's favourite sport.

"It's why we're sponsoring regional TV coverage of next month's Red Stripe Bowl final, it's why we're sponsoring the team in Sharjah, and it's why we're talking to the WICB about how we can continue to support West Indies cricket into the 21^st century.

"While our customers continue to say they support cricket, we'll continue to hear them."

Ninety-six percent of those polled in the survey agreed that Cable & Wireless’ support for the 1999 Series was important for the game in the West Indies. Eighty-five percent felt West Indies cricket would not survive without the aid of sponsorship.

Ninety-pour percent of those polled agreed that hosting international cricket boosts tourism and contributes to economic development.

Chris Dehring, Chief Marketing Executive for the West Indies Cricket Board, said,

"The WICB has been working hard, on and off the field, to ensure cricket continues to be the region's premier sport in the next millennium. This research shows that Caribbean people are responding.

"West Indies cricket continues to be a valuable cultural and commercial property. Our joint promotions with sponsors such as Cable & Wireless, together with some thrilling cricket, like this year's unforgettable Test in Barbados, have brought many new supporters to the game.

"We had record attendances during the Cable & Wireless 1999 Series. We'll be working to do even better in 2000."

Storm surges that accompanied Hurricane Jose might have done some good in scouring a small quantity of bitumen oil leaked into the sea 11 days ago, top Agriculture Ministry officials said Monday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials also said divers inspected the area at Port Little Bay where the October 11 leakage occurred and reported that hardly any of the estimated 90 gallons of oil could be seen.
Agriculture Ministry authorities said they believe that wave-energy from the 10-foot storm surges of Hurricane Jose "could have moved" some of the oil that seeped out of drums as they were being shuffled around at the port.
There were no reports of any fish kills, although the oil leaked into an area where a natural fish nursery is located.
"The quantity of oil in relation to the amount of water would lessen the impact significantly," the official told the Montserrat Reporter.
Seepage of the bitumen oil has raised concerns about the absence of equipment here to clean up even minor oil spills despite pleas from the Fire Service.

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

The Department of Public Works continues to make progress on the main road at Lookout.

A senior official told ZJB News barring bad weather most of the road should be completed by the end of the year.

Currently workers are putting in drains and culverts before the laying of asphalt.

In related news The Department of Public Works is strengthening its engineering unit.

According to officials a government engineer and a civil engineer from the United Kingdom will soon take up appointments.

Meanwhile a young Montserratian engineer has joined the PWD Staff.

Dion Weekes, who recently graduated from the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies, has taken up duties as assistant engineer.

Montserrat is becoming a much sought after island for international Ham Radio Operators.

This is because of the islands size and unique Call Sign VP 2 M.

At least three German Amateur Radio Operators are expected here next week to work the network as part of an international competition taking place for Ham Operators worldwide.

President of the Montserrat Amateur Radio Society Bruce Farara says that within the fraternity it is a major achievement for individual Ham Operators to get reception confirmation from Montserrat.

As a result many Ham operators worldwide yearn to be able to make contact from the island.

Farara says an operator could get as many as 7,000 responses if the call is made from VP2M.

The three German Ham operators arrive here next Monday and will be here for 14 days as part of the contest called CQ Worldwide DX.

The local Amateur Radio Society assists operators from around the world who wish to come to Montserrat.

They are assisted with acquiring a local license to operate here and in arranging accommodation.

Local operators also help with providing antennas and towers to facilitate visiting Ham operators.

Local organiser of the German Operators visit Reuel Hixon made contact with the leader last June.

He provided the group with up-to-date information about Montserrat and assisted with arranging local accommodation and getting a local licence for them to operate from Montserrat.

Acting head of the Emergency Department Lt. Horatio Tuitt is pleased with the island’s response to Hurricane Jose.

Lt. Tuitt says all relevant authorities, including the Emergency Operations Center, other emergency services, and government agencies and departments reacted promptly and efficiently.

He is also full of praise for the non-government organizations, especially the Montserrat Red Cross that had trained first aiders at all the shelters.

A regional tourism consultant has warned against putting too much emphasis on the volcano as Montserrat markets itself as a tourist destination.

Agnes Francis, who has been assigned by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, is conducting a study for the government of Montserrat.

Speaking to ZJB News Ms. Francis says the marketing strategy should not focus entirely on the volcano, as not everyone would be interested.

She says instead the strategy should concentrate on identifying certain niche markets.

Ms. Francis says the study will examine options for the growth and development of the tourism sector such as product inventory, identifying all the island’s natural attributes, infrastructure, amenities and accommodation.

Mobile telephone users in Montserrat will soon have the newest digital technology.

Cable and Wireless has begun the conversion of its cellular networks from analog to digital in five islands.

Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Dominica, Anguilla and Grenada will all have digital service by year end, and plans are underway for upgrading Montserrat, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands, St Kitts and Nevis.

According to Cable and Wireless the new digital system has unique features and benefits, including longer talk time.

It is more efficient in its power use, and facilitates caller identification and a "Short Message Service" that will allow users to receive text message.

Odie Donald, Chief Executive of Cable and Wireless Caribbean and Atlantic Islands, says this conversion is another example of Cable and Wireless’ long-term commitment to the Caribbean.

He says by investing in the latest digital technology the company can give its customers an entire new range of services and benefits.

Gordon Grant, Director of mobile for the Caribbean says customers will see a major improvement in the quality of service, including clear voice communications, no static and total privacy and security with the use of digital technology

Montserratian businessman Joel Webbe has won a major award.

Mr. Webbe, who owns the electronics company W and W Electronics, won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by the international accounting firm of Ernst and Young and Republic Bank of Trinidad.

W and W Electronics, now based in Grenada, produces and exports the connectors used in the computer industry.

In 1989, then based in Montserrat, the company was completely destroyed by Hurricane Hugo and after rebuilding, the plant was again destroyed in 1995 following the volcanic eruption.

In 1997, Mr. Webbe relocated his business in Grenada.

This year for the first time the award was open to businesses in Grenada and Guyana, countries in which Republic Bank has subsidiaries.

Montserrat is among countries in the Caribbean to benefit from a new tourism marketing strategy for the region.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has set up a Special Task Force to identify the marketing, promotion and communication needs in the region as a tourism destination.

Montserrat is a member of the CTO, whose primary goal is to provide services and information necessary for the development of sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean people.

The Task Force has been charged with making recommendations for CTO’s board of directors on the key components, time frame and costs of a regional marketing programme to be launched as soon as practicable in the year 2000 or 2001.

The Task Force will also seek to arrive at a budget which is affordable by the membership, sustainable and which may be based on a clearlydefined formula.

The group was formed by CTO’s Board of Directors at its 23^rd Caribbean Tourism Conference in the Dominican Republic last september.

Cuba has expressed an interest in taking donkeys from Montserrat.

The United States-based World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is working along with the Cuban Government to export the animals.

The Cuban Government is currently making arrangements to send veterinary officers to Montserrat to check the animals for disease before they can be shipped off.

WSPA will also pay the freight cost of transporting the donkeys to Cuba

Fifty-four donkeys have been captured so far in Lookout to protect homes and gardens in the newly developed community.

Thirty have been distributed so far to persons in the community, mainly to farmers.

WSPA is also assisting the Department of Agriculture in feeding the donkeys, which are kept in a corral at Lookout.

The organization has provided U.S.$1,600 to feed the animals for one month.

Since their capture it has cost the Department of Agriculture approximately EC$30,000 to feed the donkeys.

The Ministry of Health will soon step up its health education programme with the appointment of a Health Education Officer.

According to officials the officer is expected to take up the appointment shortly.

Among the issues expected to be tackled by the Health Education Officer are relationships among people, and dealing with teens on a range of health issues, including pregnancy.

The Emergency Department is reviewing its Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

The plan, which was drafted in 1995, was developed specifically for handling oil spills at the port in Plymouth.

However, Lt. Horatio Tuitt, Acting Head of the Emergency Department, says the plan would be redrafted to deal specifically with the north of the island where fuel is now discharged.

According to Lt. Tuitt the Oil Spill Contingency Plan deals, among other issues, with cleaning up oil spills when they occur, containment and disposal.

Lt. Tuitt says the plan also includes protective measures to prevent such disasters from happening.

Ten days ago approximately 60 gallons of bitumen leaked into the sea at the Montserrat Port Authority, where it was being kept for the Public Works Department.

The thick substance sank to the bottom of the sea.

Officials reacted quickly to assess any potential environmental damage, including taking aerial shots of the area from the helicopter.

However, officials in the Department of Agriculture, which has responsibility for the environment, said says the environmental impact of the spill would be minimal.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is warning of the possibility of more eruptions as a tropical wave passing through the islands continues to produce heavy showers.

Since the heavy rains began last Wednesday with passage of Hurricane Jose, there have been three eruptions, the biggest of which occurred on Saturday and Sunday.

Director of the MVO Dr. Simon Young says these eruptions are caused by water getting into cracks, which have opened up, in the dome.

He told ZJB News there might be a few more eruptions this week.

Dr. Young says the volcano is still winding down but there are cycles of five to seven weeks when activity picks up.

The Head of the Observatory says this justifies the need for keeping the Exclusion Zone as a reminder that the volcano is still active every now and again.

The Honourable Acting Chief Minister Adelina Tuitt says the government may have to review its work permit policy.

Mrs. Tuitt, who also has responsibility for Labour, says the job market, specifically in the construction sector has become saturated.

She told ZJB News a number of immigrant workers who worked on the Force Ten houses at Lookout have indicated their intention to stay on Montserrat but this raises other questions.

The Honourable Minister addressed some of those questions in an interview with ZJB News this week.

The Honourable Acting Chief Minister Adelina Tuitt says the Government will soon appoint a Community Care Coordinator.

In a speech marking the end of activities for the Year of the Elderly, Mrs. Tuitt announced that the Community Care Coordinator is being recruited and is expected to arrive on island shortly.

The coordinator will work specifically with persons who care for the elderly.

Mrs. Tuitt says it is believed that elderly persons may live more productive and meaningful lives if they remain in their homes for as long as possible, thus the appointment of the Community Care Coordinator.

Comptroller of Customs Rudolph Dyett says the Customs and Excise Department is well prepared for the new millennium.

Mr. Dyett told ZJB news that the computer systems in the Customs Department are now Y2K compliant.

He says a consultant from the Caribbean Export Development Agency has been working with the Customs Department to develop its preparedness plan against the millennium bug.

According to experts the millennium bug is expected to cause problems for businesses, utility companies and governments as the year 2000 rolls around on January 1^st.

Mr. Dyett says the Customs Department is leaving nothing to chance and will be testing its equipment before the 1^st of January.

He says the Year 2000 Compliant version of its Accounting System for the Customs Data (ASYCUDA) will be implemented on Monday November 1^st.

Montserratian poet and author Adziko Simba has won a major award in Jamaica.

She has been awarded a gold medal in this year’s National Literary Arts competition, organized by the Jamaica National Cultural Development Commission.

Ms. Simba won the award for her story "Of love and lies."

In response to her achievement the talented performer says she is excited, humbled and relieved for the recognition in Jamaica.

Ms. Simba is expected to arrive in Montserrat soon to collaborate with another talented performer, Chad Cumberbatch, on the theatre production, "Ash – the second falling."

The senior loans officer at the Bank of Montserrat is undergoing training in Antigua.

The Officer, Cathyanne Lee-Fenton, is pursuing credit training along with senior bank personnel from other banking institutions in the sub-region.

The East Caribbean Institute of Banking, an arm of the East Caribbean Central Bank, is sponsoring the two-week training course.

Mrs. Lee Fenton is gaining new skills in analysing financial statements and in the preparation of credit applications.

On her return she is expected to share her new skills with other bank officers who deal with commercial credit.

The course, which began on October 18^th, ends tomorrow.

A new organization, Dome Growth Productions, has been formed.

Well-known artist and performer Everton "Pops" Morris spearheads the organization, which will devote its time this year on enhancing the art form of masquerade dancing.

Among the activities planned is a masquerade day in which 100 dress masquerades are expected to participate.

There will also be a street parade, competitions for the public, while invitations will be extended to masquerades in Antigua and Nevis.

Mr. Morris says one of the aims of Dome Growth Productions is to develop a national masquerade troupe

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt says the Government of Montserrat has completed discussions with the United Kingdom on the Soft Mortgage Scheme.

Speaking to reporters this week, Mr. Brandt announced that the scheme would come into operation on December 31^st.

The Chief Minister said he could not give details at this time but a few things are still to be worked out.

The Soft Mortgage Scheme is expected to benefit scores of families who need homes, easing Montserrat’s critical housing shortage.

Work by definition is (1) physical or mental effort directed to making or doing something and (2) paid employment.

There is also work for which one receives no wage; for example one's own domestic chores and voluntary services.

The idea of work goes back to Adam in the Old Testament (Gen 3:17-19). This was the punishment he received as a result of his disobedience to God

In our times an individual works in order to be able to meet his basic needs -- food, clothing, shelter etc. --by way of receiving a wage or salary (mutually agreed upon by himself and his employer).

The importance of work is emphasized in (1 Thess: 3:10). It is stated "that one who does not work should not eat" There are definitely exceptions to this.

In spite of the importance of work it is to be noted that some workers have a very negative attitude towards work, which may be demonstrated in the following ways: (1) lack of motivation, (2) lack of love of occupation, (3) lack of ambition, (4) failure to strive for efficiency, (5) display of the 8-4 syndrome (6) going to work to relax (7) going through the motions.

These negatives and others are reproductive and adversely affect the work place and the country's level of productivity.

In Sociology there is a term known as "ritualism," whereby a worker follows procedures but gives no importance to the purpose of the job. Many workers fall in this bracket.

Anyone employed today should be thankful, as mechanization and automation have displaced many workers and unemployment is on the increase.

In Prov 18: 9 a slothful worker is considered to be brother to a great waster. The truth about this is that one can more easily waste away money he hasn't worked hard for.

It is always more fulfilling for one to leave the workplace at the end of the workday satisfied that he has given a fair day’s work for a fair day's pay. Remember always that no work is too low that a man cannot make a success out of it.

"Its a lot of hard work with no thanks." That is what most people told the small group of young people who wanted to make a significant contribution to the social activities calendar of Montserrat. Not to be discouraged, these young people went ahead and started the group Tropical Productions in 1992.

The main objective of the group was to provide entertainment and activities which would appeal to persons of any age. The satisfaction of seeing people themselves would be thanks enough to the group and they set about planning and producing shows to fill what was an obvious void.

Miss Tropical Isle was the first major venture that Tropical Productions undertook. This beauty pageant brought young ladies from various islands to Montserrat to compete for the title of Miss Tropical Isle. This show was successfully put on for two consecutive years with rave reviews.

Other ventures included bringing the renowned Jam Band from the USVI and Vision Band from Antigua to the island, as well as teenage summer disco dances, and sponsoring the Montserrat contestant (Miss Cleo Weekes) in the MISS ZIZ Pageant.

In 1995 plans were being put in place for the group's contribution to theYear-end Festival; however, with the onset of the volcanic crisis these had to be put on hold. The crisis is over and rebuilding has started. The last festival of this millennium should be memorable and exciting despite the limitations brought about by volcanic activity.

Tropical Productions has every Intention of fully contributing to Festival 1999.

On Sunday 26 December, a different version of the past Miss Tropical Isle beauty pageant will be staged under the new name of Miss Unity Pageant. Young ladies living on the Island from different parts of the world will represent their countries on stage in an exciting show. There will be major prizes for the successful contestants and a night of superb entertainment for the audience.

This show is not the only aspect of Festival in which Tropical Productions will be involved. On 23 December there will be a Gala Black & White Party to be held at Tropical Mansion. This will be a formal party with a theme, appealing to the more mature fun-loving audience. Of course Festival will be nothing without Troupes and Groups and this year will be no exception. In fact, this year's Troupes and Groups Parade on 27 December and 3 January 2000 should be exceptional and Tropical Productions intends to see that this happens.

A lot of hard work and effort is being put into these events by the group to ensure that everyone present on Montserrat for the closing of this millennium will enjoy a fun-filled and memorable Festival. However, for this to happen there must be participation from the public. The group welcomes suggestions, advice, contributions and assistance towards their efforts for Festival 1999 and appeals to everyone to Let Fun and Fellowship Combine for Festival 1999!

THIS WEEK WITH THE NURSES

PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

Definition: Peptic Ulcer Disease is an ulceration involving the lining of the stomach parts of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. This ulceration occurs mainly because of the large production of acid and pepsin in the stomach.

Types of Peptic Ulcers

There are several types of peptic ulcers but the most common ones are:

1. Duodenal ulcers and

2. Gastric Ulcers

Duodenal ulcers are ulceration of the part of the small intestine; they are always non- cancerous. The majority of persons with duodenal ulcers range between ages 20 to 60.

Gastric Ulcers occur in the lining of the stomach; they can become cancerous, especially if not treated early. Gastric ulcers affect persons between the ages of 40 and 80.

Conclusive to say both types of ulcers are more common in men than women. The relative incidence of duodenal and gastric ulcers varies throughout the world. For example, in Great Britain the ratio of duodenal ulcers to gastric ulcers is approximately 2:1, whereas in the Indian subcontinents it is more than 20:1.

There is a higher incidence of peptic ulcer disease amongst professional men and executives, and health professionals such as doctors and nurses. This is mainly related to the greater stresses, strains and responsibilities they carry.

Pre-disposing factors of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Many influences can disturb the balance of acid and pepsin (stomach enzymes which aid in the breakdown of starch and proteins) production; these include.

a) Stress: which is implicated as a common precipitating factor and

b) Drugs: certain drugs such as Aspirin, Indocid, Reserpine and corticosteroids taken over a long period of time predispose to formation of ulcers. These ulcers tend to heal once the drug is discontinued and are unlikely to recur unless the drug is taken again.

Signs & Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Signs and symptoms include epigastric discomfort or pain commonly recognised by the patient as indigestion. It varies from mild discomfort, which the person ignores, to a very severe pain that makes the person lie down. This usually occurs one to three hours after a meal. It is absent before breakfast but may occur during the night. It is relieved by alkalis but aggravated by alcohol.

Loss of weight: mainly due to decreased appetite as persons experiences discomfort mainly after meals, this occurs in cases of gastric ulcer.

Vomiting - relieves the pain of a gastric ulcer; usually persons force themselves to vomit after meals in order to relieve symptoms.

Other symptoms include dyspepsia, heartburn, and nausea. In some cases, physical signs may be absent.

Treatment Includes

1. Medical

2. Surgical

Medical intervention includes the use of drugs such as antacids in forms of tablets and liquids such as Maxalon, Digel, Maalox and Dica; also drugs in injection form and Pepcide. These drugs act on the acid and pepsin causing neutralizing effect, therefore relieving the condition. Antacids usually leave the stomach quite rapidly if taken on an empty stomach. They should therefore be taken hourly while awake and three (3) hours after each meal and at bedtime.

Ranitidine known as Zantac and Ametidine are HistamineH2 receptor-blocking agents and have added a new approach to the control of gastric secretions.

Diet: In general, however, diet cannot be over emphasized as a means of treating peptic ulcer disease.

Foods to Avoid

• All spicy foods - example hot pepper sauce, curry powder, black pepper.

• All carbonated drinks - example sodas

• All alcoholic drinks - example, beers, Guinness, alcohol, rum punch etc.

• Avoid coffee, coco-cola and all other caffinated food stuffs.

• Avoid smoking as much as possible; smoking interferes with ulcer healing.

• Avoid high-fiber cereals and brans, as these will cause irritation and further erosion of the stomach walls during the process of digestion.

Foods Recommended

• Milk and milk products

• Clear non-carbonated beverages - e.g. water etc

• Bland diet - non spicy foods

• Chewing on foods slowly and taking small amounts at a time poses less pressure on stomach walls during the process digestion.

Surgical intervention may be necessary only when the condition fails to improve and is further complicated by perforation of the stomach walls causing obstruction at the end of the stomach or perforation of a major blood vessel which results in severe haemorrhaging in the stomach.

(Perforation is an erosion of a peptic ulcer of the muscular wall of the stomach thereby providing an opening from the stomach into the peritoneal cavities. Vagotomy or incision of the vagus nerve is the procedure done in duodenal ulcers.

Antrectomy with Gastroduodenal Anastomosis

In gastric ulcers the affected part of the stomach is removed and joined with another part of the small intestine.

Before surgical intervention X-ray examinations of the stomach is done to rule out disease. Also laboratory investigations are done. The doctor will explain to you all procedures to be carried out, other possible treatment and prognosis of condition.

For more information on Peptic Ulcer Disease, please contact your District Medical Officer, nursing personnel and hospital.

Mrs. Cheryl Phillip-Lewis, RN, RM

Staff Nurse

Mrs. Phillip-Lewis joined the nursing profession as a student nurse in 1989 and

successfully completed training in 1992. During her training she received a two-month clinical attachment at the University Hospital of the West Indies and received valuable experience in several areas, including Ophthalmology, Neonatology, Orthopedics, as well as at the Burns, Intensive Care and Renal Dialysis Units.

In her quest to enhance her professional growth and development, Mrs. Phillip-Lewis was awarded a scholarship in 1997 to pursue midwifery training in St. Kitts. This she successfully completed in 1998, placing second in the class. She was subsequently appointed to the position of Staff Nurse.

Mrs. Phillip-Lewis states that she enjoys every aspect of Nursing and her dreams and aspirations are to continue further training in Nursing.

She would like to thank all those who encouraged and helped her in anyway in her nursing career. Her words of inspiration to all are: "Nothing good comes easy and that patience and virtue are the keys to success."

Your proposal gets CM’s okay

And his pledge that "there’ll be no delay."

Later DFID’s top man

Says, "I’ve seen no such plan;

Who – and where – is the one in the way?

No matter how much we appeal,

Each time Mr. Brandt makes a deal,

He declares it’s been cut

On his offshore trip, but

The details he cannot reveal.

What makes a person fall in love with your partner?

1: Their Personality
2: Their Romantic Nature
3: The Affection Towards Their Partner
4: The Respect They've Shown Their Partner
5: Everything!
6: Their Physical Features
7: Their Sense Of Humor
8: The Friendship They Share
9: A Sense Of Bonding Between Each Other
10: Their Partner Provides A Sense of Security

Jus wonderin why some things are not printed in JUS WONDERIN.

Jus wonderin' what potential future investors will think when a businessman forced to leave this island due to unresponsiveness is named "Entrepreneur of the Year" on another.

Jus wonderin if Christmas will come and meet the misfortunate in the same clothes.

Jus wonderin if its not better to give the fashion queen a trip to the Caribbean to see how the primary, Day care and pre schools are kept instead of those unnecessary ones.

Jus wonderin if the CM had to travel with a backup vocalist to sing on his mike and play on his organ.

Jus wonderin why the nursery schools children have to sleep on those hard desks rather than on cots.

Jus wonderin why they don't transfer the staff of the Nations Station to Hollywood since they are so famous.

Jus wonderin if RED is more committed to GREEN than it is to ELECTRICITY.

Jus wonderin if it is true the police department is paying rent for foreign officers and their families and not for the local officers.

Jus wonderin if the foreign officers didn't have house why they see fit to bring dem whole family ya fo done awe 75.

Jus wonderin how bad it must be in a country to come take up job in an island that could blow up any minute.

Jus wonderin how many Guyanese in Salem and how many of them have work permits to do what they doing.

Jus wonderin why chalk-n-board workers have to stop walk with weapons to their places of work

Jus wonderin if discipline is such a problem at MSS why they don't just shut the place down and call it a day.

Jus wonderin if we had a different government if Jose would still have speared us.

Jus wonderin if Jose saw that our plan was not yet on the board.

Jus wonderin, Lawd, ah Jus wonderin if ah should-duh tek de package!

Jus wonderin , why dem Guyanese dat come here for vacation (two weeks) still here and working fo months.

Jus wonderin if de labor department wonderin de same ting?