"I believe that there will some very surprised people on Monday night next week," is the latest comment from one voter yesterday. The campaign has been much of the same, but in some ways different, and it may be that difference that brought the highest number of contestants in the history of General Elections in Montserrat.
POLLING STATIONS
There is of course one major difference and that is that most will not go to the usual polling stations, but will find themselves in the same building but voting for at different stations. Prior to this the only building used in this fashion was the Court House building in Plymouth. This time, the well known Salem Junior Secondary School compound, one of the last buildings to be evacuated as a shelter, to accommodate the re-opening of school, will house at least four polling stations.
BUSING
Another first will be that busing will be provided for voters by the Supervisor of Elections office. It is rumored and we have not been able to confirm that no less than 7 charters have been arranged this time by politicians to bring voters from Antigua.
BRIBERY
Nothing new are the cries of bribery and wrong doing during the campaign, crimes that only the electorate can solve. There are the cries of 'mud slinging' and character assassination a more difficult problem to deal with, since it will require some understanding as to where it begins and where it ends.
It was reported that the Governor directed the Commissioner of Police to set up a unit to investigate claims of bribery He appealed to the public to come forward with information concerning offer of bribes from prospective parliamentary candidates
THE DEBATE
A big first, was the idea of debate between candidates which took place on Monday night. The debate was aired live on ZJB, Radio Antilles and also available to viewers on local access TV. But although following the debate Radio Antilles allowed a 'call-in comment only' session which allowed the caller to laud their selected candidates with congratulations, (which in itself was a mistake), a wide section of people including the candidates themselves considered the Chief Ministerial Debate to be not a success. Among other criticisms, it was felt that the time allowed for the main part was insufficient to really draw out the candidates.
THE CONSTITUTION AND IRREGULARITIES
It was probably inevitable that accusations of the past were hurled during the debate as some were imputed to have been involved in irregularities during their time as leader of the country. Bramble called for changes to the Montserrat Constitution Order saying that the whole island should be made one constituency which he said would, "would lessen the chances of tiny constituencies from being bought as happened in the past." He also felt that there should be provision to investigate irregularities such as the galvanize issue and missing funds from the sale of cotton.
Meade on the Constitution issue said a change in the Constitution will not improve the level of politics displayed on the platforms.
Osborne while dismissing claims of irregularities during his administration says the people are not interested in such issues, but their bread and butter, at this time
There was general agreement among the leaders as to the British Government's required involvement in aiding Montserrat for some time to come, particularly with the volcano related problems. John Osborne emphasized the view that it was unimportant what a particular Chief Minister's relationship is with the British as they were compelled to look after Montserrat. That view was rebuked by the other two. In the short time they had there was little or no difference between their respective aims and goals.
Later this week Chief Minister Reuben Meade invoked the wrath of his rivals, some threatening to take him to the court, following what ZJB called and exclusive interview. It resulted in the radio station allowing other candidates interviews on radio. Many of the candidates have been on the radio and again this must be the first time that candidates have been allowed as much air time as has been used for open campaigning.
In the broadcast, he touched on the other leaders and some of the leading independent candidates including Brandt, Howes and Tuitt. He explained why Brandt was fired accused him of trying to overthrow the NPP government using criminal and other means. He gave his views also on the separation from the party of Tuitt and Howes.
Later, the CM seemed to be admitting to problems surrounding the shelters, calling on the community saying that the government alone should not shoulder the burden for shelters, appealing to groups for assistance. The shelter issue has been a burdensome one for NPP as the administration has been attacked almost incessantly by all opposing candidates for their handling of the crisis on a whole. Meade however maintains that no other will handle the situation better than he has, reminding everyone that this was a crucial issue for any new administration to grapple.
On Monday, 11th November, 1996 the final drama of the 1996 General Election is expected to take place. Every voter who shows up at the polls will be a star and how well he or she shines will depend upon how bright they are in their heads, hearts, souls and conscience.
Montserratians will face what might go down in history for some time as a most important General Election. We are not only faced with choosing whom we wish to be our legislators as in past decades, we are facing very difficult times with a live and very active volcano which has resulted in the population been reduced significantly and the domino effect thereafter.
Frighteningly, there are several expressions of further departures should the majority of voters make what some will consider to be the wrong choices. And because there is not a single constituency where there are only two candidates much less one, the system makes it possible that a candidate may win a seat in the legislature, with little more than 20% of the votes cast.
What is therefore required of us, is that we vote with our heads, hearts, souls and consciences rather than with our bellies. Quoting from a letter to the Editor on October 4, 1991, it says: "Examination Day is close at hand, and it would certainly be most gratifying to so many, if the final results place Montserrat a winner in the HONOUR category by reason of enlightened thinking and responsible action of franchised individuals.
All so suddenly this country finds itself deluged by an influx of individuals all seeking accommodation on the public pay-roll. This is perhaps a positive signal that our people are no longer content to remain as dormant as heretofore and that their restraints are now shattered and thrown to the winds of compass, heralding grandeur and a more propitious future for the Emerald Isle."
Even back then the huge number of contestants was seen as a good sign, but only 25% of these 28 will be successful eventually.
Today we hear one of our leaders admit to giving money at election time with the hope that the recipient would vote for him and vowing not to stop. He was sure to say that he has never given money to anyone and ask them to vote for him. Maturity of thought and action must now be preached, if dignity, integrity, fair play and justice are to flourish in our society.
As a final word of encouragement and advice to our electorate, we are reminded, 'what you see in the day-time, don't wait to search for it in the dark of night." One rotting apple in the basket can result in spoiling the whole lot. We must be wary of those fancy sounding slogan or promises that are so common at this time. We sort out as best we can those who we can rely on to be accountable to us and plan with us our destiny. Eliminate as much as necessary, but be sure that at the end of the day, be satisfied in the mind that the best choice was made. So many errors are made by the stroke of a pen. The eraser on that pencil is useless once the vote is handed in.
Workers arrived at the Montserrat Golf Club on Wednesday morning this week to find several of the Club house doors open. The heavy lock on the side entrance door and the office door had been completely broken off.
Manager, Lou Spycalla said that no money had been taken from the club, pointing out that money from the sales of the Montserrat Reporter was still lying next to a candy bar container which had been emptied. The burglars made off with drinks as well along with nuts and snacks.
It is not the first time that the club has been the target of break ins, but even though Sparrow is on the loose having escaped from prison, it is felt that he is not necessarily the culprit as others could be taking advantage of his escape from prison.
Dr. Fergus Wins Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence
Local poet and author, University of the West Indies Resident Tutor Dr. Howard Fergus is among five UWI academics to win the Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in the 1995 - 1996 academic year.
Dr. Fergus has published widely in 1994, his major History of Montserrat was Published by Macmillan in England and his latest volume Gallery Montserrat: Prominent people in Montserrat's History will be released later in November 1996. But it is for his contribution in Public Service that he was given the award.
The other award winners are Professor Norman Given, Mona, for teaching and administration, Professor Tara Dasgupta, Mona, for Research, Professor Stephen Donovan, Mona, also for Research and Professor Bridget Brereton, Trinidad, for the combined areas of teaching, administration and research.
In addition to his areas of local public service, Dr. Fergus has served on the regional and international scene. Regionally he has worked for the Caribbean Council of Churches, the Caribbean Examinations Council, the American Peace Corps and was a member of the 1990 - 92 Independent West Indian Commission; he is Presently chairman of the CARICOM Foundation of Arts and Culture. Established by UWI Vice Chancellor Sir Alister McIntyre, the award is now in its third year.
Further afield he has served as a consultant in a variety of fields including consultant to a conference in Mauritius, and as part of a team from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association which conducted a seminar on Parliamentary Governance in Botswana. Presently he is an Adviser to The Partners of the Americas International Fellowship Program head quartered in Washington and a member of a UWI team in an inter-university program on island sustainability Livelihood and Equity, with its base in Canada.Dr. Fergus traveled to Trinidad on Wednesday, November 6 where he attended a special ceremony. He was accompanied by his wife Eudora, to whom, after God, he attributes the greatest support for whatever success he has achieved. Dr. Fergus observes that he also owes a great debt to the ordinary people of Montserrat without whose support he could not have achieved the award. And there are particular persons in the society whom he intends to single out for their significant contribution to his career at a later date.
Upon his return Dr. Fergus told the Reporter that ceremony was quite an impressive one.
Police Facilitates Cruise Ship Visit
To facilitate the visit of the cruise ship CS AIDA on Tuesday, 12 November 1996, the following arrangements will be put in place in the Old Road Bay area.
From early in the morning of 12 November, no vehicles will be allowed to access past the small bridge just above M.S. Osborne's lumber yard. The only vehicular traffic permitted beyond that point will be persons going to Osbornes on business.
Passengers from the ship will be brought ashore by tender to the police jetty from where they will make their way to the beach area.
Because of the large number of pedestrians expected in the area, all taxis and tour buses will be parked in the area adjacent to the boat park. Persons using taxis or tour buses will make their way out from the no vehicles zone.
Regrettably, these arrangements will inconvenience some of the regular users of Old Road Bay, but if we are to attract more cruise ships we need to show that proper arrangements can be made for the reception of visitors. I would ask that all drivers of taxis and tour buses who intend to offer their services exercise patience, and assist the Police Officers on duty who will be controlling traffic.
Jonathon Cabey of Long Ground pleaded guilty on charges of causing grievous bodily - harm with intent.
He was ordered to pay compensation to Olitta O'garro in the sum of $6,246.00. He is to pay the fine of two thousand dollars in the first instance and thereafter $500.00 per month until the full amount is paid.
Any default in payment will result in one year imprisonment. Cabey was also placed on a bond for the sum of $5,000.00. If the bond is violated within a period of three years, he would be sentenced by the court.
Caleb Murraine of Streathams pleaded guilty on charges of wounding with intent.
He was ordered to pay compensation to Mary Farrell in the sum of $3,000.00 dollars to be paid in six months. Any default payment will result in one year imprisonment.
He was placed on bond for the sum of $2,500.00 for a period of 2 years.
If Murraine violates the bond, he will serve the sentence.
Franklyn Meade of Brambles Village pleaded guilty on charges of burglary and was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.
Jerome Ponde of Fort Barrington was acquitted on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm.
A special police unit has been set up to look into bribery allegation in the elections campaign. A release from the Governor's office states the Governor directed the Commissioner of Police to set up the unit to investigate claims of bribery. The move follows allegation that some Parliamentary candidates have offered bribes to secure votes at the forthcoming general elections. The special police unit to investigate the bribery allegations has been set up within the last week. The release from the Governor's office is appealing for members of the public who have information concerning the offer of bribes from prospective Parliamentary candidates to pass such information on to the Commissioner of Police in Salem.
Several politicians have suggested, that this supposedly new to Montserrat farming method of hydroponics, be used in efforts to boost agriculture output. But Director of Agriculture Claude Gerald says that hydroponics cannot replace traditional methods of food production.
Gerald says however, while hydroponics might be useful for some crops, it cannot be applied to all. He says in addition to the cost, chemicals involved in hydroponics farming methods could be a prohibitive factor.
Close to midnight a special police squad acting on information received recaptured Keithroy Allen, one of the two prisoners who escaped from Her Majesty Prison in Salem in the vicinity of Glendon Hospital.
According to Police Commissioner Frank Hooper, the squad acting on other information received, investigation continued and a number of stolen items were recovered along with a firearm and a quantity of ammunition in Webbs area. The commissioner went on to say that a sighting of the other escaped prisoner Winston (Sparrow) Gage was reported to the police around the Shamrock Villas in Richmond Hill, but he was able to elude the police when they searched the area.
The police are on a high state of alert, and continue to appeal to the public to notify them immediately if he is sighted. They would also like to warn that he might be armed and dangerous and no one should try to challenge him.
On Friday, October 25, teachers at St. Augustine Catholic Primary School took time out to examine the question and discuss ways of managing discipline in the classroom and in the school as a whole. The exercise was facilitated by Brother Paul McNiven, resident of Antigua, Chairman of the Diocesan Board of Catholic Teachers and himself a trained teacher with over thirty years experience.
It soon became clear that the first target was not "these troublesome pupils." Teachers were asked to examine themselves to decide whether or not they were giving position signals in matters of punctuality, preparedness, dress. Within a Catholic institution where the aim is to nurture the total person towards spiritual, moral, social and academic excellence the term discipline has powerful ramifications.
Brother Paul led by example "diversity of approach, variety of presentation, encouraging, listening, commending, offering correction in a non-confrontational manner, a welcome technique especially at this time in our history.
Teachers, although "stressed out "committed to continue to do their best. Parents and Guardians are expected to do the same; they are the first educators of their children.
We must find ways and means to help our children. The presence of a live volcano notwithstanding, we cannot afford to be 'lax' with our men and women of tomorrow.
DISASTER COURSE HERE NEXT WEEK
Disaster Preparedness Coordinators from throughout the region will be in Montserrat from Sunday for a one week course in Post Disaster Assessment.
The course which will bring together 20 experts is under the auspices of the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) of the United States Agency for International Development in conjunction with Partners of the Americas.
The OFDA staff from the regional office in Costa Rica will be on island for the course which will develop material in English for use in training courses throughout the Caribbean in post disaster assessment. The University of Arkansas has also made inputs into the project and they will be represented by Mr Jerry Williams.
Montserrat was chosen so the participants can use the ongoing volcanic disaster to illustrate the material that will be developed.
The workshop will be held at the Vue Pointe Hotel.
Mr. Editor,
Six of the "famous seven" would like to respond to your article captioned: MAWU PRESIDENT PRESENTS of 25th October 1996, written by Charles `Nick' Ryan.?? Mr. Ryan is in defense of Mrs. Woolcock and her actions, (or is he) when he knows very well that most of the irregularities that took place, he along with the other Executive members were totally unaware of them. He became aware of what was happening when we notified him. The brief facts in a nutshell are:
22nd September 1992
Vereen Thomas-Woolcock
General Secretary
Montserrat Allied workers Union
Dagenham
Montserrat.
Dear Mrs. Woolcock,
The Executive Committee of the Montserrat Allied Workers Union has been for some time now trying to convene a meeting with you and to no avail. Consequently, your refusal has forced the other executive members to convene a meeting in your absence.
A decision has been taken to write to you outlining some of the reasons why we wanted to meet with you and what action should be taken since you have refused to meet us.
We view the alleged irregularities as being very serious and in light of the circumstances we have no alternative but to ask you to hand over all books, files, keys, assets and any other items relating to the said Union.
We trust that our action would not cause any undue pain since we are only acting in accordance with the Union's Constitution. Please note also that we are arranging to have the alleged irregularities investigated. also we are suspending you from your post as General Secretary with half month's salary with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigations.
Signed by: Executive committee
Montserrat Allied workers Union
The Executive sort the assistance of the Police to carry out the above actions. An Inspector of Police agreed to send an officer with us, but the Inspector's decision was rescinded. (friends in high places?)
Needless to say the authority of the Executive was ignored.
a) She called the police to retrieve documents from Mrs. Joan Ryan's house. These documents Mrs. Ryan took in order to substantiate her case in elected or from holding any post in the Union.
d) She had Joan Ryan evicted from the General Conference meeting when she attempted to ask questions.
e) When one member of the Union asked certain pertinent questions he was refused an answer. He then left and resigned from the Union forthwith.
5. A cheque was written from the Union's funds to purchase an airline ticket to Miami for Mrs. Woolcock and on cheque # 602234 dated 08th December 1989, a further EC$5488.13 for spending money. The Executive did not give Mrs. Woolcock permission to purchase a ticket to Miami nor to collect spending money. At an earlier meeting, Mrs. Woolcock mentioned that she had to go to Miami to conduct some business for her brother-in-law and that she would use this time to investigate the prices of some chairs for the Union Hall. The Executive agreed to this. Mrs Woolcock has not brought back any supporting receipts nor documents to show how she spent the Union's EC$5,488.13.
6. When asked for the Minutes Book, Mrs. Woolcock presented the book with several pages torn out, and several of the Minutes altered. When asked about that, she said that the book got damaged, and she was writing over the Minutes. Mr. Editor, everyone knows that an institution's Minutes are legal documents and are not fooled around with.
7. The Executive asked Mrs. Woolcock for the last Audited report and she presented us with the Financial Statement only conveniently omitting the Auditors' Comments. One of the "famous seven" had to go to the Auditor General to get a complete copy of the report dated 15th April 1991, Ref: AUD 15/13
Some of his remarks were as follows:-
Remark # 4 stated: "At least seventeen duplicate copies of receipts appear to have been erased and altered after the originals were issued in support of cash receipts."
Remark #7 stated: " In conclusion, the accounts audited revealed several instances of serious irregularity and apparent fraud."
Tell us Mr. Editor, are these things right? Do they not warrant an investigation? Mrs. Woolcock has never denied that she did any of the above.
Mr. Ryan has thrown out a challenge to the Executive, and we would like to take up the challenge. You see Mr. Ryan, we have concrete evidence; we have, written documents, taped conversations of Executive Meetings, and much more than you know of.
Mrs. Woolcock was trusted to the point that no one really monitored her day-to-day transactions. The Executive had no desire to destroy neither the General Secretary, the President nor the Union. They were loved, trusted and respected by all.
Hence, we have kept quiet even when we were smashed to and fro by many, including one local newspaper which is now non-existent.
There are some people in this world who do wrong things and get so accustomed to doing evil that it seems right to them, and no matter how they are told that it is wrong, they are not convinced that is wrong. It is wrong to falsify receipts, it is wrong to tamper with Minutes Books, it is wrong to use a company's funds to do things that are not to the benefit of the company.
Mr. Editor, what is wrong will always be wrong.!!
Mr. Editor, in light of all that has transpired, and given the judgment of the Labour Tribunal and Appeals Court, Mrs. Woolcock should think twice about offering herself for public office.
Anyone interested in knowing the real facts, can apply to court to search the Courts Records where they will see substantiation of all that we have stated above and more. The records of the Labour Tribunal and Appeals Court are open to inspection. THESE ARE NOW LEGAL FACTUAL DOCUMENTS.
Thank you Mr. Editor, for your time and space.
Every where you go, you hear of "the peoples' right to vote." And this past week our American Television programs have repeated this over and over again. But not withstanding their appeals, reports indicate that only around 50% of the populace heeded the call.
Will the same thing happen here in Montserrat? Could be, if the utterances of many persons are to be taken seriously. The conventional wisdom seems to be that the many candidates seem not to be worthy of the trouble it takes to vote. Now even if there be some truth in that wisdom when some candidates attributes are assessed, it is still necessary, that each and every Montserratian who has the right to vote, do go out and vote. It is important that we realize that the vote we fail to cast is indeed a vote for the very candidate that we wish not to vote for. We must never let apathy cause an unworthy or undesirable candidate to be foisted upon us for the next five years.
The just concluded round of debates on television and radio made one thing clear. There is a desperate, angry and raucous rabidness in some of our candidates that must cause great fright to many Montserratians. What is it that makes these candidates so angry that these diction fails, their reasoning falter and their veins stand out in their heads? Could it be this lust for power that every candidate is accusing the other of having? Could it be this huge salary that some candidates is accusing other candidates of desiring? Could it just be the ascension to the highest office in the land? And if the answer to all these questions is yes, then even I will consider withholding my vote.
If a candidate's desire to SERVE cannot be discerned from his or her rhetoric and comedy on the political platform then you may consider withholding your vote. But for God's sake withhold your vote from him or her and not from the entire political process. The vote you withhold may just catapult him or her into office.
The concern about the integrity of the campaigning in this election season continues. Stories of purchasing franchises and some level of intimidation are still making the rounds. Even the Queen's Representative saw it fit to address the issue. If a candidate wishes to buy your vote, then he or she does not wish to serve. He or she wishes to barter. That candidate should get into the trading business and remove him or herself from the electoral process. If a candidate must instill fear in others to seek votes then he or she too, is not interested in serving the people of Montserrat. This period in Montserrat's history is too important to have candidates elected to office who are not capable or committed to serving.
An elected official is a servant of the people. He or she should only be elected to office if it is clear from his or her message that the needs of Montserratians will be addressed. It is already clear that some candidates' agendas are not in the interest of the people of Montserrat. You know this by their inability to communicate. You know this by their anger and desperation. By their past and present behavior, by their past alignments, by their continued efforts to divide our small island community. Your task is easy on November 11. You MUST proceed to your designated polling station and you MUST vote, and vote for a candidate who has clearly shown you that he or she is interested in serving the people of Montserrat. Bear in mind that the relationship between you and your elected official could only be based on mutual trust and not his or her purchasing or intimidation capabilities. His or her promises should sway you and not the fact that he or she has a bottomless pocket book at election time.
The conventional wisdom also indicates that the battle lines that were drawn in this election campaigning, are too deeply etched to be removed in the future. Too many bridges were burned. How will the healing process take place after November 11?
And it is important that a healing process does take place. A healing process between our benevolent benefactors and our elected officials, a healing process between families, a healing process between spouses, a healing process between aspiring politicians and their past friends, a healing process between messiahs and their disaffected communities. An immediate coming together of the peoples of Montserrat to chart the course of our growing country is what is necessary at the conclusion of this electoral process. An immediate accommodation of political parties and supporters may even prove to be critical at the conclusion of this electoral process. A leader rising up out of this mostly motley bunch of happy campers is what is necessary to take us through to the 21st century and undertake this crucial healing process. Which of the potential leaders has the capability of carrying out this great task?
Must the leader be angry and abusive? Must the leader be equipped with stand-up comedic skills? Must the leader show signs of desperation and an intense desire to do nothing but lead? Or must the leader be eloquent, statesman like and clearly display an ability to be cool under fire?
Only you can answer these questions. In fact, many of you have already answered these questions and have made your choices. It is not too late to re-examine these choices. Our future depends on it. Montserrat's ability to retain its skilled workers, trained personnel and intelligentsia depends on it.
So come November 11, you must get out and vote, vote wisely, and for God's sake, please do not vote more than once.
The Elections sparks are flying around in every direction making everyone vulnerable, except for the smith who had the good sense to throw an apron before him for protection.
He can start right there and beat the red-hot metal into shape with the knowledge he has glared from tried and tested hammer blows, feeling out every porous area of the pattern he seeks to forget. It is on this anvil of truth that this Election model will be displayed and recognized for what they really stand up for because no candidate will be that naive as to use the volcanic situation on Montserrat as a pretext to their endeavors.
Its not on and what's more, is that each of the contestants who are pretenders to the high seat will have to eclipse the declared, published manifesto by more than a hundred percent.
Be quite frank with me now. Have you seen anyone among the lions or lionesses who measures to such a declaration? I am not asking for a proposal of what they are going to do if they're elected, I am asking for their achievement as whips, oppositions, middle-of the- road, or on the fence.
I told you before that politics is a dirty word. It still is; and you have already begun to detect the effluvium of its character as the infighting goes on. I pity the honest few who thought otherwise. The candidates have never had such an audience before, and it is unlikely that they will ever see such a gathering again. This Election fever has triggered a response unseen and unknown in our history of parliamentary and democratic voting until now.
If nothing abominable creeps into this procedure, men and women will recite this moment for decades, as the finest hour of their stressful existence in their effort to prove to a nation that they had the courage and tenacity to come up against fearful odds at a time when everything seemed black and hopeless.
But not so the candidates .Even now their smashing body blows are landing with a fierceness and dexterity of the born sniper, laying their colleagues and fellow-campaigners low, in direct or sizzling innuendo that belittle and smear.
This is the behavior of civilized people at the moment people who need your vote people who want to take you to the next century on political vortex in which you pledge your precious X that says, BEFORE NONE, ANY. No ! don't vote stupidly. There is no power on earth that can cap the Soufriere Volcano, and let no reference on that score by anyone, trap you at the Polls. Listen to sensible discussions you will soon discover the wheat from the chaff.
In the meantime, ask yourself some serious questions, questions like what can these new candidates really do for you? These new people who do not know one end of a portfolio from the other. Or will I see you again before the five years are up.?
But of course the question must be answered. What can you do now to relieve me of this stressful situation. The answer, of course, is Nothing! Why? Because the candidate is still campaigning and haven't the foggiest idea of the outcome.
Some of these promises will never be anymore than that, for to bring a promise to fruition, the present leader has to let be forced out, and only you the voter know whether a bird in the hand is worth several in the bush.
So think carefully. Read through the promises and weigh them against achievement. Only then can you vote sincerely. At this juncture in our situation, Your choice of Government will be the one you put there for the NEW CENTURY. OUR NEW CENTURY.
Lees Tracking Poll
----------------------------------
Southern
Bertrand B Osborne
40%
Idabelle Griffith-Meade
36%
Justin "Hero" Cassell
22%
Undecided 2%
----------------------------------
Plymouth
P. Austin Bramble
30%
Brunelle Meade 26%
Lazelle Howes
11%
Vereen Thomas Woolcock
7%
Chedmond Browne 24%
Undecided 7%
----------------------------------
Windward
David S Brandt
51.9%
Beatrice Fenton
35.6%
Joseph Meade
5%
J.R. Osborne 1.4%
Undecided 6.1%
----------------------------------
Eastern
Joel Webbe
44.5%
Adelina Tuitt
38.5%
Nowell "Dada" Tuitt
5.7%
James "Mountain Man" Lee
3.3%
Undecided 8%
----------------------------------
Northern
Rupert Weekes
48.6%
John Ponteen
41.6%
Theo Bramble 2.4%
Undecided 7.4%
----------------------------------
Northwestern
John Osborne
42.3%
Charles Kirnon
39.3%
Jim Bass
9.7%
George Tuitt 3%
Undecided 5.7%
----------------------------------
Central
Rueben Meade
43%
Charlesworth "Sunny" Phillip
28.1%
John Wilson
16%
Johnny Dublin
7%
Richard Payne 2%
Undecided 3.9%
Please Note: Error Margin + or - 4%
The Lees Tracking Poll is based on the questioning of one sixth of the voting population in three ranges from 18 to 65 years of age. The interviewees are from as far as possible, all the Constituencies.
West Indies in Australia - Itinerary
DATE OPPONENT VENUE
November
2.......... Arrive.......…………………... Perth
4............. v Chairman's XI..............Lilac Hill
6 (d/n)..... v Western Australia.........Perth
8-10....... v Western Australia.........Perth
12.......... v Northern Territory........Alice Spring
15-18.... v Australian XI................Hobart
22-26................FIRST TEST..........………....Brisbane
29-Dec.3...........SECOND TEST....................Sydney
DECEMBER
6 (WS,d/n) v Australia.........………..Melbourne
8 (WS,d/n) v Australia..........……….Sydney
10............ v Prime Minister's XI.......Canberra
12............ Pakistan arrive.....................….Adelaide
13 ........... Pakistan v Academy.................Adelaide
15 (WS).. Australia v Pakistan..................Adelaide
17 (WS, d/n) v Pakistan.......................Adelaide
19-22......................….Victoria.......................Wangaratta
.........................Pakistan v Tasmania................venue
tba
26-30 THIRD TEST..........................Melbourne
26 (d/n)...............Pakistan v Queensland,
28 (d/n)..........….Pakistan v Australia A...........Sydney
30..................…..Pakistan v Hunter Valley XI .Newcastle
JANUARY
1 (WS, d/n)...........Australia v Pakistan.............Brisbane
3 (WS, d/n) v Pakistan.......................Brisbane
5 (WS, ) v Australia.......................venue tba
5 ............................Pakistan v Tasmania...........Horbart
7.............................v Australian Country XI......Too woomba
10 ( WS, d,/n)...........v Pakistan.................……Perth
12 (WS, d/n).............v Australia.................……Perth
14 (WS, d/n)..............v Pakistan...............……..Sydney
16 (WS, d/n)...............Australia v Pakistan
18 ( WS, d/n)..............1st World Series final.......Sydney
19 ( WS, d/n)..............Reserve for first final.........Sydney
20 (WS, d/n)..............2nd World Series final.......Melbourne
21 (WS, d/n)..............Reserve for second final....Melbourne
22 (WS, d/n)..............3rd World Series final........Melbourne
23 (WS, d/n)..............Reserve for third final.........Melbourne
17- 19.........................v New South Wales.........Sydney
22.................................v Academy......................Adelaide
25-29 .........................FOURTH TEST
FEBRUARY
1-5.............................FIFTH TEST.............................Perth
(nb *indicates only if West Indies not in World Series finals).
Jus Wonderin how many of the persons that will be chartered in by the Dash 8 load will vote for the candidates or political party that spending the thousand of dollars!
Jus wonderin why some of the supporters of one political party is spending so much money on all the candidates in the party and is betting thousands of dollars on the outcome in some constituencies.
Jus wonderin if it is because the party turned out to be a bull water fete and not a staff social function why the workers are making so much fuss.
Jus wonderin when the staff at one of the oldest bank on Montserrat will start to treat their customers with respect and with the quality service they deserve.
Jus wonderin when proper shelter will be provided for persons who are still in the unsafe zone and those in Cork Hill, Foxes Bay and surrounding areas if they have to run..
Jus wonderin who was asking the questions during the independent candidates debate and whether he had problems reading the questions.
Jus wonderin why the Montserrat Reporter was not invited to take part in any of the debates and why we needed a moderator from overseas for one of the debates.
Jus wonderin if a local person requires immediate overseas medical treatment, if the helicopter will be made available to take them like it took a British lady to Antigua because she was late for her flight.
Jus wonderin if any one will be charged with bribery before general election.
Jus wonderin seriously if it is true that the girl was abducted because the obeah man called for fourteen year old girls to help a party win the election
Jus can't help wonderin that with two days to go for election if we might be in for some big surprises.
Jus wonderin if we will get our usual day after election public holiday Tuesday.
Jus wonderin when PWD, (Public Waste of Dollars) will get their act together.
Jus wonderin if some political statements will be cleared up or proven in a court of law.
Jus wonderin if one political party is asking us to adopt American style politics on Montserrat .
Jus wonderin if its true that the Governor had to instruct the Physical Planning Unit to look for houses in the safe zone to house relocated persons.
Movement for National Reconstruction
Proposals for Future Activities:
Salaries Revised and increased Civil Service salaries in 1972. Paid back pay as hardship allowance with minimum of $500.00.
The Road Government - Reclaimed land along Waterfront and constructed marine Drive. Constructed Evergreen Drive, widened main roads Fogarthy to Cudjoe Head, Brades to Carrs Bay, Kinsale to St Patricks, Lees to Streatham.
Paved Feeder roads throughout Amersham, Parsons and Brodericks. Paved Gerald Bottom Road. Paved village roads in Cork Hill, Salem, St Patricks, Kinsale, Harris', Tuitts, Windy Hill, Molyneaux Hill, Weekes. Negotiated for and started construction of St John to Trants Road.
Industry - Built Industrial Estate and Factory Buildings. Set up small business loan scheme at DFMC. Furniture manufacturers obtained loans for purchase of power tools. Loans made for purchase of sewing machines. Passed laws to provide tax incentives to productive business. Provided $50000 loan to set up W&W Electronics. Build Tannery and set up Leather Craft operation.
Agriculture - Rock raked and contoured land in Amersham, Parsons and Brodericks. Provided farmers with guaranteed markets. Guaranteed prices for tomatoes, onions, carrots, Irish potatoes and pepper. Subsidized tractor services, fertilizers, chemicals and planting material. Allowed farmers loans for farm development and crop production. Allowed farmers to obtain supplies on credit.
Fishing - Imported fishing equipment and supplies in bulk and allowed fishermen to purchase on credit terms. Provided loans to fishermen for purchase of engines. Assisted fishermen with gifts of wire, rope and buoys.
Education - Started Day Care Centres. Took on full responsibility for total equipping supplying and funding as well as management of Nursery School. Expanded training of Primary School teachers. Constructed Bethel and Plymouth Primary School buildings. Made Secondary education free, provided cash assistance to needy parents to ensure that all eligible children could attend Secondary School. Provided all textbooks free.
Introduced policy that every single scholarship to University available to a Montserratian should be taken up.
Health - Built new Glendon Hospital. Provided food assistance, vitamin and mineral supplements to mothers babies and children. Provided free medication for Diabetics and High Blood Pressure patients. Upgraded village clinics across the island.
Sports - Leveled and expanded Sturge Park and improved pavilion. Graded Lansen Park at Cork Hill. Budgeted annual grant of $5000 to sports association.
Tourism - Increased budget and created post of full time Executive Director of Tourism.
Constitution - Requested for British and obtained removal of Governor as President of Legislative Council and replacement by post - Speaker to be held by local.
- Attracted AUC
- Attracted Air Studios
- Attracted Shamrock Condominiums
- Built First Deep water Port
- Obtained gift of aircraft and three years spares from United Kingdom.
WARRIOR, FREEDOM FIGHTER, PEOPLE'S SPOKEMAN, PEOPLE'S REPRESENTATIVE, UNION-LEADER, TEACHER, EDUCATOR, SCHOLAR, HISTORIAN, WRITER, SOCIAL ACTIVIST, POLITICAL ACTIVIST.
"My program is the foundation for progress and future in Montserrat. I stand for freedom from oppression, justice for the poor, the ability to feed ourselves, the development of the full mental capacity of our people, and the right to determine our own destiny."
WHO IS CHEDMAN BROWNE?
I am a candidate for the Plymouth constituency. I am a man of the people, by the people, for the people who dedicating my life to representing the people. And by people, I mean, the working people of Montserrat, all those who labor for their daily bread.
WHAT I STAND FOR
INDEPENDENCE
Independence, properly used, is a tool of power. It must be brought to the political platform. If our politicians win an election with the issue of independence on their platform then they will have the power, authority and flexibility to negotiate with the British government on issues that are pertinent to Montserrat's future development. History and our present conditions has shown that the British position has always been against true development for Montserrat and Montserratians. With the mandate to move toward independence, any discussions or issues that we want to address in our best interests will be dealt with from a position of power. If we never carry the issue of independence to the platform level, we will forever be complaining that the British do what they want to do instead of what we need or want.
The longer we put off this issue, the less effective it becomes. This will be the last time in this century that we will get the opportunity to put the issue on platform. If we don't use it now, the Administering Powers and the New World Order will insure that by the year 2,000 its power becomes useless. The other option, which is a referendum, leaves too much room for manipulation as it can be brought out and used anytime that a political party or the British government so desires.
I am willing, despite the consequences, to address the issue because the time has come for our politicians to develop the courage, dignity, pride, gumption, vision and understanding necessary to recognize that no matter how far down the road independence is for Montserrat, the journey down that road does not begin until politicians make it a political issue.
EDUCATION
A properly-oriented education system that addresses our needs is the key to the future. The underlying theme of all we do should be what is best for our people. The way our educational system is oriented does not allow us to reap the greatest potential from all our children. Very few of our children leaving school have a true reality or understanding of self. Our educational system must be redesigned to produce happy and productive young adults who are fully aware of who they are, where they come from and what they have to do to face present realities and come up with meaningful solutions that will sustain future generations.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture was once the mainstay of our people. We produced not only sufficient food to feed ourselves, but also enough surplus to export to neighboring Eastern Caribbean islands. Montserrat's produce is unique in taste and texture and that gives us the ability to corner a market whenever we have surplus produce to sell. Modern technology will allow us to regain that self-sufficiency we once had without the stigma of the plantocracy slave Labour system that came with it. We can only do this by rebuilding the agricultural infrastructure. Self-sufficiency in food production means economic and moral freedom.
THE VOLCANO AND OUR FUTURE
The volcano is an act of nature. This is not a phenomena that we can fight or change. This is something the remaining Montserratians have to live with and address. Scientific reports lead us to believe that the region north of Belham Valley is safe in all but the worse-case scenario. If we accept this as true, then the only viable option available to us is recreate Montserrat and to relocate the residents of Montserrat North of Belham Valley. Properly done, over a period of time, this can both revive our economy, ensure the safety of the population, and eventually make more arable land available for agricultural development.
For the Plymouth Seat
THE FOUNDATION FOR MONTSERRAT'S FUTURE:
* INDEPENDENCE--
Foundation sustenance for the nation
*AGRICULTURE--
Physical sustenance for the people
* EDUCATION--
Mental sustenance for the people
Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting at the Bank of Montserrat Limited to be held on Wednesday, 27th November, 1996 commencing at 5:00 p.m. at the Vue Pointe Hotel.
AGENDA:
On the 27th of November 1996, the BANK OF MONTSERRAT LTD. will be having its Annual General Meeting at the VUE POINTE HOTEL Over the last 3 years and in particular the last 16 months, we, like most businesses here on Montserrat, have been faced with very difficult and challenging circumstances. This was occasioned by the volcanic activities. However, were it not for the grace of God, and the continued strong support given to us by the people of Montserrat, we the Management and Staff would have been further hard pressed to successfully manage the Bank and serve you our valued customers.
We are happy we were able to do so each day of the crisis and will continue to do so as long as it is humanly possible.
Therefore, as we begin our 9th financial year (Oct. 1/ 96) we
wish to thank our many valued customers and friends for their
continued support and introduce you to the present members of
our committed team.
Customer Service Representative Investment & F/X
Vonetta Riley, Rodelthia Weekes George Thompson
Patricia Bass, James Cabey Valerie Daly
Kenyatta Gray, Shawn Harney
Julias Farrell
Credit Administration & Marketing Internal Audit
Dulcie James, Terese Roseau, Jerleen John
Yvette Lee, Dale Harris Walter Blake
Marie Nella Riley, Bernadette Matthew,
Delcina Cabey, Gregory de Gannes
Systems Customer Accounts
Marlon Evans Sandra White
Human Resources
Maria Flavius
This team of Montserratians are ready, willing and able to efficiently serve you at all times.
We are ............Your Bank.............Your Future.
The Bank of Montserrat Limited will be offering for sale and will accept written tenders for the following:-
One (1) 1986 Nissan Omnibus - H3947
Conditions of Sale:
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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