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CM Osborne Courts Interested UK Tourists

By Helena Durand

Chief Minister Hon. John Osborne is reportedly participating in a hands-on approach to promoting Montserrat at the World Travel Market, a tourism fair being held in the United Kingdom this week.

Reporting from London for ZJB Radio, Reuben Meade Jr. said,  “The presence of the Chief Minister has proven to be a major boost for the island’s tourism product. Those visiting the booth were able to hear from Mr. Osborne that Montserrat is ready once again to be a top tourist destination. Many writers, TV producers and other members of the international media were able to sit down and talk face to face with the Chief Minister about Montserrat.”

Mr. Osborne told Mr. Meade that when he first arrived at the fair, he worried that Montserrat would have been lost among all the other countries peddling their tourist wares.

He was pleasantly surprised, however, to see the interest expressed in the island.

He said, “Now they hear about an island with a volcano, lots of people would like to see what an active volcano looks like. Our presence here is probably going to encourage a lot of people to come to Montserrat and see what is happening there.”

He said he has been telling interested groups and individuals, “Montserrat is still a beautiful place, even though we have lost part of the island. The country is still green and people are still enjoying themselves, and lots of people are still coming to see what we are doing, and enjoying themselves as well. People are still coming from America, some from England, and even though some people might be afraid of the volcano, I think talking to them probably made them change their minds … that it would be too dangerous. I’ve been telling them that we are safe in the north of the island, they can well come and be safe, no problem.”

People’s main concern, he said, is how to get to Montserrat, “So I took my time to explain that we have a beautiful ferry, very comfortable traveling from Antigua and back, only take 50 minutes; and that we also have a helicopter service, which will get you there in 15 minutes, so going to Montserrat is not a problem. The ferry, you can take all your luggage, you don’t have to worry about weight or anything, so you can come.”

Mr. Osborne is positive that among persons wanting to visit the island, there are “Quite a number of people all interested in diving our reefs and so on.”

The Montserrat booth, Mr. Meade reported, is housed in an area of the exhibition site called The Caribbean Village.  

Director of Tourism Ernestine Cassell

He said the Montserrat Tourist Board staff, including its chairman Eddie Edgecombe, Director of Tourism Ernestine Cassell, and other volunteers man the booth, and that it is serving as a general source of information for those interested in the island.  

Maynard Family Sent Condolences of GOM

The Government of Montserrat has sent a message of condolence to the family and friends of Keithroy Maynard.

Mr. Maynard was a Montserratian who died in the September 111 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York while on duty as a Fire Officer.  Another Montserratian, a woman, killed in the September 11th attacks on the Pentagon, has not been formally identified to the Government of Montserrat.  

Keithroy Maynard and Acting Chief Minister Hon Lowell Lewis

The message of condolence, signed by Acting Chief Minister Hon Lowell Lewis, stated that it was with a profound sense of sadness and deep regret that the people of Montserrat and the civilized world experienced the wanton disregard for the sanctity of human life on that day.

It went on to say, “We were even more devastated to learn that two citizens of Montserrat were among those who lost their lives.” particularly as “Montserratians are peace-loving and law-abiding citizens, many of whom had to flee their homeland after two thirds of the island was rendered uninhabitable by ongoing volcanic activity.”

The entire Montserrat Community, the statement said, mourns the loss of Mr. Maynard.

“We are certain that he wanted to follow the path of his father who served as a Fireman in New York and as Chief Fire Officer to the Government of Montserrat.”  

EDITORIAL

"Constitutional Review, New Firearms Act Raise Questions that Still Go Unanswered"

It is expected that the Constitutional Review currently underway in Montserrat, as in other British Dependent Territories, may inspire interesting new viewpoints and more renewed interest as it moves into high gear.

But in Montserrat there is some valid dissatisfaction with the composition of the Commission set up to do the review, in particular the absence of women or youth representation. We join those who raised the issue which, according to good sources, was also raised by some persons very close to the issue. Why nothing was done and no action taken to rectify this obvious and most deplorable situation, especially in Montserrat where women have played such dominant roles, is beyond our comprehension. And it is quite surprising that there has been no known outcry from the women quarters.

That, however, is not the main topic of discussion here. It has to do ultimately with our Constitution and an important situation that may have slipped by unnoticed. Last week, on demand by back-bencher the Hon. Chedmond Browne in the Legislative Council, it was shown that two of the three back-benchers in essence voted against the Firearms Amendment after its third reading in the House. When this matter was discussed later it was shown that it is not likely to see a bill brought by the Government defeated in the house, since six members out of 11 in the Legislature are members of Executive Council, from whom policies and bills mostly originate. Executive Council members comprise the four ministers of government, along with the Attorney General and Financial Secretary.

So it was that on Tuesday last week, when the votes were counted, seven out of the 11 members voted in favour of the bill. This matter should be of concern to the Chief Minister who, should he or any other of his ministers become disfavored, might resign or vote against the government in a "No Confidence Motion." Unlikely? Not according to whispered sentiments.

Now this bill might have gone unnoticed had the Hon. Reuben Meade's not questioned its rush through the parliament, and had the Governor not returned it to the Speaker of The House for "further consideration." The Chief Minister, should have discussed this previously at Executive Council, and knowing that the Governor's instructions to amend the previous amendment would be carried, argued for just a third reading, while opposing members sought to have the amendment debated by having it taken back to the Committee stage (a stage of the Legislative Council discussions).

The Speaker of the House ruled in favour of the Attorney General and the Chief Minister in the face of Section 59 of the 1972 Standing Orders which reads: "When the Governor requires that amendments be made to a bill passed by the Council before the bill becomes law, (i.e. after he assents the bill), such bill shall be recommitted for consideration only of the amendments proposed. The bill shall be re-submitted to the Governor with the amendments made therein, or with such of them as the Council shall approve."

This is not to say that the Speaker may have been wrong, but what that section clearly shows is that the proposed amendments could have been debated and even adjusted. Instead the Chief Minister argued that he hoped to bring the bill later for amendments, since he was unhappy with it himself. Wasn't that sufficient to allow the Speaker to put the bill back for debate?

Obviously the bill was being rushed through for other reasons that have not been expressed or made public to the people of Montserrat through their elected representatives in the Legislature.

Also obvious is the myth that because the Governor has never refused assent to a bill before, it need not be a matter of concern.

And where did this bill come from in the first instance? It is believed when passed under the David Brandt administration that the bill was like that passed in other regional territories as a measure to deal primarily with drug trafficking and related offences. Of interest is the report that the current CM Osborne was part of the committee that discussed and submitted the bill, which was then passed and about which he is now causing all the stir. But is it possible that his infrequency on the Island during the previous parliament caused him not to be effectively involved in such matters of discussion? Or is he one of those ministers who reportedly goes to meetings unprepared and boast that they have not read their papers?

His complete turn around in his acquiescence to British aid is confusing enough, and as David Brandt put it to Montserratians in his parting speech from office, "If we accept (from HMG) only what we are given, we will never get what we need. It is history that proves him right. " In addition the Chief Minister and his government continue to present only that information that they believe is relevant, while it becomes more and more difficult to reach them for answers to questions and queries on matters in which the public have interest.

Definitely we need the full story on the "Gun bill"; we need explanations why nothing was done after it has been pointed out that women and youths SHOULD be on the Constitution Commission's discussions and explanations; why he dismissed as not factual the Hon. Mr. Brown's statement that Executive Council is supposedly the body in charge of affairs of Montserrat and that the Legislature is not the place where policy is made, but merely a place where other representatives get to question their laws, plans and policies.

As one official says, "It matters little what any one else says in the Legislature when bills are brought, only the obvious (mistakes and omissions) will get changed."  

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 or monrep@candw.ag.  Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped envelope.  The Montserrat Reporter is a privately owned independent newspaper.

Jus Wonderin items may be called in at telephone 491-4715 or Fax 491-2430

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

'It Is I. Do Not Be Afraid'

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, "It is I.  Do not be afraid." John 6:19-20

How we long to hear these words, each day, every day. But every day the risen Lord does speak these words to you, if only you listen from the heart of your faith. "It is I. Do not be afraid."

When you worry about loved ones, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid."

When you get bad news, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid." When you worry about what the future may bring, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid."

When you are sick, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid." When you are sick and tired, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid."

Regardless of your worry, grief, or anguish, the risen Lord says to you: "It is I. Do not be afraid."

Lord Jesus, risen Christ, help me to listen to your words from the heart of my faith.

Mitch Finley  

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Montserratian Ambassador Of Good Will Didn't Return

Dear Editor,

Circumstances prevented our attending a significant memorial service on Montserrat last Saturday, so please allow me to pass on, through your pages, to the family and many friends of John Ryner the sorrow and sense of loss my wife and I share with them at his passing.

We are certainly not the only expat residents who owe their early appreciation of this island's beauties to the warmth and enthusiasm of John Ryner. His love of Montserrat and his pride in the pleasant surprises he could reveal to island visitors were infectious.

Many of us arrived here for the first time intending one brief visit. Of course we drank the water from Runaway Ghaut, but we also relied on John Ryner for our transportation, a role that allowed him to be an able matchmaker. He probably had as much, if not more than Runaway Ghaut, to do with our repeated returns

To us as visitors he was a thorough professional, carefully reviewing his checklist each time we had to leave: Tickets? Passports? Keys to the house? Keys to the rental car? It was always sad to leave but he dutifully made sure there would be no glitches.

After we became permanent residents he always had a warm greeting and a readiness to chat about his latest ideas for strengthening the island he helped us learn to love. It was sad that he, like so many other Montserratians, was forced by the volcano to go abroad. It is saddest of all that he breathed his last far from the shores of his homeland.

We thought and spoke of him often during his long absence. We remember him even more sadly now that he is gone.

J. Donald Brandt

Old Towne     

A Tribute to John Ryner

(Jan.18, 1941 - Oct. 29, 2001)

Dear Editor:

John Ryner passed away at 8.00 a.m. on October 29, 2001 in England , after having suffered for almost a year from a feeling of helplessness, frustration and desertion, something that no one, especially this man, should ever have to go through.

My wife and I were told of a Memorial Service to be held on November 10, at 4.00 p.m. at the St. James Anglican Church in Salem, which we of course attended.

For no other reason but my respect and the knowledge that John would not want any argument over his death or his final wishes, which were to be buried in Montserrat, I will not dwell on why his body was not returned to his country of birth for burial, a country that he loved, respected, represented and gave 110 percent of his energy to earning a living to raise and support his family of whom he was enormously proud.

Once inside the church and having been seated, John's brother, Reverend Daniel Ryner, asked me if I would pay a tribute to his brother. I was of course honored, but at the same time I did not feel that I was properly prepared to speak about a man who I felt had played a very important role in the initial development of this Island. The following therefore is my opinion of John's contribution to his country, family and friends...

John entered the people industry in the early 1960's as a bartender at the Vue Pointe Hotel. He was an immediate success. He had an incredible ability to remember people's names after one introduction. John had a smile that personified sincerity, honesty and happiness. Guests could be heard asking, upon arrival at the hotel, is John here?..We can't wait to see him.

While John worked at the Vue Pointe he could be found tending his animals along the side of the road when he was not on duty. The healthy condition of his animals was indicative of his dedication to giving his all to their care -- that was his nature.

John, at the coaxing of many of the people he had met through the Vue Pointe, pursued a career in the taxi industry. He was, however, never considered or referred to as a "taxi driver." Instead he immediately became an Ambassador for his country. Before John knew it he was being called upon to book charter flights from Antigua for his arriving customers, stock their homes with essential items, arrange rental cars and any other request they might have, all that with the most pleasant attitude. John was the non- commissioned rental agent for many homeowners, having keys for their homes.

During all of John's success, he never gave up his animals, as he always believed they were his stability. He had goats, sheep along the side of the road on the way to the airport. These animals could be seen running to an area of their pen whenever they heard John's van coming.

When John became ill, eight months or so ago, my wife and I finally had an opportunity to help a man who had spent so many years of his life looking after us and our interests on this island when we were not here.

John's wish was to return to the United States for medical attention but he was having difficulty with his visa. It was during our pursuit of this situation that we were reminded of the love and respect that John had from every ex-pat who had ever encountered him. The genuine offers of assistance were overwhelming and ranged from monetary assistance to unconditional guarantees of responsibility for his stay in the U.S. Over and over again we were told, John was the first person we met upon our arrival and it is directly because of him that we built or bought a home on Montserrat.

Unfortunately the legal red tape and bureaucracy took longer than John had. In closing let me say that it was indeed an honor and privilege to have known John and to have been considered a friend of his. I hope that all of us who call ourselves Montserratians do not let this man's dedication be forgotten.

My sincere thanks to those family members and friends who did not desert John in his time of need.

May God continue to Bless You John Ryner, His gain is our loss. Our wonderful memories that you gave us will remain in our hearts forever

Brian Hollender

Old Towne 

LOCAL and REGIONAL NEWS

Government Auditors Get 1-Week Crash Course

A workshop designed to bring auditors here to a new level ended today at the Government Training Centre.

The facilitator was Mr. Robert Black of the United States of America who has worked with governments in the Caribbean.

Mr. Black told participants that training would equip them as auditors to do a proficient job and to build and protect their most valuable asset, the people.

Topics for the workshop included Value for money or performance auditing, Writing audit reports by objectives and Time management.

He said however that the auditors’ role goes a step further in that, “Government auditors can play one of the biggest roles in helping to establish their [Government’s] transparency; with helping to establish the credibility of Government. Each of you as an auditor, who has a position in government, can help strengthen your Government and can help further the efforts of your Government.”

Financial Secretary Hon John Skerritt gave the feature address. He said in time past, “auditors were only required to provide an assurance that government’s financial and reporting systems were sound. In more recent times, this has changed.”

Coordinator of Culture Says Good Festival Depends on You

By Helena Durand

The Department of Culture through its Coordinator Miss Shauna Harley is soliciting  public support to ensure a successful festival this year.

“We have to remember,” Miss Harley said in a recent radio interview, “ that festival is not a Government thing. Festival belongs to the people and if the people do not participate and support [it], the festival cannot go on.”

She told the Montserrat Reporter that she was concerned about persons who feel that they simply need to come out on the day or night of any event, look on and criticize.

She called for more active participation from everyone rather than impassiveness.

She said, “There are many things you can do to make this festival a success. Get your children involved, get involved. There are people who are asking if the festival is going to be good. Well, I ask you, is the Festival going to be good?”

A history of festive events since the volcanic crisis shows that in the first two years after the volcano erupted, Government footed the bill and festival activities were free to all.

By the third year, in an effort to raise some revenue, a small charge was set for entry at the gates and many persons complained. However, attendance was good.

Last year, with festival in full swing, even more persons complained when they had to pay upon entry.

The question is what is different this year? Do people feel reluctant to attend because they cannot appreciate the efforts put into the planning, since they were not participants themselves? Are people disappointed because even with the crisis, the private sector could do more in making the yearend festival what it used to be?

Whatever the answers to these questions, Miss Harley believes that not enough is being done by those who can do it.

"You are the ones who will make it good,” she said to everyone; “not the Department of Culture, not the Office of the Chief Minister, not the Festival Committee. Montserrat, people of Montserrat, we have to make the festival.”

The theme for festival this year is "No War, No Crime, Just Fun,

WWW. Montserrat .com For Festival 2001"  

Deadly New York Crash Shakes Dominicans Here

Members of the Spanish-speaking community on Montserrat are still trying to come to terms with Monday’s plane crash in New York.

The crash of an American Airlines jetliner took the lives of more than 250 persons, many from Santo Domingo. Spokesman for the Santo Domingo Emergency Foundation in Montserrat, Antonio Avala, said the 70-member Spanish-speaking community has met to discuss the incident. He said attempts are now being made to ascertain whether relatives and friends are among the victims.

“Well this is a very sad news because when I heard about it I get a shock, as you know, after what happened in America already," he said. "I never expected that something would happen so quick. Especially from our community here in Montserrat, all of us, we are really sad about this because maybe some family or friends are involved and we don’t even know. Last night we went together and talked about that and we really would like to know.”  

Prayer Conference Considered a Blessing

By Helena Durand

Pastor Ruth Allen of the Beulah & Wesleyan Holiness Church in St. Peters believes the recently ended week of prayer and prayer conference aimed at the spiritual rebuilding of Montserrat was a blessing.

She told the Montserrat Reporter, “It was a much needed effort, and the concern that other Christians feel for us is heartening. It is encouraging to see and know that people are still demonstrating brotherly love and believing that Jesus can change situations.”

Changing situations is just what may happen if Ernest Cameron of the Harlem Tabernacle Church in New York has his way.

Mr. Cameron, who was a guest speaker for the event, told ZJB radio his organization, called “Feed the Hungry,” is committed to assisting devastated countries with their rebuilding process.

He said his aim is to form relationships with various churches here, and to send aid back to the island upon his return to New York.

“The first thing we wanted to do was establish the relationships with the churches here, and then as a follow-up we would like to begin to sow economically into the nation, into the lives of the people. As a result … see what we can put together, some sort of relief package to sow into the lives of the people of Montserrat.”

The weeklong prayer conference, which was organised by the Montserrat Intercessory Network and the Montserrat Christian Council, has been described as a success.

The programme included meetings, prayer walks, seminars and services.

One of the teachers /resource persons for the week, Rev Rosalind Wilson from Barbados, said the visiting team of Christians found a Montserrat community whose faith has not been shaken by the series of disasters which had overtaken it.

“We found a people here who love this land, who [are] determined not to desert this land, and who are determined to stay here and see God’s will accomplished."

She said in the process of standing with the churches here, and the people, much can be accomplished, adding, "In all the islands of the sea, we stand as one. That’s our main focus. Not to say we are coming to do it, but we are coming to stand with you.”  

UK Team to Study Turtle Exploitation

LONDON -- A ground-breaking project to investigate the exploitation of endangered marine turtle populations in the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories was launched this week by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the University of Wales and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
DEFRA are contributing £145,000 to the 3-year project, which is spearheaded by the University of Wales's Marine Turtle Research Group2 in association with MCS3. The research will involve a coalition of organisations and will focus on turtles found in the UK Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Four species of marine turtle regularly nest on the beaches or feed in the waters of the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and the endangered green turtle. For centuries the hawksbill has been hunted in the Caribbean for its beautiful shell, used to make "tortoiseshell," while Caribbean populations of the green turtle were decimated to supply Europe's insatiable appetite for turtle soup.

Foxes Bay Beach sand mining in turtle nesting grounds
Despite a ban on all international trade in marine turtle products under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1977, tortoiseshell items continue to be illegally traded in the Caribbean, where unsuspecting tourists provide the main market, while four Territories still allow legal, subsistence-level turtle harvests.
The project team aim to work with local expertise and help establish long-term research programmes in each Territory.

DEFRA allocated funding for this research in recognition of the need for regional, cooperative management of Caribbean hawksbill populations after Cuba's proposal to reopen international trade in hawksbills turtles was rejected at a CITES meeting last year.

A New Map For Maritime Exclusion Zone

By Helena Durand

A draft of a new map for the Maritime Exclusion Zone was presented to the Government about three weeks ago, said Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory Dr. Peter Dunkley.  

He told the Montserrat Reporter that at the scientists meeting on the volcano in September, they looked at the problem of the Maritime Exclusion Zone and drew the map.

He said although there is an existing map, the areas noted on it are no-go areas specifying some two nautical miles off the coast.

These areas he said are, “Off the mouth of the Tar River Valley, off the mouth of the White River, and off the mouth of Fort Ghaut and that is simply because those are the areas where the pyroclastic flows come down into the sea.”

The pyroclastic flows he has said on many occasions, come down very quickly and can catch fishermen unaware; and that even if they were aware of it, they would not be able to outrun it.

That notwithstanding, fishermen have been encroaching on the no-go areas in the Exclusion zone, and reports now indicate that legislative action may be put in place to enforced prohibition.

Meanwhile suggestions being bandied about are that the Maritime Exclusion Zone should more or less be like the Day Time Entry Zone to which controlled access is granted.

On commenting on that suggestion Dr. Dunkley said, any further action as it relates to the map and the Maritime Exclusion Zone is now up to the Government, however he noted that if access were to be allowed there, it should be, “while the level of risk from the volcano is relatively low, [then] most of the area would be opened to the fishermen. But there are two or three areas, which are considered to be very hazardous, and those would be no-go areas.”  

Low-flying Aircraft Unrelated to Airport

Acting Minister of Communications and Works Hon Claude Hogan said concern or curiosity about the low-flying aircraft which has been circling the Gerald’s/Little Bay area can be put to rest because the aircraft has “nothing to do with any airport at Gerald’s.”

He said the purpose of the aircraft is threefold, “They are doing aerial photography, data collection and sightseeing.” He said that is not unusual or uncommon. “We here just happen to be very alert when it comes to aircraft. They have asked permission to fly over.”

Raymond Cabey of the Flight Control Tower at the Gerald’s Heliport confirmed that a flight plan was filed, and “everything was in order. They were only carrying out a survey.”

Mr. Hogan said, however, it is an independent survey and “they are not working with the Government of Montserrat. The Government of Montserrat may have access to the company they work for and may be able to access the information.”

A source close to the Antigua-based company doing the survey said, “They are definitely not doing aerial photography. They are doing a navigational survey to determine the depths of the ocean, and shape of the ocean floor.”

According to our source, a device was placed on the ocean floor at Little Bay about two months ago to gauge the tide at Little Bay, and “they are now collecting and reading the data.”  

Service, Parade Honour Montserrat War Heroes

A Remembrance Day service last Sunday at the Brades Pentecostal Church and a parade commemorating the Montserratians who gave their lives in the World Wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 drew a large crowd of participants and spectators.

Acting Governor His Excellency Sir Howard Fergus led the inspection of the troops, which included the Montserrat Secondary School Cadet Corp, the Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF), Girl Guides, Pathfinders, and the newly remobilised Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF).

The RMDF was participating in its first Remembrance Day parade since it was stood down by the Governor in 1999.

Former member of the RMDF Captain John Skerritt said, “I’m happy that we were able to get it back on and in operation and I am hoping that it will continue to grow from strength to strength. I think it’s important for parades like these, I think it draws us closer together, it reminds us of those persons who have lived their lives on the line in defense of justice and peace”

Those Montserratian heroes who fell in the World War of 1914-1918 are: John Kingsley Martin, William Nugent Gordon, William Goather, Burleigh Hannam, Maurice Hannam, Adolphus Peters, and Arthur Samuel Warner.

In the 1939-1945 World War, the heroes are: Benjamin Allen, Alfred Wade, Peter Lee, Frederick Smith, James Browne, Eugene D Vainer and Anthony Benjamin.  

ECCB NEWS

12TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE WITH COMMERCIAL BANKS AND 6TH SIR ARTHUR LEWIS MEMORIAL LECTURE

By C.T. John

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) 12th Annual Conference with Commercial Banks and the 6th Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture took place in Grenada 7-9 November 2001, and I have been asked to write what I consider to be the highlights of the meeting.  I will refer to four highlights.

(1) The opening address given by Mr. Marius St. Rose on the topic “Culture and Economics – Is our Socialisation a Constraint to our Development?”  Mr. St. Rose is currently Group Managing Director of the East Caribbean Financial Holding Co. Ltd. and is on secondment from his position of Vice President (Operations) of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). His address was the sixth Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture. One hour in length, and consciously couched in easy-to-understand language, that address engaged the intellect of the large audience. He answered the question in the affirmative.

(2) The Caribbean Credit Card Corporation initiative. That corporation is taking a major initiative to provide a modern payments system for OECS banks. (It is providing a debit card network in the OECS which will have international debit card access and will be connected to the other regional switches).

(3) The Work of the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Banking and Financial Services (ECIB). The Institute of Canadian Bankers is phasing out its business programmes for Bankers, and the programmes of the Institute of Financial Services in the United Kingdom (UK) (formerly the Chartered Institute of Bankers) are very expensive and unaffordable for most overseas students.

It was therefore quite heartwarming to note that the ECIB made substantial progress in its discussions with the University of the West Indies (UWI) on introducing four University accredited programmes, namely – Certificate in Financial Services Practice, Diploma in Financial Services Practice, Bachelor's Degree in Banking and Finance and Master's Degree in Banking and Finance.  The Certificate Course has commenced.

(4) The discussions surrounding the introduction of the Euro notes and coins. Effective 1 January 2002 Euro notes and coins will go into circulation. There will be seven Euro banknotes: EUR 5, EUR 10, EUR 20, EUR 50, EUR 100, EUR 200 and EUR 500 as well as eight coins which are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, along with the EUR 1 and EUR 2. Persons who are in possession of the currencies presently in circulation (now called legacy currencies) are to take them in to Commercial Banks immediately.  The currencies being referred to are French Franc, Deutchemark, Italian Lira, Netherland Guilder and Swiss Franc.

The British Pound is not affected; it continues to be legal tender.

In the Conference discussions there was a general trend towards consolidation of Banks, and it was thought that there should be consolidation among the Indigenous Banks of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The above matters, combined with other important presentations and with routine topics, made a most beneficial meeting.

(Editor's Note: John Skerritt, Financial Secretary of Montserrat, who normally would have attended the conference was engaged in meetings of Legislative Council last week.  The Bank of Montserrat also did not have specific representation at the conference.)

Mr C T John is the Resident Representative in Montserrat, of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).  

The Bahamas Installs First  Female Governor-General

NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC - At age 71, Dame Ivy Dumont has set a record, becoming The Bahamas' first female Governor-General.

Accepting the coveted position in an elaborate ceremony Tuesday in Parliament Square, she said, "I shall, perforce, perform those responsibilities in a manner to which The Bahamas has not been accustomed, not having previously had in the office one of my gender.
"I pledge, nevertheless, to discharge my duties in a fashion to make all Bahamians proud at all times, and God willing, in a style which will inspire young Bahamians to continue to search for excellence in areas of service to God and country."
Dame Ivy, who is in an acting capacity, succeeds Sir Orville Turnquest, 72, who recently retired from the office which he held since January 1995.
Dame Ivy, who holds a doctorate in public administration, was a teacher, trade unionist, and former Minister of Education and Youth Affairs.

Russians Send Cuba Aid, Mexicans Also to Pitch In

HAVANA, Cuba, CMC - The Russian Federation has flown two batches of relief supplies to Cuba for the victims of Hurricane Michelle, the Cuban news agency, Prensa Latina, reported yesterday.
The supplies, sent by the Russian Ministry for Special Situations and Civil Defense,  included canned meats, milk, rice, and glass for doors and windows.
Andrei V. Dimitriev, Russian Ambassador to Cuba, said that although Cuba did not ask for international aid, the shipments were a normal gesture between friends in difficult times.
Meantime, the Independent Union of Workers of the Mexican daily La Jornada and the state of Oaxaca are gathering material supplies to help Cuba in its recovery from the devastation caused this month by Michelle.
In a front page report, La Jornada called on Mexicans to donate food, mainly rice, powdered milk, beans and canned products. These items should be sent to the Cuban Embassy in Mexico for shipment to Havana.

Caribbean Nations Put Out Appeal for Aid at UN

UNITED NATIONS, CMC - Two Eastern Caribbean States have appealed to the world's industrialised powers for assistance in addressing the sub-region's economic problems.
Both St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines made the plea while addressing the United Nations General Assembly.
And both made it clear they were not begging for charity.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Harris complained that his government was tired of appealing to the international community to take a more objective look at the peculiar situation of small vulnerable economies.
The issue was also emphasised by Deputy Prime Minister Louis Straker of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He told world leaders that Small Islands Developing States need help if they are to survive and prosper in the rapidly chaning global environment.
He also called for relief from foreign debt, high interest rates and international trade constraints.
Grenada's Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Elvin Nimrod, in a speech prepared for delivery at the UN General Assembly pledged Grenada's support to the international fight against global fight against terrorism.
In light of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, Grenada has sought to ensure that there are no terrorists' funds in any of its offshore institutions, he said.
He also reported that his country had indefinitely suspended its economic citizenship programme under which non-nationals were granted Grenadian citizenship for a fee.
In his maiden speech, Nimrod called for lifting the more than forty-year-old United States embargo against Cuba and for the international community to reconsider the exclusion of the Republic
of China on Taiwan from membership of the United Nations.  

Dominica's Telecoms Linkup is a Precedent

CMC - A deal to interconnect Dominica's two telecommunications companies will set the pace for the operations of multiple players in the new liberalized telecommunications environment in the Eastern Caribbean, an official here has said.
"We have to make sure we do it right because it is the first and it sets a standard for what is to follow," Donny Defreitas, Managing Director of Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
Neither side has made any public disclosures on the matter, but ECTEL has disclosed that an interconnection agreement signed between Cable & Wireless, Dominica and Marpin Telecoms and Broadcasting was submitted to the Authority for approval.
Last month, in a joint statement, the two parties agreed to work towards an October 30, 2001 deadline for the implementation of interconnection.
However, they cautioned that this would be contingent upon the timely delivery by the manufacturers of the equipment ordered; the completion of installation and satisfactory testing of this equipment; final agreement on the commercial terms of interconnection; and approval of the agreement by the relevant regulatory body in Dominica.
Mr. Defreitas said the interconnection of the two separate networks sets a precedent not only in Dominica, but also in the rest of the sub-region.
Domestic interconnection is a mandatory provision under a Grenada accord signed by Cable & Wireless and the governments of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.  

STAFF Party under fire

St. Lucia, CMC - Ruling St. Lucia Labour Party  (SLP) Campaign Manager Julian Hunte on Thursday admitted he was embarrassed by his son's taking satire to the political arena and seeking to register a party to contest the December 3 general election.
Christopher Hunte, who is in his late 20s, has announced his intention to contest the general election, but only to draw attention to the failings of the political system and the use of chicken and rum by politicians to attract voter support.
Hunte, who presents a weekly satirical programme on local television called "LUCIANS", has applied to the Chief Elections Officer for registration of his STAFF Party, whose symbol will be a rum bottle.
But Hunte senior, who is a Senator and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in the SLP government, said his son had decided on his course of action against his advice.
"I hope that he knows what he is involved in and being his own man, he will take responsibility for the consequences, whatever they may be," he said.
In a recent television interview, young Hunte made the point that while he respected his father, he was his "own man".
Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, asked to comment on the emergence of the STAFF Party, said on Thursday it was a very dangerous thing to encourage cynicism in local politics, particularly to encourage persons to think uncharitably about politicians.
"This can be a very dangerous thing to do," Dr. Anthony told a press conference. "Any purported political organisation that seeks to engender cynicism in the political process, as distinct from political theatre ... that clearly ought not to be encouraged."
But the Prime Minister said his government was prepared to respect the right of every person and organisation.
Young Hunte also drew criticism today from the St. Lucia National Youth Council, whose President, Silas Wilson, issued a statement condemning the attempt to "trivialise" the political system.  

British Airways Plans 4th Flight to Antigua

LONDON, CMC - British Airways (BA) will add a fourth weekly flight to Antigua and Barbuda from February, bringing the airlift from London to nine per week, a government official said yesterday.
Other airlines flying to Antigua from London are Virgin Atlantic - twice a week, BWIA West Indies Airways twice a week, and Air 2000 once a week.
The announcement was made in London by the country's High Commissioner, Sir Ronald Sanders, who said British Airways officials had given him the good news Wednesday night.
Sir Ronald began discussions with BA following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States which triggered the cancellation of bookings by scores of travelers, especially Americans.
"We needed to fill the void with European tourists who were canceling their planned holidays to parts of the Middle-East and Asia because of the situation in Afghanistan. We had the demand from tourists, but we needed the airlift," Sir Ronald said in a statement.
"Our discussions with BA have borne fruit and I am delighted with the news. BA has proved itself a true partner in Antigua and Barbuda's tourism. Hotels can remain open and keep their staff employed," he added.  

Elections body calls in the police

CMC - The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) in Trinidad and Tobago has called in the police to investigate the circumstances leading to the opposition
party being in possession of two registration record cards.
The EBC said in a statement Wednesday that it had also asked the police to obtain the cards which should not be out of the possession of the EBC or its employees or agents.
"Our internal investigations have revealed that the cards were assigned to a temporary field officer for verification. The Commission views the loss of these two cards with the greatest concern and is continuing its investigations into their loss," the Commission said.
The Opposition People's National Movement (PNM), in presenting the cards to the media, said it was evidence that there was collusion between the EBC and the ruling United National Congress (UNC) in some key constituencies in next month's general elections.
PNM election candidate Larry Achong said the names of the two dead persons, Frankie Ramkissoon and Dolly Ramparay, have appeared on the current electoral list.
He said a UNC activist who said he was fed-up with the level of corruption taking place in the ruling party gave their registration cards to the party. The activist was now in hiding since he feared for his life, he added.
Achong said there were hundreds of such misleading registration cards in the St Joseph constituency currently controlled by the UNC.
He alleged there was a "clandestine meeting" last Monday between two members of the EBC and a number of UNC activists.
"We are quite satisfied now that there is collusion between the EBC and the UNC. How in heaven's name could these cards be out in the public? They are supposed to be in the binder in the Commission.
It is amazing that something as confidential as this could be outside," said Achong.
Achong said the PNM has received information that the EBC supplemental list is to be padded with Guyanese voters who, over recent days, had their immigration status regularised and have been issued new identification cards.
The EBC said it has launched its own investigations and was informed by the registration officer for the San Juan area in the eastern region that a “Mr Garcia of the PNM” approached him on Tuesday evening who handed him photocopies of the cards.
Garcia informed him that the cards were found in "a garden."

   "When the registration officer requested the orginals, Mr Garcia indicated that he could not supply them as he was 'operating under instructions' and the originals were in the possession of the PNM," according to the EBC statement.  

A fifth Political party

A fifth political party has emerged and is expected to field candidates on Nomination Day for the December 3rd General Elections.
Well-known Human Rights Lawyer Martinus Francois is the leader of the St Lucia Freedom Party which plans to contest four of the 17 seats in the upcoming election, , and whose symbol is the hammer
Stating that the political landscape has been blurred by personal ambition and greed for power Mister Francois has promised to lead the campaign against the possible return of Doctor Kenny Anthony's Labour Party.
Francois' success as a Human Rights Lawyer dates back to last year, when he successfully filed a motion against the St Lucia government for the shackling of the late Barbadian criminal, Alfred Harding.
He does not believe that his late entry into the political fray less than one month before Saint Lucians go to the polls will adversely affect his chances of winning a seat.
Local political analyst Denis Springer disagrees with Francois that his party's chances are as good as any.
Springer is a Lecturer in Political Science at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.
Although five parties are contesting the poll, he tells CMC that the upcoming poll is shaping up to be a straight fight between the governing St. Lucia Labour party and the main opposition United Workers Party.
He is predicting victory by a commanding margin of about 14 to three.    

St. Lucia's Dec. 3 Poll Is a Five-party Contest

Compiled from dispatches

St. Lucia, CMC - Political analyst Denis Springer predicted this week an easy win for Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony's St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) in the December 3 general election.
Mr. Springer, a lecturer in Political Science at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, forecast a 14-3 seat win for the Labour Party.
Although five parties are contesting the poll, he told CMC that the election would be a straight fight between the governing SLP and the main opposition United Workers Party, headed by Dr. Morella Joseph.
The other parties expected to contest the election are the National Alliance for former Foreign Minister George Odlum, the STAFF Party of young TV host Christopher Hunte, and human rights lawyer Martinus Francois' St Lucia Freedom Party, which plans to contest four of the 17 seats.

Mr. Springer disagrees with Francois that his party's chances are as good as any other party's.
Dr. Anthony, whose St. Lucia Labour Party scored a landslide victory in the May 23, 1997, election, announced the poll Sunday, on the heels of the break-up of an arrangement between opposition parties.
The Labour Party says it has already completed its list of candidates for the December poll. The party won 16 of the 17 seats at stake in the 1997 general election, crushing the UWP.
The UWP, whose veteran political leader and former Prime Minister John Compton did not seek re-election in 1997, had subsequently teamed up with Mr. Odlum's National Alliance, with Mr. Compton playing a key role. But the arrangement recently collapsed, the UWP saying it would fight the election as a separate party.
The STAFF party is the brainchild of young Christopher Hunte, who produces a satirical programme called "LUCIANS" aired on local television weekly. It pokes fun at St. Lucians, from politicians to ordinary folk. STAFF is the acronym for "Sou Tout Apwe Fete Fini" which is the local creole for "Drunk After de Fete Finish."
Mr. Hunte is the son of Julian Hunte, the ruling SLP's campaign manager and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in the administration of Prime Minister Anthony.

Easy win for Labour Party ?

CMC - Political analyst Denis Springer on Tuesday predicted an easy win for Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony's St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) in the December 3 general election.
Springer, a lecturer in Political Science at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, forecast a 14-3 seat win for the Labour Party.
Although five parties are contesting the poll, he told CMC that the election would be a straight fight between the governing SLP and the main opposition United Workers Party, headed by Dr. Morella Joseph.
The other parties expected to contest the election are the National Alliance for former Foreign Minister George Odlum, the STAFF Party of young TV host Christopher Hunte and human rights lawyer Martinus Francois' St Lucia Freedom Party, which plans to contest four of the 17 seats.
Springer disagrees with Francois that his party's chances are as good as any other party's.
Anthony, whose St. Lucia Labour Party scored a landslide victory in the May 23, 1997 election, announced the poll Sunday, on the heels of the break-up of an arrangement between opposition parties.
The Labour Party says it has already completed its list of candidates for the December poll. The party won 16 of the 17 seats at stake in the 1997 general election, crushing the UWP.
The UWP, whose veteran political leader and former Prime Minister John Compton did not seek re-election in 1997, had subsequently teamed up with Odlum's National Alliance, with Compton playing a key role. But the arrangement recently collapsed, the UWP saying it would fight the election as a separate party.

Panday Names Candidates

The Basdeo Panday faction of the ruling United National Congress has announced the names of 35 candidates to contest the December 10 poll.
The final selection was expected Tuesday evening during a meeting of the group at the UNC Headquarters in Port of Spain.
Local Political Scientist Derek Ramsamooj said the UNC faction has chosen a good mix of youthful candidates with experienced ones.  

Grenada Trade Union Balks at New Council

CMC - The Trades Union Council (TUC) in Grenada is unhappy with the procedure used by the government in appointing the National Economic Council.
The Council's appointment was one of several measures taken by the government to deal with the economic fallout from the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
The government named representatives from various sectors and bodies including the TUC. However, the union is refusing to sit on the Council, saying the government was out of place to name a representative and not ask the labour body to nominate someone.
The TUC maintains that it is an independent body and the government cannot select someone from among its membership to sit on the Economic Council.  

PM Panday Denounces Trinidad Poll Results

Compiled from dispatches

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC - Eminent pollster Dr. Selwyn Ryan and Prime Minister Basdeo Panday clashed last week over results of Dr. Ryan's St. Augustine Research Associates (SARA) poll of pre-election sentiment in Trinidad and Tobago.
The poll, reported November 4, showed that more than half the general public in Trinidad and Tobago felt that substantial voter padding took place during last year's December 11, General. Only 8 percent of the entire sample disagreed with the charge that the elections were won by fraudulent means
Mr. Panday, leader of the ruling United National Congress (UNC) party, described Dr. Ryan's poll as libelous and nefarious while addressing the annual dinner of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce on Friday night.
But in his column in the Sunday Express, Dr. Ryan responded, "I, however, want to reassure Mr. Panday, if indeed he had any doubt, that the SARA does not do 'voodoo' polls and that the snapshot of public opinion which its latest poll reflected was actually taken in the week prior to its publication and the report faithfully reproduced without any adjustments on my part."
 The University of the West Indies (UWI) political scientist noted that all polls agreed that corruption had come to be associated with the Panday administration and that it was the consensus that the Panday faction was "ethically challenged and politically endangered."
Dr. Ryan noted that in 1961 the People's National Movement was accused of "having gerrymandered" the constituencies "cartographically". On the other hand he said that it was becoming clearer as time goes by that the UNC "counter-gerrymandered" the system by "shifting hundreds of votes to neighbouring constituencies where they were needed more".
"Information coming to hand from UNC defectors who knew what went on indicates that thousands of voters were spirited into San Fernando West, San Juan/Barataria and La Brea, to mention only a few constituencies where wrongdoing has now been admitted."

Police To Investigate Trinidad Election

Trinidad's Election and Boundaries Commission has called in the police to determine how the opposition Peoples National Movement got two election registration cards.
The EBC says it also wants the police to retrieve the cards.

A PNM candidate presented the card to the media on Tuesday to support claims that the ruling United National Congress was planning to steal the December 10 general elections, with the help of the
EBC.
The PNM has repeatedly expressed a lack of confidence in the EBC.
The commission this week denied Opposition Leader Patrick Manning's request for an extension to the deadline for registration.
The PNM leader won't comment of the latest controversy.
But he tells CMC he's worried that the EBC will manipulate the list.  

World Financial Bodies Faulted for Indifference

Antiguan Diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders has blasted the major international financial institutions for failing to support efforts by Caribbean countries seeking emergency aid in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
Sir Ronald says CARICOM countries face a projected financing gap of about US$400 million in 2002.
Still, he says, the major financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are unwilling to adjust their lending policies to provide emergency aid to the struggling Caribbean countries.
The Inter-American Development Bank has indicated its willingness to offer financial assistance, particularly to the region's tourism-dependent countries.
And in a few days, France is expected to announce that it will provide additional resources to the IDB specifically for the Caribbean.
But France has stopped being a contributor to the Caribbean Development Bank.
Sir Ronald says this poses a problem for member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.  

Women's Group Protesting Against Prostitution

CMC - A women's group in Antigua on Thursday was planning a march through the capital, St. John's, to demonstrate its opposition to prostitution and child exploitation.
The Professional Organisation of Women in Antigua and Barbuda (POWA) said the protest was "a non-political event" that has received the support of conscious citizens and civic and professional organisations.
These include the teachers' union, the nurses association and the Christian Council.
"We are alarmed at the escalating incidence of such cases and the deafening silence over (the) recent child prostitution and pornography scandal," POWA said in a statement.
"We can no longer be complacent and ignore our society's deteriorating morals and values."
The marchers will be asked to sign a petition "detailing the shortcomings of the legal system on matter relating to the legal system the protection of children against sexual abuse", the group said.

It plans to present the petition to the Lester Bird administration and the judiciary.
Between late September and October, police cracked what appeared to be a well-organised prostitution and porno ring involving girls between the ages of 13 and 19.
They arrested several prominent business people including a woman who is alleged to be the ring leader. Those charged are awaiting trial.
A number of cases involving rape, incest, buggery and indecent assault has also come up before the courts in recent times.  

Small Guyana Aircraft Hijacked, Sent to Brazil

CMC - A light Guyanese aircraft on a domestic run starting near the Brazilian border was hijacked early Wednesday by four men who ordered it flown to Brazil, a spokesman for the airline company said.
The aircraft with 13 passengers was hijacked by a group of armed Brazilians, who ordered the pilot to cross the border, said Jai Nandan, a spokesman for Trans Guyana Aviation.
The aircraft hijacked at Lethem, a Guyanese township near the Brazil border, was to have gone to the Ogle airstrip on east coast Demerara, about 11 miles east of Georgetown.
But it was taken across the border, landing in an unidentified area of Brazil, before flying back to Guyana.
Mr. Nandan said it was unclear whether the Brazilians had escaped after the aircraft landed in Brazil or had been taken into custody by the authorities. He said the incident left the captain and Guyanese passengers badly shaken, but that no-one had been injured.
The Lethem-Ogle flight is usually taken by a number of gold-miners and small businessmen.

Antigua Bank Named Best Corporate Citizen

Antigua Commercial Bank (ACB) has won the coveted Best Corporate Citizen Award from among Caribbean commercial banks for the year 2001, sponsored by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB.)

The ACB was also recognized as a good corporate citizen for Educational Development, Community Outreach and Customer Services.

Other corporate citizen awards were presented to Grenada Co-operative Bank for Environmental Awareness; National Commercial Bank (SVG) Ltd. for Sports Development; National Commercial Bank of Dominica Ltd. for Cultural Development; and Barclays Bank PLC St. Lucia for its contribution to Social Services.

Resident Representative of the ECCB on Montserrat, C.T. John, said there were seven categories: Education Development, Community Outreach, Environmental Awareness, Sports Development, Cultural Development, Customer Services and Social Services.

Mr. John said banks are generally selected based on information gathered by the ECCB from the various East Caribbean member countries. The banks themselves report to the ECCB, and these reports, when substantiated, form the basis upon which the ECCB grants the awards.

The awards, part of the ECCB’s Community Outreach Programme, were presented at the 6th Annual Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture and Awards Ceremony held last week in Grenada.

SPORTS

A CLASH OF CHAMPIONS

By Peter Adrien

Champion cricketers! Yes, they are champion athletes; master craftsmen. The Test series in the former colony of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) is proving to be a clash of the champions. The battle is already separating the boys from the men. You would remember that I sold the current West Indies/Sri Lanka Test series as a contest between the best off-spinner in the game (Muttiah Muralitharan) and the best spin player in the game (Carl Hooper) even if the master batsman and world champion player, Brian Lara, was in the lineup. Well, this first duel was between Brian Lara and Muttiah Muralitharan, and we could not see a ball. What a shame! 

The first phase of the contest is already revealing the gladiatorial battle that we have on our hand in the month of November on the Asian terrain. And it is really shameful, if not disgraceful, that we can neither listen to the commentary nor view the actual encounter on living room screen in an Information Age where televisions and radios are as common as salt. But it is precisely because of increasing commercialization that we are being denied access to what has the potential of being one of the most keenly contested test series in the New Millenium.

The media war that led to the blackout is testimony of the fact that global capitalism has taken absolute control of the fastest growing international service sector, international sports and leisure industry. Those of us, victims of the avaricious warring economic interests, hope and pray that by the second Test beginning November 22, the contracts would have been screened; the rights would have been accorded; the prices would have been determined, to allow the cricketing public to savour the absorbing battle between bat and ball.

For what we have on the world stage is a fight between five true cricket champions. A champion player exhibits the mastery of his art or craft; and exhibits the requisite adjustment capacity to deal with each peculiar condition, circumstance and terrain. A player who, on the other hand, exhibits no mastery of a particular skill but through his performances has attracted the attention of the cricketing public, may be a recognized player or a potential player.

A champion cricketer is a pedigreed batsman or bowler who has produced under varied conditions and circumstances over a continuous period of time. In the present line up in Sri Lanka there are only five champion players, namely: Sanath Jayasuriya (batsman, Sri Lanka); Muttiah Muralitharan (bowler, Sri Lanka); Chaminda Vass (Sri Lanka); Carl Hooper (batsman, West Indies); and Brain Lara (batsman, West Indies). The fortune of the tournament will be determined by the performances of these five master players, even if I have reduced the contest between Hooper and Muralitharan.

There are also in the lineup recognized and potential players who would be expected to establish the platform on which the master craftsmen would launch their assault and, to provide the leverage for the pedigree players to offend or defend, as the circumstances will dictate. The recognized players are Marvin Attapatu (batsman, Sri Lanka); Russell Arnold (batsman, Sri Lanka); DPMD Jayawardene (batsman, Sri Lanka). The potential players are Ramnaresh Sarwan (batsman, West Indies); Chris Gayle (batsman, West Indies); Marlon Samuel (batsman, West Indies); Dinanath Ramnarine (bowler, West Indies).

Well in the first round of the first Test match, Brian Lara won the duel with Sri Lanka king off- spinner Muttiah Muralitharan when he struck a delightful 178, helping the West Indies to 448, but the spin king was the destroyer of the potential and the novices, bagging 6 for 126. Lara answered his critics, and confirmed that he is not necessarily past his best, exhibiting his quality as high-value batsman. 

Although Lara almost missed the tour with a long-term hamstring injury (obviously playing a critical innings relatively unfit), he brought the best in him, displaying his range of strokes, to score his first test hundred since his 182 against Australia at Adelaide last December. It was laced with entertainment and dominance. The double world record holder reached three figures in fine style, coming down the pitch to loft Muralitharan over mid-off for four. But Lara was the first to acknowledge the competitiveness of the contest with Muralitharan: “It is a great competition between us and I appreciate his ability to bowl off-spin. He is something special in world cricket.''

Coming to the wicket at the fall of Daren Ganga, with the West Indian innings evenly poised on 95-2, Lara quickly took the game away from Sri Lanka with a 150 ball century (his 16th Test century) in a 145 run stand with potential batsman, Ramnaresh Sarwan. He was dropped on 31 and 93, being consistently troubled by Muttiah Muralitharan, who bowled a marathon 53.4 overs of testing spin and collected six wickets for 126 runs. And the little craftsman was forced to confess: "Muralitharan is a very good bowler and it's a great competition between us. I appreciate his ability to bowl off-spin. He is something special in world cricket.

Lara’s approach was to play Muralitharan positively, right from the start when he got off the mark with a fine sweep for four. What was the secret? The champion batsman said: "I think you have to keep him thinking. He is going to keep you under pressure if you just look to stay there, so I think you need to keep scoring."

The battle has just begun; the war will be hard and long. If the weather does not intervene, the result will be decided on the basis of superior skills.  

Peter Adrien is an author, a syndicated sports  analyst and freelance photographer. He can be contacted via telephone (869) 465-4813 or E-mail: Adriens@caribsurf.com

PHOTO CAPTION: Brian Lara, a champion batsman ({Photo: Peter Adrien)  

FEATURES

This Week With the Nurses

HEPATITIS B

WHAT IS HEPATITIS B?

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver transmitted by exposure to body fluids of an infected person. These body fluids include blood, semen, vaginal secretion, and saliva. A virus called HBV or the hepatitis B virus causes Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B can result in:

WHY THE EMPHASIS ON HEPATITIS B?

This disease is on the increase in Montserrat, hence the reason for concern and the need for education.

Because it can strike anyone, male or female, rich or poor, young or old. Hepatitis B is a major health problem, especially for many pregnant women and their babies. There’s no cure for this disease. But there’s good news – hepatitis B can be prevented.

Hepatitis B virus is spread by bodily fluids. It can live in all body fluids. But it is mainly spread from person to person through blood, semen and vaginal fluids.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR HEPATITIS B?

 People who are exposed to blood or body fluids of an infected person are at risk. You may also be at risk if you:

BABIES TOO CAN GET HBV.

If a pregnant woman has hepatitis B virus, she can pass it to her baby. This usually occurs during birth. Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B virus can develop chronic infection.

However, in Montserrat all mothers are routinely tested during pregnancy for the hepatitis B virus, so that proper immunization of the baby as soon as possible after birth will greatly reduce the risk.

Hepatitis B virus is not spread by casual contact or through the air. You cannot get it by:

Getting Hepatitis B from a blood transfusion is very unlikely as ALL blood is tested before transfusion.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEPATITIS B

Once you get hepatitis B, it may take from six weeks to six months for signs of the illness to appear.

Signs include:

It is important to note however that many people with hepatitis B virus never show signs of the illness.

A person does not have to look or feel ill to pass hepatitis B virus to you. Anyone can pass it to others. This can occur:

People with chronic infection have HBV for a lifetime. They can;

Remember, having sex or sharing needles with a person who has HBV usually passes hepatitis B virus. It is not passed by casual contact.  

HFS Audit Address

ADDRESS MADE BY THE Hon FINANCIAL SECRETARY AT THE OPENING OF THE AUDIT TRAINING WORKSHOP

I feel honoured to be asked by the Audit Department to address you at this opening ceremony to mark the launching of their training programme.  I must admit that I always feel a sense of ‘oneness’ with auditors, having worked two years with Pannel Kerr Forster as an audit clerk and approximately eleven years with the Audit Department rising through the ranks to the post Deputy Auditor General.

Permit me to reflect for a moment and suggest to you that as we pass through life, many experiences and events have served to shape and determine our approach to our work and in general how we live our lives.  In mine, my training in audit and the resulting exposure to a variety of systems and personalities have had a significant impact on me.

Today, you the staff of the audit department embark upon a programme of training that would help to shape your lives.  We do not know where this training would lead or what responsibility you may be asked to perform in the future.  Since the future is hidden from our eyes, my advice is prepare yourself for whatever comes.  You are required therefore to enter this training with an open mind, an attentive ear and an attitude for participation.  There is so much to learn in so little time.

As I understand it, during this week you would be exposed to three aspects of auditing:

 

(i)                             Value for money or performance auditing

(ii)                             Writing audit reports by objectives

(iii)                            Time management

Judging from my own experiences, these three topics are complete courses in themselves and I do not envy your tutors who must summarize and coherently present the relevant information in a one-week course.

Let me turn my attention specifically to public sector auditing and seek to refresh your minds on what auditors do.  In public sector audit, auditors scrutinize and review the operations of government and provide an opinion and a report on how public monies were spent.  In so doing so the auditor ensures that public officers are held accountable for their use of funds on behalf of the general public.  Note that public officers are legally accountable to parliament or in our case, the Legislative Council. 

In earlier years, auditors were only required to provide an assurance that government’s financial and reporting systems were sound.  In more recent times, this has changed.  Mr. P. J. Barrett, the Auditor General for Australia summarizes current audit approach this way, “…to provide an independent view of the performance and accountability of Commonwealth agencies and entities.  As well, we endeavour to add value by working with organizations to help them identify and resolve problems as well as making constructive recommendations for change.  Our emphasis,” he said, “is on developing a comprehensive, integrated set of audit products that not only provides all stakeholders with adequate assurance about the use of public resources, but also gives them a creditable assessment of administrative performance as well as identifying better practice.”

In the first place, this approach gives the auditor, an extremely wide range of activities on which he can report.  Very few things can now escape his scrutiny.  Secondly, it removes the skills barrier.  By this, I mean that the audit department can employ a doctor when it is reviewing the health service or lawyer, in the case of the Courts system.  Further, it is common to find civil engineers working for audit departments when the auditors are examining public infrastructure.  The third point to note is that this approach produces volumes of working papers.  It is not sufficient for a public officer to draw conclusions on ‘soft’ evidence or ‘gut’ feelings.  Conclusions must be made on ‘hard’ evidence corroborated if possible by different sources.  The more damaging the report or opinion, the more robust or convincing the evidence must be.  You must not be pressured to make judgements that you cannot substantiate. Finally, this approach increases the responsibility of the auditor to exercise ‘due care’ in the performance of his/her duty.  Naturally, no one wants a maverick auditor.  This power must be applied with care and good judgement.

A necessary feature of auditing, is the auditor’s need to understand his environment.  You cannot effectively audit what you don’t understand. More so, globalisation has created one information space, even through the physical boundaries defined by sea and land are evident.  In a few minutes transactions originating in Montserrat can reach their destination thousands of miles away.  You cannot stop it by legislation. Governments can only control these movements by co-operative efforts.  An auditor must therefore be able to collaborate and work through many diverse institutions and agencies in order to be able to give an assurance about any of these transactions.  Increasingly, there is no room on the audit team for one who works in isolation, who can only perform routine tasks or who cannot see the bigger picture.

In addition, the world is also becoming a paperless society.  A organization’s payroll or financial statements can be processed or prepared in India within a day or two without ever reducing it to paper.  That processed information can be kept stored in electronic form on a server in the United Kingdom.  And this same information can then be shared by authorized persons operating in different countries around the world. 

Montserrat may not be at this level but it will get there eventually.  You are challenged to think beyond what this course can provide and it would be evident that what you need to learn cannot be taught in the classroom only.  It can only be learnt through the auditor’s enquiring mind.

What then is the context to which the public sector auditor must apply himself? And what is the environment to which the new public servant must adjust? Whether as public servants, we are reluctant to change and whether we believe the system will protect us from such change, the way the public service does business is changing.  As globalisation takes hold in our economies and budget deficits forces governments to redefine their administrative and productive capacities, change will come. 

In the future both the auditor and the public sector manager must understand and confront a new challenge albeit in different ways.  This new challenge is known as Corporate Governance.  Its core features are:

·                               Contestability of services.  This simply means that departments would be required to compete internally to provide public services and the department that demonstrates that it can deliver the service more economically, efficiently and effectively gets the opportunity to provide the service.  A department or agency that does not win a contract, does not earn money and therefore ceases to exist;

Let me hasten to say that studies will show that where this type of Governance is applied in the Public Service, like all systems, there are good and bad experiences.  This however, is the trend and is the context to which public sector auditors must apply themselves and to which public servants must adjust in the future. 

Now that I believe I have scared you sufficiently.  I wish to say that auditing is a noble profession and it is easy, provided you simply do what you were taught a long time ago.  Ask questions and follow through in your search for answers.  These are the tools of the trade.

Permit me to look at a few of the questions to illustrate my point.  The first question is WHO? Who is responsible? Who is best placed to provide the information? The second question is WHAT? What does this mean? What is the procedure? What are the options?  What evidence is there to support my conclusion? The third question is WHERE? Where is this audit programme taking me? Where did this system come from? Where did this transaction originate? The fourth question is WHEN? When did this happen? When should I audit? When should I withdraw the audit team? The fifth question is HOW? How does it work? How can this be changed? How can I make this audit more effective? Finally, the sixth question is WHY? Why is this necessary? Why is the system set up this way? Why does this work for this organisation and not for this one? You see, it all about asking the right questions.

I will conclude by saying that I wish you all the best in your course.  Remember that the world in which you audit may appear quite complex but in reality it is made up of simple parts and if you ask enough questions, in time you will understand the whole picture.              It is just a matter of your approach, your persistence and hard work.

Thank you.  

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Airborne Mystery

Like on Fantasy Island, 'de plane,'

Kept returning again and again.

Prompting all to ask why

Was that thing in our sky;

When we have no place it could remain.

 

The Emerald Guile

The CM, our tourism elf,

Explains all the lures on our shelf,

If persuasive enough

With his come hither puff,

He might stay more often himself.  

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin whether they plan an official dedication after they finish the Cathy Buffonge Commemorative Guardrail on Fogarty Hill.

Jus wonderin if the acting Minister of Communications and Works will stop building roads to nowhere.

Jus wonderin if the tourism returns to Montserrat will be increased pro-rata to the increased number of persons from Government who when to the Tourism World Fair.

Jus wonderin if me sing calypso again wha me ago get this time.

Jus wonderin when GOM a go give awe our share of de money wey dem give de others in Antigua Englun an other places.

Jus wonderin who de female officer a run race wid.

Jus wonderin if de people who live in de Brades shelter a go get one room a piece in de new houses weh a build in Lookout.

Jus wonderin tell me this, wah wrong, weh de trouble deh and wah a happen to Montserrat.

Jus wonderin me de fan give you all a big hand for all de jokes and smiles you put pan we faces.

Jus wonderin if me should write one book on jus wonderin and get it published.

Jus wonderin why dis woman always have one worry look on she face.

Jus wonderin if man to man is unjust what is woman to woman.

Jus wonderin if everything else legal now except for the passport.

Jus wonderin is saying hi to its favourite officer and fan.

Jus wonderin about the jus wonderin girls dem.

Jus wonderin why one so rosy, one so slim, one so shapely and one so sexy.

Jus wonderin if laughter is the best medicine what is anger.

Jus wonderin how many start feeling the Christmas vibes.

Jus wonderin what cost there is to love that is ordered by Him.

Jus wonderin is saying hi to its favourite officer and fan.

Jus wonderin what happen to dem oder ministers mouth dat a the surgeon have to be always sewing up wounds for them.

Jus wonderin why the government don't start to encourage people back home by building houses available to them and the rest of the people still living in Montserrat, instead of fooling dem about wanting dem to come back home and telling dem the door open to dem own homeland, lek de people dem a prodigal people.

Jus wonderin seriously what signs we can look for if dis island will ever get back viable again.

Jus wonderin why the back-bencher don't stop harassing the man when he criticizes the nonsense and go and get his ministers to do something more positive to improve the lot of these suffering people.

Jus wonderin what the Com minister sees that visitors will see in Salem to discourage them to come back.

Jus wonderin if now de projects drop if business pick back up in Salem and wherever.

Jus wonderin why it is so easy to get scholarship from DFID to study masonry and so difficult to get for IT.

Jus wonderin what more it take than to copy Antigua, or better yet Cayman or BVI legislation and let this country start earning some revenue.

Jus wonderin what role HMG and DFID play in preventing that.

Jus wonderin if there is any seriousness to get even sustenance to this country much more prosperity.

Jus wonderin why no action is taken officially rather than encouraging people to do wrong, 'don't pay' and still tell the law 'mek dem pay.'

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