Work at Port, New GoM HQ Halted Briefly
CM John Osborne - 'anxious to make sure project money is well spent'
Chief Minister John Osborne wants to show that he runs a responsible government and he doesn’t want anyone wasting money belonging to Montserrat in projects that “are a waste of time.” In his efforts to do this, however, many persons are voicing disapproval of his methods.
Early this week news reached the Montserrat Reporter that the Chief Minister had caused construction work to be halted last Friday at the Port Revetment at the Little Bay Port.
Revetment project at Little Bat temporarily halted for adjustments
In another project, sources from the Public Works Department (PWD) confirmed that construction work has been halted on the new Government Headquarters Building at Brades.
Reports from several persons accused the Chief Minister of acting unbecomingly when he publicly and severely criticized a young Public Works Engineer.
The Chief Minister told The Montserrat Reporter passionately and in serious tones that it was time for some to take a stand and see that money is not wasted on projects that turn out to be no good for Montserrat. Referring to the port project, which at the time had been halted, he said, "I will stop the project so I can see what is happening.”
The Chief Minister said he was of the opinion and had been advised that what they were doing, placing staybits below the ground, which is already below sea-level, “was a waste of time.”
He said when he visited the site he observed that heavy equipment was attempting to bail water from the ground which was already under sea level in order to place the staybits, over which, they had hoped to place huge rocks.
“If they cannot satisfy us that the money is properly spent, I would rather cancel the project,” the Chief Minister concluded.
One person who did not wish to be identified said he was on the site at the said time, said that “the reason why the construction was stopped was because the Chief Minister was unhappy with the construction of the design of the works and the way it was being done.”
The Reporter understands that one or more technicians advised the Chief Minister that the current works employed on the structure were not done correctly, that a similar structure was built in Plymouth in the 1980’s and this was not the way it was done, both in design and construction.
However, one civil engineer challenged this statement, saying, “even though the designs for the two places are different, they were being constructed according to their specific design,” adding that it is in fact the PWD who designed the new structure.
Efforts to get expert comment from officials from the PWD were unsuccessful, but in the meantime Minister of Communications and Works, Dr. Lowell Lewis had appeared over the weekend on ZJB radio and explained that the work was temporarily suspended for certain adjustments to be made.
Deputy CM Dr Lowell Lewis - 'always ready to steady the ship'
Dr. Lewis told us that there is nothing unusual about this, since from time to time “changes must be made to obtain the best results.”
“The work is being stopped while certain variations are being made to the project . . . there are discussions as to how to get better value out of the projects,” he told us.
It was reported that some construction workers were out of jobs temporarily, while others had to be shifted from this project to others within the contracting firm responsible for the job.
However, by yesterday reports were that work had restarted on the project, but no official word was available as to what changes if any were being made to the design of the project.
In the other situation it was reported that the Chief Minister requested that construction be halted on a building that will form part of ‘new permanent’ Government Headquarters, so that what was designed to be a two-story split level building could be dismantled and another floor added to the existing structure.
GoM Headquarters building underway at Brades
According to one official within the PWD, “this is posing numerous problems as most of the infrastructural work, some 85- 95 percent, has already been completed. This dismantling of the almost completed structure and redesigning of the proposed new building causes major delays in the areas of cost, time frame, labour and manpower and the size of project.”
The Chief Minister, in the meantime, admitted on Wednesday that he requested some changes be made to facilitate a third storey, which is of the opinion would result in a better looking and more functional building. He also expressed concerned with utilizing the money that is available in the best possible manner and he is “simply waiting for the designers and builders to say whether they can meet my request.”
But Public Works Officials said that the delay creates the problem of stabilizing the expenditure, since it becomes difficult to keep everything in perspective -- a new time frame has to be set, further adjustments have to be made to the existing design, which results in the daily rate becoming more expensive.
The project was scheduled to be finished in March – April 2003.
OECS Leader Foresees A Near 'Impossible' Task
George Goodwin Jr., Acting Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), was the keynote speaker at this week's two-day conference, “Beyond Walls: Multi Disciplinary Perspectives,” presented by
The University of the West Indies (UWI), School of Continuing Studies (SCS).
This was the fifth in the Schools’ Country Conference Series, the earlier ones having been in St. Kitts, Dominica, Belize and Grenada.
Mr. Goodwin's theme was a “Bleak Future for the OECS,” in which he spoke of doom for the OECS and what he called the “virtually impossible” task that Montserrat faces in “re-creating itself."
President of the Montserrat Christian Council, Rev. Florence Daley, opened the conference with a prayer, after which Professor Sir Howard Fergus, resident tutor and head for the School of Continuing Studies, Montserrat, gave the welcome address.
Mr. Goodwin warned, “Unless these states consciously take control of their own development, they will be marginalized in the wake of globalization.”
Although he said he did not consider the problems of the OECS to be all due to globalization, he nevertheless said: “After 20 years of cumulative growth, the OECS economies entered the new millennium in a state of crisis -- the causes of which are not entirely unrelated to the new globalization.”
He said that "given the size, resource constraints, relative economic underdevelopment and a lack of international competitiveness in production, the path to sustaining acceptable levels of growth and survival within the present system is through closer integration of the economies”.
Turning his attention to Montserrat, Mr. Goodwin pointed out that like the other Overseas Territories, Montserrat could not participate in much of the aid funding programs from countries such as France, or the World Bank.
In his remarks, Sir Howard thanked those who attended the Conference, especially the visiting academics and scholars for making the effort in coming to Montserrat, especially in light of sensationalized and incorrect reports about the island recently reported by the international media.
Professor, Sir Howard Fergus addresses the conference
He praised UWI's Professor Carrington for insisting that the conference be held here, which he said, “demonstrated a genuine commitment to Montserrat, as the UWI has always done throughout this crisis”.
Recalling that UWI nearly closed the school in 1997, he said it was Vice Chancellor Mc Intyre and Director Rex Nettleford, who acceded to Montserrat’s plea to keep the school in existence. “In retrospect the decision was a prudent one, for in the face of mass exodus from the island, almost inexplicably the programme of the SCS expanded and has not looked back since,” he said.
He said those who attended the Conference reinforced the message of the Montserratian people, their fixed purpose and resolve to develop, and “I hope that those attending will be conduits of a more accurate message of life on this isle.”
Such a conference, he said, “can contribute to the re-engineering process, which in turn will generate intellectual capital with implications for material development, specifically since it is intended to attract intellectuals to research and reflect on a wide range of themes and issues pertinent to Montserrat and to offer the results for discussion and academic exchanges."
Section of the audience at the opening of the conference
Mrs. Idabelle Meade, the Honourable Minister of Education, Health and Community Services, spoke of “the troubling times we presently face." She cited potential outbreak of war in the Middle East and the economic upheavals being experienced by several countries" as a sign of the inevitable troubles we all face.
Despite the intervention of economists and other experts in the study of human development, she said, the “confidence in the once pronounced sound capitalist system has been shaken.”
She noted the vulnerability of the small island states, the increased concern of the United Nations, and that the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other world agencies, in trying to establish fair trade and level the level the playing field, “have rendered some of the players impotent.”
Papers presented and discussed at the two-day Conference included:
The aim of the Conference Series, which will end in St. Vincent, is to stimulate and highlight research by academics and eminent persons in the non-campus country, by UWI staff based at campuses and by scholars in other institutions with interests in Caribbean Studies.
"When Clare Short Said No One Must Benefit From HMG Aid, She Meant No Montserratian"
Recent editorials have caused a few questions to be fired in this direction, as Montserratians and observers at home and abroad grow more aware of the squeeze that the island is experiencing at this point. Everyone has almost the same difficulty. It is not being able to understand why Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) seem so unwilling to look after this tiny island and the people who believe in the information the scientists present to them on island, that the north of the island is a safer and undoubtedly a better place to live than many cities and towns in Europe.
Indeed there are many on their own home front who would not dispute that as evidenced in the capital being laid out for houses on Montserrat. The question though does that tell a story.
In October 1997 just after David Brandt became the third chief minister since 1995, Governor Savage, who battled for Montserrat like no other Governor had before him or since, had this to say: "There is not a bottom line to what will be spent either in infrastructure in the north of Montserrat or in supporting Montserratians off island.
"It is not a case of trying to squeeze it into an existing budget. The CM held negotiations at the very highest level in the UK. The CM had negotiations with the Foreign Secretary, the Secretary of State for International Development, and two other ministers who assured the Government of Montserrat that the British Government is committed to the well-being of the people of Montserrat either on island or off-island."
Today all Chief Minister John Osborne can tell us is that the same Secretary of State said: “We will not turn our backs on Montserrat.”
He goes on to say in almost the same breath, “…but if the behaviour of the British Government continues, they will be embarrassed.”
The Chief Minister was participating at the opening this week of the Montserrat Conference of the University of the West Indies Country Conference Series – “Beyond Walls: Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives.”
The feature address given by Mr. George Goodwin Jr., acting director general of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), was hailed by all as being most stimulating and interesting, not withstanding that he said at one point, "I do not apologise if it appears I am overselling doom.”
Mr. Goodwin was emphasizing that “the OECS economy is quite bleak,” pointing out that the OECS’ problems are not in globalisation.
But of Montserrat he said, it is “…significantly different than attempting to rebuild after a hurricane where the task is the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the standing economic and social infrastructure, domestic accommodation stock and facilities . . . it is virtually attempting to recreate itself spatially and socially,” adding very bluntly, “and that is virtually impossible.”
It is obvious that Montserrat has not made use of the free assistance that is available to it for from its sisters and brothers in the region. But who, other perhaps than some of our present leaders, does not remember Clare Short’s insults as she accused our island's leaders of "sheer irresponsibility" in what she described as greedy demands for compensation. As Marsden puts it “She precipitated her own crisis when she predicted that next, Montserratians would be demanding 'golden elephants'.”
She also contradicted Governor Savage’s quote above by telling Rose Willock, "Money does not grow on trees."
She was severe as she went on to say that no one in Montserrat must benefit and get rich from the aid they would give to Montserrat. She could only have been suggesting that she didn’t want officials stuffing their pockets from her aid money. But all we can say from this end is that while we are aware of the corruption which would obviously involve civil servants, she created policy that simply made it possible for her own high ranking civil servants to just that, to the detriment of Montserrat. It is time our officials speak of the things they know instead of suffering control and humiliation from them.
Our Chief Minister should not now be suffering the stress of trying to curb the very cancer he and other leaders have been accused of, by trying manfully to say he will no longer stand by and watch our aid money wasted and stuffed into certain pockets.
Governor Longrigg was so impressed he told Mr. Goodwin that it was the first speech he had listened to in Montserrat that kept his entire attention. Mr. Goodwin said nothing we didn’t know or that had not been expressed by others at Whitehall in London when he said the British Government do not know how to handle situation of Montserrat and the Overseas territories in Regional organizations such as the OECS and CARICOM. He agreed with this medium when he said they were "not working hard enough in Whitehall.”
We doubt very much that the Hon. Jack Straw would disagree, but we can still hope that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and DFID could patch things up or that FCO takes a greater stand in looking after its own responsibility for Montserrat.
We must still invite Clare Short to come visit. We did so in 1997 right after her insults, with a promise to be nice to her. After all she has good friends here in very high places, but she may be about to lose them. Maybe we can speed up the process of her arrival by sending her some excerpts from Mr. Goodwin’s address so she will then see in what a dreadfull state she has helped us to become.
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
Whispers of Hope
– Read Psalm 46
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18 (NSRV)
I thought my faith was pretty strong until the chronic pain began. When I learned that doctors and pills were not going to be the solution, that the pain was with me to stay and likely would get worse with time, I became bitter, angry, and violent.
In my mind I heard things like, “God must not like you anymore.” "Your faith has been a waste of time and is worthless.” “If you want a permanent cure for your pain, why don’t you just kill yourself?”
But the Holy Spirit was speaking to me, too: “All things work together for good to those that love God “ (Romans 8:28). “ [Christ’s] grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). I know I may have to wait some time before I see the good that God promises. But I am learning that Christ is sufficient for me for that day!
Finally, the Spirit whispered, “Christ has prepared a place for you for eternity – where there is no pain, sorrow, or death.” (See Revelation 21:4) I have stopped listening to my doubts and have decided to put my trust in the One who loves me and gave his life (through indescribable pain) to redeem me from sin and deliver me from the troubles of this world.
Prayer: Dear God, open our ears to hear your voice of comfort and hope amidst the trials of our lives. Keep us centered in you and your word. Amen
Thought for the Day: If we listen, we can hear God’s whispers of love.
- Morris E. Friberg (Colorado)
Prayer Focus: Those who live with chronic pain
Montserrat National Trust Responds to Recent Articles
Dear Editor,
The Executive Committee of the Montserrat National Trust has noted the recent articles about the Trust in your Newspaper of November 8th.
There seem to be, however, a number of inaccuracies and errors in the article written by C. Rhys-Jones in particular and we would like to take this opportunity to correct these.
The Committee has no hesitation in recognizing that Mr. Macnamara contributed to the ongoing development of the Trust, which he was paid to do.
He had a limited understanding of financial discipline and requested the assistance of the Executive Committee. In response the Executive Committee recruited two consultants to advise the Trust on Administrative and Financial Management and Mr. Macnamara himself, without the Committee's consent, also recruited a consultant to give opinions on the Financial Management of the Trust. In addition a local consultant was recruited to give accounting support to the Trust.
The reports arising out of these consultancies recommended that a Finance Committee be established to approve projects for submission for funding and assist with the development and management of projects.
Mr. Macnamara, in writing informed the Committee that he did not wish to be a member of the Finance Committee and this created an impasse.
It is incorrect to say that no Annual General Meeting was held since 2000. The last Annual General Meeting of the Montserrat National Trust was held on Wednesday December, 5th 2001 at the Vue Pointe Hotel with the Honorable Chief Minister, the Honorable Minister of Communication and Works, along with 30 members and friends of the Trust in attendance. Reports and Audited Statements were presented and elections held. Mr Macnamara was also in attendance.
The Montserrat National Trust has had a 32-year history of collaboration and cooperation with the Government of Montserrat, the Governor's Office, expatriate and local volunteers, all who have provided funding and support in the development of programs and projects for the development and benefit of the island.
It is unfortunate that this matter was brought into the public domain and the Committee wishes to reserve further comment on this matter at this time.
Sarita Francis
President
Montserrat National Trust
An Expatriate Answers Montserratian at Heart
Dear Editor,
My wife and I became contributing members of the Montserrat National Trust when we began to visit the island in 1987. That support has continued since we bought our house in Foxes Bay in 1989.
She may wish to continue her support. I wonder if I dare.
I have remained carefully neutral in the controversy surrounding the decision of the Executive Council not to renew the contract of Stephen Macnamara as Director. I have signed no petition. But last week's xenophobic denunciation by "a Montserratian at Heart" of those who question that unexplained decision must not go unchallenged.
If the pressing by perplexed expatriate members of the Trust for answers unmasks them as colonialist "massas" who seek only to suppress Montserratians, need I as an expatriate sever all connections with the organization?
Under no circumstances do I wish to be mistaken for one who would suppress people I admire and respect. Does that mean I have to relinquish my right as a contributing member of the Trust to question the actions and motives of the Executive Council?
Surely not.
Montserratian at Heart warns, " I hope they all live here long enough to know what happens when 'mouth open and story jump out.' Take care some of them don’t get heartburn and hypertension when they get answers to the questions that they asking."
I am confident that if the questions of that reviled "Expatriate Few" were honestly answered at last, they could live with the revelations, however unpleasant. They might even begin to understand.
It is very important to remember that the third word in the name of the organization is Trust. It would be helpful in overcoming this impasse if a little of that could be re-established.
J. Donald Brandt
Woodlands - 4
You Owe Us 'Arrears,' So Show Us You Paid; Then We'll Look Again
Dear Editor:
Where else in the world but Montserrat is it the customer's responsibility to prove to a company that he paid a bill SIX YEARS AGO when in the interim period the company NEVER billed him for a past due amount?
I'm sure this is just MY example, one that many people have also experienced but this is what I am now being asked to do with the Water Authority.
In late July, out of the blue, I received a bill from the Water Authority concerning vacant lots where there is a water maintenance charge.
The bill was (of course) unexplained but said we owed "arrears" plus penalties for the arrears plus current charges. On August 2nd, I went to the Authority for an explanation. It was only THEN that I was told that the arrears was for an amount unpaid in 1996! NEVER has the annual bill received from the Authority ever expressed an arrears prior to this date and now, all of a sudden, it's supposed to be my burden or responsibility to prove to them that I DID pay the bill six YEARS AGO, otherwise I have to pay now plus penalties. This is ridiculous and unfair. Hey! Why not pull something from 1986 instead of 1996 and say that it's not paid? I mean what are the chances that a customer will have those records?
Well, lo and behold, I FOUND MY PAYMENT RECORD from 1996. Why? Because I just happened to be throwing out tax records that are not required to be held after a period of 5 years. On August 4, I faxed proof of payment. FROM AUGUST 4TH UNTIL YESTERDAY THERE WAS NO CORRECTED BILL RECEIVED OR ANY EFFORT ON THE AUTHORITY'S PART TO RESOLVE THIS bill considering my findings. Only when I returned to the premises did something happen. And you know what that something was? I got a call from the Authority telling me, "Oh, it wasn't a PAST DUE from 1996. It was from 1997!" So, I guess the game is if you can prove you paid for one year, then the Authority will try for another. I guess they figure they can eventually find a year where you can't prove what you did so, despite never billing for arrears ever, they will now take the stance that YOU, THE CUSTOMER, MUST PROVE TO US bill payment from six years ago or so, or maybe five, unless you prove that one too, then maybe four.
This is unfair and unacceptable anywhere else in the world. If a customer is past due on a company's records, it is the company's responsibility AT THAT TIME, to make the customer aware that he is past due by their records. If he continues to be past due, then the company should take action AT THAT TIME. It's a company's incompetence that allows a situation like this to happen, not a customer who is unaware of the problem until six years later. Why should the customer have to pay (again!) for the company's incompetence?
Fed up
Doug Darby
Classmate Sought For 50th Reunion
Dear Editor,
I am looking for a former classmate of mine from Nashua (New Hampshire). Her maiden name was Barbara Baker. We are having our 50th reunion this next year and would like to have her know about this. If you have any knowledge of where she is or how we could go about finding her we would be most appreciative. Thanks very much.
Earl Aldrich
Naticook@aol.com
Pre-volcano Visitor Appreciates Reporter
Dear Editor,
I was a frequent visitor to Montserrat in the past but have not been back since the volcano eruption. I am saddened by events in Montserrat and the lack of support from the UK government. I read the Montserrat Reporter to remain in contact and compliment you on an excellent publication. Please keep up the good work and best wishes to you all.
jhosey@titan-airways.co.uk
Montserratian Abroad Seeks Contacts Here
Dear Editor,
My name is Anjahras, as many people who know me call me. I recently found your web site and loved it because I could learn about my island through your site. However I am asking a favor of you. I have not visited Montserrat since I left and would love to, and need to get in contact with my childhood friend Noella Weeks, and with Ms. Ruby Weeks, who was my guardian for a short time. This would be a blessing if you could help me and even if you cannot I thank you. If someone would write me back I would really appreciate it. And I would also like you to know that the Coopers are my family, and Joan West (Tuitt) is my great grandma. The Morson's are my family too...on my father's side.
Thank you!!!!
jahmakea2@yahoo.com
FEEDBACK
Volcanology Lesson 1 From Website Reader
Dear Editor,
I keep seeing letters or articles in the paper from people in relation to the volcano. These leave me no choice but to reply to them. The first is with regards to the dome and putting explosives on the dome to remove material from it. It is quite obvious that the author of the letter concerning the dome has no clue what a lava dome is and how they grow.
Removing material from a lava dome with explosives can be compared to opening Pandora's box. I can think of two reasons why this will not be a good idea. There is no control on how much material will be removed and I am sure we all know that the removal of too much material from the flanks of an active lava dome can expose undegassed lava leading to a lateral blast. This will most likely be followed by a vertical eruption and will cause considerable problems on Montserrat. The second reason is that an explosive device can cause instability in other parts of the dome and can lead to the simultaneous generation of block and ash flows on a number of flanks.
The second issue concerns the comparison of Mt Etna to the volcano in Montserrat. These two volcanoes could not be more different. The eruptive products of Mt Etna are basaltic. They get lava flows, we get lava domes.
These lava flows are slow moving on the order of a few km/h or even a few km/d. The lava bombs that you see the press talk about landed a few hundred meters from the vent , not on people's houses or their heads. People can approach lava flows and sample them while the flows are still active (wearing protective gear off course). When dealing with an Andesitic volcano such as the one in Montserrat the one thing you don't have after an eruption gets going is the luxury of time. In 1997 it took the flows two minutes to get to the airport. How fast can a fully populated Salem be evacuated?
My point is hazard mitigation of any volcano is unique to the style of activity the volcano exhibits, the topography of the surrounding area and how quickly people can be evacuated if need be.
Ahthene Nixie
ahthene@hotmail.com
Kingsley Howe Awarded His MBE, Mrs. Eileen Edwards a Badge of Honor
Mr Kingsley Samuel Howe, HE Gov Longrigg and Mrs Eileen Ewdwards
Mr. Kingsley Samuel Howe and Mrs. Eileen Edwards, both Montserratians, received the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) and the Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour respectively on Thursday, November 14.
The honours were bestowed on Mr. Howe and Mrs. Edwards on Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honors List this year.
His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg, in his citation, told the audience that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, has recognized Mr. Howe’s 30 years of dedicated and outstanding work in the Montserrat Public Service and for his contribution in the area of sports and culture to the local community.
Mr. Howe’s career in the Public Service began in 1963 and spanned a number of areas; he was a primary school teacher, a senior clerical officer and storekeeper, Finance Officer, Assistant Secretary and Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.
He served in many areas in many different roles. In the Finance Ministry, he was the budget analyst, an accounts officer for the Ministry Headquarters, Financial Services Center and the Government Information Systems.
Having retired from the Public Service earlier this year, he was once again called back to office to continue his duties as a financial advisor.
Governor Longrigg said “Mr. Howe’s immense knowledge of the Public Service, its politics and procedures, earned the respect of his colleagues in the Ministry of Finance, his peers in the wider Public Service and his superiors.”
In the areas of sports and culture, Mr. Howe has represented Montserrat as a team player and manager for cricket, golf and netball. He writes Calypsos, judge’s competitions and is the founding member of the Northern Sports and Cultural Association (NOSCA).
Upon receiving his MBE, Mr. Howe, a man of few words said, “I appreciate the honour that has been accorded to me.”
Mrs. Eileen Edwards was recognized by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth with an MBE eight years ago for her contribution to the community, particularly to the Girl Guide Movement. She was identified as a worthy recipient of a national award for her contribution in the field of education and was recommended for the Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour.
The pinnacle of Mrs. Edwards' career as a teacher came in September 1989, shortly after the passing of Hurricane Hugo, when she took the post of the Principal at the St. Augustine Roman Catholic School, a post that she held for 11 years. This opportunity afforded her the chance to reach the children, Montserrat’s greatest resource.
Governor Longrigg in his citation noted “though Mrs. Edwards had no formal training in education, she brought to her job extraordinary organizational flair and her abundant love for children and she distinguished herself as an exceptional fundraiser, mentor and confidante to both parents and children”.
Despite two natural disasters, which put a severe strain on Montserrat’s educational system, Governor Longrigg said, “ The forces of nature did not daunt the natural forcefulness and indomitable spirit of Mrs. Edwards, also during the years of volcanic crisis, she continued to work tirelessly to ensure that the children’s education was not interrupted, and did whatever was necessary to maintain the schools academic excellence and reputation for instilling good moral and spiritual values.”
Mrs. Edwards thanked those who recognize her for the work she has done. “I don’t work for accolades, I try to do what I do to the best of my ability, therefore, if or what I do is recognized, I am very grateful.”
“I am thankful to the Almighty Creator for his guidance," she continued, "the Awards Committee, the government and people of Montserrat and especially the teachers who were my tower of strength, without whose assistance my success would not have been possible.”
Aviation and Radio Pioneer Sir Frank Delisle Dies at 83
Sir Frank S. Delisle, founder of the Leeward Islands Air Transport (LIAT 1974) Ltd4, the oldest airline in the sub-region, died at age 83 on November 1st, 2002 - Antigua and Barbuda's Independence Day, the same day he was honoured with a knighthood for his outstanding contribution to the aviation industry in Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean as a whole.
A former airline captain, Sir Frank played a tremendous role in bringing aviation to the region.
He was born in St. Kitts, went to neighbouring Anguilla as a young man, where he worked in the Agriculture Department, and then migrated to Montserrat where he was employed with the Montserrat Company Ltd.
It was there that his love and interest in aviation developed.
Sir Frank started the Leeward Islands Air Transport Service Ltd. in 1956, on Montserrat.
In those days LIAT was a privately owned one-man operation with one aircraft and a non-scheduled service between Montserrat and Antigua.
There he also founded Radio Montserrat, the first radio station in the sub-region, which went on air in 1952 as his personal property, and broadcast from the basement of his home in Olveston, transmitting on 7 megahertz. Mr. Delisle used a crystal-controlled 40-watt transmitter that he purchased for his ham radio from Henry Radio in St. Louis, Missouri, to begin programming.
Mr. Delisle later formed Carib Aviation in 1972 but the company was sold two years ago.
He was also instrumental in ensuring evening landing access in neighbouring Nevis and on the sister-island of Barbuda.
Sir Frank was married to Val Delisle and the father of five daughters.
Funeral services were held November 8 at the Holy Family Cathedral in St. John's, Antigua.
…
Mr. Alan Campbell, Manager of the Department for International Development (DFID)-Montserrat.
The opening of the new police station at Brades three weeks ago on Monday, 28th October, was another new addition to the social infrastructure in Montserrat. It was one of many projects that were identified and short listed for construction and development. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new police station, Mr. Allan Campbell said: “these new projects are tangible examples of the restoration of the infrastructure and essential facilities needed in Montserrat, and are also vital steps in the right direction towards a more viable island and helps to send out a signal that Montserrat is here to stay”.
Mr. Campbell further stressed that this new police station is a positive signal representing a safe and secure atmosphere, its importance should not be underestimated, given all that is happening around the world, especially in these troubled times, as Montserratians are accustomed to this very safe place they call home.
He pointed out that DFID has also assisted in the funding of a number of projects including the Land Development Authority building, the nursery school, fire station, road maintenance and the recently opened warden assisted housing.
The Public Works Department maintenance workshop, St. Johns’ Clinic, the operating theatre, Government Building, Port Work and the new Montserrat Volcanic Observatory (MVO) are some of the new projects to be completed in soon.
Bank of Montserrat Is Good Corporate Citizen
The Bank of Montserrat has been recognized in the region as one of the Good Corporate Citizens in the area of cultural development.
This announcement was made recently at the 7th Annual Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture, held last Wednesday at the Methodist Conference Hall, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Other banks, which were recognized as Good Corporate Citizens, included; the Grenada Co-Operative Bank for environmental awareness, the National Commercial Bank SVG Ltd. for sports development, Barclays Bank PLC St Lucia for social services, and the Bank of St. Lucia for customer services.
The Antigua Barbuda Investment Bank (ABIB) won the award for the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Best Corporate Citizen from among the other regional banks. They were the recipients of two separate awards for their contributions to educational and community development.
Ms. Sheree Jemmotte Joins the Local Bar
Miss Sheree Jemmotte
The Honourable Chief Justice Sir Dennis Byron admitted Miss Sheree Jemmotte to the local Bar on the 23rd September.
Mr. Kenneth Allen Q.C made the application to the court for Ms. Jemmotte to practice as a Barrister–at–Law. He told the court the brief history of teachers that made up the Greenaway family from her mother’s side.
Other lawyers speaking on Miss Jemmotte’s behalf were Messrs. David Brandt, Kharl Markham, Jean Kelsick and Attorney General Mrs. Esco Henry.
Ms. Jemmotte said in her acceptance speech that the legal field is where she belongs. “I will approach my duties as an Attorney-at-Law with the same strength and determination to succeed that I have adopted throughout my life. I will strive to uphold the rule of law and nothing shall be done on my part to bring this noble profession into disrepute.”
She noted that being called to the Bar “marks the end of one amazing journey and the beginning of another; my journey to this point has been both an exhilarating and frustrating experience,” as the events of the last seven years have challenged her and helped her build character and developed in her the determination to reach her goals, regardless of the circumstances.
She mentioned that whilst preparing for her A-level exams, the upheaval and uncertainty created by the volcanic activity was a major challenge.
Sheree Jemmotte flanked by her immediate family - L to R: Father Roosevelt Jemmotte, Uncle and Aunt Randy and Kathleen Greenaway, and Mother Oeslyn Jemmotte
Ms. Jemmotte, from a family of educators, said that “another, was that as a teacher at the Montserrat Secondary School, imparting knowledge to the students who were worried about the eruption" but had no interest in reading books proved to be very frustrating for her.
The new lawyer read for her Law Degree at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, and attained her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Norman Manley Law School.
Ms. Jemmotte is currently employed at the Supreme Court Registry as the Acting Court Registrar.
Lawyer Oral Martin Admitted to the Bar
Lawyer Martin takes the oath
Mr. Oral Martin, was admitted to the local Bar last Friday by the Honourable Justice Brian Alleyne.
Barrister-at-Law David S. Brandt made the application for Mr. Martin to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, in the Colony of Montserrat. Outlining the applicant's achievements, Mr. Brandt noted that his character and outstanding academic performance make him suitable to be called to the local Bar.
Mr. Martin holds four degrees; a Legal Education Certificate awarded by the Council of Legal Education (CLE) West Indies, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of London, a Bachelors in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies, and a Masters in Development Economics from the University of Bradford.
He is currently employed at the Department for International Development (DFID), assigned to the Ministry of Finance in Montserrat.
Mr. Brandt said that Mr. Martin’s achievements should encourage more civil servants and other workers in Montserrat should engage in academic pursuits while still on the job.
Congratulations and welcome! Oral Martin and lawyer David S. Brandt
Other lawyers speaking on Martin’s behalf included the Attorney General, Mrs. Esco Henry, former High Court Registrar Ms. Sonia Young, Jean Kelsick and George Kirnon.
After admitting Mr. Martin to the Bar, Justice Alleyne told him that he has the unique opportunity to combine his training in economics and law to pursue a career in areas such as commercial law and international finance.
Mr. Martin expressed his gratitude to the Council, the Attorney General and Registrar for their words of advice and to the Government of Montserrat and its people for accepting him into their community. “I will uphold the principles of the law and represent to the best of my ability those persons who see it fit in me to practice law and the legal profession, in the preservation of integrity, dignity and the very image of the legal profession in Montserrat and wherever I may be afforded the opportunity to practice law”.
Mr. Martin, a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, now resides in Montserrat. He was called to the Bar in Nevis in October of this year. In 2000, he was called to the Bar at Middle Temple Inn in London.
He will practice locally and in St. Kitts and Nevis.
14 Fallen Montserratians Of Two Wars Remembered
Honourable Chief Minister Osborne, and His Excellency Governor Longrigg at attention
Montserrat joined most of the free world on Sunday in commemorating Remembrance Day for those soldiers who died during World War I (1914-18) and World War II (1939-45).
A church service in honour of the fallen soldiers was held at the Brades Pentecostal Church. A two-minute silence marked by the roll of a side drum, signaled the beginning of the service, which was followed by the bugle call Last Post. Wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph by His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg, the Montserrat Legion, Honourable Chief Minister John Osborne, Judge Brian Alleyne, Commissioner Of Police John Douglas, the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) Cadets, Red Cross, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Boys/Girls Brigade, SDA Pathfinders and members of the public.
During the service, ex-serviceman Corporal Lionel Nanton of the Royal Air Force read a memorial prayer for the fallen soldiers.
A total of 14 Montserratian soldiers died in World Wars I and II --
John Kingsley Martin, William Nugent Gordon, William Goather, Maurice Hannam, Burleigh Hannam, Adolphus Peters and Arthur Samuel Warner in World War I, Benjamin Allen, Alfred Wade, Peter Lee, Frederick Smith, James Browne, Eugene D.Vanier and Anthony Benjamin in World War II.
Following the church service, Governor Longrigg, Chief Minister Osborne and the ex-servicemen inspected the uniformed bodies, after which there was a parade.
Governor Longrigg presented two sets of the Queen's Jubilee Medals – to members of the Royal Montserrat Defense Force (RMDF) and to the Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF). A total of 14 medals were given out.
The officers receiving medals from the RMDF were:
LCPI Rupert Duberry and Pt. Terence Lee
Officers from the RMPF were:
Supt. Steve Foster, Chief Fire officer Lesley Sweeny and Sgt. Bernet Kirwan.
Pic P0006869 – Ex –servicemen remember their fallen brothers
From left to right (front row); Rupert Nanton, Thomas Willock, Vernon Buffonge, Thomas Bramble, Lionel Nanton.
From Left to right (back row); Stafford Fenton, J. Greenway, J. Wade, Joseph Lynch, George Yearwood, St. Clair Duberry, James Greenway.
Politician,
Journalist Tim Hector, Dies at 59 in Antigua Hospital
Compiled from dispatches
-
Former Antiguan politician and journalist Tim Hector died here in Holberton
Hospital on Tuesday morning, following recent heart surgery in Cuba.
He had returned to the island on October 31 from Havana where he underwent his
second open-heart operation, in less than a year.
Expressions of sadness were immediate and widespread, acknowledging his stature
as politician, journalist and a dedicated and energetic promoter of cricket.
From Trinidad the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) issued a statement Wednesday saying the regional media had "been left much poorer' with the "loss of such a great mind, a fearless fighter and an outstanding writer."
Antigua and Barbuda's High Commissioner Sir Ronald Sanders said, "The shock of it is immobilising. Antigua and Barbuda has lost a great mind, a fearless fighter and a fine writer."
"He was not a Saint," Sir Ronald
continued. "No man is. But, he was a powerful personality in his time in
Antigua and Barbuda and a phenomenal influence upon its social, cultural and
political life. The Government should consider an appropriate
permanent memorial to his many contributions."
And from Montserrat, whose leaders expressed pride with Mr. Hector's personal ties to the island, came praise for his commitment and services to cricket. Salas Hamilton, who persuaded Mr. Hector to give the lecture series honoring cricketer Jim Allen, said:
"The region is poorer academically, journalistically, historically with regards to cricket analysis, and lost a voice for social consciousness with the passing of Tim Hector. I am grateful that he always saw himself as Montserratian and gave willingly to our development with his speeches, thinking and writing assistance."
Professor Sir Howard Fergus said:
"I regard Mr. Tim Hector as one of the most finely honed intellects in our region and especially so in our Leeward Islands. I am certainly saddened at his passing, which is a lamentable loss to the Caribbean, to cricketing, philosophy, to journalism, to education and indeed politics.
Many of us will recall the sheer brilliance and depth of thought with which he delivered the Jim Allen lecture last year."
Sir Howard echoed Mr. Hamilton's pleasure that Mr. Hector claimed personal ties to Montserrat.
"Tim was so multi-talented that it will be hard to replace him," Sir Howard said. "I want to think that even his political opponents would regret his passing, given the stature of the man and his almost longer than life figure."
Regarded by some as a leftist politician, Mr. Hector preferred to be called a socialist. He was the founder of the Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement (ACLM) during the 1970s. The party later linked up with the Progressive Labour Movement (PLM) and the United National Democratic Movement to form what is now the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) in Antigua.
He also served as an opposition senator from 1994 to 1999 but at the point of his death he was a special advisor to Prime Minister Lester Bird.
Mr. Hector was also was also the editor of the weekly Outlet newspaper and his thought-provoking "Fan the Flames" column dealt with political, social and historic issues of the day.
Among his varied interests, Mr. Hector actively pursued history, poetry, literature, politics, and sport - particularly cricket.
A noted cricket commentator and historian, he was instrumental in the reorganisation of the game in his native Antigua, as well as the Leeward islands. He also served at various levels of cricket administration, from executive member of the Antigua Cricket Association to the Leeward Islands Board to Manager of the Combined Islands, rising to the very top as member of the West Indies Cricket Board.
The funeral for Hector, who was also a
well-respected regional and local cricket administrator, will take place next
Tuesday at 2:30 PM at the island 's popular sporting venue, the Antigua
Recreation Ground in the capital, St. John's, a government statement said.
As a mark of respect, all flags on government buildings will be flown at
half-mast on Tuesday. All government offices in Antigua will also be closed at
midday.
Two books of condolences will also be open in Parliament and at the building
which houses the Outlet newspaper, at which Hector was the editor.
His close friend and former St. Lucia Foreign Minister George Odlum will deliver
the eulogy. Hector's family has specially requested that the occasion be a
celebratory rather than a somber one in commemoration of the life and work of
the man, who had varied interests.
Banana Farmers Given New Aid and Warning
CASTRIES, ST. Lucia, CMC - Caribbean
banana producing countries have been warned that they needed to modernise their
industry in order to survive in a changing global environment.
The warning came from John Caloghirou, head of a European Union delegation to
the Eastern Caribbean, who on Tuesday signed a US$1.6-million agreement to help
farmers rehabilitate their crops following the recent heavy rains here.
Representatives of banana companies and government officials met with Prime
Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony to witness the official signing of the agreement.
Mr. Caloghirou further warned regional banana producers that if they are to
further penetrate the European market and other international markets, their
fruit quality needed to be improved significantly.
"The Caribbean bananas are known for their particular taste, for their
particularly quality, for their particular characteristics and if people are
going to be expecting to be paid a little bit more for their bananas, then we
have to ensure that these kinds of standards and qualities are actually in
place," Mr. Caloghirou said.
A Government statement on Tuesday said that the EU was providing over EC$4
million (US$1.6 million) to farmers whose holdings were affected by Tropical
Storm Lili last month.
Dr. Anthony said the initiative was to rehabilitate, restore and enhance banana
farms to their previous production level before the storm destroyed 45 percent
of the crop island wide.
Caribbean Egg Industry Studies Ways to Improve
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC -A
four-day meeting to discuss ways of improving competitiveness in the Caribbean
egg industry got underway here on Tuesday.
More than 60 Caribbean table egg producers and leading experts were to attend
the November 12-15 meeting, organised by the Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA)
in collaboration with the University of the West Indies' School of Veterinary
Medicine, the Livestock and Livestock Products Board, the Inter-American
Institute for Cooperation in
Agriculture (IICA) and the Association of Trinidad and Tobago Table Egg
Producers.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region is almost completely self-sufficient in
egg production. It is estimated that the regional average for self-sufficiency
in eggs is in the vicinity of 95 percent.
Eggs are one of the cheapest protein sources for low-income groups. Scores of
small farmers in rural communities participate in the industry.
CPA Executive Director Robert Best said he believed that a well-conceived
campaign could raise consumption by as much as 100 percent.
"This is an industry with tremendous untapped potential," Mr. Best said. "The
implications for addressing a wide range of social issues related to the
development of rural communities are numerous," he added.
The main aim of the meeting was to provide table egg producers and public sector
officials in the Caribbean with the tools to assess and improve the
competitiveness of regional egg marketing, production, quality, safety and avian
health, and to do so in a manner that recognises the Industry Development
Strategy being pursued by the CPA.
Caption
The French Navy Ship LST Champlain visited Montserrat on Thursday. The ship’s captain Lt. Commander Franck Le Biannic FN, with a crew of 51 paid a courtesy call to His Excellency, the Governor and other officials during the one-day visit.
Congratulations To Kingsley Howe
Dear Editor,
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Assuming that
the English-sponsored MBE has residual meaning, stature and status, then the
award to Mr. Kingsley Howe has commensurate value. It fits.
A career civil servant, Kingsley’s contribution to the Public Service will likely outlive him. He excels with a quiet, even shy efficiency at any task given from the days at the Public Works to his legendary output at the Ministry of Finance, which is blessed with his best years. His unique ability rests on a forte to think in numbers and though he can write (lovely handwriting) and speak, he avoids those skills often. He chooses to do what he wants to do and does so well but can obviously extend himself if needed. He is not just a worker---but also a cognitive one, ready to initiate and innovate—a rare talent in current establishment setting.
But his value transcends Finance. He is easily a most important figure across all sectors at the Government Headquarters where his services are often on request on key matters. Ever unflappable, he delivers with a quiet zeal never claiming credit or drawing attention to self or seeking to decry even the most obnoxious.
Many are unaware that Kingsley saved the day at the initiation of the experimental national election last year. It being new and untested, it took the genius and acuity of his mind to put sense to the wavering and unsure minds of the few entrusted to design the modus operandi for the conduct of the election. Kingsley rose to this daunting occasion with the confidence of seasoned veteran and brought to bear native skills, honed from and manifested at the Cavalla Hill Primary School and almost single handedly marshaled the election machinery to a resounding success. Typically the depth of that stellar contribution remains unrecognized and matchingly unrewarded; nonetheless, this will make subsequent similar elections a walk in the park!
Importantly Kingsley Howe never entered the doors at the MSS. He would have stood neck and neck with the best that the school saw during its history. It was the sociological and nepotistic injustices of the sixties that prejudiced academic talent and prevented the likes of not only Kingsley but of Eliza O’Garro, Jeanealda Howson and Alfred Weekes, all scholars of Cavalla Hill who undeservedly never entered the portals of Grammar School but who possessed the brain power to have excelled at any prestigious institution with distinction. How time has changed! Kingsley is a self-taught computer wiz, doing so at a time when computers were a non-ubiquitous and intimidating feature of a Public Servant life.
He could play any ball game easily. He represents Montserrat successfully at many regional golf tournaments. You should have seen him at marbles on the dirt road around the Silk Cotton tree at Ms. Maude’s corner as a youth. He had the uncanny ability to pitch one from the nexus of index and thumb fingers and strike another at a strategic point in order to direct both precisely where they were to go—one ‘sticking’ for example as the other moved at meteoric speed as if under a spell. At ‘tops’ he could have struck another victim with the nail doing the precise damage visualized. All these, including an ability to bat like the dickens from early, without any form of coaching are testimony to an acute intellect and mind which have come to ‘maths’ out undertakings as his welding attributes can earn a living, whilst roofing a wooden structure, with cuts of the by-pass surgeon, distances the second placer.
The people of CudJoe Head and the legions of graduates of the Cavalla Hill Primary School salute Kingsley for his achievements and Ms. Emmy, his formative guardian could well be shouting from her distant grave, in her style--‘A really me King dis yah sah, Oh Lard!’ She too must be celebrating, as only she knows how!
Claude Gerald
ceegee15@hotmail.com
EXCERPTS FROM THE OCTOBER 17, 2002 MEETING OF THE MONTSERRAT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Second & third Readings of THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) ACT 2002
ATTORNEY GENERAL:
Mr. Speaker I beg to move the second reading of the Bill shortly entitled “The Immigration (Amendment) Act 2002.” This Bill seeks to amend Sections 13 and 80 of The Immigration Act. The amendment of Section 13 seeks to introduce two new subsections. The proposed Subsection 3 provides that citizens of member states of the OECS may be allowed entry in to Montserrat on the basis of a passport or any other recognized photo identification card establishing the national status and identity of the person to whom it relates; whereas the proposed Subsection 4 contains a list of photo identification cards which are acceptable for the purposes of entry in to the island. These include valid driver’s licence, voter’s registration card, and social security card provided that they satisfactorily establish the national identity of the person to whom it relates.
It should be noted, Mr. Speaker that the Passport Exemption Order Number 55 of 1993 provides that certain categories of persons are exempted from the provisions of Section 13 (1) of the Immigration Act. Subsection 2 of that Order refer to identification documents which may be produced by those classes of persons instead of a passport.
The effect of the proposed amendment, Mr. Speaker, is to give a short list of the acceptable documents for the purpose of entry in to Montserrat. The list does not attempt to be exhaustive or purport to be exhaustive but is instructive only. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE:
Any other comments on this Bill? Recognize the honourable Minister for Communications & Works.
MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS & WORKS:
Mr. Speaker, it is a little bit like a cat and mouse debate here because I think it is very important for the Government to be able to respond to questions or points made by the Opposition but as you say we are a whole benchful so my colleagues will fill in where I’ve missed out. But we use the opportunity for debate in the House to really share our views with the public and this House and to practice democracy in its true sense.
I think this is one Bill that we can say has been discussed—at least in a Radio Montserrat program through a panel discussion so that there has been wide discussion in the media. In addition, we know that every government, every country has existing systems of assessment for social welfare, for housing and so on and this Bill does not in any way influence the existing procedures and regulations which exist. I remember some time ago, the honourable Reuben Meade in the front page of the newspaper complaining that this government was holding back the passage of this legislation so that we could be with the rest of our Caribbean partners in the freedom of movement.
(Can’t hear question)
It’s do with facilitation of travel.
(Can’t hear)
Well, I can be corrected. Anyway, the trouble is that we were encouraged to speed up our process of putting on the books the legislation which allowed us to participate fully in the CARICOM and the OECS programs.
Mr. Speaker, I give my full support to this Bill and I trust that every member of this House will because it is important at this time for us to send a clear message to her majesty’s government that the people of Montserrat demand the same level of parliamentary democracy that our relatives in the United Kingdom have and that through their democratically elected representatives, that people can manage their own business and determine our future. We already have the support of her majesty’s government to continue full participation in CARICOM and OECS and they have promised to give us the entrustments that we need to participate in the single market and economy programs.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring to the House something that is relevant to this discussion and it’s the Item #4 of —If I can ask the Chief Minister to indulge my impudence, if you call it that—where I quote from Item 4 of the Proceedings of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council, September 26-27 where it says: “John Osborne…”
(Can’t hear question)
I’m sure the Chief Minister’s Office will make available copies. “John Osborne, Chief Minister of Montserrat sought confirmation that Montserrat BOTC passports would continue to be available indefinitely in parallel with British passports to facilitate movement and reduced airport taxes in OECS and CARICOM countries. ??Ian Barrett?? confirmed that this was the case.” So Mr. Speaker, the point I am making is that this whole process of us participating in CARICOM movement is a well accepted and endorsed event.
I also, just for the interest of the Members of the House—I’m sure you all will read it at your leisure—bring to your attention Number #12 in which it says: “John Osborne said that the days have passed when her majesty’s government could impose constitutions on the territories as they had with Montserrat in 1989. Modern constitutions should be owned by the people and reflect their aspirations for greater autonomy. The key lay in reconciling the territories wish for more control over their own affairs with the need to protect her majesty’s responsibility for the Overseas Territories.” In other words, it goes on to set out the commitment of our government to integration and participation in OECS matters.
And Mr. Speaker, I am going into details because I think it is very important for this House to recognize the ramifications or the importance of us passing this Bill at this time. Also in the minutes of that meeting, the last item is 75—where it says, at the end of the meeting, the Chief Ministers signed a Resolution in support of Gibraltar’s right to self-determination urging her majesty’s government not to enter into political agreement with Spain on issues affecting the sovereignty of Gibraltar without their consent. I actually bring that to your attention to bring hold of the fact that what Gibraltar gets, we are entitled to.
Mr. Speaker, freedom of movement through the OECS is critical to the future of Montserrat. If any individual is forced to leave Montserrat because of economic or volcanic reasons, not everybody wants to go to the United Kingdom and I would be love to be able to go to another country and sit down and wait for a few months until I could get work.
Population growth is also important for our economic survival and those of us who argue that freedom of movement provides opportunities for people to get into the United Kingdom by the back door have forgotten that our decisions should really be about the interests of the people of Montserrat and not for the protection or extension of United Kingdom immigration policy.
At the recently concluded meeting of the Organization of East Caribbean States Heads, concern was expressed about Montserrat remaining a full member of OECS and CARICOM, it being considered inappropriate for a Montserrat Chairman to lead negotiations for the group with the United Kingdom or any other independent nation such as Libya, Taiwan, Japan. The Caribbean communities are aware of these concerns and they have adopted the concept of a Bureau of Heads, which comprises the past, the present and the future Heads forming a triumvirate to allow flexibility in representation. And in addition, the use of derogations is widely accepted to allow the programs of the organization to progress without commitment that are inappropriate to the individual circumstances of the member countries. I am sure that if every member here was asked to raise a hand in support of Montserrat remaining a full member of CARICOM and OECS, I’m sure they would.
Mr. Speaker, this freedom of movement debate is bigger than we think. It may influence our immediate economic survival. Right now we are caught in a trap on knees bending, begging for $20 million to finish off the year and be able to start an airport. It reminds me of an incident many years ago when I was attending an ?? commander’s course at the School of Infantry in Warminster in Britain. It was my turn to take charge in a field exercise and the platoon was handed over to me in the middle of a field with a line of trees at one end and two ditches at the side—an ideal place for an ambush. And as expected, the enemy promptly appeared at all sides. It was a set-up for failure. Needless to say, I was the only black officer on the course. We were using blanks so I ordered grenades and we charged through the lines and everybody on the team followed me. I wonder how many of us in this honourable House would charge through this current set-up of our ambush of economic ruin. Mr. Speaker, I believe that by passing this Bill today, we will send a clear message that we the people of Montserrat want to be a part of the Caribbean and regional organisations and to be able to determine our own future.
I've longed to visit Russia
Her marvels to behold --
The Hermitage, the onion spires
Gleaming with their gold.
I'll never get to Russia
But there, it's not to fuss,
Complete with a dictator
Russia comes to us!
Cassandra
Act of Providence
CM irately dissents,
Says Hylroy misrepresents.
It's pure black and white,
His rank makes it right,
Forget about who pays which rents.
Spellbinding Oratory
Mr. Goodwin expresses some views
That make Mr. Longrigg enthuse;
It's one thing to mention
They held his attention,
But the content was surely not news.
Jus wonderin how many more projects the CM will stop from being completed to make adjustments
Jus wonderin if he didn’t know before hand, how much money is being spent on these projects.
Jus wonderin if there’s a plan or some conspiracy to keep the CM in the dark about the Finances.
Jus wonderin if the CM really concerned about too much going in just a few people pocket especially dem no come fan ya
Jus wonderin wha de CM fren Miss Short have to say about that.
Jus wonderin if he and de dac goin report dem dat even when dem no ya and dem gan dem nest still featherin.
Jus wonderin if any local business aiding and betting.
Jus wonderin how many people understand what them professors and local people highlight at the two day conference.
Jus wonderin if our officials will implement or take advice from the conference.
Jus wonderin which of them bank workers so laid back.
Jus wonderin if they realize the importance of being efficient and effective.
Jus wonderin if the recipients of those awards will get monetary gains.
Jus wonderin how many in the audience wished they too can get some prestigious awards.
Jus wonderin if some of them went even tho they vex to just show dey face at the big function.
Jus wondering why some local women frighten that their significant others will stray away from them.
Jus wondering why they feel threatened , when they should’nt.
Jus wondering if they can tell the difference between business and pleasure.
Jus wonderin if the CM knows that having to beg is mental slavery.
Jus wonderin why all the huballoo about the National Trust and when the Trust will give them some facts
Jus wonderin if sharing information with the SRU is enough to keep our region ready for any new disasters.
Jus wonderin if there’s more to it than meets the eye. And if the DFID question was so innocent.
Jus wonderin if they liked the simple Simon answer who they cast away because he would tow lines and pan tap go have child.
Jus wonderin if is because the bank so cooled why them bank girls so procreative.
Jus wonderin if and when they will have there own baby show.
Jus wonderin why the head teacher at the small school comes to school so late.
Jus wonderin how the minister feels now that no one really interested to take the trip.
Jus wonderin if only the foreigners book for the trip just to go sight seen
Jus wonder if they are so upset that they are booking up for Christmas.
Jus wonderin if it not okay for the Governor to cut that house rent and help out the poor.
Jus wonderin if Labour speaks is really an eye opener to the public.
Jus wonderin if the CM know how ugly it sounded with that black/white business and that his people don’t go in for that
Jus wonderin if Antigua, St. Martin, London would be our ham and turkey supplier if Montserrat price is too high.
Jus wonderin if the president of the chamber of commerce would see Christmas with a difference.
Jus wonderin if the calypso crown would be taken to London.
Jus wonderin how much jingle cost these days.
Jus wonderin if the old timers would be back for the Christmas.
Jus wonderin if the jus wonderin column would ever close down.
Jus wonderin why all the radio announcer play the same songs after the worker before.
Jus wonderin if Scotland Yard is needed to investigate itself around here.
Jus wonderin why there is inbreeding around the place.
Jus wonderin if it is her assets make her reach to the top so fast.
Jus wonderin how much pressure this new chick can withstand.
Jus wonderin how much money they wager.
Jus wonderin how many people wager for the bet.
Jus wonderin if the wager increasing daily, weekly or monthly.
Jus wonderin how much they willing to lose.
Jus wonderin who will reign supreme.
Thank you
*Perhaps you sent a lovely card*
*Perhaps you sent a funeral spray*
*Perhaps you spoke the kindest words*
*Perhaps you were not there at all*
*Just thought of us that day*
*Whatever you did to console our hearts*
*We thank you so much whatever the part.*
The family of Joseph W Osborne
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