Country Policy Plan Comes Up For Negotiation
By Bennette Roach
On Monday 16th November, 1998, negotiations and presumably discussions will commence on the Montserrat Country Policy Plan (CPP). The opening session of these negotiations is scheduled to take place at McChesney's Estate in Olveston.
Eight officials -- four from the Department for International Development (DFID) and four from the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) -- make up the team from Her Majesty's Government (HMG). They will enter into negotiations with the Government of Montserrat (GOM) represented by Ministers and Senior Officials.
Mr. Richard Teuten, head of the Overseas Territories Unit; Mr. David Gillette Divisional Enginering Adviser, Eastern Europe and Western Hemisphere; and Ms. Janet Gardener, social development adviser for the Overseas Territories Unit, are names well known to us in Montserrat, along with Ms. Helen Radcliffe, economic adviser, all of DFID.
Representing FCO is Mr. David Hollamby, deputy head; Overseas Territories Department, Mr. Phil Ellis, desk officer, Montserrat; Ms. Becky Lyon, head of Overseas Territories Functional Issues; and Mr. Iain Christie, legal adviser for Overseas Territories.
It is not the first time that a CPP will be discussed and many will recall the plan of about five years ago. This was, however, interrupted and now that the volcanic crisis has peaked and Montserrat sets about re-establishing itself, running behind the Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) is this Country Policy Plan.
Earlier it was explained that this plan is expected to set out the objectives for a three-year period. 1998–2001, as well as the action to meet the objectives in one-year segments.
The Development Unit had also explained that the SDP was merely the forerunner of the CPP in that this would have to be much more detailed by ministries and departments.
It is believed, for example, that Education would detail its plan similarly to that expressed by the Minister in her recent address, when she said they would pursue the provision of adequate educational infrastructure. The statement would be an objective followed by the actions expected to be pursued within the three years.
Another expected objective is to initiate a full literacy program, hopefully, not just for adults but way down in our schools. It was recently revealed that illiteracy among children in Secondary school was far too high.It is also believed that under the Housing ministry, the British officials will be asked to consider the financing to facilitate the construction of 500 housing units, which includes direct buildings, self-build homes and a small number of soft loan homes.
It is not anticipated that there will be any surprises in the plan, but it promises to be as comprehensive, as most would expect.
Members of the press and the public have been invited to the opening session of the negotiations on Monday at 9 o'clock, when all the players are expected to assemble.
Based on the team of negotiators, it is presumed that the negotiations will be done in groups. Information was not available as to how long they would last.
Hit-and-Run Incident Maims Pan Musician
By Bennette Roach
Police on Montserrat are still investigating what has been described as a hit-and-run incident which occurred on the Manjack/Brades Public Road on Sunday night. They are still seeking the cooperation of residents to possibly identity the driver and motor vehicle which were involved in the accident.
Stanley Pope Dyer,
also known as "Killman," (pictured left) was discovered around 10 minutes to 8
o'clock on the side of the road. Unofficial reports state that a child in the area
reported to her mother that a woman had stopped by and said that someone should call the
ambulance. When the mother appeared the woman had already left.
Commissioner of Police Christopher Burgess is reported as saying that Dyer, known to students and friends as Pope, was conscious when he was found but appeared to have been dragged some distance by a vehicle.
Because of the injuries suffered in the accident Pope's right arm was amputated on Monday.
He also suffered injuries to his thighs and legs, bruises to other parts of the body, and superficial injuries to the head.
In what seems a vain hope, the Police are asking for anyone who may have information surrounding the accident to contact them with the assurance that "information given would be treated in the strictest confidence."
Pope is well known to Montserratians as a leading steel pan player, teacher, tuner and a veteran calypsonian.
As one well-wisher says, "If you have ever been to the Wednesday Nite Barbeque at the Vue Pointe Hotel back in the good ol' days, you have heard the All Stars Steel Band -- usually Pope, Cutter, Flasher playing pan, and maybe Salt Fish on the drums." That unique steel pan sound is a memory many carry with them.
Pope also made the pan instruments. Steel pans are musical instruments made, as many consider amazing, from used steel drums that most people use for garbage bins. Pope did that very well.
He was active in the Methodist Steel Pan Band, and teaching and playing, and spent part of the summer teaching children pan in the summer school program. He was preparing a youth group to play in the upcoming Christmas Festival.
But as Pope lay in the hospital, with no right arm, no insurance and unknown prospects for the future, he does have hope. Hope is a magic word. Pope hopes to get a prosthetic hand, so that he can continue working, making music, and enriching the Montserrat culture with the songs of steel pan music.
Meanwhile his constituency representative, the honourable Reuben T. Meade, has announced the opening of a fund for Pope’s benefit at Bank of Montserrat, where Mr. Meade and his partner in L&M Construction have deposited $1,000. He is asking everyone concerned to contribute to the fund.
On Wednesday, the honourable Mrs. Adelina Tuitt , minister of Education, Health and Welfare, took an entourage of her ministry to visit Pope at his bedside, where she presented him with a bouquet of flowers and a promise that "Improved sciences however will no doubt allow you never to miss this very useful part of your body."
Several heads of departments, particularly from Culture and Community Services, spoke respectfully of Pope and expressed sorrow and regrets at his new circumstances.
"Is Montserrat Really Prepared For Process of Give and Take?"
The word "negotiation" seems somewhat odd when one considers the Montserrat Government discussing its Country Policy Plan (CPP) with Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) representatives.
The question comes to mind, "what is there to negotiate?" When we think of the term negotiation we think of an exchange where both sides have something to give. In negotiating our future infrastructure and matters which will impact directly on our lives, our economy, our sustenance, at this time of our history, what do we have to negotiate?
Thinking in these terms it seems we have nothing to negotiate and therefore begin these negotiations with zero advantage. Then what are we to expect?
A CANA report emanating from Montserrat in December last year said: "1998 is not all gloomy -- it could well see an end to overcrowded refugee centres and transformation of northern Montserrat.
"Home construction is booming on the island, and British funds for the development of the north, seen as the only safe part of the island, are flowing.
"Montserrat's safe zone continued to dwindle in 1997, forcing more people into the refugee camps or off the island.
"After torching several villages in June, the volcano made an attack on the abandoned capital in August, destroying many buildings, including government headquarters, the Port Authority, the Customs Department and the prison…
"In September, the British government lifted a freeze on a US$65 million aid package that was held up while Britain sought to determine how many Montserratians would leave and whether pumping aid into the island was a sensible move.
"Prime Minister Tony Blair agreed Britain should build a new airstrip and provide a soft loan to enable the Montserrat government to avert a crisis of people buying their own homes."
We can look back and figure which of these statements are inaccurate, but we know which of them are bound to feature in these negotiations. The question is how will we fare?
But what is there to negotiate? HMG has pledged £75 million for the next three years and soon we should be able to figure out how much of that was already spent, and on what. We also know that it is being spent on every single item that has anything to do with Montserrat anywhere in the world, including the MVO and emergency helicopters.
When the SDP was being presented, the Governor and Ministers went on radio and presented some details of what we can expect to see in the CPP.
Will we be able to re-negotiate the Resource Allocation Review (RAR) now that we have seen what shambles it is creating and how it is making the ministers so angry?
Will we be able to get the soft-loan housing mortgage scheme approved and off the discussion table? Will we be able to change British officials' concern about bringing profits to the shareholders of Bank of Montserrat, of whom the Government is the single largest, so that they will not give the business to an outside bank rather than Bank of Montserrat.?
Are they doing so to cover up their refusal to aid the Building Society, by convincing themselves that we are not capable to manage a mortgage scheme? Will they ever understand that Montserrat and its people are not like some constituencies in England or a village in Bangladesh, Haiti or Cayenne; that they are a people who struggle through sacrifices to have their own?
And will our negotiators be prepared to understand that we should not behave like beggars but as a people who have a right to be cared for because that is the promise made by the Colonists? That where we are today is because we have suffered tragedies like no other, our size notwithstanding?
Do we have all our tools, facts and arguments ready to counter the smooth and articulate and well-prepared positions that can leave us speechless? Will we be prepared to say no, instead of compromise because we fear we will get nothing at all?
Then at the end of it all, will we come away feeling that we have been treated as equal partners, like the Rt. Hon. Robin Cooke promised and Baroness Symons spoke of recently in Tortola? The parliamentary enquiry into the British government's handling of the volcano crisis has already concluded that the authorities failed to respond adequately to the emergency.
The British parliamentary Select Committee on International Development, which looked at the island's problems, said it was appalled by the poor and degrading conditions in which vulnerable people lived. They continue to urge a better deal. Can we aid ourselves and negotiate a better deal?
Overcoming Fears That Limit Us
Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. Luke 17:33
Christ told us that if a grain of wheat should determine to keep its identity and refuse to be sown, it would amount to nothing. But let the grain of wheat surrender itself to the will of the farmer and be planted, and it would find its destiny. But if the grain of wheat could know fear, it would be paralyzed with anxiety at the thought of being dropped into the ground, covered over, put out of sight, doomed to inactivity. Yet what a glorious harvest awaits it.
Although we merely project fear onto a grain of wheat, we know for sure that we have real fears. Fear of the unknown, fear of not being in control at all times. Such fears limit our potential. We accumulate things, ideas, people, holding them tight, expecting to be enriched by adding on more and more.
All the while God is whispering gently in our hearts, "Let go, my dear one. I want to make something marvelous of you. Loosen up, drop what is in your hand, your mind, your heart, and let me take over. I love you and have plans for you that pass your wildest imaginings. Only you must let me be in charge."
Prayer - Jesus, don't let my fears frustrate your dreams for me.
Mitch-Ravaged Nations Are Forgiven Some Debts
By FILADELFO ALEMAN
Nicaragua (AP) -- France and Cuba led an international response Tuesday to Nicaragua's appeal for relief of its foreign debt to help it recover from Hurricane Mitch.
The French government also canceled debts owed by Nicaragua's neighbor, Honduras, while Ireland announced it was doubling aid to Central American nations ravaged by the storm.
Britain said it hoped to contribute to a trust fund for the region and added its support to calls for a moratorium on debt payments by all affected countries.
President Arnoldo Aleman announced France's forgiveness of Nicaragua's debt, calling it "a message of optimism which surely will stimulate other countries to take the same decision."
French Finance Minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn, speaking in Paris, confirmed the decision and added that the cancellation applied also to Honduras.
Nicaragua and Honduras had appealed for help with their foreign debts during a summit that Central American presidents held Monday to discuss responses to Hurricane Mitch, which they say killed some 10,000 people.
Nicaragua's total foreign debt totals $6 billion, $70 million of which it owes to France.
Honduras owes a total of $4.2 billion, $30 million of it to France.
Honduran President Carlos Flores Facusse on Monday called the sum his country owes "unpayable" in the wake of a disaster he said had set his nation back 50 years.
Cuba announced it was canceling Nicaraguan debts of $50 million, nearly all of which was apparently borrowed by Nicaragua's leftist Sandinista government in the 1980s.
"The government of Cuba has decided to completely forgive the debt of Nicaragua with Cuba," Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina said in Havana.
Robaina also repeated his government's offer of medical personnel -- an offer accepted by Honduras but rejected by Nicaragua's Aleman, who has been a bitter critic of Cuba's communist government.
Britain's top treasury official, Gordon Brown, called Tuesday for the suspension of debt payments so that countries damaged by Mitch "are given the best chance to rebuild."
Brown, the chancellor of the exchequer, added that Britain was prepared to contribute $17 million to a proposed World Bank trust fund to help the central American economies.
Backing Brown's plea for a debt moratorium, the government of the Irish Republic said it was doubling its emergency funding for Central America, to $640,000.
"The capacity of heavily indebted countries such as Nicaragua and Honduras to meet their debt obligations is now hopeless," said Liz O'Donnell, a government minister responsible for overseas development.
French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin on Monday called for a moratorium on debt payments owed by countries hit by Mitch. German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer also urged that some debt be forgiven.
Aleman said aid continues to pour in -- noting that 21 aircraft laden with supplies arrived in Nicaragua on Tuesday from governments or private institutions in the United States, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Panama and Puerto Rico. At the same time, British doctors and nurses aboard a Royal Navy ship were helping along the Atlantic coast.
Trinidad and Tobago business leaders are strongly condemning statements made by Prime Minister Basdeo Panday over the weekend which they said were more fit for a "rabble-rouser" than a leader of a government.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce joined the growing list of groups and individuals denouncing Panday for describing some media members as racists and declaring "war" on them. At the end of Panday's statement during a rally of his United National Congress, party supporters assaulted journalists covering the event.
The Publishers and Broadcasters Association added its voice in condemnation of Panday’s attack on the media: "In particular, we take issue with the highly inflammatory language in which he declared war on the media," the association said yesterday.
On Monday Panday said: "If we do not (treat them as political opponents), they
will destroy us," Panday told a large gathering in the Central Trinidad stronghold of
the UNC, Chaguanas. "We must do them first."
One media house is hiring private security for its journalists and the Media Association
of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT) is calling for police protection for reporters following the
violent encounter..
Where in the World Do You Think We Are?
A correspondent from Cyprus sent us the following early this week:
CYPRUS, 8.11.98 -- For over three weeks listeners to the daily morning show on Radio Napa have been calling in to the station trying to guess the location of the Where In The World quiz.
The clues were as follows "McCartney, Eruption, Sunshine." Over 60 callers a day tried to guess the mystery location, the winner receives a day and night out courtesy of the radio station plus a cruise to Israel.
The prize was won by Eddie Van Vlanderren from Holland, who (correctly answered "Montserrat") and commented, "It seemed pretty clear to me!"
Presenter Nathan Morley said, "We have never had a reaction like this for a quiz, it was driving our listeners across the island crazy".
I would like to introduce Montserrat to the Executive Service Corps. This association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing hands-on management consulting services to the small business sector, other not-for-profit organizations and government agencies. The Executive Service Corps was founded 34 years ago. Its mission was/is simple and straightforward -- to provide a resource center of diversified business professionals to help those individuals or organizations that would not normally have either the expertise or staff to start a business, grow a business or undertake a major project.
The key to the Executive Service Corps’ success is the recruitment of local business volunteers -- be they currently active, semi-retired or retired -- who by virtue of their education and most importantly experience can guide aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, agency managers and directors down the paths they themselves have already traveled, thus helping their clients to avoid many of the hazards always encountered when starting or growing a business, or guiding an organization.
The establishment of an Executive Service Corps chapter on Montserrat at this time would seem to be a very logical step in Montserrat’s redevelopment. While the volcanic activity over the last three (3) years has devastated this wonderful island, one needs only to take a quick look in any direction or talk to any of the people to both see and sense the optimism and determination to return Montserrat to its pre-volcano glory.
Clearly Montserrat is being presented with an opportunity that few places have ever had --to rebuild starting with an almost clean slate. For a potential Executive Service Corps client currently on island, or an evacuee waiting to return home, an organization considering their final move to a permanent site or a government agency confounded with the requirements of reconstruction; the needs of all are both enormous and overwhelming. Initially I would like to propose the Executive Service Corps’ number one priority has to be small business. Small business is always the engine that drives the economic machine.
While the Executive Service Corps has an open door policy to all who desire our services, we must insure that Montserrations are the dominant force in this economic rebuilding process. As someone who has a 35-year career managing businesses for others and as an entrepreneur business owner myself, I can speak with authority when I say that successfully starting or growing a business, and doing so without some expert assistance, is very unwise. I would also suggest that both the stakes as well as the complexity of such an undertaking on Montserrat will be far more difficult than a similar undertaking in pre-volcano times.
Every business person will be competing for the most desirable sites, grants and low- interest loans, not to mention regulatory agency compliance, procurement of supplies and inventory items, etc. etc. For those business professionals who volunteer some of their very precious time, the rewards are both personal and financial -- who better to help than a brother Montserratian, and over time the ripple effect of this person’s success will have a direct and positive effect on your bottom line profitability as well.
What then are the client services normally provided by the Executive Service Corps? Let me provide a sampling. For those individuals wishing to start a business, we can provide assistance with market research, site selection, developing a marketing and sales plan, and for those requiring start-up capital, we assist with writing a business plan and with grant and loan applications. For those successful businesses that are considering expansion we can address the very critical needs of such an important decision -- justification and timing, Profit & Loss Statement analysis, capital and resource requirements, public relations and new areas of logistics and management that, while not critical previously, may become very important as a result of this growth and expansion. The Executive Service Corps also has a successful history of helping to turn around businesses that are in trouble and face the prospect of failure.
We cannot know what the future holds for Montserrat, but I think that to predict that ecotourism and volcano-related businesses will be a dominant factor in the island’s economy is a fairly accurate forecast. In either case, I see no "General Motors" type of major corporations in Montserrat’s future; rather many diversified small businesses. Such a business community requires at least two (2) types of business-related organizations -- a strong Chamber of Commerce, which you have, and an Executive Service Corps, which you do not (these two organizations each have a different focus but complement the needs of the business community). The time to organize your Executive Service Corps is at hand!
Ken Walter and his wife Norma own property in Woodlands and have been coming to Montserrat for many years. Ken is Chairman of the Oneonta, New York, Executive Service Corps, Small Business Development Council. He was on island in early May of this year and was struck with the idea of bringing the concept of this organization to Montserrat. Ken proposed this plan to his chapter’s Board of Directors and subsequently received their endorsement to undertake this project. He is currently on island until the end of February and very willing to volunteer his time to facilitate the organization of a Montserrat chapter, if such is the desire of Montserrat. Ken and his wife (also involved in a volunteer project) are currently renting a house in Olveston and can be reached at 491-7968.
Kingston, Jamaica, CANA - Jamaica is reporting 448 AIDS cases over the past nine months. This figure brings the number of AIDS cases on the island to 3,109, of which 1,032 have died. Health officials said Tuesday the highest number of AIDS cases continue to occur in the north coast parish of St. James at a rate of 284.9 per 100,000 population, followed by Kingston and St Andrew with 194 per 100,000 population.
Roseau, Dominica, CANA - Dominican opposition politicians are basking in victory after a high court yesterday ruled in favour of their petition protesting government's re-zoning of electoral boundaries.
High Court judge Dunbar Cenac ruled that the changes, recommended in a Constituency Boundaries Commission report, to five opposition-held constituencies were illegal and unconstitutional. The recommendations of the Boundaries Commission were passed in Parliament by a government majority, last month.
London, UK, CANA - A row between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and rebel players is now settled and WICB president, Pat Rousseau, put it all down to a misunderstanding.
Under the agreement reached after long-running talks between WICB and a team headed by West Indies Players Association president, Courtney Walsh, captain Brian Lara and vice-captain, Carl Hooper, were yesterday reinstated. Rousseau said that all issues surrounding fees and conditions for the tour had been resolved.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov 10, CANA - The Progressive Labour Party (PLP), led by Jennifer Smith, will be forming Bermuda's new government after sweeping the incumbent ruling United Bermuda Party (UBP) out of power for the first time in 30 years at yesterday's elections. The PLP had lost all eight previous elections since party politics were introduced. The UBP was crushed in all the marginal constituencies.
When he's in a group of people, or even when we're alone, why does he feel the need to tell bad jokes?
Does he think he's somehow impressing me?
The Joke's on You, Pal
Sometime in high school, you learned that the way to win women was to make them laugh. But what's funny to you may not be funny to her (or the others around you) –- which reminds us of the one about the camel, the bartender, the hooker, and the...
Avoid long jokes. A joke that just keeps going and going drives women away, says Fairfield, Connecticut psychologist and board-certified sex therapist Fred Bader, Ph.D. A joke should have at most two parts, the second part sort of funny.
Skip the dirty jokes, too. "We've found in our studies that while humor enhances male attractiveness, the sexual humor you hear between guys ~ b is the exception," says Michael Cunningham, Ph.D., a psychologist who studies the evolution of physical attraction. Don't tell off-color jokes--or make sure the coast is clear before you do.
Enough with the Monty Python skits. Women hate it. Hell, so do we. "Some men have blind spots," says Bader. "They don't realize these things just don't appeal in most contexts." So next time you want to yell, "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" try coming up with something original.
Poke fun at yourself. "Our research shows that women like men who practice self-deprecating humor--the ability to make fun of yourself," says Cunningham. "That kind of humor isn't threatening and points out that you're confident enough to risk looking silly."
Why does she get so jealous of my friends?
Just One of the Guys
It's perfectly reasonable for you to want to socialize with your friends. The question is, how much time do you spend with them -- and more important, how much time do you spend with your woman? Your partner's jealousy may stem from the fact that the two of you don't spend enough, if any, "quality" time together -- devoted to building up your relationship. In the absence of this consistent "couple time,"
any time you spend with anyone else, even in such an obviously unromantic situation as a Friday night poker game, will seem threatening from her perspective.
Consider ways of increasing the amount of time you spend with your partner, such as walks, and just talking.
Also, she may feel that your desire to be with your friends is a reflection of her failure to meet all your needs. Point out that, while your friends are important to you, she is the one with whom you share the deepest parts of yourself. And, of course, if you are secretive, her imagination may be getting the better of her. She is undoubtedly envisioning worst-case scenarios, some of which could involve you and other women. Try talking with her directly about fears that she may have, and reassure her if necessary.
Start letting her know what your plans are and extend an invitation to her. This will seem like an intrusion on your freedom at first, but the issue here is building trust. Most likely she will not take you up on the offer, but the fact that the opportunity exists may help quell her fears (and score bonus points for you).
A Closer Look At Costs of Work At Thatch Valley
By Bennette Roach
The Thatch Valley Airport issue seemed to have died very quickly, but the truth is that people are waiting to hear from their Government what the follow-up plans are and even what their approach will be on the matter.
Mr. Richard Teuten did not publicly promise us he would engage further study into the Thatch Valley option, but it was no surprise to find out that he was agreeing to such a move. The problem might be that the Government wants an independent study, and why not? After what transpired it is difficult to believe in or trust any study undertaken or induced by HMG.
We recall the reasons given by Mr. Teuten and Mr. David Gillette for appearing at a call-in program on ZJB following a week-long public consultation conducted on their behalf by Gibb consultants. Disappointment was expressed and the consultants were accused then of not "informing Montserratians of the options as analysed."
Both Mr. Teuten and Mr. Gillette had prepared themselves for their program, having received the report from the consultants, particularly the suggestion that in disposing of the fill from Thatch Valley, it could be used as fill in the sea or simply disposed of over the cliff, thereby lessening considerably the cost of the airport project.
These officials informed us that "international standards prevented them from doing anything that would interfere with the marine environment." Of course, we were in no position to argue. But since this aspect of the project was discussed and it was agreed that it would make a meaningful difference to the construction of an airport at Thatch Valley -- and since I didn't believe that their information was accurate -- I undertook to get some clarity on the matter.
I received several replies, both privately and by research. One person even suggested that I contact the Attorney General here since he would know what international laws there were that governed Montserrat by virtue of its being a colony of Britain.
Dr. Deborah Bronson is well known to us. She has done several studies with specific reference to our coastlines, regarding our coral reefs and marine life. One person recommended her in response to my query: "Dr Brosnan's group has been researching the effects of volcanic ashfall -- both chemical and physical - on Montserrat's reefs and other offshore habitats, and what they are learning will also apply to other substances that are dumped, applied, or otherwise."
She initially responded: "I realized that you are specifically looking at fill. For the most part you would be subject to national coastal zone laws. I don't know what these are on Montserrat, but I suspect that there aren't many, and then enforcement is another issue.
"None of the waters around Montserrat have any official protection (e.g. park or reserve status) so that makes things more difficult. However, if the fill is being dumped on fishing grounds or nurseries you may have a ‘popular issue.’
"I have a colleague who specializes on coastal zone law and I will contact him later today, and get back to you whenever I reach him."
The good lady kept her promise and sent this further response, which I will present almost in its entirety, since the other matters are so related:
"I will note one thing. It is not unusual for governments to build runways (or other constructions) into the sea, and that requires filling. i.e. it's not illegal to ‘fill’ for construction.
"However, dumping fill into the sea, could (depending on the local or national laws) be considered illegal.
"In Montserrat, before any major construction into the sea, or otherwise, could be undertaken, the law mandates that the government commission an Environmental Impact Statement. (This would have to be done for an airport). The purpose of this is to investigate the probable impacts on the environment, i.e. land and sea habitats, air, soil, etc, as well as social implications, and potential mitigation. One of the goals of the EIA is to recommend alternatives when there are problems. A local EIA review team is usually set up consisting of maybe 12-14 representatives from government ministries, conservation groups, private interested citizens. They are kept apprised of developments and vote on the final approval for application or outline planning permission. It's not a perfect process, but it does provide for input from the local community, which I believe is essential.
"Once the EIA is submitted, planning permission is either given or rejected, or an alternative is agreed upon. (Some plans are rejected on the basis of the EIA)."
Dr. Brosnan concluded, "I totally agree that Montserrat is much more conscious and informed about environmental, and that is wonderful, because it empowers people to push for what they believe is best for their own country."
Another person had this comment to make: "I do find it interesting that the environment is used as the excuse when cost is a factor, but when cost is not a factor, environmental considerations are disregarded."
I believe the foregoing is fair and speaks for itself.
One expert who was visiting the island was here checking on the Sand Mining and other related environmental problems. She said that there was a three-mile limit in which "we can do as we please". She said, however, waste dumping is another matter.
Someone else had this to say, not realising, I found out later, that we were not speaking of waste/toxic substance or material: "For example, killing whales or other protected animal life would violate Britain's international treaty obligations, regardless of the distance from Montserrat's shore it was done."
Yet some other comments on the issue: "Filling is often a necessity when airports are built in coastal regions, but a well-conducted siting study should consider the environmental consequences as well as the purely economic ones."
This was followed up with a reasonable wish: " Lets hope that wherever the airport
is built (and I have to be confident that one will be) it will be the ‘best case
scenario’ from all viewpoints."
This last comment was a local viewpoint, one that I find aggravating, since it aims at
reminding us that "beggars being no choosers," and "who pays the piper
calls the tune": "That being the case, you gotta believe that the people who
fund the project will be extremely sensitive to the world view of what's environmentally
correct...not even what might be law but what's ‘correct’."
A Single Rose is Not Always Just a Rose
How often we hear something like "Give me my flowers while I am alive," and how many have had to remember the words with regret? We can ponder the following story.
A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived 200 miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.
He asked her what was wrong and she replied, "I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother, but I only have 75 cents.
"A rose costs two dollars."
The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me. I'll buy you a rose." He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother's flowers.
As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home.
She said, "Yes, please! You can take me to my mother."
She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly covered grave.
After he left the girl, the man returned to the flower shop, cancelled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the 200 miles to his mother's house.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ZJB’s FRIDAY NIGHT VOLCANO INTERVIEW
by Cathy Buffonge
In last Friday night’s interview (November 6), ZJB’s Winston ‘Kafu’ Cabey spoke with current Chief Scientist Richie Robertson. In reviewing recent events, Mr. Robertson said that recently we have had a period of about two dome collapses per week, mostly down Tar River, White River and Gages, and this is expected to continue.He explained that there are large cracks above Galways, some of which are recently formed, including a very large new one developing from the base of Chance’s Peak, as the unstable dome continues to disintegrate, These cracks would continue to develop until blocks of it fall off in further collapses, often accompanied by a spectacular display of thunder and lightning as has happened recently, he said.
The pyroclastic flows formed by these collapses have reached the sea on some occasions, he said, but are much smaller than earlier collapses such as the Boxing Day event. At most times the collapses are followed by an earthquake swarm.
Not all the earthquakes occur under the dome, he said. Some are further off, such as under Roche’s mountain. But he explained that this is expected in the latter stages of volcanic activity, as the seismicity moves outwards. We are not back to background seismicity yet, though, he said.
The present collapses would not affect occupied areas, he said, except for the ash, which as usual will be blown into Salem, Olveston, or areas further north depending on the wind direction. There will also continue to be mudflows when rain falls, and he reminded listeners that these have already caused destruction and instability of buildings in Plymouth and the entombment of the Belham Bridge.
Although new material has stopped erupting from under the surface since March, he explained that there will probably be dome collapses for a couple more years, but it’s difficult to put a time frame on it because it depends how long it takes for the dome to disintegrate.
Mr. Robertson emphasized that contrary to popular belief there is absolutely no connection between different volcanoes, even when islands are close, and that it is just by chance when they erupt at similar times.
GOVERNMENT INFORMATON SERVICES
Chief Minister Briefs ODI Review TeamChief Minister the Honourable David Brandt met with a visiting independent review team here to investigate the United Kingdom Government’s handling of the crisis on Montserrat.
The team from the Overseas Development Institute in London was led by Dr. Edward Clay and included six others recruited for their expertise in several areas including civil engineering and housing.
The ODI team has been commissioned by the Department for International Development to "evaluate the actions of Her Majesty’s Government."
The following points were made by Chief Minister Brandt during the meeting.
Dr. Clay believed some of the delays may be due to ambiguity in the relationship between the United Kingdom Government and the Government of Montserrat.
He says there are many instances where solutions could have been found and where some things could be done differently, citing the case of the Montserrat Building Society.
Chief Minister Brandt thanked the team for visiting Montserrat to hear the views of Montserratians and expressed the hope that the report will help change the way Her Majesty’s Government is dealing with the crisis.
Government of Montserrat Negotiate CPP with United Kingdom
The Government of Montserrat opens negotiations on the Country Policy Plan on Monday, November 16th.
A United Kingdom delegation headed by the Head of the Montserrat Unit in the Department for International Development (DFID) in London Richard Teuten will be visiting Montserrat for the talks. The UK delegation will include representatives from DFID and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Discussions will focus on a wide range of projects including housing and land development, health and education, external transport links, volcano monitoring, budgetary aid and infrastructure.
Funds from these projects will come from the 75 million pounds sterling already committed by the British Government.
The Country Policy Plan covers a three-year period from 1998 to the year 2001.
A number of observers will also be attending the meetings, including the Caribbean Development Bank, European Union and the United Nations Development Programme.
Adelina Tuitt’s Second Anniversary Honourable Message
Fellow citizens and friends of Montserrat on this day November 11th
1996 I was elected to office. As you are aware it was a challenging time and the problems
caused by the volcanic crisis were even more evident.
I want to use this opportunity to thank all those who had the confidence in me to elect me at that time to serve this beautiful country of ours, and for those who have supported me over the last two years to accomplish what I consider a rather difficult agenda for the Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services.
I want to thank, especially, all the staff within the ministry for their commitment to the programmes agreed and in general, the welfare of our people. In 1996, the most critical issues facing the Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services were:
challenges that confront us.
While there is still much room for improvement, there can be no doubt that the infrastructure within the ministry has improved significantly since 1996. The St. John’s School building is being converted and upgraded into a place more conducive to the delivery of healthcare. This is expected to be completed no later than March 31st 1999.
Additional classrooms have been built to accommodate the present and returning students.
Over 130 elderly have benefited from recently-constructed facilities for this purpose. Subject to the acquisition of suitable land, the ministry is ready to provide facilities for continuing education and library services with the help of our OECS partners and other funding agencies like the European Union and the Swiss Government.
The volcanic activity and the level of uncertainty that has prevailed over the last two years, has left the ministry woefully under-staffed, as over 19 members of staff left the island. I know many may say that other people have put in extra time, but I feel I must say it both publicly and privately to my staff.
This meant that so many persons had to double up while trying to cope on a personal level with housing, children etcetera. The timely, short-term injection of personnel from PAHO and Caricom partners has helped us significantly. Also, this may never be written in any book, but I must place on record my thanks to all those who have contributed in any way to take us through this period of much uncertainty.
The reduction in the population and the workforce has also demanded a change in the structure and institutional management of the ministry and the various divisions. The ministry recognizes that while in some instances, it may be a difficult exercise for some, the reorganization is necessary and offers us an opportunity to:
My Government is committed to the care of the vulnerable groups and we have backed this commitment with action. We recognize that many of our senior citizens have had a rather trying experience. In fact, it is an experience that threatens their very survival.
The Hill View Home along with other public assistance programmes have been used as a means of ensuring that these persons are cared for in some form, even if there are still some deficiencies. The Golden Years Home is a product of the Government’s policy and the collaborative efforts of the ministry, the Red Cross, the OPWA, MCC ably supported by the UK Government and other private individuals and organizations.
Much has been said publicly regarding sanitation standards and much has been done inspite of the difficulties that the ministry and Government as a whole have encountered in this area. We at the ministry recognize the need to persevere and to be consistent in delivering this service. The situation is by no means what we would like, but we feel that it is important to ensure that what we deliver is appropriate and sustainable.
It is good to note that after many setbacks and delays, the garbage dump is being removed from Little Bay. And while it was not this Government’s decision, we are happy to be able to rectify this problem. We must thank the people for their patience and support under the circumstances.
It is important to note also that the ministry now has updated emergency plans that are consistent and supports the overall National Emergency Plan. These plans have been tested, our staff trained and emergency stores procured. While we believe this activity may not be any worse than it has been in the past, we are mindful that we live on a volcanic island and our recent experience has taught us to be ready.
The ministry has gone a long way towards addressing the problems encountered over the last two years, but there is still much to be done in the rebuilding process. It would have been difficult if we had the financial resources to cope with the crisis, and as you can guess, far more difficult when we have to rely so heavily on external help.
We are committed, however, and we crave your continued support.
Finally, citizens of Montserrat and friends, I wish to take the opportunity again to say thanks to the people of the East, many of whom are presently overseas, for the confidence they have placed in me for the opportunity to serve the people of Montserrat.
I am fully aware that the volcanic activities have caused us to be unable to refer to constituencies, but, we do have constituents until there is a change in the constitution. For this term of office we will. The time is ripe for us all, however, to embrace each other as one and move on for the development of this country.
Let me say how much I have personally appreciated the manner in which the people of the North, from Salem to St. John’s, have opened their arms and allowed those of us who are landless to purchase land, and to those who are homeless to obtain houses. And to Her Majesty’s Government through His Excellency the Governor and the local DFID staff, we are grateful for your cooperation, hard work and assistance.
However, we would certainly welcome new ways and means for quicker response to the request for funding in areas such as housing and purchase of land.
Fellow citizens, Montserratians, all, I thank you very much for your cooperation, thank you very much for listening, and may God bless us all.
Dome Collapse Causes Pyroclastic Flows In Plymouth and Tar River
There was a large dome collapse at the Soufriere Hills Volcano in the early morning of Thursday, November 12th, 1998.
Deputy Head Scientist Dr. Gill Norton says pyroclastic flows (hot ash and gases) went to the east into Tar River and west into Plymouth, which was evacuated in April, 1996.
The ash cloud went to 25 000 feet in the air resulting in light ash fall over most of Montserrat and in Antigua.
Scientists will do a reconnaissance flight later today to learn more about the collapse.
This morning’s event is part of the ongoing pattern of collapses as the dome stabilizes.
Sports Department Spearheads Efforts to Boost Tennis
The Sports Department and the Montserrat Tennis Association are collaborating to promote the development of Tennis on the island.
Sports Officer Fitzroy Buffonge says a Fun Day is planned for November 21st, 1998 in Olveston.
As part of the effort to develop tennis, the Fun Day features various competitions including male, female, doubles and mixed doubles.
Mr. Buffonge says plans are also in motion for a Tennis Appreciation Day in January, 1998 and a youth programme in the school. This is to capitalize on the growing popularity of the sport. There are at least 36 persons actively playing tennis on island.
Recognizing the absence of public tennis facilities, the Sports Department is currently working on a proposal to construct two courts in Northern Montserrat.
In related news….
Work has started on the construction of two netball courts in Brades, adjacent to the basketball court on the school ground.
Mr. Buffonge says the completion of the courts will enhance the netball programme in the school.
Honourable Adelina Tuitt pays tribute to Stanley Pope Dyer
The Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services paid tribute to the island’s number one pan player on Wednesday, November 11th, 1998.
However the occasion was not a joyous one as Dyer, known affectionately as Pope or by his calypso name Killman, was in Hospital after a hit-an-run accident on Sunday night left him with one arm.
Minister of Education, Health and Community Services the Honourable Adelina Tuitt and Education Officer Alric Taylor praised him for his contribution to culture on the island.
HONOURABLE ADELINA TUITT
"It is with a feeling of sadness that I stand here today to show our appreciation and heartfelt sympathy to Stanley Pope Dyer.
Stanley Pope Dyer has been a very ardent participant in the field of music on Montserrat. Not only is Pope a great steel pan player, he is also a very good steel pan teacher and calypsonian.
The Arts will certainly miss your usual 100% contribution. The loss of a part of your arm will no doubt restrict any future plans you may have to improve the art on Montserrat. We are still proud of you. Improved sciences, however, will no doubt allow you never to miss this very useful part of your body.
The Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services’ interest in Pope goes a long way back. He has been our steel pan teacher in many of our Primary Schools in pre 1996.
During the last summer vacation, through collaborative efforts of Community Services Department and the Red Cross, we were again able to obtain his services to run a successful workshop in teaching our young people to play the steel pan.
Today we in the Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services and indeed my Government, join with the rest of Montserrat in wishing Mr. Dyer a speedy recovery and to present this bouquet with the hope that it will bring some form of cheer and comfort as you pass the coming days in this institution. We are all very disappointed of the circumstances under which you are here but nevertheless faithful and honest people in our little land of paradise. Yes Paradise, for despite the circumstances we are facing here in Montserrat we do have a lot to give God thanks for.
We pray God’s blessing on you and your family as you face what could be very difficult days in the future."
ALRIC TAYLOR
"We are at the hospital at this time along with a fellow Montserrat Stanley Pope Dyer. I would like to say that I feel very moved having to be here this morning around the bed of my neighbour in that he was involved in such a terrible accident. I think at the personal level it is very sad that in our country something like this could have happened and no one has yet owned up to such a tragic accident. At the national level I think its even worse that when we consider that we are trying to develop our human resource base in every possible way and Pope has been very instrumental in helping our children with steel band. In fact I think he is the only one of that group who is still around to help our children and someone has actually robbed this country, as it were, of that potential. Pope has been the backbone in the primary school with our steel pan playing. Now we will have to find one of the persons he has actually trained or we need to get him involved at another level after he has recuperated from this to see how we can continue to improve steel pan playing in Montserrat.
I am hoping that person who is still hearing my voice, if he or she is still around, will own up to such tragedy. There might have been extenuating circumstances which would have led to this but that is irrelevant at this particular point in time. It is sad and I feel very moved. Pope is my very personal friend and I am very touched that I have to be hear this morning to do this. It is not very easy. It has happened already and probably what we need to do is to see how we can help Stanley to live with what has happened. By profession he is a gardener and with his right hand off it is going to be difficult. However, I don’t think it will be impossible and I beg all Montserratians to rally around this gentleman who we have grown to love because of his steel pan playing, because of his very controversial calypso and because Pope is just Pope. It is sad that has happened to him. I am really sorry that such a thing could have happened in our country and we still cannot find who it is.
I am asking the great physician the all powerful God to smile on him wherever he is to allow him to accept what has happened and move on from there."
Nov. 12, 1998
So once more a "major event,"
And billows of ash heaven sent;
The ash fall was brief
And small cause for grief.
Returnees don’t need to repent.
Lament for an Amputee
"Hit and run," an innocuous phrase,
Conceals all its horrors in grays.
In cold black and white,
"Inhumanity’s" right,
But cold comfort to Pope as he prays.
Jus wonderin if Brown & Root isn't trying to sell Clare short.
Jus wonderin if the owner/s of the animals on Fogarty Hill should not be congratulated for prompt action.
Jus wonderin who ain't wonderin these days.
Jus wonderin what in last week's Jus wonderin column, has police of rank and file are saying "It's about time…"
Jus wonderin where in Montserrat did not get ash on Thursday morning.
Jus wonderin if Reuters is quoting the emergency man right to say that it is because the mountain is shrinking that we get ash fall.
Jus wonderin if the new office of the Social Security officer is in one of those shops at Carrs Bay or a building at Cheap End.
Jus wonderin if those persons evacuating Montserrat presently are leaving Montserrat because of the volcano or the LPG crisis.
Jus wonderin if EOC office is a dolly house or a play-pen.
Jus wonderin if Pope should be declared a national hero and a street named to honour him.
Jus wonderin who remembered the family of Pope in his crisis.
Jus wonderin if our negotiating team will negotiate or will jus be good listeners.
Jus wonderin who that female was that caused such a stir by refusing to give up her seat or allowing anyone else to do so, causing the late-arrival of DFID official on the helicopter.
Jus wonderin why Public Works has not fixed the culvert at the entrance to the Salem Junior Secondary School campus. It has been in need of repairs for nearly a year.
Eastern Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank Vacancy
Manager, Corporate Finance
The Eastern Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank (ECHMB) is an independent privately-managed mortgage bank which is engaged in buying and selling of mortgage loans for the purpose of providing greater liquidity to the primary lending institutions, as well as assisting the development of the region’s capital market. The Eastern Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank invites applications for the position of Manager, Corporate Finance.
The Manager, Corporate Finance will report directly to the general Manager and be responsible for the Following:
The ideal candidate should be a suitably qualified accountant with at least five (5) years experience in the middle to senior level management position, preferably within an organisation which provides financial services, and must be computer literate.
The successful candidate should have experience in sound financial management and will be required to play an important role in the strategic direction and development of the institution. An attractive renumeration package commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered.
Applications including a detailed Curriculum Vitae, should be submitted no later than November 23, 1998 to:
Eastern Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank P.O.Box 753 Church Street Basseterre St.Kitts Tel: 1-869-466-7869 Fax: 1-869-466-7518EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK VACANCY
SYSTEMS ANALYST/ADMINISTRATOR
Applications are invited from suitably qualified citizens of the OECS member territories and Anguilla to fill the post of SYSTEMS ANALYST/ADMINISTRATOR, at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Basseterre, St kitts.
Applicants Should Have:
A good first degree in Computer Science or related subject, and some experience with the following operating systems:
- Novell Netware 3.12
- Microsoft Windows NT server 4.0
- SCO Open server 5.0
DUTIES:
The systems Analyst/Administrator will be directly responsible to the director, Management Information systems (MIS) for the proper performance of his /her duties which will include:
SALARY
Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience.
Application starting qualification and experience with the names and addresses of two (2) referees as well certified copies of certificates should be forwarded to:
The Bank Secretary Eastern Caribbean Central Bank P.O Box 89 BASSSETERRE St KittsTo reach no later than 4 December 1998.
Application which do not meet the minimum requirement indicated above, will not acknowledged.
Legal Officer
Applications are invited from suitably qualified citizens of the OECS member territories and Anguilla to fill the post of Legal Officer, at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Basseterre, St Kitts.
Applicants should have:
A Bachelor of Laws Degree and a Legal Education Certificate or equivalent and at least three (3) years working experience.
Duties:
The successful applicant will be directly responsible to the Legal Advisor,Governor’s Office for the proper performance of his/her duties which will include:
1. Providing general legal advice to the Bank in the exercise of its functions under the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Agreement and the Banking Act.
2. Advising departments of the Bank on:
(a) Financial and staff regulations;
(b) Banking & commercial matters;
(c) Laws relating to banking and non-banking institutions;
(d) Contracts,statutory notices and employment matters; and
(e) Other legal matters.
3. Interpreting and reviewing Financial Legislation.
4. Providing legal opinion on various banking issues.
5. Researching law, investigating facts, preparing draft documents for discussion
and approval.
6. Researching and analysing law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions,legal articles,treaties,constitutions, and legal code to prepare documents such as contracts, and draft amendments to laws.
7. Filing documents in the registry and searching registry files.
8. Assisting the co-orporation of activities or work of the Legal Unit.
9. Facilitating the speedy settlement of legal issues and the effective administration of the banking laws in the territories of participating Governments.
10. Any other related duties which may be required from time to time.
SALARY
Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience.
Applications stating qualifications and experience with the names and addresses of two (2) refrees as well as certified copies of certificates should be forwarded to:
The Bank Secretary
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
P.O.Box 89
Basseterre
St Kitts
to reach no later than 7 December, 1998.
Applications which do not meet the minimum requirements indicated above, will not be acknowledged.
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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