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Officials Test Sirens, Volcano Tests All of Us

by Bennette Roach

Montserratins were asked this past week to note the trials of the sirens, used during the volcanic crisis to notify the public of heightened and serious volcanic activity.

This was due to what Dr. Simon Young, chief scientist at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), said are "similar style events of hybrid forms of earthquakes, lasting for longer times than recently experienced."

He said that what we are experiencing now would be considered unusual on a world scale, but "though I am not surprised, I am disappointed. It (the volcano at Soufriere Hills) has done things we didn't expect before."

The scientist has been concerned enough to advise restricting access to the Daytime Entry Zone, which up to August was part of the Exclusion Zone.

Dr. Young was asked by the Montserrat Reporter with what period of time since 1995, when the volcano began erupting, he would compare the present activity. He said that although difficult, he would compare the sequence with that experienced between "August and October, 1997, but it was definitely not the same magnitude."

"I am working on the hypothesis that there is magma moving around, enabling it to move upwards near the surface, where it cools and forms a cap, which can blow off. We are having these hybrid forms which are infrequent but lasting for long periods," he told the Montserrat Reporter. He said that these could trigger explosions, which are likely to continue but not expected to escalate.

Three weeks ago, on October 29, the MVO reported on the weekend that the seismic network had recorded a total of 115 rockfall signals, 40 volcano-tectonic earthquakes, 71 hybrid and 13 long-period earthquakes for the reporting period.

As to the recurrence of serious pyroclastic flows, Dr. Young explained there was a small pyroclastic flow recently which didn't go very far. "We will continue to get rockfalls, but the fact that the dome has cooled, bigger rockfalls will go deeper getting into the hotter part of it (the dome)" and that could create some bigger activity, he said.

Two weeks ago, Dr. Young had explained that there would be more activity because of the water buildup at the volcano made possible by the cooling dome. He said there would be much more steam and many more rockfalls would be more likely as the dome could become more unstable from the amount of water being retained.

Two weeks ago the MVO reported that "these swarms were the first of this type since late-February 1998, just before cessation of dome growth. The character of events in the current swarm is very similar to those from numerous swarms during dome growth."

How concerned should we be with the change of pattern since February 1998? Dr. Young said: "I hope this is just a blip on its down-slope."

Following through on her recent training and her promise "to capture in a bottle the unique blend of seasoning that makes the goat water dish tasty," Mrs. Margaret (Annie) Dyer-Howe, in a tasting session on Thursday night, presented her seasoning for the goat water dish along with her "hot pepper sauce" and several other bottled products.

Mrs. Dyer-Howe was featured in an article recently in the Trinidad Express, which was reprinted by the Montserrat Reporter on August 20, 1999. The article highlighted her training and mentioned that she worked on a specialty item under the name Howe's Pepper Sauce.

On Thursday night, working with two CDB marketing consultants from H.F. Walker Inc. of Barbados, Mrs. Dyer-Howe put on a tasting show where she showed-off her Howe's Pepper Sauce, both hot and mild. She hoped to test "the reaction and acceptance of locals" of the product of this and several other items of bottled products she hopes to introduce soon for consumption. The consultants, through Mr. Brian Walker, said "we are providing technical assistance for the packaging and marketing of her products, both locally and regionally."

It is expected that the hot pepper sauce will be put into the market before the end of the year, both locally and soon after regionally. There is some work still to be done, as pointed out by the consultants, who are working with Mrs. Dyer-Howe on a marketing strategy, which includes acquiring bottles, producing a label and corporate identity.

Mrs. Dyer-Howe is a former minister of Education, Health and Social Services and recently retired as Manager of the Montserrat Water Authority. She has had formal training with the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI). She is a graduate from UWI EMBA, where she improved on her preservation techniques.

Last night Mrs. Dyer-Howe had on show, along with her Howe's (variety) pepper sauces, a creole sauce made from breadfruit base, a variety of guava jelly and guava cheese, hot and spicy and regular barbecue sauce, vegetable relish made from all local vegetables, and her special mix of goat water seasoning.

Mrs Dyer-Howe in presenting her variety of agro-processed products revealed to her tasting audience that she had been interested in the venture for a long time. Her consultants reported that she was ready to hit the local, regional and extra-regional, reaching that goal within the next six months. At the same time the agro-processor, upon being questioned, said that her products will initially carry a shelf life of about six months, and most items will not need to be refrigerated after opening, once properly stored otherwise.

Ms. Atsumi Kani is a Japanese architect working in the Ministry of Communication and Works here in Montserrat. She was walking around on Trants beach on June 27 this year under the guidance of someone named Murphy, collecting what she called 'natural charcoal,' which had been created and pushed into the sea by the volcano, which then washed up on the shore. She suddenly found a sealed bottle on the sand and there was something inside.

Ms. Kani had found the message shown here, which had been written two years ago, put into the bottle, thrown into the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands. The author of the note, Ms. Annemarie Wehberg of Germany, was vacationing in the Canary Islands with her daughter Michaela, who, after receiving the surprising package and the news of her bottled note from Montserrat, told her story to a German newspaper. The article was translated and is told as follows:

"From the German newspaper "Westfalenpost" 22. Sept, 1999

Greetings from an island drifted across the Atlantic. Bottle message traveled two years

(translated with some remarks by Dr. Georg Waldmann, Coventry University)

Hagen, Germany, Annemarie Wehberg was quite surprised receiving a parcel to her front door by her postman (in early September), It was exactly two years since the 54-year old citizen of the German city of Hagen had made a vacation to the island of Fuerteventura/Canaries together with her daughter Michaela, having dropped a bottle message there. Now she received a reply - from the Caribbean.

The tiny green water bottle had traveled 5,500 kilometers across the Atlantic. A Japanese architect (her name is Ms. Atsumi Kani) discovered it beached in June this year (near Trant's Bay) in Montserrat, a Caribbean island with 4,500 inhabitants. "First, I didn't want to open the parce," Annemarie Wehberg explains, "it felt so unpleasantly soft". But then, curiosity took over. Two Montserratian T-shirts and a card appeared.

Eight members of the United Nations (= this is a misunderstanding, we were eight people gathering for a dinner at Atsumi Kani's house, including the following members of a Covenby University delegation traveling the island on a fact-finding mission: D. Apollo Economides, Dr. Martin Underwood and Dr. Tom Dijkstra) who had signed as well as the finder: She is currently involved in supporting the inhabitants of the British Colony of Montserrat in building new settlements. The yielded greetings and some information about the island: "the Soufriere Hills Volcano is erupting there since 1995" and the exact location of the (beached) message,

"First thing to do in the following afternoon was to grab an atlas and look for Montserrat," Annemarie Wehberg explains, "It is unbelievable, after two years an answer is coming along," yet she had not thought to receive a reply anymore, "(While throwing the bottle into the sea) in Fuerteventura we didn't think about (a reply), because we always used to throw bottle-messages, when our kids were still young.

This was somehow a tradition." The Hagen-lady remembers sealing the successful bottle with nail-varnish "to make it waterproof".

The parcel was sent from the Caribbean island, and from Britain - by Georg Waldmann (/Coventry University) recently including greetings in German language. Now Annemarie and Michaela Wehberg took their revenge. A book about their hometown of Hagen has already been bought, "We will think up something and then we'll write back".

Ms. Atsumi received many bits of memorabilia from the German lady along with a note which said, "We would like to say thank you to you especially to collect our bottle message from the Atlantic!

Also enclosed with the note were the photographs of mother and daughter and a beach bag sporting the Radio Hagen logo.

There seems to be some anxiety in the air over a general concern that conditions in this Overseas Dependent Territory of Britain -- some still prefer to call it a colony -- are not favourable enough to guarantee a future that will offer a comfortable life to those planning to return or those who stayed here.

A comfortable life is a very relative term, as it carries different meanings and expectations for every individual. That statement, if it is true, could be a major source of the problem, but the fact remains that there are concerns.

Those who are concerned enough, and not in the privileged position of a guaranteed and budgeted salary for at least the next two years, all agree that the general dilemma we face involves having the necessary numbers of people living or visiting Montserrat so that we can house them and offer suitable jobs to those in need of employment.

Meanwhile, we remember that early in the year, some of the studies and reports reflected that Montserrat would not have a population over 5,000 before the year 2008. For several months now we hear of a population figure in excess of 4,500. This poses another kind of dilemma, since there are those who must not be proven or seen to be wrong, which means strategies must be put in place to remain true to their plans.

Montserrat is loaded with true and hard core Montserratians, whether they were born here or decided to make it their home, but it doesn't require any scientific or expert study to know that we have suffered a serious brain drain. The further quandary we face is that the slightest shake in the wrong direction and it will be those with the ambition who first become fearful and move with their appetite for improvement.

When the scientists become uncomfortable with the readings from the equipment monitoring the Soufriere Hills volcano and leave the entire community with fear that we may be in for a repeat performance of any point in the height of the crisis prior to 1998, isn't it time for the leaders of the country to talk to their people? There is much grumbling ,and wrong or right, that grumbling must be addressed.

Much too much is left to be taken for granted. The leaders are out of touch with reality and the discouraging sentiments that abound with the expectations of the people. Perhaps it is fair to say that some things are happening, but there is plenty that needs to happen and the populace is looking for reassurances.

There are some important and urgent issues that need to be addressed seriously. One of them is Montserrat's status with Britain and with itself. Another is for updated discussions of the country's economic growth plans. Out of these two topics alone, unending discussions would surface, and they affect everyone. The airport issue needs to be addressed from time to time because our future economic progress, and (to use a favourite or unfavourite word) our "sustainable development" depend on it.

The scientists have cautiously warned that while they are not in a position to advise on whether or not work takes place at W.H. Bramble airport and its environs, they cannot say categorically that they consider it safe for occupancy within the next two years. Whatever we wish to believe, up comes the warning that there could be unfavorable developments at the volcano and already the nervous and unsure ones who have been weathering the storm think worse times are ahead.

There is undoubtedly fear among us. Those of us who would use the airport occasionally cannot appreciate the deep fear that exists among those who would be in the vicinity for a minimum of eight hours a day. June 25, 1997, did not see any destruction at the airport, but many nerves probably still need to repaired.

This leaves us with a matter that needs to be talked about often, as it is extremely unrealistic to expect anything better than we have in terms of travel, and that is for the foreseeable future. It can't be that it is not realised that from the time any airport work begins anywhere that it will take two to three years for it to be completed. Montserrat will certainly find itself pushed back at least 40 years during this period. Does this have to be so?

Except for the editorial, opinion articles expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of the Montserrat Reporter editors, employees or advisers. Readers are encouraged to submit commentary articles. All viewpoints, unless libelous, in poor taste, or anonymous, are welcome. Send your contributions to The Editor, P.O. Box 306, Olveston, Montserrat, W. I., e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org. Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped envelope. The Montserrat Reporter is a privately owned independent newspaper.

Dear Editor,

It was so sad to read about the death of one of the young ladies I've had the opportunity to know a few years ago. The sad story surrounding the incident made me wonder if enough is being done about teaching our young people sex education on a continuous basis. The death of a young person signals the death of part of the future.

One can very well say that they know already, or it is taught in schools and one cannot keep repeating the same thing over and over. This, however, is a mistake people make, as, for some people the only way they can actually learn and remember is by hearing the same thing over and over again (repetition). Learning can be likened unto a skill, 'practice makes perfect'. Sex education should never stop, it should go on for as long as the word sex exists

Teenagers are very likely to have sex no matter what parents think, do or say. If we agree on this statement then we need to find the best way forward to protect our children, not from sex but from diseases, pregnancy and the resulting death which may come about from fear, as in the case of the unfortunate young lady.

Let us teach our children from early that there is no such thing as safe sex, there is only safer sex. 'No matter how many precautions a person may take, they still might fall out of bed and stub their toe! (UNL, Survival guide, 1999). Here is a little guide to risk reduction:

THE CONDOM

Condoms are thin rubber tubes which fit over the man's erect penis before intercourse. When the man ejaculates, he does so into the condom, which prevents the sperm from entering the vagina. Most condoms are made of latex and when coated with spermicide are considered effective means of protection from pregnancy and spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

How effective are condoms?

When used properly they are about 95 percent effective in the prevention of pregnancy. When used with spermicidal foam their effectiveness is as near to 100 percent as you can get.

TOP TIPS

a.. It's your body and your decision, if a partner refuses to use a condom against your wishes the simple answer is not to have sex with them. If it's not on it's not on.

b.. Even after several weeks or months do not stop using condoms until you are both tested for STDs and are sure your relationship is monogamous. You should be able to be tested for free.

c.. Always use a latex condom for effective prevention of STD's.

d.. Lubricated condoms offer more protection from breakage and spillage of semen.

e.. For those who have anal sex, thicker condoms are available and should be used with lubricants.

A concerned Montserratian in Britain

Our Sunday school class was discussing a famine in another country, and we wondered what we were called to do. We lamented because the problems of the world are so great that we feel powerless to make a difference.

Then Frank spoke up. "I don't think God calls me to save the world. I think God calls me to respond to people in need who pass by my door."

Since then, I've watched more closely the parade of people that passes my door. I may not have the resources to feed starving children in another hemisphere, but I can shop for a neighbor who is blind. I can't provide shelter for refugees halfway around the world, but I can volunteer to serve meals at the local shelter for the homeless.

The Good Samaritan did not save the world; he traveled the same road as the man who had been beaten by robbers. "When he saw him, he was moved with pity… (and) took care of him " (Luke 10:33-34).

Every day, God presents us with opportunities to serve. With faith and courage, we can respond to the opportunities that come our way.

Prayer: God, give us faith to see and respond to people in need who pass our doors. Amen.

Bank of Montserrat Ltd.(BML)held its 1999 Annual General Meeting this past Wednesday, delayed according to the Chairman Mr. DRV (Frank) Edwards, by volcano-related activities.

"We apologise for the delay in holding this general meeting, occasioned by circumstances surrounding the volcanic eruptions over the past three years," Mr. Edwards said at the beginning of his report.

He said he was pleased to advise, however, that "the unaudited financial statements for fiscal 1999 have already been completed and with the assistance of the auditors, we should be able to hold another general meeting by March 31, 2000."

The meeting reviewed three years which the chairman described as having seen "a level of volcanic activity well beyond anything we could have imagined." He pointed out that the consequent impact on the economy, the financial institutions and Bank of Montserrat was devastating.

The bank's chairman was pleased to note that, "Notwithstanding the difficult circumstances under which management and staff were forced to operate, the bank's financial position improved. He cited a loss of $144,000 in 1997, which was turned into a net income of $1.2 million by 1999. This, he said, was possible because "the bank embraced new and bold initiatives; namely, significant investments in the regional capital market."

Mr. Edwards was also quick to point out that "despite our regional involvement, BML remains committed to the redevelopment of Montserrat. The bank continues to grant loans to qualifying individuals wishing to purchase land, construct new homes, renovate existing ones or purchase new furnishings."

He regretted that although, "Our contribution in this area has in fact, proven a significant conduit for the stimulation of economic activity, I should however note that despite these achievements, the bank has not yet met the prerequisite for the payment of dividends to you our shareholders." Rest assured, he said, however, "we plan to remedy this situation in the not too distant future."

One positive note of his report stated that while the bank has been under the direct control of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, that monetary reliance "has been declining and was discontinued in fiscal 1999."

Making reference to the long and impending mortgage programme, Mr. Edwards paid compliments to the Government of Montserrat as it continues to be a "very supportive and an important partner in the growth and development of the bank." He cited "its invaluable assistance in the crafting of a mortgage programme."

He said the bank was awaiting final details and expects that this programme will be implemented in the near future.

The chairman paid tribute, on behalf of the bank, to Mr. John Dublin, recently deceased, saying "He was a director of the bank from its inception in 1988 and made a sterling contribution to Bank of Montserrat over the years."

He thanked Mr. David Payne, another director, for his long and dedicated service to Bank of Montserrat."

Mr. Edwards closed by mentioning the "continued confidence of our customers, who have shown unwavering support for the bank during these difficult and challenging times. The 45 percent or $18-million growth in deposits for the period under review is a clear manifestation of this."

A Leicester fashion student who wowed judges with her trend setting catwalk designs has scooped first prize in the Black Hair and Beauty Fair'99 Millennium Fashion Challenge.

Beverley Hixon, 28, proved her designer status with a collection of silver-grey outfits using latest club-wear and street-wear ideas, mobile phone pockets, drawstring details and see-through effects to beat off competition from designers around the country.

Beverley, who lives in the Highfields area of Leicester, couldn't believe it when competition judges asked her to collect the winner's trophy. She said: "I knew that I had created the right designs but I was up against such stiff competition - so it was a real surprise when they said I was the winner. "

The competition, run by the Black Hair and Beauty magazine, was held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Beverley's four outfits - three for women and one for a man - were modelled by a professionally choreographed team to the dance hall track "When I Hold You Tonight" by Degree.

"I spent a lot of time researching my outfits," Beverley explained. "I went to Paris and London while I was at college and I based the designs on what I saw on the street and in clubs."

Beverley studied a BTEC National Diploma in Fashion (Knitwear) at the former Leicester South Fields College - now Leicester College - after fleeing her home in Montserrat when volcanic activity threatened the island. She won an Adult Learners' Award and the LADKIA Award (Leicester and District Knitwear Industry Association) at the college earlier this year and is about to start a fashion degree course at De Montfort University.

Beverley is the daughter of Mr. James Hixon here in Montserrat and Ms. Henrietta Hixon who also presently resides in England.

In a two-part training exercise on Wednesday, November 10, 1999, the MV Shamrock II showed off its ability to aid distressed sea craft at least twice its own capacity.

Lt. James Kirkwood of the British Military Advisory and Training Team (Eastern Caribbean) (BMATT (EC) who was in charge of the exercises, described it as comprehensive, intensive and successful. He considered that because of the several aspects of training that took place and the several levels tested, "even though the light-line exercise would have resulted in the item carried getting wet, it was very worthwhile," he said.

The team operates out of Antigua, having relocated from Barbados in June this year, under the command of Commander Bill Chambers, Royal Navy. It consists of six members of the Royal Navy, with support from two locally employed personnel. According to a release from Government prior to the exercise, the aim of BMATT is to provide seamanship, navigation, engineering and counter-drug-related training to the appropriate security organisations and authorities in the region. It is funded by the Drugs and International Crime Department (DICD) of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Witnessing the action on Wednesday was the Governor, His Excellency Tony Abbott, and Chris Burgess, the Commissioner of Police, along with members of the local press.

Com. Chris Burgess, HE Tony Abbott & ZJB reporter Cafu Cabey

Lt. Kirkwood, acting in place of Commander Chambers, was in charge of the double-action exercise of the MV Shamrock II, pushing or carrying (as different from towing) the BMATT training vessel TS Prudent at only a speed of five knots, and a light-line exercise passing an item over the water from one ship to the next at least 30 yards apart.

The TS Prudent is a 40-foot training vessel, operated by the BMATT team, along with three rigid inflatable boats of various sizes. According to Lt. Kirkwood, BMATT conducts a variety of training packages raging from one-week basic courses in Antigua to two-week deployments through the Leeward Island chain, where more advanced skills are practised. He said: "We conduct basic, intermediate and advanced courses, some of which run from five days, a week to as long as five weeks."

He said that the training vessel usually carries a complement of two or three along with the trainees, who may come from any of the British Overseas Territories (OT's) in the Eastern Caribbean.

The local marine division, with Sgt. Kelly in charge, were all on hand. Commissioner Burgess confirmed that the division has a complement of seven, with one female who is the second most inexperienced person on board. Sgt. Chambers was at the wheel of the training vessel throughout the exercises while PC David O'Brien and female PC Jessica Sweeney, the second most inexperienced member shared the wheel of the Shamrock II.

Shamrock II pushing the Prudent

At the end of the exercise Governor Abbott told us: "It was very impressive to see how Shamrock II half the weight of the Prudent, how easy it could manage a boat almost twice its weight," point out the various turns and movements that the local Police boat made while pushing or carrying the Prudent.

Sgt. Chambers & Lt. Kirkwood 

Sgt. Chambers asked about the comparison between Shamrock I and II. He pointed out that Shamrock I was even bigger than the Prudent, while not as equipped at the time. On the Shamrock II he noted one draw-back, the fact that there is radar equipment on board the Shamrock II, which doesn't serve its purpose very well because it is a "wet boat."

All the participants expressed satisfaction at the exercises, which Lt. Kirkwood said was "a basic level exercise on the whole," pointing out that the opportunity exists to place people on board the WI Guardship which takes students on board for advanced training.

The United Nations has voted overwhelmingly, for the eighth year in a row, for an end to America's 40-year-old economic embargo against Cuba.

The General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution calling for an end to trade sanctions against the Communist Caribbean country.

The vote was 155 to 2, with 8 abstentions - a record majority and even larger than last year's 152 to 2, with 12 abstentions.

Like last year, only Israel voted with the U.S.

Opening the debate ahead of the vote, the president of Cuba's National Assembly, Ricardo Alarcon, said Cuba planned to sue the U.S. for more than $100 billion in compensation for the "enormous damages" caused by the embargo.

He gave no more details about the planned legal action.

He told the assembly the purpose of the embargo was "genocide, purely and simply".

The U.S. has aimed since the overthrow of the dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959 "to destroy the Cuban people," he said.

It is believed most U.N. countries voted against the U.S. less out of solidarity with Cuba and more because of America's punishment of non-U.S. companies which deal with Cuba.

A growing band of U.S. politicians are championing the easing of the embargo.

But moves to push a change in policy through Congress have been blocked by a powerful conservative anti-Cuba bloc.

In a release yesterday, the Sports Department reported that it has co-ordinated the removal of six bleachers from the Thompson Field sporting Complex in Plymouth.

They are now erected at the Salem Park and the Brades Hard Courts.

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt, who is also the Minister of Sports, had promised the Cudjoe Head community earlier this year that the courts in Brades will be provided with seating. Three bleachers with the capacity of seating 200 persons have now being erected.

Salem Park has also been provided with three bleachers which are already being used during the ongoing M.C.A one day cricket league.

Spectators can now sit in relative comfort at sports and other events.

One of the purpose-built shelters at Salem Park is being dismantled. Upon completion it is planned that the base would be converted into cricket nets. This would go a long way towards assisting in the fast tracking process of our young cricketers.

The Montserrat under-15 cricket team is preparing for the Leeward Islands Tournament in December and the creation of additional practice opportunities would go a long way towards sharpening their skills.

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

(Government Information Services (G.I.S.) is an information service produced and prepared in the office of the Chief Minister and published as a paid for service.)

On Sunday, October 17, 1999, the Honorable Chief Minister of Montserrat David S. Brandt, addressed a group of Montserratians, from the Tri-State area, on the rebuilding of Montserrat. Chief Minister Brandt, who also attended a Heads of Dependent Nations Conference in London, England, took a quick trip to the Bronx and willingly provided an attentive group of Montserratians with critical information. He also expressed a desire to have organizations such as the Montserrat Progressive Society, New York (MPS-NY, Inc.), be the focal point for distributing information, recognizing that his office is unable to contact Montserratians abroad individually. He further encouraged the audience to seek membership and reinforce the longevity of existing organizations.

In general, Mr. Brandt expressed his enthusiasm for: reopening W.H. Bramble Airport, 2002; the finishing touches being applied to the new 18-room Tropical Mansion Suites hotel which will be opened as early as this December; working on a new sports stadium, capable of staging world cup-quality soccer and cricket matches; a multimillion-dollar cultural center, sponsored by George Martin (of Air Studios fame); the Paradise Regained Millennium Pilgrimage, scheduled, July, 2000; and, a beachfront disco, scheduled for December, 1999.

Chief Minister Brandt’s remarks may be grouped as follows: Rebuilding (housing/hotels) and travel; Budget funding; and, Taxes and health.

In just under 90 minutes, he painted an enduring picture of energy, resilience, dedication and perseverance. The approximately 4,500 hardy souls who have, "held the fort" provide the fulcrum for our future efforts.

• New homes are being built with emphasis on getting everyone out of the shelters.
• Local purchase orders/reimbursements are assigned to new home construction as follows:

- $33,700.00 assigned to a one-bedroom home

- $41,390.00 assigned to a two-bedroom home

- $50,800.00 assigned to a three-bedroom

Local purchase orders (LPO) have no "cash value." Homebuilders are provided with the above dollar figures worth of building materials. Priority will be given to Montserratians, on-island. Applications are available to be registered on a list of potential homebuilders.

There are ongoing feasibility studies for reopening the Vue Pointe Hotel. Meanwhile, the new Tropical Mansion Suites hotel may be opened December 1999, along with the new beachfront entertainment/disco.

Travel to Montserrat is still by daily ferry and helicopter from Antigua. Feasibility studies have concluded that it is more cost-effective to rebuild W.H. Bramble Airport than to locate/build a new airport.

• Arrivals/departures/immigration will be away from the airstrip, itself, with free transportation provided, back and forth.
• A berm will be built to channel any potential future pyroclastic flow from damaging the new strip. The scientists, however, do not fear any additional flow.
• Helicopter services will continue to provide emergency medical transport.

Britain has provided a working budget for Montserrat to address capital projects. Presently valued at £75 million (US$103 million), various projects still have to be submitted for budget approval. Monies will not be provided to Montserrat without proper and prior approval of all items.

There are no outstanding taxes for those who own land in the Southern/Eastern restricted areas. However, all outstanding taxes are due, with the potential for added interest penalties, for all other land areas. This applies, even if the Treasury did not mail out a tax bill. Incurred penalties will be evaluated and assessed on an individual basis.

Issues of health and health care are major concerns for Montserratians and visitors to Montserrat. The former site of St. John’s School is now the new hospital. "Britain" thought it more fiscally prudent to build buildings for a new school than to build a new hospital.

The Golden Years Retirement Home is now opened and functioning. Continued exposure to volcanic ash has not been shown, yet, to be a health hazard. Of course, all studies are ongoing.

The budget for the 1999 Agricultural Exhibition has been approved.

A $38,000 package has been presented to the Honourable Minister P. Austin Bramble for the hosting of the exhibition, the first on the island since 1993.

The exhibition will be held at the Brades Primary School and the agricultural compound on December 15.

Minister Bramble is urging the farming community here to participate fully in the exhibition.

He’s also encouraging the public in general to be a part of the exhibition and to support the farmers.

Director of Tourism Ernestine Cassell believes the island’s tourism survival rests on a shift from upscale tourism to the adventure market.

Writing in a recent edition of "Travel Weekly," Ms. Cassell said the volcano could become the centerpiece of an adventure tourism industry.

More visitors have been frequenting Montserrat’s shores as the island continues to return to normalcy.

More than 600 day-trip visitors ferried over from Antigua in 1998, up from just 300 in 1997.

Overall arrival figures, including scientists, volcanologists and returning residents, jumped to 7,000 last year from 4,000 in 1997.

Miss Cassell is promoting island day tours that include a basic sightseeing package, or a combination of a tour and a hike and diving.

She is also promoting overnight stays, now possible with the availability of villas, bed and breakfast facilities and the new 18-room Tropical Mansion Suites hotel, which is scheduled to open shortly.

Although there are many problems, such as flight of local tourism employees from the island and a small staff, Ms. Cassell says her goal is very simple; to keep Montserrat alive.

The Tourism Director was able to engineer a public relations coup from an unexpected source.

Famous talk show host Opra Winfrey highlighted interesting websites on one of her shows and applauded Montserrat’s efforts to launch a site next year.

The Government of Montserrat is to carry out a survey to determine the impact of some of its policies on the population.

Chief Minister David Brandt says Government has waived duty on some imported goods, including computers and building materials.

He says the survey will focus specifically on finding out whether or not these savings have been passed on to the consumer.

Mr. Brandt says Government also needs to be informed on the impact of its decision to relax restrictions on the mining of sand from the beaches.

He says before the change in policy, people had to import sand, which pushed up the price of sand and aggregate considerably.

The Shamrock Lions Club here is planning a youth outreach programme.

The programme, Lions Quest, is targeting youths who need special support, such as delinquents.

Valerie Daley is the president of the Shamrock Lions Club.

She says the group became interested in the programme because of the high rate of delinquency on island.

Ms. Daley says the programme will also focus on school dropouts and pregnant teens.

The Lions President says the group will be working closely with the police and the Community Services.

The Lions Club has received the blessings of Chairman of Lions District 60B

Eldridge James for the programme.

Mr. James says US$200,000 have been made available from Lions Foundation for the youth outreach programme, which focuses on children from Kindergarten to Secondary School.

Montserrat will be joining other nations the world over in observing World Diabetes Day November 14, 1999.

Observance of the day has the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), under the theme, "The cost of diabetes."

As part of activities commemorating World Diabetes Day, the Ministry of Health sponsored a quiz during the week of November 8^th on Radio Montserrat.

A round-table discussion, based on the theme, is planned for the afternoon of November 14.

The Ministry of Health has also launched a poster and poetry competition in the schools.

The poetry competition is opened to children at the Montserrat Secondary School in two categories, forms one to three and forms four and five.

Children in Kindergarten to Grade One, Grades two to four and Grades five and six are contesting the poster competition in the primary schools, which include St. Augustine.

Health officials say the competitions have been organized to raise awareness about diabetes, which is a chronic illness on island.

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt has moved to assure the public that the materials grant scheme will be reinstated.

The programme, which provides grants of up to $50,000 for housing construction, has been under review.

Mr. Brandt says the review was undertaken to see how effective the programme has been and whether or not it was benefiting the right people.

Under the materials grant scheme, persons with access to land were able to secure materials to build one-, two- or three-bedroom houses. However, those persons had to provide their own labour. In some cases, some of them could not afford the labour costs.

Chief Minister Brandt says what the government is seeking to do is to build the houses for persons who have the land.

The Government has three housing programmes to deal with the island’s critical housing shortage.

They are the Materials Grant, the Direct Build, and the Soft Mortgage schemes.

The latter is expected to come on stream shortly.

The Environment Health Department is soon to get more assistance to monitor littering on island.

Principal Environmental Health Officer Trevor Howe says four additional litter wardens will join the staff in a few weeks.

At present, there are only three litter wardens employed by the Government, a number which has proved insufficient to deal with the problem island-wide.

Mr. Howe says the wardens who will soon come on board will ensure that an efficient and effective monitoring process is carried out.

He says the litter wardens have the power to fine persons who litter, either on the spot, or through served notice.

Local farmers were able to discuss their problems with livestock production with officials in the Ministry of Agriculture.

A meeting, organized to discuss the development of the livestock industry here, was held on the evening of November 9.

Many farmers have been severely affected by stray dogs, which have killed hundreds of animals, resulting in a loss of thousands of dollars.

Director of Agriculture Claude Gerald says the meeting looked at changing production methods.

This would include the rearing of animals in a more intensive way.

Mr. Gerald says this will not only improve breeds of sheep and goats, but will provide farmers with manure.

He says a pilot project will be established on the island to demonstrate this new method of animal farming.

The Director of Agriculture says the department has already identified improved breeds of sheep and goats which will upgrade animals on island.

Chief Extension Officer Easton Farrell and Dr. Clifford Daniels, Chief Veterinary Officer, also attended the meeting.

The Department of Administration has announced the dates of public holidays for the Christmas and New Year.

A release from the department is asking the public to note that Monday, December 27, will be a public holiday in lieu of Christmas Day, which this year falls on a Saturday.

Tuesday, December, 28 will also be a public holiday in lieu of Boxing Day, which falls on a Sunday this year.

The traditional Festival Day will be on Friday, December 31.

Meanwhile, Monday, January 3, will be a holiday in lieu of New Years Day, which falls on the first Saturday of the New Year.

Popular Theatre is returning to the island for the 1999 Festival season.

The Department of Culture says two theatre groups, Rainbow Theatre Company and Plenty Plenty Yac Ya Ya, are working on productions for the coming season.

The Rainbow Theatre production will feature the return of former director of culture Yvonne Weekes, who lives and works in Barbados.

Ms. Weekes will direct and produce the new drama, which is yet to be named.

Meanwhile, the drama by Plenty Plenty Yac Ya Ya will also mark the return of one of the island’s best performers, Adziko Simba, who recently won a gold award in Jamaica.

The Department of Culture recently released a tentative programme for the 1999 Christmas Festival.

The Programme, which started on November 5 with the traditional serenading by masquerades in the villages, concludes on January 3, New Years Day.

A Commissioner, to be appointed by His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott, will undertake the task to revise the laws of Montserrat.

The complete revised edition will include all acts and subsidiary legislation, laws of the United Kingdom which apply to Montserrat, and treaties and conventions relevant to the island.

The laws of the former Federation of the West Indies that apply to Montserrat will also be included in the revision process.

Officials say the revised edition will either be in bound books, a collection of booklets, loose-leaf books, CD ROM or a data bank accessible by remote computer.

The concept of Integration is not a new one, but Tropical Productions has put a new slant to it with the first ever Miss Unity Beauty Pageant, an exciting Beauty Pageant paying tribute to the many cultures which have made Montserrat their home. Young ladies from Antigua, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Africa, Montserrat, and Trinidad will take to the stage on Sunday 26 December representing their countries and showcasing their beauty and talent.

Meet one of the contestants in the Miss Unity Pageant:

MISS: Cable TV

NAME: Ingrid Hamer

COUNTRY: Guyana

INTERESTS/HOBBIES: Reading, dancing, modeling

ASPIRATIONS: Hopes to become a Teacher

SPORTS

SAD BUT HOPEFUL

We are very sad but hopeful! The Caribbean is mourning the passing of one of its beloved sons of the soil, one of its greatest contributors in the field of sports, and one of its fiercest gladiators in the period of its international dominance, known as "the one-arm bandit" to the British and "the martial art" to other cricketing nations.

When asked for his thoughts on the passing of his friend and colleague, Michael Holding reflected the esteem in which Malcolm Marshall was held by his peers, the Caribbean population and the international cricketing public: "I don't think of the guy as a fast bowler. He is more than just a statistic to me. It's not something I can talk about easily.  It's knocked me back quite a bit."

It was "midnight" for him on Thursday, November 4, 1999, when he finally succumbed to cancer of the colon detected early summer and which nailed him before the autumn leaves finished their fall at the bullish age of 41. A cricketing legend and a very special person has left us.  Should we assume as Colin Ingleby-McKenzie, Hampshire's captain in the Sixties, noted that "the great Maestro in the sky was short of a class all-rounder" and therefore, he called him to fill in the position? Or has the Master Captain called him to rest from his burdensome labour at a rather early age? Well, if we accept that fast bowling is very demanding, Marshall was a very worn out man.

A sporting legend and a very special person has left us. The entire cricketing world is feeling the loss. Hearts are heavy in England where he gave 14 of his years to county cricket; there is mourning in South Africa, where he taught them not only how to bowl, but how to appreciate the truth of equality; there is sobbing in Nairobi, where he was an inspiration to the hundreds of the African cricketers now emerging from that previously virgin land; there is shock and distress in Australia, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe and every city, town, village and community where cricket is known or played.

"Macko" as he was fondly called, set very high standards for himself, his fast bowling colleagues and others he coached. The ninja was a cricketer of indomitable spirit, immense will, utter dedication and supreme skill. He took 376 Test match wickets and 1,651 in all first-class cricket - 823 of those for Hampshire in a county career which began at the snow-covered racecourse ground in Derby in 1979 and finished when the unending diet of a four-day County Championship and three one-day competitions became too much for him in 1993.

The cricketing ambassador then played briefly for Natal in South Africa, leading them to the Castle Cup at the first attempt. No one would be more distressed, if not upset with God, than the South African bowler Shaun Pollock, who attributes many of his qualities as a cricketer to Malcolm's guidance.

If there was an element of ruthlessness about Marshall's bowling, there was not a hint of anything but warmth and generosity in his personality. He was a sportsman driven by self-belief, ambition and hope, but always he remained a players' man - forever lifting spirits, experimenting and educating both friend and foe in the nets, suggesting this and demanding that.

English batsman Robin Smith remembers his last Test match in England at the Oval in 1991. He recalled how he ground out for nearly five hours against typically accurate fast bowling that allowed him no respite. He remembered vividly how stuck he became with his score at 98 and how Marshall, sensing the unease, altered his field to place another slip and leave just two men on the leg side. Three balls later he bowled a soft half-volley at leg stump, which Smith pushed comfortably into the vast open space at mid-wicket. Smith is certain Marshall gave him that hundred.

The flag will remain low in Barbados for a long time, as it will take the passionate cricketing public a very long time to recover from this loss (one that has almost come on the heel of the passing of another of their fast bowlers, Keith Boyce). The entire population is still in shock -trophy after trophy, honour after honour came their way through him. His closest friends, Desmond Haynes and Joel Garner, who were with him through the glory years, were with him in his final moments. His wife, Connie, said he left the bowling crease peacefully and painlessly.

With the West Indies team likened to a 1970 Bedford passenger/cargo bus labouring to climb one of the steep hills of Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia and St Vincent, the worrying question is who will be the "martial artist" to conjure the tricks to help the almost demoralised team to make it to the summit? Our Christian God has never left us without an anchor.

The prophetic signs are pointing to Sir Vivian Richards as the ideal replacement for Malcolm Marshall - from a bowling legend to a batting legend. Sir Viv Richards, another legend of the Marshall era, compared the effect of his death on the world of cricket with that two weeks ago of Payne Stewart on golf, another champion in another sport.

And Viv's statement seemed to represent a mystical passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha - from a great craftsman to a master artist.

There is no need for an exhaustive discussion on the Antiguan's fitness for the job. He has the talents in demand by the wobbly batters; the confidence that is lacking by the youthful batsmen; the fatherly charm that is so necessary for the marginalized men who represent us as a nation; the international aspect that is needed for a job of that nature and; the pride and nationalism (the Caribbean as a nation) that will catapult the young sportsmen into gladiators.

Should good sense prevail, where there is sadness there could be joy.

PHOTO CAPTION: Malcolm Marshall, a master craftsman and a legend.

There are many things about Montserrat for which I am thankful; at the same time, there are few things that cause me to be dissatisfied. I am sure you will agree that to live on Montserrat, one must constantly live in hope. A hope that things will get better. But to be thankful, to be dissatisfied and still be hopeful means that a fair amount of grumbling will be part of the equation too.

Please do not misunderstand me. I know Montserrat nice! Montserrat good - and will get better. After all, I love it here. I am also thankful; and hopeful about the future. But right now, I am dissatisfied with the lack of effort to bring forth-worthwhile political leaders.

I live here! I have a right to grumble.

The approval of the Elections Commission's report means that we will have a new breed of politicians for the next elections. And even though many people may seek to gain political office and influence, we need less than 20 people to form the nucleus of political leadership for Montserrat.

You might say so what! My responds will be that no matter how you feel about politics and elections, these future leaders will be very important to the successful continuity of Montserrat. They will impact on our lives for better and for worse. Therefore, as a consequence, collectively we must ensure that we get the appropriate people to lead. We must become involved. We must not leave their selection and election to chance and luck or to greed and avarice.

In the past we accepted and supported all sorts of politicians who clearly were clueless about the working and purpose of Government and people; politicians who were not only unprepared for the job, but also not prepared to do the job.

But with the new system, we must break from the past. Just for a moment consider that we spend time, effort and money to select and train our teachers, our preachers and our managers. Consider also that we encourage and support our tradesmen and technicians. We train and support our people because we want the best out of them. Is it then not reckless to leave the processes of the legislature and the government to people of unknown abilities?

I believe that the senior and experienced people of Montserrat have an obligation to understand the new political system. We also have a duty to carefully and continuously explain the new system to the population.

Furthermore, we should carefully and constantly encourage our young people to become informed and interested in the new political system. I stress young people, because our future is with them only. The leadership of Montserrat will be theirs sooner rather than later. Let us give it to them now - let them grow and learn.

I believe that we should seek out young people with leadership potential. We should identify them and arouse their interest in politics. I believe that we should explain to them the fundamental purpose of government; which in my opinion, is to provide services to the citizens, services such as education, health, police protection and roads.

I believe that we should explain to them that to provide services it would always be necessary for the people to pay taxes to the Government. We should also explain the various types of taxation which have maintained successful societies of the world.

I believe we should ensure that our young people understand the legislative process, and the parliamentary process. And what better time to begin than now, just as we are to start a new system? We must talk about these matters on the radio, every day.

We must begin to teach and explain budgeting, taxation, social welfare, minimum income and public ownership of resources. We must never again allow our young people to move blindly into the system of Government, conceited and ignorant about their abilities and limitations.

We must tell them that they have to lead; that they have to begin to take charge now; and that we believe in them.

Finally, we must desist from furthering the myth that young people lack knowledge and experience or that they have to be rich, or over 40 to be capable political leaders. We must let them know that all our managers; teachers, preachers, doctors, nurses and lawyers started young and poor, capable and efficient just like them.

Yes, I believe that we must be proactive towards the type of leaders we want - we must arouse them and mold them so that they will understand our fears and needs, and maintain the status quo for us, whatever that means.

I told you I live here; I have a right to grumble.

Now I am telling you, I expect to live here; and no matter who gets elected, I want that right to grumble.

The Forestry unit distributed1600 plants to households between November 2and 3. The public’s response to Tree Planting Day was overwhelming. A wide variety of fruit and ornamental plants were given out. With the cessation of the roaming donkey problem in Lookout, residents there gasped the opportunity to install shade trees.

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr P Austin Bramble gave the green light for the 1999 agricultural exhibition to be staged on December 15, 1999. A budget of $38,000.00 was presented for the hosting of the exhibition.

Minister Bramble appealed to the farming community to participate fully in the Exhibition. He also emphasized the importance for total public participation in the exhibition and support for our farmers.

Veterinary Clinics

With immediate effect the Veterinary Section will conduct clinics on the following days for the rest of the year, 1999 in the following areas.

Approximately 45,000 pineapple suckers arrived on island from Guyana on Thursday, 4^th November. Distribution to farmers commenced immediately and it is hoped that installation of all the suckers be completed in the coming weeks.

A sexually transmitted disease is an infection which is transmitted from one person to another through sexual intercourse. In many countries throughout the world, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) rank among the top ten conditions for which adults seek health care. The WHO estimates that every year 3/5 million new cases are occurring in the world. Overall, the incidence of most sexually transmitted diseases has risen in recent years.

The most important cases seen in the region today are:

1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) responsible for the AIDS Disease.
2. Herpes Simples Virus.
3. Hepatitis B Virus, responsible for an acute inflammation of the liver.
4. Gonorrhea, clinically described as a genital discharge in the male and female.
5. Syphilis, clinically expressed like genital ulcer and
6. Yeast infections amongst others

There are 3 modes of transmission for STDs

. Sexual intercourse which is the chief mode of transmission.

. Infection of neonates and infants may occur through intra uterine transmission during pregnancy or birth.

. HIV infection of infants may occur through breastfeeding by a sero positive mother.

The behaviours which increase the risk of getting STDs are:

. Having more than one sexual partner.

. Changing sex partners often.

. Having sex with casual partners, prostitutes and their clients and

. Practices such as anal and oral sex.

There are certain health factors which contribute to the growing problem of STDs and they include:

. Failure to follow "safer sex" measures e.g. condom use with every intercourse.

. Delay in getting treatment for STDs.

. Failure to bring in sexual partners for treatment and

. Not taking the full prescribed treatment for STDs.

Socio-economic factors which affect the spread of sexually transmitted diseases are:

1. AGE: The incidence of all STDs is higher among adolescents and young adults than in other age groups. In addition young people tend to practice risky sexual behaviours.

2. SEX: For example, women are more likely to experience the symptoms of a disease than men. Men on the other hand account for more cases of gonorrhea than women. Males and females also differ somewhat in the symptoms associated with STDs.

3. OCCUPATION: Prostitutes, frequent travelers, migrant labourers etc.
4. CIRCUMCISION: The foreskin may increase the risk of STDs and last but not least.
5. SOCIAL: Socio political instability which includes natural disasters such as hurricanes and over present volcanic situation where we have people suffering form poverty, low self esteem in addition to shelter life and mass migration.

Sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed using a variety of laboratory tests as well as physical signs and symptoms and history of risky behaviours. The nurses in the community can refer clients with suspected STDs for management by a doctor or obtain specimens for testing based on what the patient has described to them. Education on how to take the medications given is done at all clinics and the effectiveness of the treatment monitored.

It is important to note that all sexual contacts must be referred for diagnosis and treatment..

Never share your medication with your partner. Advise him/her to seek medical attention.

Always use a condom.

Lastly, limit your sexual activity and the number of sexual partners. If you suspect you have an STD check with your District Nurse or your private doctor. Sexually Transmitted Diseases could have a lifetime effect.

PROFILE

MS VIOLET BROWN, RN, RM, PHN

Ms Violet Brown received her basic training at the Salem and Bethel Primary and the Montserrat Secondary School. Her nursing career began in 1984 when she enrolled in the three year General Nurse Programme which she successfully completed in 1987.

A year later she pursued the one year midwifery course and upon successful completion in 1989 was appointed Staff Nurse. She worked in all areas of nursing but her love for community work gained her a transfer to the District in 1990. She has worked as a District Nurse since then until she was promoted to Acting Public Health Nurse in 1997.

District Nurse Brown also attended several workshops and short courses both at local and regional level including:

• Womens Health
• Fertility Management
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Basic Nutrition
• Level 1 and II Management of Health Information Systems
• Advanced Family Planning
• Counsellor

She was also trained as an Audiometric Technician with the Canadian International Hearing Services.

As a professional she is actively involved in the Nurses Association and held positions as Public Relations Officer, Secretary and President.

Her love for the community warrants her involvement in several community organisations including the Shamrock Lions Club where she held positions of Tail-twister, Secretary and President. She is presently the Membership/Entertainment Director\Chairperson.

Nurse Brown believes in continuing education, having recently completed a Diploma in Public Health Nursing at the West Indies School of Public Health in Jamaica.

Most post-volcano migrant Montserratians in the United Kingdom have settled well, in new homes, regular jobs or College and University training courses, and many have no intention of returning to Montserrat. However, some of the older folks are homesick, long for sight of the seas, hillsides, goats, pigs and fowls, and miss the feel of the warm tropical sunshine.

"What would it take to make more of our people want to return home?" "Affordable houses to live in, jobs for the young and middle aged people, pensions for the retired, and unemployment benefits for those out of work."

I should add "Full resolution of the volcanic activity," since some are still frightened of the rumblings and eruptions. I should also qualify my comment on affordable homes by stating, "In the Northern Safe Area," since I am still of the opinion that housing in the buffer area of Salem to Woodlands is not, and will never be completely risk-free investment.

Property owners in the North are still wrongfully being blamed for the impasse in the provision of new housing stock. The problem really lies with a policy which proves reluctance to use UK Aid Funds to facilitate the development of private properties by the provision of utility installations.

If it costs $10,000 to take water, electricity, sewage works and roads to each housing plot, an arrangement should be possible for this to be taken from the $40,000 grant being made available for those wishing to build in the Northern Safe Area. Property owners would then make it their business to subdivide their properties into housing lots, and actively seek customers for lots, in order to gain access to "Infrastructure Development Funds."

This commentary attempts to promote and justify the allocation of funds to infrastructure installations on privately owned property, with the provision that the land adjacent to the housing plots that bear the utilities (roads, water and electricity and communication cables) be handed over to the crown. The utility companies can then contribute to Government for the use of this crown land.

In principle, it is wrong for land to be compulsorily acquired for resale to private individuals or for rental to tenants, and it is unlikely for private individuals to proceed with construction of properties on land subject to a decision by the courts.

There are several other factors which remain critical to Montserrat being attractive for returning nationals and prospective tourists and investors.

Despite the unfortunate location of parts of Lookout under the flight path from Gerald ‘s Park, the construction of a strip for fixed-winged aircraft should be a priority, and I am curious to see whether any of the present crop of decision makers have the guts or ability to make this happen by June 2000. This landing strip should be the first phase of the proposed development of a sports facility in the area, and any attempt to drop the landing strip from the project should be strongly resisted.

Purchase of the Ferry for Montserrat would also be a useful achievement, if only to gain access to transportation for products of any industrial process that could be established on Montserrat. The Ferry should overnight in Montserrat, and cargo for transhipment through Antigua, off and on loaded in appropriately prepacked ‘aircraft size’ containers.

A later departure from Antigua in the mornings would encourage day trippers to stay overnight in Montserrat.

The coming Christmas Festival is keenly awaited. The opening of Tropical Mansions at the top of Davy Hill, the completion of the Entertainment Complex and Cultural Centre at Little Bay, and the Agricultural Exibition should be special events worth looking forward to.

We hope that future visits by cruise ships will allow the day visitors to interact with more people and more businesses. Visitors being driven through the port gates and being restricted to one or two stops is not consistent with promoting free enterprise.

We hope that the 500 or more holidaying overseas Montserratians expected for December, will be presented with a mix of cultural festivities that includes more than just loud music, wining in the street, late night shows, and free-flowing bars and rum shops.

Montserrat remains alive. With a little good will, commonsense and determination, the year 2000 could be good for us.

Remember to check the website http://www.montserratreporter.org for the MAM Public Health Edition.

World Traveler

CM’s locale? That’s hard to tell,

For few can disappear so well.

He’s here! He’s there!

He’s everywhere!

Just like the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Lost and Found

At DFID you won’t learn how soon it

Can weigh a request and fine tune it

Until a proposal

Is at its disposal,

Sent from the Development Unit.

Jus wonderin if the statement made by the Queen's Counsel about the Government needs sifting out seriously.

Jus wonderin if the British have to come down to sort out the housing distribution.

Jus wonderin if that's the way the Minister of Labour responds to the LABOUR SPEAKS issue.

Jus wonderin if jus wonderin made the C.M. name his traveling partners to the Dominica Independence.

Jus wonderin if the island is on automatic pilot.

Jus wonderin if anyone in the U.S is eligible to a aid house back here.

Jus wonderin if it is true the Red Cross always have $1.00 SALE when the items come to be given away.

Jus wonderin why dem send de nurse to train and now she come back dey tell she that dey have no post for she.

Jus wonderin how the helicopter could make a special trip for the jurist and not the sick person in emergency.

Jus wonderin why it takes a Bajan to tell our local DJ's it's Christmas time to play the local music.

Jus wonderin when we will stop see light on sticks at Montserrat Port.

Jus wonderin if the newest entertainment centre will be fenced from non-paying viewers.

Jus wonderin when the old vehicles at the factory shell will be removed.

Jus wonderin if the volcano has any new features for the millennium

Jus wonderin if the traffic authorities don't see the vehicles, particularly big trucks that are carrying loads of rocks and blocks with no backs.

Jus wonderin what ever happened to the menace.

Jus wonderin if the owners of jus wonderins will be wondering all the days of their lives or as the world turns.

Jus wonderin when people will just accept that we have a live volcano, but that the north is absolutely safe.

Jus wonderin if the money run out for the new roofs at GHQs and whether they will be ready for the next hurricane season.

Jus wonderin if there is a change of nappies if passengers are refused permission to cross the heliport to relieve themselves.

Jus wonderin if the Shamrock II could handle the MV Opale Express.

Jus wonderin if it is a true that the 1930's volcanic activity ceased when a virgin was thrown down the vent.