.

3-day Seminar Stresses Need For Protocol

Government officials and members of the private sector and NGOs benefited from a three-day Protocol and Diplomacy Workshop this week organised by the Chief Minister’s Office.

Mr. Arthur Gray, (pictured right) Regional Economic Advisor of the Sub-regional Headquarters of the United Nations Economic Communities for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), conducted and presented the workshop.

The Honorable Chief Minister, Mr. John Osborne, said in his remarks at the opening that he did not wish to take credit for his office's organizing the workshop but recognized that it was most necessary.

He recalled there were people sitting recently during the playing of the national anthem (God Save the Queen) and that generally Montserratians did not show respect for their leaders, ministers as well as permanent secretaries and other top officials in the island. He contrasted this to the courteous treatment that he said he and others receive when traveling abroad and to other territories.

Mr. Gray said his purpose here was twofold in delivering two seminars on Protocol and Diplomacy: "Preparing for more effective participation in the regional and wider international arena, which focused on the recognition of the increased role of Montserrat in these Organs; and secondly to give a clearer understanding of the Caricom Single Market Economy (CSME) -- laying the foundations for maximum productivity, competitiveness and profit."

He noted that there is an ongoing cooperation between Montserrat and ECLAC.

Mr. Gray attributed the decline in the knowledge and practise of what he called these very necessary practices to the questioning of traditional values and authority structures in all spheres; the entrenchment of informality; advent of the disposable society; values in transition; the role of women, and the impact of technology.

He stressed the importance of proper conduct at all times as the objective of the Seminar.

Mr. Gray noted the importance of the CSME and how Montserrat can use it to exploit the opportunities presented.

Commenting on the success of the presentations, Mr Gray said, “ I was pleased with the interaction, commitment and enthusiasm of the participants, bearing in mind the situation they are living through.”

This is the first of many consultations in Montserrat regarding the CSME.

Next week Mr. Salas Hamilton, from the CSME Unit of CARICOM, is scheduled to conduct a number of local consultations with government officials and members of the public.

Pic in New Folder: Arthur Gray

Montserratian is POA's First Caribbean Honoree

Elizabeth Piper Wade, the first Montserratian and resident of the Caribbean ever to receive the prestigious Partners of the Americas (POA) "Volunteer of the Year" award, was presented with a silver plate for the year 2002 honor at the Annual Convention of the POA two weeks ago in Quito, Ecuador,

According to an official press release from the POA, Miss Wade was honored as a dedicated international volunteer and was chosen from more than half a million volunteers throughout the Americas.

The citation from POA read, “Elizabeth many times has had to develop and fulfill Partners projects on her own during the volcanic crisis. She has worked to raise funds through the British Government (through the Department for International Development (DFID) Small Grant Scheme administered through the Governor’s office) to support projects including a "Say No to Drugs" campaign for children, the Drug Awareness and Resistance Education (DARE) program and training workshops for Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s).”

“Outside of Partners activities, Elizabeth is a committed volunteer for Red Cross, her church and in the cultural community. Her humble and unselfish nature garners extensive affinity from her peers. Elizabeth Piper Wade’s actions serve as an exemplary model to all volunteers who have perpetuated the ideals Partners embodies.”

Miss Wade said in an exclusive interview with the Montserrat Reporter she was totally surprised at receiving such an accolade. “My initial reaction was one of shock, when my name was called to receive the award, I sat still for thirty minutes, on stage I was crying tears of joy,” she said.

The POA was founded in 1964 by then U.S. President John F. Kennedy. This organization consists of 120 states and regions, of which 60 partnerships exist. These partnerships are between various areas of the United Sates and those of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Miss Wade explained that the purpose of the fellowship is to enhance the capability of emerging leaders in volunteerism, to address the developmental needs of their communities, and to increase cooperation between the USA, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Dumond Peck Hill award for the POA is presented to a deserving volunteer every November.

His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg last night hosted a celebratory dinner reception for Miss Wade and other United Nations Volunteers working in Montserrat.

Homebound Montserratians Delayed by Antigua Searches

Montserratians were horrified and aggravated last Saturday on discovering that they had to have their bags searched by Antiguan security officials before boarding the ferry to travel to Montserrat.

One surprised and irate passenger remarked, referring to the lady carrying out the search, "she is using the same glove on her hand that she used to turn over someone else's dirty socks and laundry to handle my goods.”

One other well respected traveler had the discomfort of being unable to make baggage in his care available for search, because it belonged to someone else who had just arrived from Boston, USA, and had taken the helicopter home from V.C Bird International Airport.

Observing the confusion, I identified myself as from The Montserrat Reporter newspaper in Montserrat and asked the lady why the search was necessary.

She responded, "I'm just carrying out instructions from my supervisor."

She referred me to her supervisor, who turned out to be unavailable.  She further explained that this was a requirement resulting from the “9/11 event” in the U.S.

The female security officer appeared obviously daunted by the task she was undertaking. It was the weekend/month-end and several Montserrat residents had gone to Antigua to do their shopping, which meant there was a lot of baggage.

Passengers bound for Montserrat boarding the ferry MV Opale Express

Another Montserrat businessman observed: "What good is the search anyway? More than half the baggage is already on board the ferry."

People were becoming more and more agitated, especially since departure time had been fast arriving even though the ferry had been held up to accommodate late-arriving passengers from Air Canada and Air Jamaica at VC Bird International Airport.

The search ended somewhat abruptly, the lady seemingly happy to discontinue what seemed to be more arduous than she wished to deal with under the circumstances.

EDITORIAL

"Much-needed Lessons on Protocol Provide Overdue Help to Montserrat's Quest for Aid"

For three days this week, Montserrat was exposed to a course via a workshop in Protocol, Diplomacy and Ethics. It was said to be a continuing series but was an obvious eye-opener to many of those who attended the workshop these last few days.

Disappointingly, except for the permanent secretaries and heads of departments and few senior civil servants, participation from the wider public was negligible. The reason for this may well be that invitations and information about the workshop were too general and scant.

Mr. Arthur Gray, Regional Economic Advisor of the Sub-regional Headquarters of the United Nations Economic Communities for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) who facilitated the workshop, expressed satisfaction at the interaction he received.

This no doubt was because he was speaking to a generation which, to use one of his reasons for the ignorance and decline in practise and understanding of protocol and diplomacy, represented “The Cult of Youth” along with what he termed the Decade of the 1960s.

Indeed Montserrat has suffered as it concentrated on rebuilding its entire way of life from 1995 to now, erroneously if not unwittingly forgetting that other very important aspect of existence as a nation/state or an entity unto itself that is required by its association and involvement with the rest of the world. This, of course, required that the rules of protocol and diplomacy could not be ignored.

Since this was not practiced, it meant that some other important matters were ignored and not learn because civil servants and businesses people were struggling with their everyday problems of trying to survive against the tyranny of those responsible to oversee and fund the recovery.

We recall that when a new government was installed or elected in 1996, three of the ministers were young and completely ignorant of the functioning of government. Two of them were heavily criticized for not having learnt or understood some functions, even after nearly five years when they resigned.

We recall that when Mr. Bertrand Osborne, the new chief minister then in 1997, asked to be accompanied by CARICOM diplomats to assist them in their visit to the British government, in London, they were flatly refused the courtesy. There should have been an outcry and the British government should have been glad for Montserrat to receive the assistance.

The result of that refusal is that even now we have not learnt how to seek the assistance of our Caribbean brothers in assisting us in our negotiations and to seek the necessary assistance we need to recreate Montserrat.

Of course we need much help in the arts of diplomacy, ethics and protocol, especially when we have to deal with those who are said to be the "masters of diplomacy," the British. If we don’t know it we can’t practise it.

Even in this workshop we would have learnt that there are ways and means whereby our voices can be heard on our own at the United Nations – again through protocols and diplomacy. We would have discovered, as Mr. George Goodwin told us, that there are means of sharing much of the grant/aid funding that is passed on to CARICOM and the OECS to which Montserrat enjoys full membership. We would have learnt that there are ways to circumvent, if you like, some of the hurdles of getting permission, through what is called "entrustments." to achieve our goals and thus satisfy our needs.

Our civil servants, and indeed all those who represent Montserrat at whatever level, business or otherwise, should now know and understand at least a few of the processes of diplomacy, such as just knowing the importance and application of tact and intelligence in the conduct of official relations between states.

That a diplomat is one who is sent abroad to lie for his country;

That diplomacy is an obscure art which hides in the folds of deceit.

That it is the art of exploiting opportunity in the national interest by the application of tact and intelligence.

These were just a few of the diplomatic approaches that Mr. Gray discussed with his audience while here. These were topics that needed to be taken on board and studied by those of us who hold any leadership positions at any level. The protocols, of course, which all form part of the practise, are also vital to this knowledge and understanding.

Certainly our Chief Minister, if he had sought to ensure these practices and seen them as vital and important before now, would not have had the opportunity to wrongly, in our view, ridicule Montserratians for being disrespectful to our leaders and high officials, simply because he receives the diplomatic treatment outside of Montserrat, where protocol is practiced and understood at a different level.

Respect begets respect.  The comment that resounded after the accusation was a repeat of what Gray had said earlier regarding rank, protocol and respect: it begins with leadership, and at the top.

If there is disrespect for authority and rank in a home, church, school, department store, office, bread shop, hospital, government office, name it, the blame and corrective action must be leveled right at the head.

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

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

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK 

Present Hearer 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble – Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

Looking into the starry sky, I am overwhelmed by the size of the Universe. I’ve never doubted that God created all those tiny lights. Psalm 19:1 says, “ The heavens declare the glory of God”, but many people look at the creation and cannot believe in God.

I don’t understand their disbelief, but I do9 understand their despair. I feel it, too. Sometimes God seems distant and, I assume too busy with the operations of the planets, stars, and galaxies to bend an ear to my prayers.

My discomfort isn’t unique; many people feel lonely and abandoned. But God says, “ Am I a God at hand… and not a God far off?” (Jeremiah 23:23). No matter how dark the day looks, God is close beside us. We are not alone. 

Prayer: God, give us faith to trust you, to know that you are with us and that you hear our prayers. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, and “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” Amen.

Thought for the Day:

In the vastness of the Universe, each of us is held tenderly in the hands of our loving God. – Carl Rowntree (Tennessee).

Prayer Focus: Those who are lonely.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

More 'Power' but Hardly Plenty Love and Money

Dear Editor,

Please allow me the space to make the following comments:

Some months ago a lady was on the national radio praying; the prayer went something like this; we seem not to know what we want, dear Lord, we rejected them at the polls and vote them back into Government four years later. Help us O Lord.

The next day an investigation led me to believe the lady, who was working at Treasury, resigned but was going to pursue studies of a higher nature.

Having heard some weeks ago a Minister apologizing, not for himself, to workers in his Ministry, especially those who may have felt slighted, I am prompted to ask some questions.

What did he think? Can a leopard change its spots; is he really mature and smarter now as he claims?

Why is the Minister apologizing and not the perpetrator?

Have we heard that the perpetrator went to the Port a few days later because another Montserrat sleaze called him on a matter? Can’t this perpetrator see some people turning him into a pappyshow by making him feel that he is more powerful than he really is?

Matters of national importance must be dealt with before and not after the fact.  We continue to be fighting against each other and not trying to come together. Of course the Port is of paramount importance, as is the contribution it can make to the development of our country.  So why squander the Port money, what we understand is almost quarter of a million dollars, at Old Road Bay?

It may appear that our Ministers do not have enough work in the respective offices and hence find themselves all over the place meddling.

Labour Speaks is not necessarily a slave but we now seem to be knowing who is the slave master and the technocrats who may well be slavish.  Asking for more power and the reduction of DFID staff apparently brought on hard times and not plenty love and money.

Most of us on Island face one type of frustration or the other and the way forward, my comrades, is to ask (find out from) our mother country what plans do they have for Montserrat.  Only then we can seriously sit down and plan. 

They have put things in place for themselves, things that they are directly responsible for; national security (Police Station one of the biggest around, and the MVO Building) and monitoring the Volcano.

It seems noteworthy also that the Statuary bodies appear to be writing better projects and getting little bit done here and there.

Seriously Concerned

Returning Calypsonians To Spoil a Local Contest

Dear Editor,

I leave the country for two weeks. When I came back I learn that the Calypso Competition is being invaded by old-new Montserrat calypsonians. What a grave atrocity. Who is responsible for such a devastating decision?

The word Diplomacy does not mean anything to these people. For they would say. Wha diplomacy ha fu do wid dis. These persons could walk away with 1st. 2nd. And 3rd. Then what? Where is the representation on the island, or to make representation of the country in overseas competitions? Some say, Oh! A Montserratian dem be. This has nothing at all to do with being Montserratian. But it shows that when you stay back, you are not given advantages. But are taken advantage of. I say, “Lord have Mercy.”

Does this mean that if one of these singers did win (God forbid) the crown, that whom ever will have to pay their air fare to come to Montserrat? Then to go and sing where ever, come back here of course, for celebrations and then back to where ever this person lives. Did anybody think about this? And how many times will this scenario take place. Now it is the same way that I do not believe that any Montserratian or persons holding a Montserrat passport that lives overseas should vote. And this is my personal feeling. For how could people living overseas choose the leadership of the inhabitants of this land?  It is better to have the Non Nationals who have lived here for at least one-year be given the chance to vote. For here is where they live. Well think about it, it is the same principle.

I believe that anyone living on Montserrat right now could enter the competition. And if they do not live here, a resounding No! They can make guest appearances, and that's it. What about the separate competition that they were supposed to have? All the former singers, whether from overseas or here, let them compete against each other.

Another thing, there is a slang going around, that these Old-New Montserratian are getting the Prodigal treatment. Okay, fine, but not in the band house. These singers come with their songs. They are already prepared. So how come they are given more practice time than the local resident singers? These people will go back.

Resident calypsonians, how can you just sit there and let some can’t-see-the-big- picture person/persons pull the wool over your eyes, and deal you this Big, Big Injustice?

And remember the judging has not been exactly fair in this country. So you just never know. We all know that some judges come to adjudicate with the king already wearing the crown. What a mess! To make a few people happy, we are ready, willing and prepared to mess up a whole country. And this is just for the present. Nobody seems to be thinking about the future. The sad thing is, this happens in all sectors of the country of Montserrat. “Lord have Mercy.”                        

Elizabeth Piper-Wade

New 'Temporary' Evacuation Recalls a Much Longer One

Dear Editor:

Now that the latest emergency evacuation has been in place for more than a month, I can’t help but be reminded of another emergency evacuation. This one took place in 1997, and included Cork Hill, Delvins, Woodsville, Foxes Bay and Richmond Hill and environs.

The reason for this evacuation was the expected collapse or breach of Gages Wall. Gages Wall did indeed collapse, spreading its path of destruction throughout Plymouth. But was the evacuation order for the above mentioned areas lifted? No, it was not. For more than five years Government has forced homeowners to helplessly watch the deterioration of their homes. These areas were not destroyed by the volcano but by government edict. FOR SHAME!!!

We hope that Waterworks, Isles Bay, Lower Friths and Old Towne will not suffer the same fate.

Brigitte Lewis

Lawyer David Brandt Records Letter to His Excellency Governor Longrigg

4^th December, 2002

Mr. Anthony Longrigg CMG

H.E. the Governor

Government House

Olveston

Montserrat

Your Excellency,

The recent evacuation of certain sections of Old Town, Salem and surrounding areas that took place in October 2002 is a source of grave distress. Those who have had to abandon their homes and those who have lost their livelihoods are hit the hardest but the entire island has been traumatized and serious attention is required. For this reason, I am writing to you as a citizen of Montserrat and as a longstanding representative of the people to address some of the problems created by these recent developments in hope that it will lead to meaningful solutions.

Your Excellency has been thorough in moving people from their homes, business and place of work. And certainly, the protection of life must be our number one concern, but our concern must not end with getting people to move to safer ground, it needs to extend to helping them to deal with the disruption in their lives and livelihoods.

The evacuation order that came into effect in October 2002 was made under the Leeward Islands (Emergency Powers) Order in Council 1959 (1959 No. 2206), which provides the Governor with the power to declare a state of emergency in Montserrat until such time as he terminates that state of emergency. A state of emergency was declared in 1996 and it has never been rescinded by Your Excellency, which means it has remained in effect ever since.

A state of emergency gives the Governor almost complete control over people and goods. This is why Your Excellency was able to forcibly remove people from their property and to make it a criminal offence to enter the unsafe zone without the proper authorization. In this state of emergency, and in this most recent disruption to the lives and livelihood of people, appropriate action ought to be taken to find additional funds to help offset the myriad hardships being suffered now by the people of Montserrat.

The Honourable Robin Cooke, in his famous white paper, said that the remaining British Territories have first call on British aid. Do you know, Sir, of a territory more in need and deserving of aid than Montserrat? The normal rules for disbursement of funds should not apply in these extraordinary times. We should qualify for aid given under emergency conditions. You, sir, have far greater access to the British Government than anyone else in Montserrat so I’m appealing to you to make a request for an adjustment to our funding.

The huge adverse impact of the evacuation is clear.

First, there are those who have been forced to leave their homes and those who have lost income as a result of the evacuation. Clearly, financial assistance needs to be given to those in both categories. The Honourable Chief Minister has publicly stated that Your Excellency has provided him with assistance in finding housing accommodation. He previously lived in the area that is now evacuated. It also appears from his statement that the assistance he is receiving includes payment of his rent.  I feel it is reasonable for the Chief Minister to receive some form of assistance and Your Excellency has been especially kind and generous to him.  I therefore urge Your Excellency, in the interest of fairness to all, to give due consideration to the provision of assistance to those evacuees who find themselves in a position less fortunate than the Chief Minister’s. 

Second, the tourism industry has suffered a most serious set back. The Vue Pointe Hotel and other tourist accommodation facilities in Old Town are out of business.  This results in lost income also for taxi drivers, restaurants, shops, maids, gardeners and others in the tourism sector. Some compensation for lost income needs to be considered.

Third, the hours designated for temporary entry into the evacuated zone are in some ways inconvenient to many of those whom the arrangement seeks to benefit. For example, gardeners and labourers prefer to work during the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Also, the time allocated between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. is inadequate for a company like SELSI Ltd. There is nothing to suggest that the volcano would be more threatening at 5:00 p.m. than it is at 10:00 a.m. There seems to be no logical reason for persons to be allowed entry at one time during the day but denied similar entry at another time. If this is so, I trust Your Excellency would consider extending the hours for entry into the evacuation zone from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This would give greater access to those who need to care for their property or conduct business vital to their well-being and to the development of Montserrat.

Also, there are those who are willing to take the risk of returning to live in their abandoned homes. Could they not be allowed to do so by signing an indemnity similar to the one Government requires of those who are granted permission to visit their homes and workplaces in the evacuated zone for certain periods during the daytime? Certainly, there’s no difference in principle. And, the "cutting-edge" monitoring equipment that we

understand the MVO to possess may be used equally to warn those visiting the evacuated area and those who may be actually living there.  If the indemnity signed for temporary entry is effective, I can see no legal reason why a similar indemnity agreement is not effective in relation to someone living in the evacuation zone. I hope Your Excellency would be able to address this issue.

Apart from the direct impacts, the evacuation order may have served to damage confidence in the Montserrat economy. All this appears to be good justification for the government to negotiate additional financing from Her Majesty’s Government aimed at providing some relief and recovery from the current situation.

An emergency is an extraordinary condition, which puts matters pertaining to the emergency directly in the hands of Your Excellency. The Chief Minister and the government, on the other hand, must look about economic recovery, stimulation and growth.

The Chief Minister has publicly stated that he needs the assistance of others in this regard, but continues to snub every offer of assistance, including my own. The formation of a council for the economic development of Montserrat could have great merit and it makes good sense for the Chief Minister to create one. Perhaps Your Excellency can make this suggestion. Coming from a Montserratian it is not likely to see the light of day. But from you it will be a different matter. Given his deep respect and reverence for the British, he is bound to meekly obey.

Yours faithfully,

David S. Brandt

c.c.         Hon. Chief Minister

               Hon. Minister of Education & Health

               Hon. Minister of Agriculture

               Hon. Minister of Communications & Works

               Chairman of the Salem Committee

Former ZJB Employee Opts for Free Expression

Dear Editor,

My feedback is primarily be targeted at "The Original ZJB Guidelines"; the 1999 memo addressed to the station manager from the Attorney General, published in the November 29th edition of this newspaper.

I feel that the memorandum was too extreme on its broadcasting guidelines and what it did was to usurp some of the decision making authorities of the station manager. That does not reflect very favourably on the station manager in terms of his/her abilities to act independently.

From what I know about the system in Montserrat, being a former ZJB employee myself, broadcasting falls under the Chief Minister's Office and therefore the guidelines should have been funneled through the Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office rather than being issued directly from the AG.

I do not have any problems if the station manager is being asked to consult with the Attorney General on legal issues, but I am struck by the fact that the AG would issue operational guidelines as if he/she were directly responsible for regulating Government Media. 

On the memo itself and criticisms of the Offices of the Governor, the Hon Chief Minister, and Hon Ministers of Government I would agree if the program is being produced and presented by staff members. But I have a different view if it is paid for and is being presented by a private individual or group.

I am not in support of persons saying whatever they want as long as they are paying for the time. If the station manager thinks that certain aspects of the broadcast are potentially libelous he/she has the right to request verification. However I do not believe that privilege should be used to unnecessarily deny air time simply because the manager or another high-level official (personally) does not like the program content. 

Provided that the station utilizes its disclaimer before and after the broadcast, nothing should stand in the way of the free expression of just ideas and opinions.

The other part of the memo that I found a bit crazy was where it said criticism of the actions of individuals and identified public servants, where those actions are performed in the course of their duties as public servants, should not be allowed. That is the recipe for complacency. If a public servant is not doing his/her job, I think it is the public's right to voice their views freely. After all he/she is being paid with public money. Sometimes that criticism may actually help a person to take check and improve where they are going wrong. Government is not a private entity and as such fair and constructive criticisms should not be stifled.

If criticism is malicious it most definitely should be denied access to the airwaves.   

Joseph Daley

LOCAL NEWS

Montserratian named Director For OECS Bank in Antigua

Antigua – First Caribbean International Bank has announced that Mr. Ivan Browne, a Montserratian, has taken up the role of Corporate Banking Director for the OECS based in Antigua.

Mr. Browne has over 30 years banking experience with Barclays spanning many of the countries in the OECS and the wider Caribbean. He has also worked in London at the Barclays Regional Office for Africa and the Caribbean, where he was an Assistant Director with responsibility for the banks’ operations in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Seychelles and Mauritius.

In addition to his Corporate Banking role, Mr Browne, as the senior First Caribbean representative in the OECS, will be responsible for liaison with the East Caribbean Central Bank as well as serving as the Country Manager for Antigua.

Salem Bar Fire Causes EC$10,000 Damages

A late-night fire gutted the interior of Mizer's Bar in Salem Center last Sunday evening, causing the owner of the bar, Mr. John Ryan a.k.a. Mizer, to lose what he estimated at a minimum $EC10, 000 worth of goods.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andre West (pictured left) said, “The call came in to the fire station at approximately 11:10 pm and within two minutes the fire men were on the scene.”

Their speedy arrival, he said, “was due to the fact that there is a fire station in Salem and as such they were able to respond quickly.”

“There were about 10 firemen and two fire tenders on the scene, and it took about five to 10 minutes to put the fire under control,” he said.

Officer West had high praise for the residents who helped to quell the flames before the officers came to the scene, especially Mr. Gary Laughter and Mr. Joseph White who were passing the bar when they noticed the smoke coming from the inside of the building and called the station.

Fire Officer Mr. Elbert Aaron who was stationed at the Salem Police Station at the time of receiving notice that there was smoke coming from a building in the area, was outstandingly commended by residents of the area for responding expeditiously and actually bringing the fire under control until the main compliment of men arrived from the fire station at Brades.

Very close to the damaged building is the Salem division of Montserrat Stationery Centre. Some storeowners in very close proximity to the building on fire turned off their electricity supply to their buildings as many feared that the fire might spread to the surrounding buildings.

Some elder residents of the area were heard discussing the George Street fire in Plymouth, which occurred in the 1960’s, which destroyed an entire street of buildings.

Mr. West said, “The Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) bottles found at the scene of the fire were stored in an area not suitable for storing such cylinders” and

stressed that LPG bottles must always be stored in open areas.

Based on the evidence at hand, Mr. West said, “It appears as though the fire started in the bathroom, as seen in the extensive damage; the fire spread to the bar area and due to the intense heat, the roof was burnt but did not collapse.”

He noted that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

New Care Standards Being Developed for Montserrat

Montserrat, four other British Overseas Territories and other regional countries will benefit from new Care Standards presently being developed, according to Mrs. Ena Trotman Stoby, Project Manager of the National Children’s Home (NCH) Legal Reform Project.

Mrs Maureen Headley Gay, consultant and Mrs Ena Trotman Stoby, Project Manager

The project, Reform of Children and Family Legislation (CARICOM), is a joint initiative between the United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF) and the NCH.

Mrs. Stoby told a two-day workshop that the fieldwork being done locally is part of a much larger project “ to standardize the Family Law and Domestic Violence Legislation within the Organization Of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the British Overseas Territories Region,” she said.

Here in the Caribbean she said, “The NCH works with governments and non governmental organizations (NGO’s), to strengthen and further develop existing services for children and families”.

She defined Care Standards as codes of good practice, which provide clear guidance on service delivery and its management and act as a regulatory framework. The aim of any set of standards, she said, “is the protection of the public from exploitation, abuse and indifference."

She said research in the Region has shown that social workers and probation officers "deliver sterling performance" although they usually have to work with inadequate facilities.”

The NCH was founded in 1879 by a Methodist and is a British organization, which caters to homeless children. The regional arm is based in Barbados.

Representatives from the Community Services Department, Family Center, Attorney General’s Office, Police, Education and Health Ministry and a number of local NGO’s participated in the workshop.

Also present at the workshop was Mrs. Maureen Headley Gay, a consultant for the project, and Mrs. Laura Scotland, Community Service Development Officer.

 Pic in New Folder:  Gay and Stoby 1 (caption : Maureen Headley Gay and  Mrs. Ena Trotman Stoby)

Pic in New Folder: Mrs. Laura Scotland 1 ( Community Service Development Officer)

Commissioner Douglas Urges More Careful Holiday Driving

Motorists are being urged by Commissioner of Police John Douglas to take extra care on the roads this holiday season.

Noting a recent upsurge in car accidents -- six over the past two weekends -- Mr. Douglas said, "I am appealing to motorists to be very cautious whilst using the roadways, especially with the upcoming Christmas season and Festival Celebrations.”

He noted that the speed limit is still 20 mph and “even though there is a move afoot to have this law amended to 30 mph, until such time motorists are being asked to adhere to the speed limit,” he said.

Stressing the importance of the "No drinking and driving," "If you’re driving, don’t drink and if you’re drinking, don’t drive" slogans, Commissioner Douglas said, “It is important that drivers who insist on drinking have a designated driver.”

He added that there would be an increased police presence on the roads since many tourists are expected here for the holidays, “Those drivers who are found guilty of speeding will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

The Traffic Department is reminding bicyclists, motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers that they must wear helmets and proper shoes whilst riding.

Sergeant Laborde of the Traffic Department said that more than 50 traffic signs are scheduled to be erected throughout the safe zone this week in “ an effort to reduce traffic accidents, speeding and counter speeding.”

This message comes on the heels of three accidents occurring over the weekend.

Last Sunday at around 4:30 p.m., a major accident occurred at Davy Hill between two vehicles, a blue pickup truck, license plate (M4146) and a white car, license plate (M563).

Police reports state that the blue pickup was southbound on the Davy Hill Public road behind another pickup, when the driver of that vehicle, signaled that he was turning left into Davy Hill. As a result, the driver of the trailing vehicle applied brakes, causing the vehicle to spin out of control and run into the white car, which was traveling in the opposite direction. Both vehicles were extensively damaged but no one was injured.

The second accident occurred in the vicinity of St. John’s Center at around 8:15 p.m. when two cars traveling in opposite directions grazed each other in passing. Neither driver was injured.

Also on Saturday evening, a cyclist riding in the area of Lookout without his helmet fell from his bicycle and received minor injuries. He was taken to the hospital where he was detained for observation.

Adventists Give $4,000 For Red Cross Building

Pastor Gardner handing over cheque to local Red Cross president, Mrs. Lystra Osborne

Looking on from left to right: Mrs. Verna West, Mrs. Camilla Watts, Mr Caleb Greenway and Kathleen Greenway

The Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) presented the Montserrat Branch of the British Red Cross with a cheque valued EC$4,000 on Monday to aid in the completion of local Red Cross’ building at Brades.

Pastor Andrew Gardner presented the cheque to the president of the local Red Cross, Mrs. Lystra Osborne. As head of the Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA), Pastor Gardner said, “At the annual church gathering, the congregation gives money to assist in relief efforts around the world and this year it was felt that a local organization in Montserrat should benefit from our relief funds.”

Director of the local branch, Mrs. Camilla Watts, said that they were very happy with the donation and still welcome small and large donations, all of which will go toward the completion of the building.

With the completion of the building, Mrs. Watts said, “the organization will rent a section of the building, to generate more funds to continue their work, and the money generated will go toward supporting more projects on the island.”

She also said that the local branch would have to support itself, as the assistance they are presently receiving from the British Red Cross is temporary, begun after the volcanic eruptions that began in 1995.

According to a fact sheet, the local branch of the Red Cross has undertaken a number of projects including the construction of the Golden Years Home, playground facilities for the children and community center in Lookout.

Construction continues at Building

In addition to the projects, the president, Mrs. Lystra Osborne said, “we also provide basic household items for the elderly and disabled and assist with the purchasing of books and uniforms for school children.”

The plans for the completed building will be a two-story structure, designed to provide modular office accommodation on the ground floor and two units in the basement containing space for a radio and communications room, storage, and support facilities built in two phases. Additional office space, conference and meeting rooms will be built during a third phase of the construction.

The estimated cost of the total building, excluding furniture and equipment, but including the access road, site works and consultant’s fees, totals $EC994,500.

The Red Cross is a non-profit organization that raises funds from volunteer subscriptions, community fundraising and its thrift shop.

Island has Cause to Join Salute to UN Volunteers

By Catherine Rodrigues

Thursday was celebrated as United Nations International Volunteers (UNIV) Day and U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said in his message to volunteers throughout the world that over the past several years volunteerism has emerged as an increasingly potent unifying force. “Volunteers from all walks of life are playing a significant role in the development process, and volunteering is providing a much-needed vehicle for people to participate in the lives of their societies, especially vulnerable and marginalized groups such as elderly persons or people with disabilities," Mr. Annan said.

He encouraged everyone to join together as volunteers in support of human progress and well-being.

Though the standard of living in Montserrat is considered to be relatively good as compared to other parts of the world, with citizens having access to clean potable water, proper housing and food, there are some areas which need attention. That is because of the continuing crisis the island and its people have survived in the last seven years of a major volcanic eruption.

Five United Nations Volunteers are working in various sectors of the community to help in the re-development of the island.

Ms. Atsumi Kani and Ms. Layla Sammouy

Mrs Tammy Foote and Joel Maranha

Mr. Iftikar Ahmed, a Pakistani national, who is currently off island on vacation, is a Geographic Information System Specialist (GIS). His work involves gathering and consolidating information on land ownership issues on the island in a digital format. He has also developed a sophisticated database for the Government to use to track land ownership and acquisition.

Mrs. Tammy Foote is an American Occupational therapist who provides rehabilitative services to the disabled and elderly at the local hospital. She does both individual and group therapy.

Ms. Atsumi Kani is a Japanese architect attached to the Public Works Department (PWD). She has been instrumental in designing a number of new infrastructural projects on the island including health centers, the prison and the new hospital facilities.

Mr. Joel Maranhao from France is a software engineer. He is responsible for developing new software tools to assist the scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) in assessing data recorded from the volcano; he is also responsible for the acquisition of new software programmes and the maintenance of these systems.

Ms. Layla Sammouy from Iraq is a civil engineer. She is attached to the PWD and has been involved in the rebuilding of the roads throughout the island. She also does support work in other areas.

According to a briefing of a paper presented in 1998, “ Disaster Mitigation, Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening in Support of Montserrat’s Post Emergency Resettlement Programme,” Montserrat has been designated as a country in Special Development Circumstances.

The programme was initiated in 1999 and involves the support of the Government of Montserrat through the placement of United Nations Volunteers in the areas of physical and social infrastructure.

The Department for International Development (DFID) funds four of the five volunteers, the Government of Japan the fifth. A new memorandum of understanding was signed for an additional US$360,000 in September of this year. It will cover an additional eight international UNV’s through the period of March 2006.

In recognition of their contributions to Montserrat, His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg held a dinner reception for them on Thursday.

UN Volunteer Mr. Iftikar Ahmed, is presently off island.

PIC of Tammy Foote in New folder : Tammy Foote 2

Offspring of Domestic Pigs Wreaking Havoc in the Wild

By Catherine Rodrigues

First it was dogs killing livestock, now it’s wild hogs, wreaking havoc on crops, animals, birds, flora, and fauna in the forest and, in some cases, private property.

Some farmers complain that these wild pigs, some weighing a minimum of 400 pounds, have been destroying their root crops, attacking their livestock, digging up the turtle eggs from the surrounding beaches, as well as the roots of the Heliconia, Montserrat’s national flower. One cattle farmer, Joseph Barzey, said that he lost most of his root crops because of the hogs.  "All my dasheen, potatoes, cassava, cabbages, bananas, tire heads and seeds were destroyed,” he said.

Goat farmer Peter Sullivan said that the hogs ate his young goats. “The young kids, two to three days old, because they can’t run around, the pigs eat them,” he said.

So far he has lost seven kids. As a result he and other goat herders have had to fence the areas where they keep their goats to prevent the hogs from eating more goats.

Mr. Barzey said that “some farmers use dogs to catch the pigs, but many times the dogs bite them and leave them to die -- people don’t want the damaged pig, they want it with the skin on.”

Director of Agriculture Gerard Gray confirmed that wild pigs are roaming in the forests and in the exclusion zone. He said that his Department has employed the expertise of an American Biologist, Professor Bruce Coblenz, and based on his recommendations will take the necessary measures. The two methods being employed are the use of traps, which is remedial, and pens, which is preventative.

Mr. Gray said, “presently the farmers are getting limited assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture in setting traps for wild hogs, some of which are scattered in the safe zone; this assistance has been both technical and material wise.”

“So far nine pig farmers have benefited from this assistance,” he said.

In addition to trapping the pigs, metal pens will be used.

Apart from wreaking havoc on crops and animals, the hogs pose a serious threat to the water supply of the island and to the long-term viability of the forest. “This is more than a nuisance, it’s a potential danger for the wildlife, plants; the water supply system has to be prevented from being contaminated,” Mr. Gray lamented.

The Montserrat Water Authority (MWA) reports it has recently spent approximately EC$79,000 in structural improvements. These have been in the form of the catchment boxes and fencing -- fencing of new areas and re-fencing of old areas which surround underground spring sources -- thus keeping the pigs away from the actual springs. These improvements have been done in the areas of KilieKranki, Hope and Fogarty.

MWA reinforced fencing at Fogarthy

Mr. Gray added that these pigs are also causing a “complex problem.” “By digging up the forest bed they are causing the soil to be eroded and with continued soil erosion, the marine environment is at risk, especially when it rains heavily the heavy flow of sediments will be deposited into the sea, thus destroying the coral reefs," he said.

He stressed that action has to be taken immediately and said that the optimal time for trapping the pigs is in the dry season, January to July. “The traps have already been ordered from the United States,” he said, "and for those farmers who need pens, they have to specify the desired size and those pens will be fabricated locally.”

The meat of those pigs that have been trapped has been given to the hospital and the "Meals on Wheels" program.

Prof. Coblenz visit to Montserrat and the project was facilitated through the combined efforts of the Agricultural Ministry, the Governor’s Office and the Department for International Development (DFID) Small Grant Scheme.

Mr. Gray stressed that the importance of this exercise is not just to contain the pig population but also to discuss with the farmers, “good animal husbandry techniques, hygiene and to ensure high production and productivity.”

Most of these hogs are the offspring of formerly domesticated animals, which were abandoned during the start of the volcanic crisis. Since then they have multiplied in large numbers.

One farmer said that there are hundreds of hogs feasting on the rice left at the old rice mill in Plymouth. “Those pigs are multiplying fast, as many as 20 piglets per litter,” this particular farmer said.

It is estimated that there are about a 1,000 wild hogs roaming in the exclusion zone.

Pic  – MWA fencing at Fogarty Spring(file name for pic/same caption)

“     “      “         “      -  Reinforced fencing at Fogarty –MWA(file name), Caption (MWA reinforced fencing)

WICB Cricket Umpires Organize 2003 Season

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) held its Cricket Umpires Committee meeting in Antigua on November 23, where members looked at captains and match referees report on WICB first class matches throughout this year.

These matches included the Busta Cup, Red Stripe Bowl, One-day Internationals and Test matches.

Sources told The Montserrat Reporter that the meeting also looked at grading the umpires according to the match reports; appointments were made for the upcoming first class season which begins on January 31, 2003.

This year the overseas team will be the India “A” team, which will play seven matches along with two semi final matches and a final.

Good news for Montserrat’s first class international umpire Basil Morgan means he will officiate in four of the seven matches. He has been appointed to stand in matches to be played in Jamaica, Barbados, St. Thomas – USVI, and Grenada.

The match in St. Thomas will be their first regional match.

Sources also revealed that Morgan was graded in the #2 sport with Umpires Doctrove of Dominica and Duncan of Guyana, while the #1 spot went to Umpires Bucknor of Jamaica and Nichols of Guyana.

REGIONAL NEWS

CARICOM Mourns Loss Of Netball Great Jean Pierre

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC - The death of Jean Pierre is a loss not only for her native Trinidad and Tobago, but the entire Caribbean Community, the Georgetown-based CARICOM Secretariat, said in a statement of condolence.
It further lamented that the region has lost yet another one of its distinguished personalities, adding that "it is with deep sorrow that the Community has learnt of the death of Ms Pierre, a national icon of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region".
"Ms Pierre's name is synonymous with one of the most popular sports in our Community - netball - and her exploits on the field of play included leading her country to the pinnacle of that sport as world champions in 1979," the statement said.
"Her contributions did not end there, as she was active in coaching and administration and indeed her last years were spent in one of the Community's Associate Member States, the Cayman Islands, coaching in the sport she so loved," it added.
Ms. Pierre died after a prolonged battle with colon cancer at age 58.
CARICOM noted that apart from netball, she also served her country as a Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament between 1991 and 1995.
"The death of Ms Pierre is not only Trinidad and Tobago's loss but that of the entire Community," the Secretariat said, in expressing condolences to Ms. Pierre's family, the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Community. 

Antigua Opposition to Take Corruption Claims to St. Lucia

Antigua, CMC - Opposition Leader Baldwin Spencer plans to raise concerns about the transparency of the electoral process in Antigua and Barbuda at a hemispheric meeting on corruption which opens in St. Lucia on Friday.
He announced his intentions, while accusing government of trying to subvert the electoral process in the country through alleged manipulation of the Electoral and Boundaries Commissions.
The United Progressive Party (UPP) Leader further charged that the Electoral Commission was not being allowed to independently discharge its duties and that the two opposition members who sit on the Commission were being marginalised by the three government appointees on the electoral planning body.
"Decisions are being made by those three members without the benefit and discussions with the other two members," Mr. Spencer alleged, adding that the composition and conduct of the Commission were cause for concern.
He also reiterated concerns expressed by Deputy Chairman Bruce Goodwin and Bishop Ewing Dorsett that the December 31 deadline for the re-registration of voters could not be met.
"Whatever plan or programme there might be, it is not known (by the two opposition members of the Commission)," said Mr. Spencer, adding that while the parliamentary opposition would like to see re-registration take place as soon as possible, it was not prepared to embark upon a process that was flawed or that would create problems for it down the road.
"The powers that be have gone as far as deliberately frustrating the Organisation of American States efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in the re-registration of voters," he said.
"We regard the continuing manipulation of the Electoral Commission and the Boundaries Commission in Antigua and Barbuda as palpably corrupt and so I will spare no effort to bring the hemispheric spotlight on the chronic misconduct of key members of the government of Antigua and Barbuda when I attend that conference in St. Lucia tomorrow," he added.
The Castries meeting to be attended by Attorneys General, Leaders of the Opposition and other high-level officials of six Eastern Countries, is to discuss the Inter-American Convention against Corruption, with the focus on fiscal misconduct in government.
However, Mr. Spencer said he believes that in the context of what is happening in Antigua and Barbuda, the meeting should also focus on "serious and serial fiscal misconduct, subversion of the electoral process and sexual exploitation of minors."
He did not go into details about the other allegation. 

2 Vincentian Policemen Facing Murder Charges

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC - At the end of a Coroner's Inquest into the shooting death of a Canouan resident, two members of the Special Services Unit of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force have been found to be culpable.
Corporal Winston Grant faces a charge of murder and Constable Wayne Haywood
a charge of accessory to murder in connection with the September 15 killing of 34-year-old Otis Rhynd.
Mr. Rhynd died after sustaining a single bullet wound to the chest at his home in the southern Grenadine Island, in what has been described as a sting operation by police that went wrong.
The Coroner's ruling led to eight hours of protest action by members of the Special Services Unit on Wednesday.
They argue that a charge of murder requires proof of malice; therefore the judgement handed down by the five-man inquest jury against their colleagues was unreasonable. The officers are also contending that a similar fate could easily befall any of them in the line of duty.
In a show of dissatisfaction, officers attached to the Unit -- which usually provides security for the House of Assembly that is currently in session for debate on the 2002/2003 budget -- refused to put on their camouflage uniforms and to arm themselves for duty, opting instead to dress in their blues and grays.
However, following a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and National Security Minister Vincent Beache, the officers agreed to end their protest.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Cyril Doyle told CMC Thursday that the Unit 's operations were back to normal and that the matter had been settled, with the two top level government officials pointing out to the aggrieved officers the correctness of the Magistrate's action in the case.
He also confirmed that the two men had not yet been charged because their files were with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The men are currently on remand at a special facility which was established when Superintendent of Prisons, Eric Rodriquez, was charged with killing a prisoner last year.
The case against the prison chief has since been dismissed. 

Second Tourism Summit Plans Antigua Development

Antigua, CMC - National tourism stakeholders Monday opened their Second Tourism Summit here focused on the creation of a new body to guide tourism development on the island.
The establishment of the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) was one of the major recommendations arising out of the first Summit, called just over two months ago by Prime Minister Lester Bird, to discuss the way forward for the vital industry.
Prime Minister Lester Bird, Tourism Minister Molwyn Joseph and Interim-Chairman of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association (AHTA) Peter Ramrattan were down to address the opening ceremony of the meeting before discussion was started on the establishment of the much talked about Tourism Development Corporation (TDC).
With the local industry continuing to experience setbacks blamed on the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the proposed TDC is expected to focus areas including Product Development, Finance, Marketing, Promotion and Public Relations, Research and Planning, Training and Quality control and Cruise Tourism Marketing.

St. Kitts Renews Concerts 'In the Spirit of Christmas'

St. Kitts -- The Department of Culture is poised to deliver another series of concerts of inspirational songs and holiday hymns as it presents "In the Spirit of Christmas."

The popular event will run from December 15 - 18, 2002, at The Circus. Organiser Dorette Joseph-Liburd explained that her department is thrilled to be hosting the show for the second consecutive year and expects greater support from the public and private sector, as well as the general public.

“We have received confirmation from a number of ministries, business houses, industrial factories, gospel and community groups, and schools  as well as solo artistes,”she said. This will contribute to the diversity and quality of the show.” 

The performances will range from solos to instrumentals on steel pan and choral bells.

Mrs. Joseph-Liburd encouraged persons and businesses willing to contribute to the staging of the show to contact the Department of Culture at telephone #465-2521 ext 1384.

"In the Spirit of Christmas" is organised by the Ministry Information, Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Boy’s Brigade Council.

Dominica MP Quits Governing Coalition

Dominica, CMC - Government MP Frederick Baron has officially withdrawn from the ruling coalition, while ending speculation that he plans to team up with the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) in parliament.
"My focus is on the best interest of the country, guided by my conscience," he said, in a statement released on Tuesday, but he made it clear that he had no intention of joining the UWP.
The speculation started after Mr. Baron wrote to House Speaker Alix Boyd-Knights last week, requesting special seating arrangements in Parliament, independent of the existing government and opposition arrangements in the House of Assembly.
Mr. Baron said he remained firmly committed to the ideals of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), which is the minority partner in the Dominica Labour Party-led government,
"even while I am convinced that the existing  leadership (of the DFP) has lost its way. We know what our once great party stood for, and hope that it can recapture those glory days, but alas we have to wait and pray," he said.
His decision to quit the government was not an easy one but he felt he did what was right, since the coalition arrangement has not worked in the best interest of the country.
He said he has acted sincerely and was not afraid of the consequences of his decision, adding that while his journey in politics may be a "brief one," he had expressed the desire to see Dominica become the priority of all Dominicans, "yet political tribalism has characterised our politics".
The DFP, which formed the government from 1980 to 1995, won only two seats in the 2000 general election, with party leader Charles Savarin winning his seat in the Roseau Central constituency.
The DFP entered into a coalition arrangement with the Dominica Labour Party to form the government.
Party stalwarts have made a number of attempts to restructure the DFP, ahead of the next general elections.

Reaction to Dominica MP’s decision to quit the government

Dominica, CMC - Prime Minister Pierre Charles says he is yet to understand the decision of MP Frederick Baron to withdraw his support for the ruling coalition government.

“I believe when anybody makes a move, particularly a politician, there might be a strategic objective in mind.  I’m yet to understand why Mr. Baron would want to make that move,” said Charles, in reacting to Baron’s formal announcement on Tuesday that he was quitting the administration.

In making the announcement, Baron said he was not convinced that the existing leadership of the country could embark on a course of action necessary to rescue Dominica country from its continuing economic decline.

He further stated, in a letter to the Speaker of the House Alix Boyd-Knights, that, “the disastrous consequences of indecisiveness and in action will not serve the best interest of the people of this country, nor will the continued petty political exclusionary strategies that are a feature of this country’s governance”.

Baron also charged that the coalition arrangement, led by the Dominica Labour Party, in which his Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) is also a member, has not worked to the benefit of the country.

But Mr. Charles said he did not understand how the arrangement has failed.

“There are two prominent members of the Dominica Freedom Party who are Ministers of Government.   The leader of the DFP has acted on several occasions, as Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, so it would be left to Mr. Baron to explain how it has not worked,” he argued.

He further suggested that Baron’s decision might have been fuelled by some kind of internal problem within the Dominica Freedom Party, or could be linked to his youthfulness as a politician.

“He may want to admit that as a young politician entering the arena whether he was prepared to face political reality,” said Charles.

“That is what a politician has to face at a certain time; you may come with a lot of zest, but when you are faced with political reality, whether you can measure up.

“It’s a different question so it is left to him to decide whether he is prepared to deal with political reality in a Dominican context,” the Prime Minister said.

He also dismissed as mere rumour media reports that another government MP, Parliamentary Representative for the southern Petite Savanne constituency Urban Baron, may also break ranks with the government.

Meanwhile leader of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) Charles Savarin believes Frederick Baron’s decision to quit the government is not in the best interest of his southern Soufriere constituency, or the country.

Savarin said Baron should have consulted with party members and his constituents before making his decision, and should have also taken into consideration the political stability of the country.

“Political instability is not a matter that can be of any benefit to the people of Dominica or the people of Soufriere at this time,” he said.

According to Savarin, who along with Baron, joined up with the DLP after the 2000 elections to form the ruling coalition: “The people of that constituency have supported the Dominica Freedom Party since it entered politics, so the question of independence is just not in the interest of the people”.

Asked whether the move would affect his party, Savarin would only say the move is providing comfort to the opposition United Workers Party, and this is a disservice to the people of Dominica.

Nevis Fifth Form Student Honored for CXC Sweep

Nevis -- Charlestown Secondary School’s Sixth Form College student Hrishikesh Joshi basked in glory Wednesday as members of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), led by Chairman Sir Keith Hunte, made a one-day visit to the island.

The Barbados-based CXC held its annual Council Meeting in the Federation of St. Kitts yesterday, as the country entered the most outstanding candidate at the May/June 2002 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Hrishikesh Joshi, while in fifth form, emerged the most outstanding student at CXC/CSEC examinations, having scored Grade I (distinction) in 12 subjects. He is joined by another seven outstanding students, who were cluster subject winners. They were honoured with awards yesterday at a function held at the Jack Tar Village Resort on St. Kitts.

Awardees were Hrishikesh Joshi (St. Kitts and Nevis), overall outstanding achievement; Rishie Cummins (Belize), humanities; Angelina Outar (Guyana), best short story English A; Melissa Taylor (Barbados), three dimensional visual arts; Kibileri Williams (Guyana), sciences; Eden Bissoon (Trinidad and Tobago), two dimensional visual arts; Kristy-Jo Sebro (Tobago), technical/vocational; and Jagdesh Ramjit (Trinidad and Tobago), business education.

Trinidad Aid to BWIA Opposes Caribbean Star

Trinidad, CMC - The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced plans to spend an estimated TT$6 million (US$1 million) in subsidising the airfare between the two islands, amid moves by national airline BWIA to stop a regional competitor from servicing the domestic route.
Trade and Industry Minister Ken Valley told reporters Wednesday that the subsidy will apply to the national airline BWIA and the smaller subsidiary Tobago Express, but not to the Antigua and Barbuda-based Caribbean Star, which also operates the route.
Government said that the airfares would be reduced by TT$100 (US$16) per ticket for nationals traveling the air bridge. The airfare will now be TT$200 dollars (US$34).
The new fares come into effect from next January 1 and would only apply when a ticket is purchased seven days in advance of travel.
Tourism Minister Penelope Beckles told Parliament last Friday that the Government had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BWIA and Tobago Express with regards to the reduced fare.
BWIA Communications Manager Clint Williams said that the "subsidy would help minimise the impact on the revenue, bearing in mind it is a combination of Tobago Express and BWIA which service the route."
Meanwhile, Williams said BWIA has written to the Air Transport Licensing Authority to have Caribbean Star removed from the Tobago air bridge.
"Both BWIA and Tobago Express have filed for a hearing on the validity of Caribbean Star, a foreign carrier, servicing a domestic route," Williams said.

Jamaica Minister Launches New 'Island Cruiser' Vehicles

MONTEGO, BAY, Jamaica -- Dr. Paul Robertson,Jamaica’s Minister of Development, last Friday officially launched the 2003 line of locally manufactured vehicles known as "The Island Cruisers” in Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland.

The four new vehicles, manufactured in Western Jamaica by Excel Motors Ltd., were unveiled to the public by Dr. Robertson.

The vehicles boast strong fibreglass material manufactured here, using Jamaican labour, and are fitted with imported Toyota engines and gearboxes.

Dr. Robertson said that to date, Excel Motors has received grant funding from Government totalling $2.9 million.

“Excel’s success is a boost for the manufacturing sector/industry in Jamaica, because it is a testament to what can be achieved, with persistence and hard work,” Dr. Robertson noted.

The Minister of Development called on Jamaicans to celebrate the power of positive thinking, and extended warm congratulations to successful manufacturer Patrick Marzouca, expressing the hope that the vehicles will find their place on the international market.

The 2003 Island Cruisers are on the market at a price of between US$12,000 and US$15,000. 

Jamaica's P.J. Patterson Seeks Resumed Hanging

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC -- Like other Caribbean countries that have had difficulty in implementing the death penalty, Jamaica has announced plans to enact the necessary legislation to restore hanging.
In a national address on Sunday night, Prime Minister P.J Patterson repeated a campaign promise to resume executions, while stating that, "the Jamaican people are substantially agreed on the need to resume the death penalty."
He made special reference to the position taken by Barbados to amend its constitution to essentially counter a number of decisions by London's Privy Council, which is the highest Court of Appeal for the Commonwealth Caribbean, over the last nine years.
Legal analysts say the move by Bridgetown not only addresses the mitigating effects of the 1993 Pratt and Morgan ruling by the Judicial Committee of Privy Council in London, but is designed to forestall for Barbados the effects of the March 12, 2002, decision, outlawing mandatory death sentences in seven Eastern Caribbean countries.

The Privy Council had ruled against the mandatory death sentences in the seven Eastern Caribbean countries including Belize, saying that Judges there could exercise other options rather than sentencing people to death for certain crimes.
Regarding the Pratt and Morgan ruling, the British based Law Lords had said that it was unlawful to carry out the death sentence on a convicted man more than five years after the sentence had been imposed, leaving the state to ensure that all appeals, petitions to human right bodies were completed within that time frame.
Mr. Patterson noted that the Jamaica government could not proceed with such a move without the support of the opposition.
"We will require the co-operation of the Opposition, which we plan to seek," he said.

In a quick response, the opposition Jamaica Labour Party on Monday indicated its willingness to support the Government in carrying out the legislative changes necessary to prevent the abolition of capital punishment.
Reacting to the statement by the Prime Minister Patterson, Opposition Spokesman on Justice Delroy Chuck said the JLP would participate in the move, which is being contemplated among measures to fight crime.
Hangings last took place here in 1988, while crime in the island continues to be worsened by a high murder rate, with over 900 persons killed since the start of the year.

ST Vincent PM offers TAX FREE CONCESSION to workers bonus

St. Vincent: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced Friday that tax free concession will be extended to private sector workers who will receive bonus this year.

Prime Minister announced Monday that Government would pay a non-cumulative salary increase of 4.25 percent of annual salary to public servants. This will take the form of a tax-free half-month, one off salary bonus.

The Prime Minister said Friday that Government would grant a tax-free concession to the private sector workers up to 4.25 percent their end of year bonus.

The Prime Minister in making the announcement in Parliament said that this gesture would bring some equity between the public and private sector in this regard.

SMALL ISLAND VOICES

Schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are being encouraged to get involved in the UNESCO Small Island Voices Programme.

The encouragement is coming from local co-coordinator of the programme Mr. Herman Belmar.

Mr. Belmar, a teacher at the Bequia Community High School, returned to the state last Tuesday after attending a conference in the Pacific Island of Palau.

The conference took place from November 18^th to 22^nd, and focused on the way forward for the Small Island Voices programme, which was introduced earlier this year.

Small Island Voices is a UNESCO programme that involves islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the Caribbean. 

The objective is to bring young people of small island states together and to give them an opportunity to highlight issues affecting their countries.

One of the way through which this is being done is by posting articles online.

Students of the Bequia Community High School were the first to post an article on the website in September on the topic ‘The Advantages and Disadvantages of living on Small Islands’.  Since then, there have been posting from over seventy countries.

According to Mr. Belmar, a decision was taken to extend the programme to 2004 and beyond, since it has been very successful during its trial phase.

He however lamented the fact the only one local school involved in the programme, noting that it could have positive implications for the development of the student.

Mr. Belmar pointed out that the initiative gives young people an avenue through which they can express themselves and play a meaningful role in the development of their societies.

They would also get the opportunity to bond with other students in the region.

Mr. Belmar said he would like to see the programme extended to all local secondary schools and at least some primary schools.

Person interested in learning more about the programme can visit the website www.sivyouth.com.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

St. Vincent - Thousands of Vincentians turned up at the Reigate Centre yesterday for the official launch of the National Christmas festival.

The festival which runs up to December 31^st was launched with a candle light march through the streets of Kingstown and saw the official turning on of the lights on the national Christmas tree inside the Reigate compound.

The Christmas festival will feature the traditional nine mornings activities along with the community lighting competition.

Michael Peters of the Nine Mornings Planning Committee says some 55 communities have registered to take part in this year’s lighting up competition, an increase of 11 over last year’s 44.

Mr. Peters also revealed that some 100-thousand dollars have been budgeted for this year’s festival.

The National Lottery has contributed 50-thousand dollars toward the festival.

Minister of Tourism and Culture Rene Baptiste emphasized that Christmas is a time of giving and sharing and she urged Vincentians to contribute to the Salvation Army and other charities. She also urged them to remember those in prison, other shut-ins as well as their grandparents.

The opening ceremony was followed by a street concert featuring a number of local performers including New Life Ambassadors, El Groupo Amistad, Sulle and CP.

LOWER TAXES ON NEW CARS BEFORE CHRISTMAS

The Government of Grenada has given new car buyers a Christmas gift.  The general public is hereby notified that persons wishing to take advantage of lower taxes on new cars will be able to do so from December 15, 2002.

During his presentation of the 2003 Budget, Finance Minister Anthony Boatswain announced Government’s decision to reduce the rate of the general consumption tax on new cars from 38% to 20%.

At that time, Minister Boatswain indicated that the reduction will take effect from January 01, 2003.  However, to facilitate persons who wish to purchase new cars before Christmas, Government has decided that the GCT reduction will take effect two weeks earlier than planned.

The tax reduction applies to cars as defined in the customs tariff 87.03.

This tariff heading includes motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for private use including station wagons and some 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Jamaica Security Forces Primed for War on Crime

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC - Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said Sunday the country's security forces are now ready for an unrelenting drive to root out criminal gangs in targeted communities, as part of government's new anti-crime plan.
The announcement came hours after a 48-hour curfew was imposed on volatile sections of the Corporate Area.
Police said the order, which was imposed at 5 a.m. Sunday and remained effective until 5 a.m. Tuesday, came in response to certain intelligence received by police concerning criminal activity in West Kingston and South St. Andrew.
On Saturday, a joint police/military assault was also launched in certain targeted communities, aimed at breaking up criminal gangs.
Mr. Patterson said among key elements of the crime-fighting plan are: authorization for security forces to become more "proactive" in their operations; the deployment of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to tackle a specific, internationally-linked group of highly-armed criminals; an increase in legal roadblocks and vehicle searches; and a push to "resume the death penalty".
The Prime Minister said security forces have already completed the process of identifying the gangs, the nature of their criminal enterprise and their style of operation.
While appealing to citizens to cooperate with the security forces, Mr. Patterson  lauded the governments of the United States and Britain for their support and assistance in tackling crime.
Mr. Patterson also said that legislation dealing with use of firearms, fingerprinting and the proceeds of crime would be upgraded, while government plans to push through draft legislation dealing with plea bargains and alibis.

ECCB Officials Reviewing Eastern Caribbean Tax System

Dominica, CMC - Sir Alister McIntyre, head of the Tax Reform and Administration Commission of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), has warned regional countries to be prepared for changes in international trade over the next six years.
Sir Alister and Sir Dwight Venner, Governor of the St. Kitts-based ECCB, have just completed a two-day visit here in which meetings were held with public and private sector officials.
The Commission has held similar meetings in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla. Sir Dwight said the objective of the Commission is to examine the system of taxation in all countries and to make recommendations in the light of changing conditions.
Sir Alister said as a result of the region's involvement in a number of international trading negotiations, it was very likely that by 2007 the Caribbean would have to change its structure of taxation to accommodate significant losses of customs revenue due to changes in custom duties.
"There will be a need to find alternative ways of collecting the lost revenue. And this is not speculation on our part. There are already firm indications that this will be so, so we have to start now," he said.
He said the region would have to "first of all, examine what we can offer in these negotiations by way of duty reduction, in exchange for things that we want and then putting in place the alternative arrangements for collection of taxation that will satisfy our revenue needs".
"In the Development Charter, which they adopted at the last heads of government meeting of the OECS Authority, they took the decision that they would designate the period 2003-2007 as the first phase of a Stability, Reconstruction and Transformation effort, that would yield growth rates equivalent to 6 percent per annum, reduction in unemployment and poverty," Sir Alister said.
"We have had very slow economic growth, negative growth, and we have had no real improvement in the employment situation, in levels of living and poverty. As we move into the 21st century, these issues have to be addressed if these countries are going to sustain a process of democracy and political and social stability," he added.

Caribbean Nationals Asked To Discuss U.S. Immigration

NEW YORK, N.Y., CMC -Caribbean nationals residing in the United States are to be given opportunities to discuss immigration and other matters when the Caribbean Town Hall meetings return to the tri-state area next week.
The Jamaica-based carrier Air Jamaica, Western Union-Money Transfer and their partners are sponsoring the December 9-10 meetings in New York and New Jersey and for the first time in Brooklyn.
Moderated by Irwine Clare of the Caribbean Immigrant Services, the forum will provide West Indians with the opportunity to examine immigration issues affecting the community, including interpretations of immigration law, the importance of participating in the U.S. political process and the impact of deportation on Caribbean communities.
Speakers expected for the meetings include Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Yvonne Graham, New Jersey Councilman Bill McKoy, Council President Elsie Foster-Dublin, Professor Sam Taitt and a senior executive with the Jamaica Observer newspaper.

St. Lucia Deplores Exodus Of Skilled Nationals to U.S.

CASTRIES, ST. Lucia, CMC - Education Minister Mario Michel says the exodus of trained Caribbean nationals to the United States is affecting the region' s ability to deal with the changing global environment.
Addressing graduating students of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College here at the weekend, the Minister said that the situation was also creating an economic problem for the region, since it was depriving states of their human capital.
He said many Caribbean states had "invested heavily" in training teachers for the education system, but the exodus to the United States deprives regional governments of the opportunities for achieving significant improvements in the education sector.
He said that while the Caribbean had become a source of labour for the developed countries, history was repeating itself, "and once again, the region stands to lose as its human resource base becomes depleted.
He warned teachers "not to maintain any illusions of the context in which they are being called to work in the United States," claiming that U.S. teachers were themselves unwilling to face the consequences of teaching in inner-city schools.

Saba Looks to Recycling To Prolong Landfill Use

SABA (SGIS) – Commissioner of Environmental Affairs Lisa Hassell said that the Island Government is considering a recycling program to use the landfill more efficiently.

She told the Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) that a temporary solution is needed immediately, and that. Reid Barnes, head of the Sanitation Department, is busy looking into the recycling option.

Commissioner Hassell, however, does not rule out incineration of waste, but said that would require further study of funding for such a project.

“My main concern has to do with burning the garbage in order to make room for more garbage.  I am hoping to have a plan in place early next year where we burn less.  We don’t know what we;re burning and we need to do something about this problem,” Hassell said. 

Jamaica Minister Launches New 'Island Cruiser' Vehicles

MONTEGO, BAY, Jamaica -- Dr. Paul Robertson,Jamaica’s Minister of Development, last Friday officially launched the 2003 line of locally manufactured vehicles known as "The Island Cruisers” in Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland.

The four new vehicles, manufactured in Western Jamaica by Excel Motors Ltd., were unveiled to the public by Dr. Robertson.

The vehicles boast strong fibreglass material manufactured here, using Jamaican labour, and are fitted with imported Toyota engines and gearboxes.

Dr. Robertson said that to date, Excel Motors has received grant funding from Government totalling $2.9 million.

“Excel’s success is a boost for the manufacturing sector/industry in Jamaica, because it is a testament to what can be achieved, with persistence and hard work,” Dr. Robertson noted.

The Minister of Development called on Jamaicans to celebrate the power of positive thinking, and extended warm congratulations to successful manufacturer Patrick Marzouca, expressing the hope that the vehicles will find their place on the international market.

The 2003 Island Cruisers are on the market at a price of between US$12,000 and US$15,000. 

Jamaica's P.J. Patterson Seeks Resumed Hanging

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC -- Like other Caribbean countries that have had difficulty in implementing the death penalty, Jamaica has announced plans to enact the necessary legislation to restore hanging.
In a national address on Sunday night, Prime Minister P.J Patterson repeated a campaign promise to resume executions, while stating that, "the Jamaican people are substantially agreed on the need to resume the death penalty."
He made special reference to the position taken by Barbados to amend its constitution to essentially counter a number of decisions by London's Privy Council, which is the highest Court of Appeal for the Commonwealth Caribbean, over the last nine years.
Legal analysts say the move by Bridgetown not only addresses the mitigating effects of the 1993 Pratt and Morgan ruling by the Judicial Committee of Privy Council in London, but is designed to forestall for Barbados the effects of the March 12, 2002, decision, outlawing mandatory death sentences in seven Eastern Caribbean countries.

The Privy Council had ruled against the mandatory death sentences in the seven Eastern Caribbean countries including Belize, saying that Judges there could exercise other options rather than sentencing people to death for certain crimes.
Regarding the Pratt and Morgan ruling, the British based Law Lords had said that it was unlawful to carry out the death sentence on a convicted man more than five years after the sentence had been imposed, leaving the state to ensure that all appeals, petitions to human right bodies were completed within that time frame.
Mr. Patterson noted that the Jamaica government could not proceed with such a move without the support of the opposition.
"We will require the co-operation of the Opposition, which we plan to seek," he said.

In a quick response, the opposition Jamaica Labour Party on Monday indicated its willingness to support the Government in carrying out the legislative changes necessary to prevent the abolition of capital punishment.
Reacting to the statement by the Prime Minister Patterson, Opposition Spokesman on Justice Delroy Chuck said the JLP would participate in the move, which is being contemplated among measures to fight crime.
Hangings last took place here in 1988, while crime in the island continues to be worsened by a high murder rate, with over 900 persons killed since the start of the year. 

Canadian Aid to Fund Caribbean Poultry Study

Trinidad, CMC -- The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is funding a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) Trade Competitiveness Study to be undertaken by the regional poultry industry.
The C$100,000 (US$64,248) grant is to the Caribbean Poultry Association, which is to receive an initial disbursement of C$60,000 (US$38,549) by the end of the year.
"This study will allow the CPA to better prepare the industry for the FTAA process by providing us with the information we require for ongoing negotiations," said CPA Executive Director Robert Best.
CPA President Patrick De Groot was to sign the funding agreement on behalf of the CPA at a special ceremony to be held at the Canadian High Commission, also attended by representatives of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, the Poultry Association of Trinidad and Tobago, the Association of Trinidad and Tobago Table Egg Producers, the Livestock and Livestock Products Board and the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the Caribbean Agribusiness Association (CABA).

CARICOM Delegations To Visit Haiti and Cuba

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC - Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo will lead a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegation to Cuba and Haiti later this month, the CARICOM Secretariat here has announced.
It said that at least 11 Caribbean leaders would be part of the delegation to Havana to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between CARICOM and Cuba.
In 1972 four English-Speaking Caribbean countries - Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago - established diplomatic relations with Cuba.
CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington will join the delegation in Havana, the Secretariat said.
The ceremonies marking the anniversary will take place on December 7-8, 2002.
CARICOM enjoys favourable trading relations with Cuba. In 2000, the region, whose principal exports are petroleum and petroleum products, anhydrous ammonia, aluminium hydroxide and steel bars and rods, had a trade surplus of US$8.4 million.
Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Jamaica and Barbados account for the majority of the region's trade with Cuba.
On leaving Cuba, President Jagdeo will lead a CARICOM Mission to Haiti to officially welcome Port au Prince as a member of the regional integration grouping.
Haiti became CARICOM's newest member on July 2, 2002.

The Secretariat said that President Jagdeo would meet with Haiti's President Jean Bertrand Aristide and address the Haitian Parliament. 

CARICOM and Spain Hold 1^st Technical Talks

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC -- Edwin Carrington, Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), was in Madrid this week for the first meeting of the CARICOM-Spain Joint Commission that got underway Wednesday.
An official statement said the two-day meeting "is a direct result of the First CARICOM-Spain Summit held in Trinidad and Tobago in July 1999.".
At that meeting an Agreement on Scientific and Technical Co-operation was signed between the parties in which the idea of the Joint Commission was included.
The Spanish Parliament ratified the Agreement earlier this year and Spain agreed to host this first meeting, the statement said.
Since the signing of the agreement, similar bi-lateral agreements have been signed between Spain and Belize, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
 "Already co-operation has begun with Spain rendering assistance in the areas of Spanish Language teaching, Tourism, Fisheries, Export Promotion and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. Spain has also expressed an interest in becoming a non-borrowing member of the Caribbean Development Bank," the CARICOM statement added.

Grenada PM, British Team Discuss Subregional Needs

ST.GEORGES, Grenada, CMC - Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell and a visiting British aid delegation met here Tuesday to discuss the key challenges facing the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) subregion.

Among their topics were public sector reform, disaster management training and modernisation of the security and prison services.

A Government statement said that Dr. Mitchell met the Head of the Department for International Development (DFID), Caribbean, Joanne Alston, and Resident British Commissioner Vic Wallis.
It said that Prime Minister Mitchell sought assistance for training and equipment for the local coast guard as well as forensic assistance and computerisation for the Royal Grenada Police Force.
Dr. Mitchell referred to the increased financial burden placed upon islands such as Grenada and other OECS countries following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States last year.
 The statement said that Ms.Alston, who is based in Barbados, gave the assurance that Grenada's requests for financial, technical and other forms of assistance would be considered by DIFD or forwarded to the relevant division of the British Government.

Grenada/Trinidad Protocol To Foster Trade in Produce

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad -- Farmers, traders and the consuming public are expected to benefit from the Grenada/Trinidad Agricultural Trade Protocol signed here last Friday by Grenada Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries Claris Charles and Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources John Rahael.
The Protocol makes provision to increase trade in fresh agricultural produce between Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago.
The initiative for the Protocol dates back to June 2001, when Prime Minister held discussions here with then Prime Minister Basdeo Panday on agricultural trade and other issues of mutual concern. A Joint Declaration was issued then outlining cooperation in agriculture, tourism, culture, science and technology and other areas, to be managed by a Joint Commission.
Prime Minister Mitchell continued dialogue on these matters with Prime Minister Patrick Manning in June 2002 to complete the process.
 Traditionally, Trinidad has been a major market for fresh produce from Grenada. In 1993 Grenada exported 1.4 million kilograms of fruits and vegetables to Trinidad. However, the infestation of the pink mealy bug caused exports to decline to zero by 1996. While trade resumed between the two countries, Grenada exported less than 5,000 kilograms of fruits and vegetables in 2000.
Minister Charles said at the signing ceremony that in 2001 Grenada imported an average of 3,000 kilograms of produce from Trinidad, while imports of fruits and vegetables from extra regional sources exceeded 260,000 kilograms.
"It is clear that there is room for significant improvement in the agricultural trade between our two countries. This Protocol seeks to set the framework that could facilitate this expansion in an orderly and structured manner," Minister Charles said.

Two Antiguan Electoral Officials Fret Over Voter Re-registration

ST. JOHNS, Antigua, CMC - Two opposition members on the Electoral Commission here are raising doubts as to whether the electoral body can fulfill its December 31 deadline for re-registration of voters in Antigua and Barbuda.
Deputy Chairman Bruce Goodwin and Bishop Ewing Dorsett told a news conference on Monday that they disagreed with statements made by McClin Matthias, Chairman of the Commission, that the deadline could be met.
"I am convinced that any effort to disenfranchise any sector of the society can lead to unrest, and I would not want to be part of a decision that could cause turmoil," Bishop Dorsett said, while agreeing with moves by the Deputy Chairman to speak to the media about issues regarding the Electoral Commission.
Mr. Goodwin told reporters he too had doubts about the deadline for re-registration of eligible voters.
"Can we truly say that every eligible elector in Antigua and Barbuda knows and understands what is required of him/her to fulfill the requirements of this voter registration process that is required to be completed during the month of December?" he asked.
He further questioned: "Has there been any effective and comprehensive public voter education campaign that has prepared eligible electors for the registration process?"
Mr. Goodwin rejected statements by the Electoral Commission Chairman of plans to undertake a public education drive on the issue.
 "I wish to state categorically that the Electoral Commission, contrary to the chairman's recent statements, has no plan what so ever to mount a national voter re-registration drive during this month," he said.
He warned that any registration of voters lacking such a plan would be "haphazard, unfair, incomplete, and fraught with danger for the democratic character of any elections that may be based on a list derived from such a flawed process".
The Chairman of the Commission has yet to respond to the latest comments.

St. Vincent Farmers Facing Yearly Cut in Bananas to UK

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent. -- Minister of Agriculture Selmon Walters announced last week that the annual decline in banana shipments to the United Kingdom will occur over the next three weeks<