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The Honorable Chief Minister John Osborne and Mrs. Ann Skerritt, one of the oldest residents of Geralds, together turned the sod in Tuesday morning's groundbreaking for the new airport at Geralds.

Mr. Osborne, speaking as the minister responsible for Finance and Economic Development, emphasized that construction of the airport at Geralds "is one of those critical elements to the development of Montserrat;” He added, “an airport will further enhance our tourism potential, which for many years has brought many jobs to our people, in construction, real estate management, landscaping, maid service and agriculture among others.”

His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg stressed in his remarks the importance of having an airport and said that it will give the people of Montserrat a psychological boost.

“Once the airport is completed in 18 months time, there will be a greater confidence in the airport,” he said.

He echoed the theme that completion of the airport would create more jobs, that there would be an overall increase in business and income for the Island, and that the extremely heavy subsidies that are presently required for transportation system would be reduced considerably.

This airport has been planned since 1998 when Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair promised an airport/airstrip in Montserrat, as he shook hands with former Chief Minister David Brandt. Since then plans, discussions and consultations began to take place.

Exactly one year ago, Mr. Claude Hogan, Project Manager for what was even then still considered a "temporary" airport at Geralds, was in England discussing the airport project with officials of the Department for International Development (DFID), along with representatives of the Government and the preferred tender for the project.

As plans progressed for what Chief Minister Osborne indicated on Tuesday will cost “EC$42.6 million to implement, funded by the British Government through the DFID, shared with the European Union through its regional Economic Development,” there have been many discussions, vocal opposition and objections to the facility at Geralds, coming from the Committee for the Redevelopment for Montserrat (CRM), which considers itself representing the masses.

The CRM’s position, like that of many others, agrees that an airport is absolutely essential, but that one at Geralds 600 metres long is "dangerous and unsafe" and cannot provide Montserrat the necessary support to enhance its recovery and development.

In response to the CRM’s strong opposition airport Project Manager Hogan said, “The particular descent of the airport is centered around the economic case for Montserrat -- this being the size of the airport to maximize the economic potential for Montserrat as a tourism destination and as a jurisdiction with the good investment potential in a range of areas.”

Building this airport, with a 600-meter airstrip to facilitate the proposed Twin Otter aircraft, Mr. Hogan said, “we feel will satisfy the medium and intermediate needs of Montserrat, which we see as some 10-15 years.”

The CM agreed, saying that his Government has “taken a safe, adequate and economic option at Geralds . . . our plans are informed by some of the foremost experts in airport building and operations including our own Eastern Caribbean Directorate of Civil Aviation based in Antigua.”

Acknowledging perhaps the concerns of CRM, the CM said, “It is now time to give the clearway for the construction of a 600-meter airstrip principally for the operation of a 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft to satisfy the immediate needs of the island.”

Part of the argument by CRM is that the airport is so unsafe and dangerous that it will not even accommodate a Twin Otter and that only six-seaters and nine-seaters may be able to use the strip. They support their argument from an independent study prepared by ‘Leading Edge Aviation Planning professionals’ dated April 2002: (See Independent Study excerpts in box)

Governor Longrigg said that with all the controversy surrounding the airport, “The Government of Montserrat made a sensible decision to build this airport; it was sensible, but nevertheless a difficult one.”

Continuing the theme as an effort to suppress the obvious impression that Britain is turning its back on Montserrat, the Governor stressed that as a result of this decision taken by “the United Kingdom and the European Union, by virtue of their funding, shows that they have confidence in Montserrat.”

The Chief Minister noted that with the construction of the airport, Montserrat would be better able to provide Lifeline Services for medical emergency, disaster relief and economic links for business travel and support to commerce and tourism. He emphasised that local labor; skills and resources are to be used in the construction of the airport.

He said that there are two contracts within the airport project: the building and extension works to house the security systems, which will provide adequate space for departures and arrivals and offices for all the airport staff; the major airstrip works and new access road to Geralds, via a tunnel, both of which are programmed to begin the first quarter of next year.

Other speakers at the ground breaking ceremony were: Minister of Communications and Works (MCW) Dr. Lowell Lewis, who explained in brief remarks that the Geralds site was the most affordable of those considered; DFID representative Ian Young, who thanked the European Union for their support and "elements of funding." and permanent secretary in the MCW Mr. Alrick Taylor.

Mr. Taylor told the small gathering, “Montserrat needs an airport that would be safe for operators to use . . . that will meet the demand for passenger seats into and out of the island. This, I understand, will accomplish that. . . . It is this goal that GoM is pursuing assiduously.”

Work on the airport site was estimated earlier for a start in August this year, according to an earlier government release, with planned completion by the end of 2003 and full operations in early 2004. But with this delayed development, and information that to satisfy European conditions advertising for the tender of constructing the airport must be advertised for three months, the completion time has been put back to July, 2004.

Chief Minister Mr. John Osborne, points to the signboard, illustrating the new airport site).

Minister of Public Works, Dr. Lowell Lewis and His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg inspect airport models.

Brief Excerpts from CRM’s Independent Study, April 2002

Prepared by LEADING EDGE, aviation planning professionals

“…to construct a runway for the Twin Otter may have been appropriate in the emergency situation that existed in 1997, but this can no longer be viewed as satisfactory. Designing an airstrip for this aircraft when it has been out of production for 14 years and is likely to be phased out altogether by the airlines over the coming five years, is clearly short-sighted. Compounding this is the fact that the runway is too short for the aircraft types that are already replacing the Twin Otter in airline service in the Caribbean. (the Geralds airport is now anticipated to be ready by mid-2004)

“A more cost-effective approach would be to establish a firm preference for an airport site that can support the longer-term air access needs of the island. Scarce capital funds can then be devoted towards constructing a short runway on this site as the first stage of an expandable, longer-term airport. The present approach being adopted will result in an airstrip that cannot feasibly be developed further, cannot support the operational needs of aircraft that will replace the design aircraft, and cannot be used by larger aircraft in the future. Capital funds about to be used for construction of the airstrip at Geralds bottom will therefore be poorly invested for no longer-term benefit.

Blakes Estate Site Option

If a decision can be made that Blakes Estate is available for airport development, it would be recommended than an initial runway be constructed, preferably 7,999 m, but with the earthworks formation developed…this approach would require relocation and construction of the football pitch and stadium within the cost of the airport project, and these facilities might possibly be relocated to a site at Geralds Bottom, which is both flat and of sufficient size. (This area was the projected site for the development of a sport complex which cricketing authorities had hoped they could also host 2007 world cup).

If a decision is reached that Blake’s Estate is not available for airport development then the two sites in the north of the island would be the next best candidates…In this, the first priority should be placed on examining the Old Quaw site.”

Not unlike most of its sister territories, Montserrat expects its economy to pick up significantly during this time of year, the 40^th when it celebrates Christmas with its annual Festival. This is usually a period of celebrations and cultural shows, queen show competition and calypso show competitions, fetes, a mini carnival.

This year, with a little more organization, there have been very few tales of woe, as the ferry waited up to 10 o’clock at night to enable large numbers of people reach their Montserrat destination without the added expense of having to overnight in Antigua. It is estimated that each time this is the case, at least $30,000 gets to Montserrat rather than being spent in Antigua.

Unconfirmed figures put the number of arrivals at over 1,200. But whoever these persons are and while it is good that they arrive here with money they didn’t have to spend in Antigua, their visits are not expected to make a significant difference to the coffers of the economy. This year it simply has not been the same, not according to the business community.

We know, nevertheless, that our brother and sister "peasants" (as we’ve been referred to high places) who have returned from the USA and England will merely thrill us with their presence as we all try to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Festival, which, despite the volcanic crisis, was only missed once in the last 40 years.

Many of them will be checking to see what they can expect if and when they plan to return. They will be thankful only that there are still bodies here and that we try not to make their "visit" boring.

Those who arrived prior to Tuesday, 17^th December, would have had the opportunity to witness the Geralds airport groundbreaking ceremony. But as if to show their complete distrust they, like so many residents, were visibly absent at both functions put on to mark the event.

This new airport for Montserrat has long been on the cards and in discussions and it must be true that not even a new constitution has been discussed as widely as this airport issue.

Since CM John Osborne says that this is to meet government’s obligation “to provide lifeline services for medical emergency, disaster relief and economic links for business travel and support to commerce and tourism,” he will certainly be reminded about this when these turn out to be unrealized. There are many who believe that if his government lasts to the next general election, this will bring their end.

These questions have been asked: “For how much longer could we continue to suffer the hardship and inconvenience of travel by sea and the uncertainty of the occasional seat on the helicopter? And is it economical or sensible to continue spending more than $13 million a year on these two services with all of their drawbacks?”

Whether Montserrat can experience any significant level of development without some type of airport facility is a question that is still controversial.

When Mr. Mike Wood, who was then in charge of Montserrat affairs at DFID, wrote: “I regret we are not prepared to re-open consideration of Thatch Valley,” some two years ago, who can say if Montserrat had taken a more positive and pro-active position what would have been long before now?

Unless the residents and people of Montserrat can bring about some drastic change, construction of the airport at Gerald’s will begin in another three months, notwithstanding the fact that the groundbreaking ceremony was supposed to be impressive for the many visiting Montserratians.

The biggest fear and concern about this airport is its safety for the operation of Twin Otter aircraft to adequately move 16-19 people in and out of Geralds on schedule and as required, and whether it will make a positive impact in Montserrat’s recovery effort and revival of its economy.

The Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat (CRM) have led the opposition to the airport at Geralds, but will the following be immediately achieved or even by the end of 2005?

To arrest declining economic returns due to the absence of a reliable and affordable transport service;

Serving as economic links for business travel and support to commerce and tourism; with Antigua as the main hub, with St Maarten, St Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe as alternate destinations;

Providing access for residents abroad, expatriates, cultural exchanges; and tourism access for mainly long stay plus excursion visitors to Montserrat.

So far no one can tell us how the Geralds airport will connect us to these links above, whether it will be through Carib Aviation, LIAT, Caribbean Star or a wholly owned private operator.

However uncertain those prospects, the Montserrat Reporter can assure residents and visitors alike of our sincere wishes for a joyous 40^th Festival and a happy and blessed Christ-filled holiday season.

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.

How would you define “the Christmas spirit”? Would it be a friendly smile between strangers, the sound of familiar carols, a tree with twinkling lights in a sea of brightly wrapped packages, or just that good feeling you get this time of the year?

None of these elements captures the real meaning of the phrase. They represent feelings that may be a response to the commercialism that distorts the real spirit of Christmas.

J.I Packer goes to the heart of this matter in his book Knowing God. He writes, “We talk glibly of the Christmas spirit, rarely meaning more by this than sentimental jollity…it ought to mean the reproducing in human lives of the [temperament] of Him who for our sakes became poor,…the spirit of those who, like their Master, live their whole lives on the principle of making themselves poor-spending and being spent-to enrich their fellowmen, give time, thought, care, and concern to do good to others...in whatever way there seems need.”

In Philippians 2, Paul described the God of heaven and earth as laying aside His divine glory and becoming our servant by dying on the cross for our sins. Then he urged us to duplicate that same mind of humble service to others. That’s the true Christmas spirit!- DJD

Note: Dr. Wolf Krebs shares with us as he takes on the MVO Chief scientist Dr. Dunkley

A while ago you published my letter to Dr. Dunkley dealing with some problems of the risk assessment of the Soufriere Hill Volcano. Dr. Dunkley answered in a long and very friendly letter. However, I felt that my concerns had not been properly addressed. Your readers might be interested in my reply to Dr. Dunkley's answer.

I thank you for your reply to my letter. As we have been off Island, I received it only now. I appreciate the thoughtfulness and effort that went into writing it. Please understand that I do not doubt that a pyroclastic flow could enter the Belham Valley. I just think, with the data you provided, the current evacuation and the way it is handled is an over-reaction. I hoped to enlist your help to make the situation somewhat more acceptable. The damage to the economy and to individual property exceeds the necessary precaution by far.

In the paragraphs 3 to 6 of your letter you refer to the discussion we had in your office on the the 22nd October. I do not doubt your numbers. However, I still believe that you ignore some topographic features and spatial relations between the new lava dome and the Belham Valley.

In your seventh paragraph you deal with my objections to the calculations dealing with pyroclastic flows into the Belham Valley. I know that I am not an expert on matters of modeling pyroclastic flows. But I know that the Belham Valley is not a narrow and shallow channel. Thus, given this as an input, your calculations must lead to faulty results, no matter how accurate and sophisticated your models might be otherwise.

Finally you are dealing with the so called "volcanic mud flows" in the Belham River. You may insist that all my arguments are useless semantics and that it does not really matter which words are used. However, in science one has to be very careful in the use of language. Sloppy language produces sloppy science. The Belham River is a river. Solids and water are separate. The solids are on the bottom, and the water is on top. Mud, on the other hand, is a stable suspension of "finely comminuted particles" in water. Mud is sticky and has the "consistency varying of a semi-liquid to that of a soft and plastic solid" (see attachment). The geological textbooks and dictionaries which I could consult all agree on that. For your information I am attaching a copy of the relevant page of an online geology dictionary. Mud flows can be very dangerous indeed.

showing the rocks and water which made the course unusable from time to time

Any river transports material. Such material derives from the area the river drains. The Belham River does not drain the new lava dome, and no lava flows have reached it yet. Thus, the Belham cannot transport material from these volcanic sources. The Belham River is no more dangerous than any other fast flowing river, especially as it is dry most of the time. It definitely is much less dangerous than volcanic mud flows.

To wrongly call the flash floods in the Belham Valley volcanic mud flows is not only sloppy science, the wrong term suggests dangers that do not exist, and the authorities could justify the unwarranted closure of large parts of Montserrat not otherwise threatened by the volcano. A lot of people have suffered large losses due to such "semantics."

This is a bit late because I have been without Internet and only recently read Mr. Kelsick’s letter expounding the virtues of the Executive Committee of the Montserrat National Trust while defaming Mr. Macnamara. I shall not comment on his accusations wherein he called me an imposter, a liar and a coward. What can one say in response to such vitriol except to bluster accordingly?

I acknowledge that he is correct in his supposition that I am using a pseudonym. I have friends in Montserrat who keep me current with happenings, am a frequent visitor and asked some questions many of us thought needed to be asked. Apparently our questions hit a nerve. Assuming Mr. Kelsick is being employed by the Executive to defend their position, he must choose to believe what he is told by them. We believe otherwise.

Dear Editor,
I write to thank the people of Montserrat and to let them know that they are in the thoughts of many people around the world who have ever visited Montserrat.
My first visit to Montserrat was 12 years ago, then at Christmas time the following year. Perhaps this is why my thoughts are with you at this moment in time. My wife and I were invited by our long and dear friends, Audrey and Ray Tyson, who are residents on the island who I can truly call friends. They were there when I needed them to help me through financial and difficult times and I will be forever in their debt. My everlasting thoughts of Montserrat are of the people of Montserrat and the kindness and welcome they showed to us while we were there, of the time we visited the waterfall and climbed Chances Peak. I recall the time we went to a restaurant at Plymouth. I think it was called the Blue Parrot, but I could be wrong. I ordered mountain chicken and when it was served to my surprise it was in fact frogs legs. Still it was a nice meal. And how could I forget the large music speakers at Cork Hill and the band contest in the
square near Plymouth harbor? Our friends' house where we stayed was in Foxes Bay, and the sound from the music at night carried all the way to where we stayed and we would sit by the pool with a glass of beer and listen to the music. It was just great.
It also reminds me of the night we went to Vue Pointe to a concert which was put on by a local drama group, and the entertainment was second to none, and your wonderful golf course and tennis courts where I spent many hours.
One of my favorite memories was the time we went to Christmas Eve mass at St. Patrick's church in Plymouth and the wonderful people we met there. I could go on and on about all the wonderful things and people I met. I can remember them all as though it was yesterday, but alas it would take too long to put in
a message. I can say all of these wonderful memories are down to the kind people of Montserrat.
I know it has been a very difficult time for the people of Montserrat since the volcano erupted and the damage it has caused you all. I can only tell you how much I and I am sure many, many more, admire and respect you for all you have done to keep your island going, I know all your efforts will be rewarded one day. I cannot end this letter without thanking the Montserrat Reporter for their reports and updates of news of what's happening in Montserrat. It's a tremendous job you do, thank you. Again I would like to thank
all of the people of Montserrat for kindness shown to my wife and me and wish you and our dear friends the Tyson's a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Geoffrey and Ann Towers

Some of your Montserrat readers would be interested to hear how our daughter Anique performed at CXC. The graduation ceremony for the St. Dominic's High School took place on Tuesday 17th December and 27 students graduated. The school did well overall in the CXC examinations, with 100 percent college passes in six or more subjects.

Anique received Teachers awards in Biology, Chemistry and Physics for her CXC exams and was awarded the Science prize as the student with the highest passes in those subjects. She achieved Grade 1 passes in Physics, Maths, Biology, IT, and English and Grade 2 passes in Chemistry and Spanish. She was the first student at the school to have achieved a grade 1 in Physics.

Anique currently attends the St. Paul's Roman Catholic school for Girls in Birmingham and hopes to become a Medical Microbiologist.

In addition, Vishal Idnani was the Valedictorian with 8 grade 1 passes, Komal Ramchandani achieved 7 grade 1 passes and Denisha Carty achieved 10 Passes (the highest number of subjects taken).

“Another unique asset for the people of Montserrat and visitors” was how Dr. Lowell Lewis, Minister of Communication and Works, described the Duck Pond National Park, which officially opened Sunday.

Set on approximately 6½ acres of land at an altitude of nearly 1,650 feet, the Park offers some of the most spectacular views of the southern part of the island.

Many nature lovers, adventurers and families yearning for a good picnic spot hiked or drove up the track leading to Duck Pond.

Perched on the banisters of the Observatory Deck or leaning as far as possible over the edges of the tree house, one could see the delta of the Belham River, the far ends of Old Towne and Iles Bay, and over to the farthest end of the island, remnants of the wharf and the ash covered city of Plymouth.

The vision of creating a park originally belonged to Mr. John Keller, a farmer who works in Duck Pond, but after discussing his idea with a number of people it soon became a vision shared by many volunteers.

Mr. Keller told the Montserrat Reporter that in order to make his vision a reality, he leased the land from the Government for a period of 20 years.

Now that the Park has been completed, Mr. Keller called it “a labour of love, a collaborative effort by the people of Montserrat.”

His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg planted a "Governor’s Plum" to commemorate the opening of the park.

Governor Longrigg commended Mr. Keller and all who joined with him for their hard work. He said he was pleased to see “Montserrat opening up” and expressed the wish that “the residents come up and make full use of the Park.”

Mr. Keller and his group are encouraging families to come out and plant trees. By doing this, he said, “Young people will have a stake in the ownership of the Park.” He also urged youth and church groups, and the community at large, to come and assist with the maintenance of the Park and its development, especially since it is a ‘People’s Park.’

Mr. Keller said that indigenous fruit trees would be planted on the perimeters of the Park.

Visitors to the Park, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Chadwick, had high praise for the work done at the Park, but lamented that the entrance leading up to Duck Pond is in a deplorable state, “We wish the access roads were better, because if they were, the older and more infirm people can have access to the Park,” they said.

Dr. Lewis said he recognizes that the Park is not an asset without a good road, and that this lack “Illustrates the need for more road development.”

He added that he was hopeful that the “Government can make a case to Britain for additional monies for road development and maintenance.”

Mr. Keller said, “The response was gratifying” and praised the many people who helped to bring the Park to fruition.

These included: the Governors’ Office, which provided the timber for the construction of the woodwork; the Department of Forestry; Harry Rapuno, who donated the benches, Bar B Que Grills and smokers; Ras Booker, who gave the charcoal; Garfield Browne, a craftsman who designed and donated the picnic benches and tables; George "Domo" Mark, who labored; John Preston, engineer; Mark Orme, architect, who designed and helped in the construction of the Observatory Deck and tree house: David Cuthbert, architect; Mr. Rodney Rolle, a local contractor who supervised the construction work; Sylvester Williams and Kendrew Sweeney, who provided the cleaning services for the picnic grounds and parking lots; Julian Romeo, who helped to coordinate the labour and delivery of material; Rupert Isles who donated the aggregate for the concrete structures; Jevon West and Ray Tyson, who donated his trucking services.

Food and drink were in abundance, as many visitors roasted breadfruits, green bananas, chicken and pork.

Pic in New Folder: Gov and visitors at tree house 1 (Caption: same as picture, from left to right; Mrs. Beryl Chadwick, His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg, Mr. Ray Greer and Mr. Bob Chadwick).

“ “ “ “ Tree Planting at duck Pond 2 ( Caption: His Excellency Governor Longrigg and Mr. John Keller planting the Governors Plum)

“ “ “ “ Guys at Duck Pond ( Caption: Messrs. Noel Viville and Trevor Francis enjoying a cool drink).

Mrs. Ann Buffonge Thomas, former employee of the Montserrat Red Cross, has been declared first place winner of ZJB's Radio 50th anniversary essay competition on “What ZJB means to the community.”

Mrs. Pat Ryan and Ms. Helena Durand secured second and third place respectively among the eight entries submitted.

Director of Culture Herman Francis and Brades Primary School Teacher Ms. Sharon Burns were the judges.

A book by Sir Howard Fergus, a ZJB Polo Shirt and pens were among the prizes given to the recipients.

The essay competition was one of the activities organized for their fiftieth year celebration of community service.

Conditions relating to entry into the recently Evacuation zone remain in place as ordered by the Volcano Executive Group (VEG), according to information from a Government House Press Release.

The announcement was made following a meeting held on December 16 by members of the VEG who stated that requests for reoccupation of the recently extended Evacuation Zone were considered but have been denied.

The release said the denial was based on scientific advice that the level of risk has not changed significantly since the evacuation was implemented and may have actually increased.

It is reported that there is larger volume of hot material perched above the northern flank of the volcano and the dome has grown substantially since the time of the evacuation.

In October, the VEG issued the new rules and regulations relating to entry into the exclusion zone after completion of the evacuation October 9^th.

Customer Service Representative, Miss Mary Jane Lewis hands over cheque to Chairman of the Festival Committee, Mr. Gregory Willock

A cheque in the amount of EC$3,000 was donated to Gregory Willock, Chairman of the Festival Committee, on Friday, December 20, 2002, by the local Western Union Branch Office located at St. Peters to help sponsor the Kiddies Carnival.

Mr. Willock, said, “That the cost of the show summed up to $11,000, and he welcomes any donation that is offered.”

Miss Mary Jane Lewis, a representative of Western Union, said, “Western Union will try its best to support the development of culture and Festival.”

She added that Western Union also made a donation towards the Queen Show, which took place at the Festival Village on Sunday, December 22, 2002.

Mr. Willock said, “This donation will purchase costumes for the children to participate in the Carnival.”

The Pacesetters Prince and Princess Pageant Show, held on Sunday evening at the Festival Village was described as successful, but the success was marred by the later announcement that there was a serious flaw in the naming of the Prince of the show.

The boy who was crowned Prince, Encousie Wilson, was dethroned two days later, after the head judge, Mrs. Patricia Ryan, found that a mistake had been made on the final score sheet with the total marks allocated for each of the boys.

President of the Pacesetters Club, Miss Rachel Collis, said that Mrs. Ryan "immediately notified me and I proceeded to call the judges, and they unanimously agreed that a mistake was made and went about correcting it.”

The winner of the Princess Pageant was Christine Martin, followed by Juzanna White and Ann Marie Duberry.

Miss Collis said that she broke the embarrassing news to the parents before the news was made public.

On the night of the show, when Encousie Wilson was crowned Prince, patrons voiced their disapproval, as they were of the opinion that he was not deserving of the title.

“People are of the belief that because Encousie is Guyanese, the Crown was taken away from him, but that wasn’t the case - the new winner is of Haitian extraction,” Ms. Collis said.

She said, “The judges were not familiar with the children before the night of the contest.”

Miss Collis explained that this grave error might have been avoided if the show hadn’t started half an hour later than scheduled, because of the late arrival of support technicians and some contestants, the packed programme, and the lengthy deliberations by the judges.

She explained that Encousie Wilson was allowed to keep all the gifts, except the prize of the Trip overseas.

“According to the sheet, we had to restore the prizes, people are of the opinion that the prizes should have been shared,” Ms. Collis said.

She was very apologetic for the mistake, but said they “had to do the right thing.”

Five boys and girls each vied for the title of the Pacesetters Prince and Princess Crown.

The Caribbean film “No Seed” had its premiere here during the Festival. Made in Antigua, the film is set in the imaginary island of St. Mark and presents an involved story of political intrigue, corruption and human failing. Skillful character portrayals show us how originally good intentions can become self-serving and destructive, going as far as the cover up of health-damaging pollution and even murder.

Running through the film, and parallel to the main story, are scenes of the traditional Caribbean game of Warri, a skillful board game using seeds, from which the film gets its name -- the loser ending up with “no seed.” The game, which is popular in Antigua though unfamiliar to many in Montserrat, is intended to bring out the likeness between the shrewdness and intensity of the game and the underhand dealings in the main story.

Outstanding acting, clever and convincing dialogue, excellent photography and direction are evident throughout the film, with attention paid to every detail. Vibrant glimpses of many aspects of Caribbean life give the story authenticity, whether it is the dialogue, the landscape, the coconut, fish and vegetables, the market, or the basketball game. At times though, the plot is so complicated that a second viewing is needed to understand all the detail.

Director Howard Allen and producer Mitzi Allen of HAMA Productions have brought off an outstanding production with this film. It is the second full-length film by this dedicated Antiguan husband and wife team, whose successful first film, “The Sweetest Mango,” was also shown here in Montserrat. The couple has a deep belief in working with regional talent, moving beyond the stereotypes of Caribbean people, and developing techniques to overcome the challenges of film making in the Caribbean.

An extremely talented cast and production crew have put their all into “No Seed,” which stars Heather Doran as the unscrupulous prime minister of St. Mark, along with a host of other outstanding actors as her associates, rivals, husband, daughter, and the scheming “obeah woman.” The Montserrat audience was delighted to see Myrle Roach in a major role as a shrewd and ambitious young politician with her eye on the prime minister’s post, and skilled character actor Chad Cumberbatch as the “preacher man” at the Warri game. The theme song, specially arranged pan music, and special effects are also most effective. A video of this film for future viewing and for those who missed it would be most welcome.

The choral group Voices put on a delightful concert for one night only at the St John’s Anglican Church. With their usual high standard, which we have come to expect over the years, the group took us through a range of mainly religious and inspirational songs, performed with precision, feeling and enjoyment, including revival and spiritual songs like “Good News” and “Bright Soul.”

Favourites from previous concerts included “Love changes everything” and “Love in any language.” We can never hear these too many times, and if we hear recordings of these songs in other settings, we still think “Voices.”

The last section brought us some lovely, unusual and striking Christmas songs, like “Mary rocked the little baby” and “Hush missus teenage Mary.” The audience was invited to join in with “Joy to the World” at the end, and “Swing low sweet Chariot” at the end of the first section, and did so with enthusiasm.

Voices director Anne Marie Dewar, with her emphasis on striving for perfection, and the dedicated group with several new members, have again brought off a beautiful performance. Although the church was a nice setting and holds a good sized audience, the Vue Pointe Hotel is much missed for occasions like this, bringing home yet once again the necessity for the planned Cultural Centre.

The movie "No Seed" premiered in Montserrat at the Governor’s House last Sunday to a fairly large audience.

The film, which is set on the fictional island of St. Mark, explores the behind-the-scenes nuances of Caribbean politics and highlights cultural mores, including the game of Warri -- (an Antiguan proverb ‘When you play Warri with God, you get no seed’) -- is used metaphorically to underscore the fate of its characters, who are motivated by ambition, power, greed and lust.

The story centers on Grace Valentine, played by Heather Doran, a woman who is struggling to keep her personal and professional life from crumbling, while her colleagues conspire against her.

Montserrat’s very own Myrle Roach and Chad Cumberbatch are members of the cast. Cumberatch plays the role of the preacher. The supporting cast comprises Stephen Watt, Bernard Nichols, Cheryl Phillip, Mervyn Richards, Norris Morris Harris and Berni Issac.

There were second showings of the film at the Montserrat Secondary School the following day at 6.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. It was reported that the second showing saw a well-packed and appreciative audience.

The film is the second of two to be produced by Antiguan director, Mr. Howard Allen of HAMA Productions.

"The Sweetest Mango," a romantic drama, was Mr. Allen’s first full-length film and was a sell out in Antigua and Barbuda.

Mr. Allen said that that ‘No Seed’ is his second film project, and to him “it has become clear that seeing a film made in Antigua by Antiguans is not just going to the movies, it is a cultural cinematic experience.”

He stated that he believes there is a need to “Tell our stories, to nurture talent, to allow people’s dreams to come true, as well as to train a company of actors and technicians.”

He said he was motivated by the fact that many people believed that it wasn’t possible to produce a feature film with the limited resources available, “We have grown and developed techniques to overcome the challenges that face us in a developing country,” he said.

Mr. Allen praised the Antigua Commercial Bank for its unwavering support of the film.

Chief Minister, Mr. John Osborne being given a tour by Mrs. Agatha Aspin from the National Development Foundation

Named "Showcase Montserrat," the Open Forum, Food Fair and Art and Craft exhibition, hosted by the Office of the Chief Minister in collaboration with the Montserrat Tourist Board and the Montserrat National Trust, opened at the Montserrat Secondary School on Wednesday, 18^th December, 2002.

Mr. Claude Hogan, Airport Project Manager, said in his opening remarks, “The purpose of the whole event of ‘Showcase Montserrat’ is to pay homage to the people of Montserrat so that they can re-engage themselves in the process of redevelopment. . . . With over 1,500 people visiting the island at the same time, ‘Showcase Montserrat’ provides them with the opportunity to see everything at the same time.”

The Honorable Chief Minister John Osborne called ‘Showcase Montserrat’ “a good beginning” and said, “We must do more in a responsible and sustained way in order to develop more confidence in our local resources."

“Our standard of living and our quality of life is directly linked to our creative ability, innovation and adaptability and our cultural expressions; we must grasp every opportunity to develop our resources and market these in such a way that would lead to job creation and economic growth,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that Montserrat cannot “depend on outsiders to determine our developmental strategies. Together the entire Montserrat community, local and overseas, must identify our problems and implement appropriate measures that would allow us to come out of this cycle of dependency,” he said.

Miss Ernestine Cassell, Director of the Montserrat Tourist Board, told the audience that " 'Showcase Montserrat' is an example of the positive milestones that have been achieved over the past several years on our island and in presenting future plans for the redevelopment of Montserrat.”

Director of the Montserrat National Trust Tony Maloney said that all the stakeholders coming together under one umbrella “highlights the concept that the way forward is the redevelopment of Montserrat."

When the Reporter visited the site at midday, we caught up with His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg enjoying "goat water," Montserrat’s national dish. He said the food and drink were lovely, and he was looking forward to seeing the rest of the exhibition.”

Despite the mood, some exhibitors said they felt that there should have been a better response by the public.

Exhibitor Mrs. Sarah Joseph, who sells local preserves -- guava jam, pepper, sugar cakes, nuts -- said that her sales were very slow and by midday she had only sold one bottle of jam from a total of about 30 bottled preserves.

“I feel that if the exhibition was on a weekend, more people would have been out and perhaps I might have gotten more sales,” she said.

Food stall exhibitor Mrs. Jasmine Dhera, from Karishma store, who sold traditional Indian foods, said, “People were slowly trickling in and so were the sales.”

Cable and Wireless representatives Miss Jacqueline Morgan and Mr. Ronald Barzey said the public response to their booth was good.

Miss Cassell said she agreed that for the amount of work the exhibitors did, “You expect more people to show up to see the redevelopment of Montserrat.”

On the point of having the exhibition during the day, Miss. Cassell said, “That there are over 1,000 visitors presently on Montserrat, so we have provided activities for them to do.”

“Based on the feedback I have received from the exhibitors and from my own personal observations, the people are reacting to the information they are receiving”, Miss Cassell said.

The Montserrat National Trust housed part of the exhibition -- Horticulture (plants and flowers), the historical museum and an arts and craft section.

A one-day exhibition was held at the Montserrat Secondary School, whilst the extensions of "Showcase Montserrat" were held at the Montserrat National Trust and the Brades Primary School.

The Hi-Fi Stereo Sounds, Hybrid Masquerades and Small Beginnings provided the entertainment.

The exhibition, the first of its kind, saw some 31 public and private sector companies exhibiting their booths, 12 of which were food establishments. Among the public and private sector were:

Montserrat Aviation Services, the National Development Fund (NDF)/ Credit Union, Governor’s Office, Ministry of Public Works (PWD) Airport Project, Tradewinds / Rotary, the Royal Montserrat Police Force / Fire (RMPF), Tropical Mansion Suites, Montserrat Moments, the local Red Cross, Cable and Wireless, Montserrat Water Authority (MWA), Royal Bank of Canada, Montserrat Tourist Board, Development Unit, the Office of the Chief Minister / MONFEST, Nurses Association, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), and the Bank of Montserrat.

Governor’s exhibition at Showcase MNI 2 (Caption: Governor’s House exhibition at ‘Showcase Montserrat’).

Selsi Ltd displaying different grades of volcanic material to be used in construction

St. Kitts -- Some time in the New Year, His Lordship Justice Davidson Baptiste is expected to give judgment in what is regarded as a landmark case between a Caribbean Government and a public servant.

Claude Gerald, Director of Agriculture in Montserrat from 1993 to 2000, is the plaintiff in Civil Suit no. M6/2000. The Defendants are Montserrat’s Attorney General and that island’s Public Service Commission. The case was filed in Montserrat but was transferred to St. Kitts at the request of his Lordship Justice Brian Alleyne.

Antiguan Queen’s Counsel Sydney Christian represented the Plaintiff before Justice Baptiste in the Basseterre High Court this week.

According to reports out of Montserrat, the British Government sent out Ms. Ann Weekes, a Queen’s Counsel, because Montserrat’s substantive Attorney General, Mrs. Esco Henry Greer, was unable to attend the hearing, but briefed counsel.

Mr. Gerald, who holds a B.Sc. from McGill, an MSc. from Aberdeen, and an MSc. from London, is a career agriculturist who was transferred to a desk job at the Ministry of Finance precisely because the Government of then Chief Minister David Brandt claimed that the plaintiff, at the Agricultural Exhibition in December of 1999, made a praiseworthy speech of the Minister just removed from office while failing to recognize his replacement.

When Claude Gerald was summoned before the Public Service Commission, he explained that the omission was not intentional and that his thought processes while preparing the speech were dominated by admiration for a minister with whom he had worked and whose policies in previous years had positively influenced his life. He offered to express to the new Minister his regret for failing to recognize the Minister presence, but the then British Governor, Tony Abbott, apparently decided that the matter had to be resolved to the satisfaction of the politicians. Brandt-watchers have speculated it was here that Gerald’s problems began.

Mr. Gerald’s historically strained relations with Chief Minister Brandt did not come up before the Court. It is common knowledge, however, that when Mr. Brandt was accepted as a member of former Chief Minister Rueben Meade’s Concerned Citizens Movement, Mr. Gerald warned: “Ladies and gentlemen, you have just accepted the most dangerous politician in Montserrat into the party.”

Defense Counsel Ms. Ann Weekes argued on Tuesday that the transfer of Mr. Gerald was not a punishment since it was the Governor’s Constitutional right to transfer civil servants. Q.C. Christian argued that the transfer was a violation of Mr. Gerald’s constitutional rights. He described the transfer as "capricious" and "whismical," pointing out that the buffer between the politicians and the civil servant was the Governor and the Public Service Commission. He intimated that that buffer had failed.

The Montserrat Light and Electricity Corporation (MONLEC) announced in a press release that they have recently signed a contract with Mott MacDonald EPO Ltd, a consulting firm from Ireland to advise them on the acquisition of a new 4-megawatt (MW) Power Station.

Managing Director of the Company Mr. Hilton Howson, said this project would be done in two phases, the first which includes “The design, preparation of bid documents and estimation of costs for the power station building and site facilities.”

Mr. Howson said, “Since the volcanic eruption in 1995, the Company has been using an emergency station.”

This emergency station in Brades will soon be replaced by a new base load power station.

Mr. Howson explained that emergency stations consists of high-speed diesel engines to produce electricity, while the new base load power station will use medium-speed engines to produce electricity.

He said that high-speed engines, “Though the initial cost is good for a short period, usually 5 go 6 years, whereas the medium speed engines are more suitable for long term use, usually periods of 20 years, especially since high- speed engines are costly to maintain.

The Consultants’ report is expected to be submitted in three months, after which it will be used for planning the financing arrangements for the new station.

Mr. Howson said, this “Project is expected to support the rebuilding efforts of electricity consumers by satisfying the need for adequate and secure supplies of electricity of Montserrat.”

Christmas is here again and many people would remember the good old days, when Christmas wasn’t Christmas without caroling.

Many people would eagerly anticipate hearing the melodious voices of the carolers who would come to their house and sing traditional songs such as "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," and the all time favorite, "We wish you a Merry Christmas."

In Montserrat, the all-male Brotherhood of St. Andrews of the Anglican Church is keeping that tradition alive.

This group of 10 has been visiting every community since the last week of November, serenading residents.

Mr. Tony Maloney, Treasurer of the group, said that their carol singing would climax next Sunday, when they visit the Homes for the elderly.

He said that though they have visited every community, their desire is to sing at every house.

He noted, however, that the group has not yet been able to do that because many of the members belong to other social groups, but they will try to do as much as they possibly can. “People are looking forward to hearing us sing,” he said.

Apart from raising funds for Outreach Programs for the less fortunate, Mr. Maloney said, “We are trying to revive a dying cultural aspect, and since Montserrat will be hosting the Diocesan Conference next July, we need to raise funds.”

All the Anglican Dioceses of the Northeastern Caribbean and Aruba are expected to send representatives to the Conference.

Messrs. Randy Greenway, James Allen, Cecil Wade, Joseph Lynch, John Wilson, Charles Kirwan, Dan Ryan, James Irish, George Rodney, Robert Samuel and Tony Maloney make up the choir of the Brotherhood.

Pic in New folder: Brotherhood of St. Andrew 2 (Caption: The Brotherhood of St.Andrew serenading a family in Olveston).

The holiday season is quickly approaching and last Friday saw a record of four accidents in one day.

The first accident occurred at 7:20 a.m. at Lookout, involving a white Mazda and a black Honda Integra. Police said the black car came over the brow of the road and the cars collided, causing minor damages to both cars but no injuries.

In the second accident, at 12:30 p.m. Brades Junction leading into the Brades Primary School. Police said a blue Nissan pickup leaving the school driveway and a southbound blue Nissan Sentra collided. The blue car suffered minor damage. No one was injured.

At Hilltop, St. Peter’s, at 2.00 p.m., a white lorry backed into a parked white car, causing damage to the windscreen of the car, according to police. No one was injured.

At about 3:45 p.m., the fourth accident occurred west of the Montserrat Secondary School junction, when a white car and a blue pickup collided. Police said both vehicles were southbound when they bumped as they were turning west into Olveston. There were no injuries or serious damage.

On Sunday night, at 12:30 p.m., police said, a blue Nissan car struck a white pickup, which was parked by Davy Hill Public Road, near Victor’s Supermarket. No one was hurt and damage was minor.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police John Douglas is urging all motorists to be very careful on the roads, especially during the Christmas season and Festival celebrations.

He noted that the speed limit is still 20 mph and stressed the importance of the slogans, “No drinking and driving,” and ‘If you’re driving, don’t drink and if you’re drinking, don’t drive." Commissioner Douglas said, “It is important that drivers who insist on drinking have a designated driver.”

He added that the police would be very visible on the roadways, especially with all the tourists here for the holidays,

“Those drivers who are found guilty of speeding will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, there was an accident at Soldier ghaut where the vehicle was prevented from plunging into the ghaut when it was stopped by a fallen tree trunk.

The driver of the vehicle said he felt a little dizzy, and the pickup he was driving ran off the road. He said he felt lucky that the vehicle did not end up at the bottom of the ghaut.

The Open Air Market, once famous in the former city of Plymouth, has been revived at least for the Christmas season.

Some farmers took the opportunity last Friday and carried their produce to Festival Village to sell.

Minister of Communication and Works Dr. Lowell Lewis said it “was always Government’s intention to have a focal point where, once a week, people can go and shop for their vegetables and other local produce.”

With this fixed local point, Dr. Lewis said, “It is useful that the farmers know that they can go and sell their produce in one place, and not have to drive around the island to go sell their goods, especially those who do not have their own transportation, and consumers would know that they would get ‘value for their money’.”

He explained that the Village was chosen because it provides lots of parking space, enough cover from the stalls to protect the goods if it rains, and convenience facilities.

Coordinator of the Market Day Claude Browne (pictured left) said that since 1995, there has not been a central market where everyone could meet, though there have been several attempts, which were not very successful.

Nevertheless, Mr. Browne said that the Market Day would run every Friday until January 3 next year.

Mr. Browne said that by having the Market Day in the Village, if many of the Montserratians who are back home for the holidays need anything local, “it reduces the problem of them having to run around to find it.”

Cassava bread, guava jam and peanuts were among the local produce displayed at the stalls when the Reporter visited last Friday morning.

Some stall-holders expressed the view that the business was slow in the beginning, but nevertheless encouraging.

One visitor, Mr. Kevin Maynard, who is back home for the holiday, said he felt “It was a good idea to have such a market day, because lots of people are home for the Festival and it is nice to have the market where it is, as many people will be able to congregate.”

The Government hopes to make the market day a regular event. Dr. Lewis said that they are planning to organize regular bus service for Market Day, making it easier for people to go to the village to purchase their fresh produce.

The United States and Britain sharply criticised Iraq's weapons declaration to the United Nations on Thursday, saying it is riddled with falsehoods and omissions.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said he was not optimistic that Iraq would co-operate with demands to disarm, and that he believed other UN Security Council members felt the same way.

Mr. Powell said Washington would make a formal response to the dossier on Thursday, after chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix had given his first assessment of the 12,000-page document.

UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has also criticised the Iraqi declaration, saying it was not "the full and complete" version demanded by the UN Security Council.

"This will fool nobody," Mr Straw said in a statement. "If Saddam persists in this obvious falsehood, it will become clear that he has rejected the pathway to peace."

Prime Minister Tony Blair said that Britain would give its formal response to the declaration after Christmas.

Not all members of the UN Security Council, however, appear to believe there are deficiencies in Iraq's report. In a BBC interview, Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Sharaa said that waging war on Iraq was "unjustified, unnecessary and unlikely."

The Americans have said they will lead a coalition to disarm Iraq by force if it fails to close down what Washington describes as its weapons of mass destruction programme.

But BBC Washington correspondent Rob Watson said both Mr Powell and White House spokesman Ari Fleischer stressed the determination of the administration to work within what they called the UN process, suggesting there will be no rush to war, however flawed Washington considers the declaration to be.

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent -- Mr. Roger Luo, Charge d’affairs of the Republic of China on Taiwan, handed over a cheque for US$728,710.66 to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Of that total, US$82,612.90 will go towards continuation of the Youth Empowerment Programme, US$72,911.24 will go towards providing additional facilities at the Community College, US$557,562.68 will go towards the computerization of schools, and US$15,623.84 towards the upgrading of equipment at the Agency for Public Information.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves expressed the appreciation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the assistance, saying the relationship between this country and the Republic of China on Taiwan continues to be strengthened. Charge d’affaires Mr. Luo reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the continued development of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced that he and a five-member delegation will be visit the Republic of China on Taiwan in February/March of next year.

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada -- Cable & Wireless Grenada Ltd. (C&W) and Global Network Providers (Grenada) Inc. (GNP) announced an agreement this week that, upon approval by the NTRC, will provide a framework for interconnection of both parties’ networks. The parties said the agreement, signed by Antonio Bailey, Chairman and CEO of Global Network Providers (Grenada) Inc., and Carlyle Roberts, General Manager C&W Grenada, was filed with the NTRC on November 21, 2002.

Both parties indicated hope for a speedy approval so that they can promptly begin to implement the interconnection. Iinterconnection will allow customers connected to GNP and C&W networks to communicate and also allow GNP to offer international outgoing services.

GNP and C&W characterized the negotiations as positive and constructive and they indicated their eagerness for the realization of the benefits that competition will bring to all sectors of the Grenada market.

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC - A former Antigua government minister, who has been implicated in wrongdoing at the state run Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), is seeking a judicial review of the findings by a recent commission of inquiry.
Former Trade Minister Hilroy Humphreys has filed an application in the High Court, challenging the findings of the MBS Commission of Inquiry.
The lawsuit names as defendants Chairman Sir Alister McIntyre and Commissioners Dr. John Anthony Roberts and Oscar Frederick, with the first hearing of the judicial review slated for February 3, 2003.
Mr. Humphreys, whose name is among a dozen forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions here for alleged involvement in impropriety at the Scheme, is also seeking an administrative order to set aside or quash the findings and recommendations contained in the report.
Of particular concern to him are sections of the report which relate to the DPP pursuing questions of land purchase and the professional fee to ascertain whether a basis exists for charging him and others with fraud or other appropriate offences.
In their report, the Commissioners also said that "we consider Humphreys to be patently dishonest and reckless with the truth, and that he misused and abused his office of public trust for personal gain, and in that regard, committed criminal offences.
"In our view, his conduct is the worst example of how a public official should behave in office," the report added.
Among others to be investigated is Bernard Percival, who was minister in charge of health when a crisis broke out at the Scheme last year and was later fired; Cavelle John, Elemade Jarvis, Norma Jarvis-Southwell, Florence George, Everett Lake, Dave George, Carlton Lewis, Andy Jacobs, Michael Johnson, Ali Challenger, Michael Payne and Esley Ryan - all of whom were attached to the Scheme.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC - Trinidad and Tobago's President Arthur N.R. Robinson celebrated his 76th birthday on Monday, insisting that when he leaves office next year he would not be a "dead duck" but continue to work towards having the International Criminal Court (ICC) accepted "by the world."
Mr. Robinson, who is due to step down in March, said in a radio interview that while he expected to remain active, he would not be involved in party politics at any level in the future.
Mr. Robinson had been instrumental in the establishment of the ICC, which has found opposition from the United States because it could be used to bring to trial U.S. military personnel who might have run afoul of international law while on duty worldwide.
Mr. Robinson, who was originally due to leave office earlier this year, agreed to hold on for a year so as to allow the Electoral College to choose a successor.
He served as Prime Minister of this oil rich Caribbean state from 1986-91, and was wounded but survived a coup attempt in 1990 by the radical Jamaat al Muslimeen group here.

SABA (SGIS) – Civil Aviation Security Inspector and Facilitation Officer Arthur “Tito” Tholel, Executive Council, and Manager of the Airport Roland Holm are in continuing discussions to prepare of an Aerodrome Manual for the Airports of the Netherlands Antilles.

Certification of Netherlands Antilles airports must be completed by November 2003 according to the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Commissioner responsible for Security Lisa Hassell, told the Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) that a lot needs to be done to put things in place at the Juancho Yrausquin Airport.

“Safety and security issues are being viewed in a different manner and we have to do our part. People need to be properly trained in order to fulfill their responsibilities and carry out their tasks.

“Our security personnel have received some training on island and at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA). . . . We can start with introducing some of the new requirements utilizing what resources we have at our current disposal,” Commissioner Hassell explained.

GRAND TURK, CMC - A groundbreaking yesterday at Grand Turk Airport marked success after two years of negotiations for the redevelopment of Grand Turk International Airport, on which work will commence in January 2003.

The US$13.5-million redevelopment, which is slated for completion in November 2003, will provide first class airport facilities for Grand Turk for the next winter season.

The redevelopment comprises a new state of the art terminal building, car parks, landscaping, access roads, extensions to the runway, refurbishment and resurfacing of the existing runway, and airport landing lights.

The Grand Turk redevelopment expenditure brings to $23 million the total invested there and in Providenciales, of which the Government contributed $8 million and retains 35-percent ownership in the joint venture.

Guyana, CMC - Opposition People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Leader, and former Guyana President, Desmond Hoyte died Sunday morning at Georgetown home.
According to Headquarters of the PNC/R, Mr. Hoyte was taking breakfast to his wife Joyce at about 8:00 a.m. "when he slipped, fell and hit his head."
He was 73.
Long active in the law and in politics, Mr. Hoyte became Prime Minister and First Vice-President in 1984. The following year, he was appointed President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and PNC Leader after the death of President Forbes Burnham

He led the PNC to successive general election defeats in October 1992, December 1997, and March 2001.

GRAND TURK -- Public servants in the Turks and Caicos islands will enjoy holidays over the entire week beginning Christmas Eve, December 24, 2002 through January 1, 2003;

The civil servants received from the Hon. Cynthia Astwood, chief secretary, that approval was given for the public servants to celebrate their holiday season, beginning from Christmas eve to the 1st January, with Christmas being a half holiday while the others were full holidays.

The chief secretary told the public, however, that December 24^th, 27^th, 30^th and 31^stare granted as a privilege for Public Servants Only, and are not to be considered official public holidays.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – FirstCaribbean International Bank announced Friday that it has received formal approval from the governments of the British Virgin Islands and Grenada to commence operations effective Monday.
"We are delighted to welcome our employees and customers in Grenada and the BVI into the FirstCaribbean family," said Michael Mansoor, executive chairman of FirstCaribbean in a release issued by the Bank's head office here.
"Both Grenada and the BVI are critical territories for FirstCaribbean and their inclusion represents the conclusion of the combination of the CIBC and Barclays heritage banks in the region," he added
The announcement follows an agreement between Barclays Bank PLC and the majority of its employees in the BVI to join FirstCaribbean, as well as the receipt of approvals from the government and regulatory bodies of the BVI.
The BVI business includes retail, corporate and international banking operating out of two branches, including an international banking centre.
In Grenada, the business includes four branches offering retail and corporate banking services.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC - The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) approved a new Private Sector Development Strategy for the Bank at a meeting of the Board at Headquarters here on Thursday, December 12, 2002.
CDB's strategic objective for private sector development in its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) is to help improve the global competitiveness of the Region's productive sector to reposition Caribbean economies into the mainstream of the world economy.
The Bank's emphasis will be on building enterprise and institutional capacity and increasing the flow of investment capital to business enterprises.
In pursuing these objectives, CDB will support business and product development, catalyse larger investment flows and assist in creating an enabling and supportive policy environment.
CDB's Private Sector Strategy was in March of this year when the Bank hosted a Private Sector Summit in collaboration with the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Republican Party leader in the United States Senate, Trent Lott of Mississippi, announced Friday he is stepping down from the post.

His departure follows widely criticised remarks earlier this month when he spoke approvingly of a presidential candidate in 1948 who had favoured racial segregation.

"I want to say this about my state: When Strom Thurmond ran for president, we voted for him. We're proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years."

In a statement Friday, Mr. Lott said he would resign before the next U.S. Congress, elected in November, convenes in January.

"To all those who offered friendship, support and prayers, I will be eternally grateful," he said.

Mr Lott said he would remain in the Senate, maintaining the narrow Republican majority.

He has repeatedly apologised for his remarks, saying that he had made a "terrible mistake," but denying he was racist.

President George W Bush, who took the unusual step of criticising the remarks, said he understood and respected Mr. Lott's decision.

The BBC's Rob Watson said Mr. Lott's departure is an indication of the changing attitude towards racial prejudice in the United States, and the Republican Party's determination not to be seen as the party of the white and the privileged.

Antigua, -- Antigua and Barbuda opened the newly-constructed Nevis Street Pier on Thursday with tourism officials cheered by the berthing of four cruise ships in the area.
Tourism Minister Molwyn Joseph said that the opening of the US$22-million pier, coupled with the recent dredging of the harbour, places Antigua and Barbuda in a strong position to welcome larger ships, resulting in increased visitor arrivals.
"We already have indications for the year 2003, which will also be a better season for us. There are some 13 new ships which will be coming into the chain next year and we are in a position to accommodate them," Mr. Joseph said.
During a visit to the pier and tour of one of the ships, Prime Minister Lester Bird said Antigua and Barbuda is now a premier destination. "I think the government should be given a lot of credit in the first place for building Heritage Quay," he said, "and now to know that you had to expand it in order to take these huge ships, congratulations are surely in order for the Ministry of Tourism, the cruise tourism people and all those who have been involved in it."

The presence at the new pier of the sister ships out of Europe -- the European Vision and the Minstrel -- coupled with the arrival of two others at the Heritage Quay, brought a total of more than 7,000 passengers to the city of St. John's.
The opening of the pier came in the midst of Tourism Week celebrations on the island, which continued with the staging of "Tourism Blast Off'" at the Heritage Quay Band Stand before thousands of visitors.

The Tourism Minister used the opportunity to announce that farmers will soon be able to market their produce directly to the various cruise ships entering the country.
"The farmers of Antigua and Barbuda will have the opportunity to market their goods, fruits and vegetables to the cruise ships in this harbour. They will have a captive market, where they do not have to box vegetables to ship them for thousands of miles. All they have to do is produce the vegetables and fruits, right here in Antigua and Barbuda, deliver them to the cruise ships fresh," the Minister said.
He also indicated that organic foods are grown by the farmers, a point which brought sustained applause from the visitors.

St. Kitts -- St. Kitts and Nevis will benefit from an environmental health university training programme developed for Caribbean countries.

The three-step programme was finalised by a special task force at a meeting in Barbados from December 9 to 13.

It was attended by representatives from the major tertiary institutions, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Barbados Ministry of Health, with support from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

The programme involves 26 courses, comprising science fundamentals, and specialised training in the broad area of environmental health.

Phase one of the three-step programme is a certificate course that addresses the fundamentals in environmental health and qualifies participants as environmental assistants. Phase two leads to an associate degree, while phase three, which provides for specialised training in vector control, occupational hygiene, epidemiology, food safety and environmental engineering, leads to a Bachelors Degree.

The project is to be submitted to CARICOM’s Council for Human and Social Development (CHOSOD), in April for endorsement. After that process is concluded, the document will be forwarded to the major tertiary institutions in the region for training to begin.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC - Trinidad and Tobago police are searching for two bandits who reportedly held up an armoured vehicle and stole an estimated TT$5 millions (US$840,000 dollars) on Wednesday night.
Police said the bullet proof, steel-reinforced Securicor armoured vehicle with three members of a local security firm inside was transporting the money from the Port of Spain branch of Republic Bank to one of the branches in San Fernando, east of here.
The armed bandits reportedly hijacked the vehicle after it started to swerve and the security men believed that it had punctured a front tyre. The men came out of the vehicle to investigate the matter when the thieves held them up.
Police are investigating the report that the three security men were ordered back into the van and driven to another area where they were relieved of bags containing the money.
One of the security officers is under police guard at the hospital where he is receiving treatment for injuries to his face and ear, while the two others have been treated and discharged, media reports said on Friday.
The heist is reported to be the biggest in the country's history, and police said they are hoping to trace the money through the serial numbers.

NASSAU, The Bahamas, CMC - The Bahamas government has established a 22 member Commission on Trade Liberalisation and Globalisation to advise on various trade matters, including participation in the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the Caribbean Community Single Market and Economy (CSME).

In making the announcement, Prime Minister Perry Christie told the Commissioners: "Your task will also be to advise the Government on the administrative and institutional framework for the development of an effective response to globalisation and the trade liberalisation process, in particular the establishment and staffing of an appropriate technical support structure to facilitate the work of the Commission.

"You will be expected to advise the Government on strategies and programmes to develop policy positions, which will allow for the making of offers to other nations thereby further opening the Bahamian economy to productive foreign investment," he added.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Leslie Miller also announced the formation of the Office of the Bahamas Trade Commission (OBTC), while stating that the Commission would play "a pivotal role" in advising the Government on trade issues.

"The establishment of this Commission is in keeping with my Government's commitment to consult widely with civil society in order to build consensus and develop The Bahamas' position on the FTAA, WTO, and the CARICOM Single Market & Economy," Miller said.

The Bahamas is currently a member of CARICOM but does not participate in its single market arrangements.

The Commission is expected to meet in early January and will make recommendations to the Government on issues relating to bilateral, hemispheric, regional and multilateral trading initiatives and implications of various initiatives on the economy of The Bahamas.

Under the Commission’s mandate and terms of reference, it will also advise the Government on the formulation and development of realistic and pragmatic trade policies, which will not negatively impact the sustainable growth, and development of the Bahamian economy.

The Trade Minister said government plans to hold town meetings, seminars and workshop throughout the country to ensure that every Bahamian is familiar with the implications of the trading initiatives to the economy.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC- Less than 48 hours after indicating that he was still the leader of the Tobago faction of the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), Hochoy Charles has re-launched the Democratic Action Congress (DAC) that once dominated politics in the sister isle.

Earlier this month, members of the NAR voted to remove Mr. Charles and his executive, but last weekend he called a meeting at which he said supporters gave him a vote of confidence.

NAR leader Lennox Sankersingh told reporters on Tuesday, however, that Mr. Charles had to accept the prior decision of the supporters to replace him as leader.

But Mr.Charles and his supporters announced on Tuesday that they had re-named the Tobago faction of the NAR as the DAC, which had been formed by former Tobago East representative Arthur N.R. Robinson, now President of the twin-island Republic.

Former Tobago NAR executive chairman Ashworth Jack said in a statement that the DAC would use the “open book’ as its symbol reflecting “the spirit and soul from which the NAR came.”

No date has been given for the launch of the party, but Mr. Charles said last weekend that supporters would be meeting in January to discuss the political future of the group in Tobago.

BELIM, Brazil -- At least seven people have died and dozens are missing after a passenger ferry believed to be carrying about 300 capsized in the northern Brazilian state of Para.

At least 206 passengers - many wearing life jackets - swam to an island close to the site of the accident on the Para River, near the mouth of the Amazon.

A spokeswoman for the Para River service said officials did not know exactly how many people were missing, as many passengers aboard had not been registered.

The authorities say the accident, near the town of Barcarena, may have been due to overcrowding, as the vessel, the Sap Luiz, had a capacity for only 150 people.

The bodies recovered were found floating in the water, and rescuers were only able to locate the site of the shipwreck by air bubbles and a fuel slick on the surface.

Correspondents say accidents on the Amazon river and its tributaries are commonplace and that most are caused by overcrowding and strong currents.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC - The Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) has strongly condemned recent acts of violence that have resulted in the deaths of several police officers.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their recent meeting in Barbados, the ACCP appealed for assistance in bringing the perpetrators of crimes against lawmen to justice.
The issue engaged the attention of delegates at the December 4-5 meeting, with regional police chiefs pledging their unrelenting support to the police officers serving under their commands.
A resolution passed at the meeting lamented that, "officers, who have been sworn to protect the public, have themselves become victims of wanton and ruthless acts of violence".
"An attack on a police officer is an attack against the entire society. These acts of violence must be, and will be, fully investigated," the resolution states.
It adds that, "those responsible for this violence must be held accountable."
"This violence must stop. We appeal for those who can assist in the investigation of these deaths to have the courage to come forward and provide information or evidence to the Police," said the ACCP, while pledging its support to police officers.
The ACCP further implored all governments in the region to take immediate steps to support the Forces in the necessary acquisition of Officer Safety equipment and training.
So far this year, 16 police officers have been killed in Jamaica in violent crime that has also claimed the lives of over 1 000 civilians, while in Guyana, close to a dozen officers and over 100 civilians have died in a worrying crime wave there.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC - St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas presented an EC$236 million (US$87.4 million) budget in Parliament on Tuesday, which includes increases in driver'' licence fees, the wheel tax payable on all motor vehicles, and consumption taxes on imported goods.
In announcing the revenue measures, Dr. Douglas said government was on a quest to raise the minimum EC$20 million (US $7.4 million) required to reduce its recurrent deficit of EC$51.2 million (US$18.9 million).
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the Federation's overall debt of EC$678.1 million (US$251.1 million) at the end of the last fiscal year.
"We are not satisfied with this level of debt so we will be devoting much effort to debt reduction in the upcoming years," Dr. Douglas, while stating that increased debt would be required to finance government's capital works programme for 2003.
The overall capital budget is EC$52.6 million (US$19.4 million), of which EC$43.4 million (US$16.07 million) is to be funded through debt.
In terms of revenue generating measures, the Prime Minister announced that the wheel tax payable in respect of all categories of vehicles, as well as all categories of driver's licence fees will increase by 25 percent, while the consumption tax payable in respect of goods imported into the Federation will increase from the current rate of 20 percent to 22.5 percent.
Government has also announced a hike in the rate of Customs Service Charge payable in respect of imported goods from 5 percent to 6 percent and an increase in the cost of quarry products.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- The eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commissions is inviting applications for its certification workshop and examinations from persons desirous of operating as Principals and Representatives of broker dealers firms or as Investment Advisors, in the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market (ESMC).

The workshop, which will have as its theme “ The Fundamentals of Operating in the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market”, will be held at the Headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank from January 20 to 23, 2003.

During the four days, participants will be apprised of the ECSM infrastructure and the interrelationships between institutions within the market. They will also be instructed in ECSM Trading Principles; Licensing Procedures for market participants; Brokerage Operations and Customer Account Management and the Basics of Portfolio Management and Asset Allocation. The Workshop will be followed by examination on January 24, 2003, successful completion of which is the first step towards acquiring a license to operate in the ECSM.

“Geralds, on all the advice that we have, is a perfectly safe and satisfactory option for the future of Montserrat and that is why we are entirely content to back the government of Montserrat’s judgment in going for that option,” Mr. Warren told The Montserrat Reporter on Tuesday evening at the Vue Pointe Hotel, after an informal meeting with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) about the construction phase of the airport at Geralds.

Chief Minister John Osborne said despite the debate over the safety of building an airport at Gerald’s, no expert in the world can guarantee that any airport is immune to dangers.

“Do you know anybody who guarantee that you couldn’t have an accident on an airport?” Mr. Osborne answered in response to a journalist’s question about safety at a press conference Tuesday.

“They have massive airports in France. They just had an accident on an airport in France with the Concorde. They couldn’t guarantee that there wasn’t going to be an accident. So I don’t know anybody who could guarantee that you would never have any accident on Montserrat airport,” Mr. Osborne explained.

He added: “I don’t know if it is going to be safe (airport at Gerald’s) under all conditions but don’t forget that we have people who are responsible for aviation in the region and they too are not going to agree for us to operate under conditions that are not safe.”

The Chief Minister noted that Montserrat is not going to be the only airport in the world with a Twin Otter operation.

He said Minister of Communications and Works Dr. Lowell Lewis is “not out of depth” when he told the public that the Government is planning to add 200 metres to the 500-metre runway at Gerald’s.

Dr. Lewis, who was the Acting Chief Minister at the time he made the comments to Observer Radio in Antigua, Radio Montserrat and The Montserrat Reporter, had said the government is designing the airport at Geralds in a way that the initially planned 500-metre runway can be extended to at least an additional 200 metres in an effort to appease the fears of the Montserrat public and to meet international regulations.

Dr. Lewis had said the government has identified the additional land needed to lengthen the runway, which will cost about EC$700,000.

Mr. Osborne continued to chastise the Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat (CRM) for circulating “false information to the public” through their paid-for message depicting the dangers of building an airport at Gerald’s.

“When you are sending a message that we are going to build an airport at Gerald’s and it is not going to be safe, you are telling people even if you build an airport, not to come to Montserrat because it is not going to be safe,” said Mr. Osborne.

He added: “So, I am fed up with the nonsense that they are talking and if they had the money I wouldn’t mind because I would support them, if they could tell me where the money is coming from to build this longer strip down Old Quaw and Thatch Valley. Let them bring the money and the Government will support them with it. They (CRM) are not talking with money.”

In April, British consultant firm Halcrow and the Montserrat government officials told a public meeting that preliminary studies for the construction of an airport at Gerald’s are satisfactory.

Halcrow had said that all studies conducted on Gerald’s were found to be favourable, which allows them to proceed to the design stage and construction of a 500-metre runway.

Mr. Osborne said when he went to London recently the Halcrow consultants found the independent study done by the UK-based Leading Edge Aviation Planning Professionals and commissioned by the CRM to be “totally incorrect”.

He said: ““When I went to London they (Halcrow) had the report from the CRM on their desk. I don’t want to quote what they said to me but they said there are one or two points that was raised that they are going to look into but generally speaking the report was totally incorrect.”

Mr. Osborne said the “it would be a great embarrassment for the British Government” to go and waste EC$40-odd million to build an airport that is not safe.

The budget for the Gerald’s airport construction is EC$41.6 million, split into $18 million from the European Union and $23 million from the British Government. “I don’t believe that the European Union, Germany, Holland, France and Italy, is going to give us money to build an airport that is not going to be licensed and not going to be considered safe,” the Chief Minister said.

He added: “I am convinced that the European Union, with all the technology and the skills and expertise they have, must know what they are doing much more than the CRM. I don’t know (from) which college they learn about aircraft and where they went to get the expertise. I am satisfied with what (the British) are doing because we are going to be better off with an airport than not having an airport.”

He said Montserrat would benefit immensely from an airport, regardless of where it is built, through the tourism industry.

He said: “I don’t care what they (CRM) say after that. I have a responsibility to the people of Montserrat. We have to develop tourism at any cost because I don’t see the industries that are coming that will find employment for all our people. And we have to keep our people here and try to bring back people to Montserrat; we have to have work for them to do and so that they can earn an income and tourism is one of the areas that we hope to develop to be able to assist us in that regard.

“The people who are going to license the airport (are) not going to license the airport unless they are satisfied that the operations are going to be safe, so this bothers me that all these expertise in Montserrat – they have more expertise than the people who are going to build the airport. They never built one, they have never been involved in the airport, they are not pilots (and) they don’t know anything.”

The year 2002 seemed to have disappeared before we realise it but the people of Montserrat have much to be thankful for. There have been many achievements throughout this year and in spite of the worldwide recession we have managed to triumph over many obstacles. This proves that we Montserratians are a determined and resilient people.

Although our small population has suffered some setbacks from the still ongoing volcanic activity which seem destined to consume even more of our island, we are determined to occupy and eke out an existence in the North of the island. As a Government, we have continued to focus on strengthening partnerships between Government, Private Sector, and Non Governmental Organisations. I keep saying to you my fellow Montserratians that Government cannot do it alone. We need to work together to promote economic prosperity, while at the same time sharing the risks and benefits. I thank those individuals and groups who have supported the work of the many Government Departments as they collectively serve the broader public interest.

The development and maintenance of a strong basic infrastructure is a key component of redevelopment of Montserrat. During 2002, much work has been done to ensure the rapid development of the necessary infrastructure that would enable the redevelopment of the north. All the stakeholders have welcomed the completion and occupation of the Sheltered Accommodation for the vulnerable, the Police Station, the St. Johns Clinic, the MVO building. The ongoing road network improvement programmes have made life much easier for the vehicle owners and the public in general.

The recent groundbreaking ceremony for the New Airport at Gerald’s, and the ongoing Port Development Project, signal improvement for the external transportation networks. These two projects will create further avenues for trade, investment and tourism and ultimately lead to increased economic development.

On behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat, I wish to once again express gratitude to Her Majesty’s Government through the Departments of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development for the continued support over this year. We look forward to further discussions and collaboration as we seek to find solutions to the many challenges created by the ongoing volcanic crisis.

On a brighter note, the 40^th Anniversary of Festival has attracted a record number of Montserratians and other visitors to our shores. I extend a special welcome to all who have come to join us during this season. I would like through this medium to acknowledge the support of the Festival Committee and the many individuals, businesses, and groups both on and off island who have contributed to our Festival. The Government and people of Montserrat appreciate your contribution to the development of Culture and Tourism on Montserrat.

I also want to thank all the members of the Members of Executive and Legislative Councils, the Public Service, the Statutory Bodies, Local, Regional and International organisations, who have been working with us to develop what is quite simply one of the safest countries to live in, in spite of an active volcano.

Finally on behalf of my family and the staff of the Office of the Chief Minister, I wish everyone a Blessed Season and a Healthy and Prosperous 2003. May you enjoy the best that the season has to offer. Do spend some time sharing the joy of the season with your friends and family and those who are less fortunate.

Well I want to just thank Nyce for so kindly asking out loud the question that is on the mind and lips of every Montserratian. I also want to thank Pops for telling us all thanks for staying and living with the stress and the follies of the British Empire on Montserrat. And I especially want to thank Lord Clorox for asking the Government of Montserrat what about the promises of plenty love and money. I want to tell him that he needs to do