.

New Dome Growth Poses No Threat Yet, 

But Uncertainty Does 

By Bennette Roach

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has reported that there is new dome growth at the Soufriere Hills volcano here in Montserrat.

This news coincided with the latest scientific assessment of the status of the volcano, which involved directly Professor Steve Sparkes and Dr. Willie Aspinal. These two men joined local Director of the MVO Simon Young and other scientists at the MVO at a time when they report as follows:

"A cyclic pattern of enhanced activity every six to seven weeks was discerned. Following several explosions in the last week of October a swarm of hybrid earthquakes occurred 3^rd to 8^th November…pumice erupted in explosions on 8^th and 9^th November confirmed that magma was close to the surface. A new dome was first clearly observed by 27^th November, although its initial emergence is suspected around 10^th November. The new dome is extruding from the explosion crater and is now beginning to fill the large elongate chasm formed by substantial partial collapses of the 1995-1998 dome during 1998 and 1999."

In a press conference on Tuesday this week, the scientists, Drs. Young and Aspinal and Prof. Sparks revealed that the new dome had grown with a base of 100 metres and to a height of 60 metres.

The news created great excitement, particularly among persons overseas, but the scientists in their assessment report concluded and stated: "The current stage of dome growth poses no immediate hazards outside the Exclusion Zone."

The Exclusion Zone for the purpose of this report is taken as that in force at the time of the last assessment (March 1999). It includes the Daytime Entry Zone, which now excludes Isles Bay, which now is considered as part of the safe zone.

In their press conference the scientists stressed that the new dome growth will have implications for possible projects and activities within the Exclusion Zone. "If the dome starts to grow for quite a long time and grow at rates comparative to 96/97 it could well be that in several weeks or months the dome may have regrown to the same size it was in 1997."

That poses new uncertainties for those residential areas beyond Isles Bay -- Cork Hill, Delvins, Foxes Bay and Richmond Hill, as well as possibly greater postponement of the anticipated reopening of W.H. Bramble Airport.

The scientists explained, however, that "It could just be a small scale episode, part of the dying of the volcano which won't involve any hazard. On the other hand, if it returns to the same size the potential for collapses, pyroclastic flows, ashfalls, explosions may emerge, but this is unlikely to happen for several months."

The scientists asked the public to be, "patient and cautious and keep in mind that things could develop."

The main thrust of the scientists' discussion was one of waiting to see the development of the new activity. They stressed their belief that the new dome will have very little impact in the short term and assured the public that they have the facilities they need to monitor it.

Monitoring equipment is almost back to 100 percent, they said, and no additional staff is required, unless the MVO should have to go back to 24-hour monitoring, which would require a couple more senior personnel.

"Access to the helicopter is perfectly adequate," Dr. Young said, "to do what we need to do for visual observations." He said monitoring deformation might require a choice of options, such as tilt meter location, since Chances Peak is not available.

Whatever additional requirements might arise will be met, he said, because they have Department for International Development assurances of providing what is needed.

The three scientists jointly expressed best wishes to Montserrat for the new millennium.

Hurricane Lenny may not have destroyed much in Montserrat, but its visit may yet cause Montserratians untold heartaches.

At first, the sole petrol pump station at Sweeneys in the north reported on Wednesday at mid-day that a broken part on the petrol delivery truck caused them to run out of petrol. "Someone has gone off to Antigua to bring back the part this evening," the pump attendant told unsuspecting motorists making routine stops for petrol.

For the two days following, long lines of vehicles stretched down hill from the petrol pumps after the truck made its last deliveries of the stored petrol from the Carrs Bay storage site.

Official sources have stated that the island will not have any petrol for an unspecified time, since Lenny sank the Montserrat petrol delivery ship during its passage three weeks ago. "Another ship with petrol tried to off-load petrol in Montserrat twice unsuccessfully already," the source said, adding that Mr. Horatio Tuitt had been hurried overseas to try and locate a ship that can deliver the petrol to Montserrat.

Meanwhile many caught unawares will be curtailing their travel, at least this weekend, while they wait out the unknown period before petrol will begin to flow at the lone pump in Sweeneys once more.

The Montserrat Government Information Officer in the UK, Mrs. Janice Panton, is completing a brief visit to Montserrat during which she is "to bring my first annual report to the Ministers and the Governor."

Mrs. Panton was speaking at a press interview conducted at the studios of ZJB, where she revealed the surprising information that she works without any support staff in her office in England. From that office, she said, she tries to provide: "information to Montserratians in the UK and the general public, look into any issues regarding tourism and trade and also to provide secretariat to visiting officials from Montserrat and to give information back to the government of Montserrat and the UK government."

Mrs. Panton said she is also visiting Montserrat, "to assess everything that is happening on island and to take back to Montserratians, those settled and those who just arrived, news of Montserrat on issues -- whether building, housing, social security -- all those issues that people are enquiring about."

"By talking face to face to people I can get a better picture to take back to the UK." she said at the press interview.

She said that the past year was very hectic because she discovered that in trying to follow up on queries, "Most of them developed into case work." This, she said, meant that a lot of time was spent dealing with issues for individuals, taking up a lot of time from the information giving. " I would like to be able to give information on a more regular basis," she said, pointing out that being alone makes it even more difficult.

The government information officer said that she is also involved in promoting tourism for Montserrat. When asked what this entailed, she reported: "people want to know what accommodation is available on island, what are the state of affairs, what is the culture, how to get to Montserrat once they have arrived in Antigua and what form of transportation comes to Montserrat."

Mrs. Panton said, however, that her main focus is the development of tourism - to see what agencies can come on board to assist us to develop, especially since "There isn't a lot to sell at present."

The lady estimated that about 3,700 Montserratians have evacuated to Britain since the beginning of the crisis back in 1995. Mrs. Panton said: "In the initial stages no checks were made, but even before the assisted package came into being people were keeping statistics here in the Department of Administration. Those of us dealing with the immediate needs got information on the figures. There were 1,700 first and then there were about 2,000."

How does she get information across to Montserratians? "I liase with the community groups in all the cluster areas, London, Birmingham, Leicester, Preston and Manchester. I would send out whatever information I get from Montserrat, a newsletter which unfortunately is not as regular as it should be."

She said that in addition to the groups there are church groups.

She found the churches very useful: "There are nine groups or thereabout. The majority are covered. Where things are pertinent, the churches have a list. It serves as a focal point," she said.

She noted that in some communities there is enough strength among family to make it work. With other communities; the churches provide social control.

As to whether there are people expressing an interest to return to Montserrat, she said: "There are always people asking for information and expressing desires to return, but they are conscious of the situation here."

On the question of how people had settled in with Montserratians who had migrated and settled in England prior to the crisis, she said: "I wouldn't say there is a reasonably good integration. There is more of an accommodation. In the initial stages people assisted, but the new people wanted very much to stand on their own feet and once they got the assistance they would say: 'I'm all right.' That may have caused some bitterness among the older community, but they are coming to recognise that they needed to take hold of themselves."

She recognised the two Montserrat groups along with that in Leicester: "Both groups Mac 89 and MOPPA and Leicester group greatly assisted; the families of those who arrived were assisted where there was no other source of assistance." She singled out a Mr. Daley who took time out to assist saying that the groups continue to be very fruitful.

Overall Mrs. Panton said she was pleased with her visit. She reported that she expected improvement in the staffing of her office. She was also pleased with what she is seeing in Montserrat. "I see the houses in Davy Hill and Lookout; indviduals building their own homes. It is green, not ashy, beautifully green; there is a vibrant spirit among Montserratians and there is optimism on the safe side in spite of the volcano."

Her hopes for the future of her endeavours: "Once the office can develop more. There are issues the office deals with, but one has to look at that there is Montserrat community and there are a lot of needs. I try to concentrate on those needs."

Mrs. Panton revealed that when she leaves Montserrat she will stop over in Antigua, where she will hold meetings with the Montserrat Citizens and Friends organisation there as well as with the Caribbean Christian Council.

During our research, and while trying in our small way to keep our readers cognizant of the Y2K bug problem, we came across this exciting and simple quote: "The best way to be prepared is to have a prepared neighbor; the theory is, if you pull together as a community, you're better prepared for anything than you are if you just take care of your own needs."

These words came from Janet Luhrs of Seattle, author of "The Simple Living Guide" and co-author of the "Y2K Preparedness Guide: 110 Ways to Create A Sustainable Life - Crisis or Not."

The temptation to leave this quote in big bold and serif letters, filling up the space for this editorial, is great, but the result and reaction might be too unexpected.

Of course the writer who produced this quote was presenting it with reference to the Y2K problem where it was being suggested that minding your brother's problems was taking care of your own. But if we take a moment and think about our current situation in Montserrat, particularly over the past three and a half years, it wouldn't be long before it hit us that this applies to us more readily and more appropriately than to the Y2K problem.

Many of the problems we have faced and continue to face are derived from our virtual refusal to think not only of ourselves but to include those around us as well. This pervasive problem is huge, and it is rampant from top to bottom. Pick any topic, pick any business, any department, any office, think for a moment, and the evidence of our selfishness glares back at us. This is not to suggest that this is so with every single one of us. There are those who are genuinely concerned with the well-being and prosperity of this "still waiting to be discovered paradise."

Why is it so difficult to settle on a site for a public cemetery? Why cannot the Secondary School, even though it is temporary, be maintained in a friendly condition, where teachers and students can feel and work comfortably at all times? Is it really just "the British" who are making things difficult? These questions are small ones compared to some larger ones, like not having a common and united focus or vision!

Let's not get this wrong. The problem in dealing with someone who says one thing but schemes and plans with another, yet different intention, is difficult, but if we focus on "pulling together as a community," it becomes a tremendously simple undertaking.

Many of the problems we face, and will face in any desire to take Montserrat forward, can only be solved with a trickle in both directions. The call is on our people in high places to be cognizant of this. Montserratians learn easily. We only read or take note of the progress they have made when they are called upon to perform. It is simply human nature that when no requirements are imposed or requested, there is no response. This means that those of us at the bottom must make demands of those at the top, and those at the top must dig in at the bottom, and not just at election time.

Those of us who venture to articulate our beliefs and those of others about how we should move ahead in the next two and a half years must listen to ourselves. We must be sure that there is not too much selfishness in our presentation. It is a time to look for the overall good of Montserrat, its people and its children.

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

(An open letter to the Chief Minister)
Dear Mr Brandt,
I would like to propose to you that you make the Hon. Brunell Meade's ministerial appointment permanent. He was after all the "peoples choice."
You could if necessary bring back Mr Bramble in another important role, and I am not by any means suggesting that he be discarded in angst. If he still has something to offer, by all means use him. Junior minister for Housing and Welfare sounds a good portfolio.
I don't think I would be going out too far on a limb to say that most of us vote for people with the intention that they be part of the Government. Mr. Bramble did not get that mandate from the people.
If we take a look back at the last election, you would find that Mr. B. Meade was the one who got the slim majority vote in his constituency when he beat Mr. Bramble into second place. The vote was 34.4 percent to 32.7 percent, with the remaining votes shared by three other people. (source: the Reporter's online archives). The people essentially said who they wanted to be a cabinet Minister.
Mr. Bramble (an unelected member of the public) was appointed to the cabinet by the then Chief, Mr. Bertrand Osborne, (remember him?) who was forced to resign by overwhelming public and internal consensus in 1997. What a waste of time he was.
Mr. Bramble's appointment may have been within the rules of the "constitution" and at the time was acceptable, due to the state of affairs brought on by the volcano.  It can certainly be argued that a crisis was averted by his appointment; full credit to those who masterminded it.
But we have moved on, we have survived the worse.  It is time to right the ship and insert some fresh and more energetic blood.  Hopefully, Brunell Meade will have the foresight and aptitude required as we move into full Regeneration Mode. There can be no clearer signal that we are out of crisis mode than a genuine inclusion of forward thinking people and a progressive agenda.
Perhaps Mr. Rueben Meade can be persuaded to take on a role as junior minister with responsibilities for Technology.
There is no need to wait for anyone to dictate to us how our new political and governance structure should be formulated. Let us fashion something that works now, so that come 2001 and election time, we have an idea of what system will work in our country, which is vastly changed geographically and electorally.
I am well aware that some of my suggestions may not be catered for in the present "constitutional" setup, so let's do something about that.
Come on David, let us Rule our Destiny.
It will require good strategy and positive signs of progress for many of our citizens in exile to return home, since even the diehards are increasingly reluctant to return to the status quo.  Take up the challenge sir; innovate, create, and build the team which can regenerate the country.
Let's face it, party politics is not good for Montserrat in these difficult times and it is time to think of a shift to a new paradigm where mature people can put aside differences and work for the good of the country.

Gerard

Dear Sir,

As we are about to celebrate Christmas, 1999 -- the last of this century; it is imperative that we re-acquaint ourselves with the real essence of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated on December 25^th worldwide, with few exceptions, as the anniversary of the birth of our Lord and Saviour- JESUS CHRIST.

Though some pundits question the date, this is not the point which I wish to explore in this article. Over the years, Christmas has become very commercialized and the business sector experience increased sales by the use of high-tech advertisements and special offers targeted at compulsive spenders.

For many, it is a time to treat family and friends with gifts, in keeping with the spirit of giving and sharing. This is all well and good as it has a semblance to some extent to what really happened on the first Christmas Day.

For others it is an occasion to indulge in various worldly pleasures, such as excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages etc. with gay abandon, totally ignoring the focus of CHRIST-MAS (Christ's birth). Christ's birth was in fulfillment of a prophecy, which declared his name as EMMANUEL (God with us: MAT 1:23). He was born to be sacrificed on the cross for the sins of the world (JOHN 3:16-17).

Man had broken his relationship with God through the FIRST ADAM and therefore God sent the SECOND ADAM- CHRIST to restore this relationship and freely offer SALVATION to mankind.

Christmas, therefore, should remind us of this gift from God -- His Only Son -- and we should focus on our relationship with God, how we measure to his standards according to his holy word - THE BIBLE; in other words do some stocktaking.

Many people undertake preparations for Christmas, but are we preparing for the return of Christ, which is imminent? In my opinion one can truly celebrate and appreciate Christmas when he has accepted this invaluable gift from Heaven and has allowed Christ to have the priority in his life.

There's No Christmas without Christ… Let us endeavour to put Christ back in Christmas… He is what Christmas is all about!

Respectfully yours,

Ambrose S. Hilton

(Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NRSV)

When I was growing up, my father would often read his favorite Bible passage to our family, I Corinthians 13. The inflection of his voice gave the words meaning as they echoed in our minds. When he came to the words, "[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends, " he would pause for a moment after each phrase. We could feel the power of the words as we struggled to understand them.

Lately I have been thinking about the way my family has helped me to understand these words. I am thankful for parents who cared for me and for brothers and sisters who loved me even as they endured me. I am thankful for a wife and children who believe in me and give me hope for the future. Most of all I am thankful for God, who loves me forever no matter what. It is that eternal aspect of love that is most comforting. In times of pain and uncertainty God's

eternal love is the one constant that sustains me. God's love for us never ends.

Prayer: God, thank you for loving us unconditionally an eternally. Help us to express your love to others.

Amen.

Thought for the Day

God's love is for everyone, all the time.

Brian Mallett (Indiana)

Prime Ministers from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) met on 7^th December with Carnival Cruise Lines senior executives in Miami to discuss future relationships between the cruise line and the OECS countries.

The meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Edison James of Dominica, Chairman of the OECS, and Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of Grenada, was requested by the OECS countries following Carnival's recent decision to suspend port calls at Grenada. Other attendees at the meeting included Mr. Swinburne Lestrade, Director General of the OECS, and Mr. Jean Holder, Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

"The meeting was very productive, as it continued the communication process between Carnival and the OECS, which for years have enjoyed a healthy and mutually respectful relationship," Prime Minister James said.

Prime Minister Mitchell brought forcefully to the attention of the Carnival Cruise Line executives the likely negative fall-out on the economy of his country, deriving from their recent decision to suspend calls to his country. "Vendors" he said, are being especially adversely affected and these are persons without many livelihood options." Prime Minister Mitchell urged Carnival to do everything possible to make a speedy return to Grenada. Agreement was reached on a number of matters, including the possibility of Carnival's resuming port calls to Grenada in the future. While Carnival is looking forward to the possibility of returning to Grenada, they indicated that once a decision has been made the line would need adequate time to alter its itineraries to accommodate port calls to the island.

Other items on the agenda included the possibility of Carnival's hiring additional crew members from Grenada and other OECS countries." Employees from the Eastern Caribbean have distinct advantages over those from other countries because of their superior English language skills," said Brendan Corrigan, Carnival's Vice President of Operations. Currently, Carnival employs 400 nationals from these countries throughout its 14-ship fleet and looks to increase these numbers in the future. Additionally, once new employees are hired by Carnival, they undergo both on-the-job training for their particular positions and specialized workshops through the line's in-house "Carnival College" programme, which offers opportunities for professional and personal growth. Carnival will also continue its efforts to provision its ships with food and other items from OECS countries.

"All in the all, the meeting was useful in ensuring continued harmonious relations between Carnival and the OECS countries and we look forward to working with them in the future," Prime Minister James said.

St. John's, Antigua, Dec 9 (EFE) -- Hurricane Lenny caused about 50.32 million dollars in damage when it battered Antigua and Barbuda last month, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) said.

The assessment was announced Wednesday, after NODS made a thorough survey of the damage with the assistance of three aid agencies.

Of the seven sectors that were hardest hit by the storm, the environment appeared to have suffered the most, with damage estimated at 16.7 million dollars.

The second most affected was housing and contents with an estimated damage of 11.7 million dollars, followed by roads and bridges, 9.3 million dollars.

Other sectors included agriculture and fisheries (5.7 million dollars), businesses (4.8 million dollars, health (1.6 million dollars), electricity (555,000 dollars) and water (46,620 dollars).

NODS Deputy director Philmore Mullin said: "The government will look at what resources can be obtained locally to deal with some of the problems the hurricane left behind."

"In recent times, donations have not been very forthcoming in the Caribbean," he added. "In addition to that, we also need to look at which donor groups and agencies will come to our rescue."

According to Mullin, Lenny, which dumped more than 20 inches of rain on the island over a three-day period, was a learning experience.

"Whereas we did not see a lot of widespread destruction of the infrastructure, we saw where the whole environment was impacted from a very negative way," he said.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) provided NODS with a geologist and an engineer to undertake a study of landslide areas and other areas of environmental damage.

"We should be receiving a report from them shortly," Mullin said. "In that report I suspect there will be some recommendations as to some of the things that we should do to mitigate against similar or future events of

this type."

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is providing assistance in maintaining the quality of the water supply.

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (AP) -- In time, nature will restore the denuded palm trees and beaches laid waste by Hurricane Lenny. But on tourism-dependent St. Maarten, the season is ruined -- all the major hotels, damaged by floodwater, are out for the winter.

And there's even worse news: Signaling a possible trend, the St. Maarten's biggest insurance company has announced it will no longer insure against natural disasters because of the increasing frequency of hurricanes.

"It is generally expected that other companies will follow suit or drastically increase premiums," The Daily Herald newspaper said.

The announcement by the ING Fatum insurance company that it was dropping hurricane coverage after the end of the year came at the end of a busy 1999 hurricane season -- the first in which four powerful storms wielding winds over 130-mph hit the islands and the U.S. mainland -- and a warning that the region can expect another decade of potentially catastrophic storms.

Some people aren't waiting around.

"Everything we own is in these four plastic bags," said Ted Purser of Houston, standing at St. Maarten's Simpson Bay, where the 41-foot yacht he and his wife lived on for eight years sank in the storm.

"We're going back to the states," Purser said. "Thank God we have insurance -- most people didn't."

"The major reinsurance companies ... are looking at the region and saying, 'Our risk is just too high,'" said Theo E. Heyliger, the head of tourism on Dutch St. Maarten.

Hurricane Lenny slowed to a crawl when it struck the island on Nov. 17 and battered it for 30 hours with 135 mph winds. Towering waves and storm surges flooded downtown Philipsburg and caused the town's Great Salt Pond to spill its banks. Heyliger's office, three blocks from the sea, was a foot under water.

Among the 13 people killed -- some as far away as Colombia -- three drowned here and 10 "yachties" who took their boats out to sea in hopes of riding out the storm still are missing.

French St. Martin, on the "shadow side" of the island, as locals say, fared better, though its most luxurious resort, La Samanna, also was closed.

Lenny tossed small airplanes belly-up at Grand Case airfield. It carried away cars and blistered hills covered with tamarind trees a dusty brown, though some green already is pushing through. Luxurious villas had swimming pools and terraces ripped off and tossed into the sea.

Despite the storm damage, the government intends to go ahead with plans for a $42- million waterfront pavilion with cruise ship jetty, restaurants, dolphin park, convention center and the duty-free boutiques that have given St. Maarten its reputation as the supermarket of the Caribbean.

The project helped persuade Disney to send its cruise ships here starting next year, Heyliger said.

But Lenny prompted Delta Airlines to cancel plans to begin flights to the island on Dec. 1. Charter airlines that book hundreds of hotel rooms also canceled flights, said Alan Sloane, whose RSC, Inc., in Milford, Conn., manages 10 smaller hotels on the island.

"We've been running around trying to find enough rooms to get the charters back," he said.

The island is more dependent than most in the Caribbean on tourism. There's no industry here, no agriculture. Everything is imported. Last year, some 850,000 cruise ship passengers stopped on the Dutch side, and another 650,000 tourists landed at the international airport of the island of about 62,000 people.

At Simpson Bay this week, about the only business was the arrival of the first cruise ship since the hurricane, the servicing of luxury yachts and the repair of storm-damaged boats.

"Business is good," Ken Doernkatt quipped as he repaired a catamaran and pointed to three others awaiting his attention.

Simpson Bay was a yachting mecca until Hurricane Luis struck in 1995, sinking and beaching some 300 vessels. Luis was the first of the major storms to strike, ending a slow period from the 1970s.

Heyliger said that, thanks to more experience, utility services were restored in St. Maarten two weeks after Lenny hit. It took three months after Luis.

In all, the island has suffered six hurricanes in the past five years -- and Heyliger admitted "it's getting harder and harder to recover."

"The problem is government and the private sector shelling out millions in repairs because of hurricanes. What that does to the economy is give it a sense of instability, because every year you're constantly rebuilding."

Montserrat Assn. of BVI Hosts Awards Banquet
The Montserrat Association of the BVI (MABVI) staged an impressive 1^st Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, December 4th, at the Treasure Isle Hotel, honouring two outstanding Montserratians, the late Dr. Q.W. Osborne and Mr. Thomas E. Ryan, for their sterling contribution to the territory of the Virgin Islands.
The late Dr. Osborne served in the BVI as a physician, legislator and businessman. while Mr. Ryan, who is now ailing, worked as an educator. The awards were presented to their wives - Mrs. Norma Osborne and Mrs. Cynthia
Ryan.
The ceremony was very well attended. Guests included His Excellency the Acting Governor Mr. Elton Georges and his wife, Opposition Leader the Honourable Dr. Orlando Smith and his wife; Montserrat's Chief Minister the
Honourable David Brandt, and His Lordship the Honourable Justice Stanley Moore.
In her welcome remarks, MABVI President Angela Burns-Piper gave a brief report of the Association. She stated that the group meets regularly and has been privileged to be addressed by H.E Governor Frank Savage, Deputy
Governor Elton Georges, former Chief Minister's Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lorna Smith, Chief Immigration Officer Vincent O'Neal, and the Personal Assistant to the Governor, Ms. Kathy Kerry. She expressed appreciation to Father Peter Brannelly of the Roman Catholic Church and the BVI Red Cross for allowing for the use of their facilities for the hosting of meetings. The Red Cross was awarded with a plaque, accepted by Liaison Officer Astrid Wenzke.
"Indeed, it has been a challenging term, trying to get those of us who remain to unite for our common good; we have a small core group of us who are intent on keeping the Association together," she stated. Latest figures indicate there are about 60 Montserratians residing in the BVI.
Mrs. Burns-Piper said the awards banquet was a major undertaking, but they thought it was about time they made their presence felt in the BVI and gave something back to the community. "Hence, part of the profits tonight will go to the Enis Adams Primary School...to assist with the purchase of much-needed equipment."
His Excellency the Acting Governor Mr. Elton Georges used the opportunity to tell of his love for the country of Montserrat, where he spent his honeymoon in 1976. He spoke of the "very good people" he has met from the island over the years and of his service as a member of the Montserrat Elections Commission.

"It is still for me, a great pleasure, to have been involved in those exercises," he said, "and in that way, to get to know the country and the people much better."
He expressed his amazement that in such a small country, there are so many unique characters: "people who are very, very sure of themselves, very confident, very outspoken, very intelligent."

Mr. Georges commended the Association for the effort to try and keep Montserratians together and expressed appreciation for the contribution of the honourees to the BVI many years ago in their sojourn in the territory. "They have both become an indelible part of the history of the BVI and they will be long remembered."
BVI Opposition Leader the Honourable Dr. Orlando Smith referred to the late Dr. Q.W. Osborne and Mr. T.E. Ryan as two of Montserrat's and the BVI's outstanding sons. "They came to us at a time when we needed professionals of quality to help us in our education and health services," he said.
Dr. Smith recalled the early years of their service to the territory and said in the time of Montserrat's need, the BVI was therefore very happy to be of assistance. A surgeon, Dr. Smith offered his service for a few weeks in Montserrat during a crisis situation.
The Chief Minister of Montserrat the Honourable David Brandt provided an update on the activities of the Soufriere Hills Volcano and the redevelopment effort on the island. He first expressed appreciation to the government and people of the BVI for according the Montserratians resident in the BVI such kindness. "True, you may not have a volcano in the BVI, but certainly, a hurricane can do to you what the volcano has done to us and we in the Caribbean, for that reason, should be our brother's keeper."
He said Montserratians have demonstrated their resilience in times of adversity and have shown the world that there are more fundamental things to life than worldly possessions.
The Montserrat leader said the volcano is now back in a phase of dome-growth but there is no cause for alarm. Prior to this, scientists reported no major activity at the volcano for over a year. "So, therefore, the areas that are evacuated (two thirds of the country) will remain evacuated and the north of the island, they (scientists) are saying that it is still safe," Mr. Brandt told the audience.
He said in the rebuilding of the society, government is attempting to house people and provide employment for them. "For that reason, we have entered into an agreement with the United Kingdom, whereby we have provided £75 million for the development of Montserrat," he revealed.
Chief Minister Brandt said government is considering a scheme for overseas Montserratians whereby a sum of money will be deposited with the Bank of Montserrat for borrowing at a very low rate of interest to buy land and
build a house. He said a Community College will be established next year, and very soon students will be able to start 6th form in Montserrat once again.
The American University of the Caribbean is also expected to return to Montserrat by next year.
Regarding health services, he said arrangements have been made with the government of Antigua and Guadeloupe and the U to deal with specialist cases that cannot be addressed on island. The rice mill, which exported rice to Europe is also expected to reopen, and so, too, is the Bramble Airport.

The optimistic Montserrat leader told Montserratians and others at the Montserrat Association banquet on Saturday night, that in terms of the future, the island has to concentrate on services. About 4, 500 people, many from Guyana and Jamaica, live on the volcano-stricken island.
He said government wants Montserratians to return home, but the time is not right. "We do not have the homes, we do not have the work, but the government of Montserrat is trying its best and with your help, I am sure one of these days, we'll make Montserrat as it was before!"
Mr. Brandt concluded by saying Montserrat has the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of other countries in its rebuilding and "Montserrat will never die...we will move on from strength to strength, we will build a 21^st century island that is better than all the other small islands in the Caribbean!"
The keynote speaker for the evening was His Lordship Justice Stanley Moore, Resident Judge in the BVI, who served as Principal Crown Counsel, Acting Attorney General, Attorney General and Acting Governor in Montserrat over a period of two years from 1990.
He expounded the virtues of Montserratians, including the skill of writing, especially by Dr. Howard Fergus historian, Speaker of the House, Member of the West Indian Commission and Resident Tutor of the UWI School of Continuing Studies, and other writers who sprung up after the volcanic crisis.
Justice Moore spoke to the fortitude of Montserratians in the face of adversity, as he observed it after the devastation of the island by Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and in the face of "this lingering catastrophe" - the volcano. "That volcano has not been able to conquer the spirit of the people of Montserrat...you've heard their Chief Minister...how he ended the speech on a note of optimism and...I know that that optimism is real and that Montserrat will rise again like the Phoenix."
He also commended the Montserratians in the BVI, who, he said, have kept a low profile, but have worked hard and worked well. The M.C for the evening was former Radio Antilles announcer Albert "Dubai" Richards and the vote of thanks was delivered by MABVI Treasure Maria Greenaway-Hodge.

Nearly 100 persons gathered at the Pelican Room of the Vue Pointe Hotel the night of Saturday, Dec. 4, to help the Rotary Club of Montserrat celebrate its 29^th Charter Anniversary Event.

Rotarian Dr. Vernon Buffong was master of ceremonies at the request of President Charmaine Daley. He welcomed the guests, introduced the evening's speaker, Kenneth Allen, QC, and presided over a fund-raising raffle and bingo.

(The full text of Mr. Allen's address will be published in the next issue of The Reporter.)

Julian Romeo, who served two years as president, was honored by President Daley with the designation as a Paul Harris Fellow. This annual tribute to a selected member represents a $1,000 donation by the club to Rotary International and is named for the man who conceived and founded the first Rotary Club.

L to R Dr. Vernon Buffong, Julian Romeo, Pres. Charmaine Daley

The Rotary Club of Montserrat, active since its founding in 1970, has frequently had between 25 and 30 active members. After the volcanic crisis reduced the resident population of the island, its membership fell to 10. Currently its membership has increased to 13.

The annual Arts and Crafts Auction of the Rotary Club of Montserrat will be held Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Pelican Room of the Vue Pointe Hotel, beginning at 5 p.m.

This popular event is one of the methods the Rotary Club uses to raise funds for its community projects in Montserrat.

All costs involved in maintaining and operating the Rotary Club of Montserrat are met by the members themselves. It is Rotary International policy that all funds raised by activities such as the Arts and Crafts Auction and Rotary's recent 29^th Charter Anniversary Event be returned to the community in some worthwhile project.

The youths of Montserrat this week held the first of what is hoped to be an annual youth extravaganza.

This incorporated a youth rally on Tuesday evening, an exhibition of student's work on Wednesday and culminated in a cultural showcase on Thursday.

The Chief Minister addressed the rally and urged the youths to excel. He promised them all that computers in the schools would be available to all students in the year 2000.

At the start of the concert, His Excellency Governor Tony Abbott urged the youths to play their role in the re-development of Montserrat. He touched on the problems of discipline in the schools and the need to have proper rehabilitation facilities for young offenders. The Governor suggested that community service might be the way forward to punish youth offenders.

All schools took part in the extravaganza and it illustrated the wealth of cultural talent amongst the youth of the island.

GUSTAVIA, St. Barts, Dec 8 (AP) -- In this mecca for the rich, famous and fashionable, most hotels are open, the port is crowded with cruise ships and yachts, and hopes are high for a banner millennial tourism season.

There is only one small problem: long-distance telephone service is spotty at best -- thanks to Hurricane Lenny -- and it's difficult to get out the word that all is well on the island.

"Somebody got through the other day and said they'd heard we'd lost all of our beach," said Evelyn Weber, manager of a luxury hotel where rates start at $700. "But our beaches are even wider than before!"

Unlike nearby St. Maarten, which was ravaged by last month's hurricane,St. Barts has almost completely recovered. Many hotels are open -- and all will be receiving guests before Christmas, according to tourism director Elise Magras.

Five of the 13 main hotels, including the downtown Carl Gustaf, had to close for repairs from flooding and to refurbish lush gardens damaged when Hurricane Lenny slowed to an unnerving crawl and spent 30 hours battering the northeast Caribbean with winds around 140 mph.

In St. Maarten -- less than 20 miles away -- flooding and other damage was so great that all the big hotels will remain closed through March, ruining the crucial winter season.

That's not the case on St. Barts, a chic and pristine island two miles long, where rooms under $400 a night are a bargain. The island of nearly 7,000 people -- settled by French Bretons and Normans in the 1600s -- hosts 265,000 visitors a year.

It is administered by France and has hosted celebrities ranging from Tom Cruise to Mikhail Barishnikov.

This weekend, the yacht of Revlon tycoon Ronald Perelman was proudly moored off its shores, and the streets and elegant quays brimmed with European tourists on foot or tooling around on scooters.

On the north coast, fine white beach sand stretched to the turquoise waters of Anse des Flamands, one of the 32 bays that dot the mountainous island.

"Business is booming," said Sully Magras, owner of Le Shipchandler shop, where people bought supplies to refit and repair their boats.

Magras admitted, however, that the island's famous, artificially built Shell beach "lost all its sand."

Also, rockslides and an earthquake apparently brought on by Lenny temporarily closed the two main roads in and out of Gustavia. And while the one-way road from the airport was quickly cleared, a huge gully carved out on the return route could take a year to fix, causing traffic jams at the entrance to the seaside town, Magras said.

More important to the state of mind, however, the signature red roofs that dot St. Barts were unharmed.

Magras said they were built to be stronger after 1995's disastrous Hurricane Luis, the first of many powerful storms to strike the region after a 25-year lull.

The United States and the Caribbean should see fewer hurricanes next year, although the 2000 hurricane season still looks busier than normal, a leading forecaster said.
Dr. William Gray, a forecaster at Colorado State University, is predicting 11 named storms in the Atlantic basin for 2000, with seven of them forecast to become hurricanes and three of them expected to be intense hurricanes with sustained winds exceeding 110 mph. The averages from 1950-1990 were 9.3 named storms, 5.8 hurricanes and 2.2 intense hurricanes.
Dr. Gray's forecast team attributes the predicted decrease to a lessening of the La Nina phenomenon, a cyclical cooling of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean that was particularly intense in 1999, producing favorable winds for hurricane formation in the upper levels of the atmosphere. There were 12 named storms in the season that ended Nov. 30, including eight hurricanes and five major hurricanes, making Dr. Gray's 1999 forecast of 14 storms one of his best performances in 16 years of issuing predictions.
The 2000 forecast gives a 66-percent chance of an intense hurricane making landfall somewhere along the East or Gulf coasts of the United States, compared with a long-term average probability of 52 percent in any one season.
Dr. Gray has warned of a long-term trend toward greater hurricane activity in the Atlantic, tying it to fluctuations in North Atlantic sea surface temperatures that unfold over decades. In his view, the current, more active cycle became evident in 1995, when 19 named storms formed in the Atlantic basin.

By Peter Adrien

Chanderpaul at his best. Could he anchor the team in New Zealand?

Some are calling it a batting resurgence; others are calling it batting advantage; and more unsympathetic critics are discrediting the performance altogether. Was the West Indian batting performance against the New Zealand A Team (on December 5-7) a reflection of a batting turnaround? Was this one-off performance an evidence of a team's revival?
While the debate on the sustainability of the batting performance will persist, and correctly so, one thing must be established; that is, the batters performed in a "first class match" and not in a "fete match," if you please.
What was their evidence to suggest a mismatch? One report confirmed that the pitch was reasonably paced, even in bounce and offered little movement to the quicker bowlers. There was some turn for the spinners.
Another report confirmed that the bowling though ragged sometimes, was fairly accurate in some sessions, and the West Indian batsmen had to concentrate. Peter Hoare for CricInfo reported: "Chanderpaul's innings was an easy judgment and concentration. .If the bowling was accurate, as it was more often than yesterday, he was unconcerned. The bad ball would be awaited and dispatched. He gave a chance to Sinclair at point off Drum when he was 138." Moreover, Drum and Penn are first class seamers and Styris and Wiseman are not mediocre bowlers. In fact, Penn may have confirmed his place in the test squad, but will probably only play if Dion Nash is unfit.
We may argue concerning the quality of the New Zealand A Team but an A Team is a nation's second Test team. And had the tourists performed poorly, they would have been severely criticized or even cannibalized by the very merciless and unconscionable critics who, now wish to steal from them their earned glory. Isn't that true?
But the newly appointed coach made it very clear in his interview with John Coffey that he desires a batting turnaround, and for that matter, a team's resurgence. Therefore, this month's cricket tests at Hamilton and Wellington are vital for the resurgence of West Indian batting.
And this is long overdue. Just as the West Indians have been searching for a new fast bowling battery, so, too, have they been seeking replacements for outstanding top-order batsmen like Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Richards, and Richie Richardson. Since their retirements Brian Lara has frequently been exposed to new-ball attacks by the loss of early wickets. In fact, Lara and middle-order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul have carried much of the run-scoring responsibility in recent West Indian teams, although Chanderpaul's recent social and emotional problems have caused his output to slump.
West Indies' fortunes have fluctuated in the last year. They were whitewashed in South Africa before a Lara-inspired draw in the home series with Australia. And that result was achieved without an injured Chanderpaul.
Opener Sherwin Campbell, the only experienced right-hander in the touring team, was recalled for the Australian series, and, with long-serving Jimmy Adams, performed creditably.
The coach said: "We have clicked on occasions. If we could click a little more consistently, that is what people who care about West Indian cricket are looking for." According to Richards, "some ability here and the main thing is to assess the conditions in New Zealand as early as possible."
The West Indians chose to omit three players who seem certain of a\ place in the first Test, which begins in Hamilton in 11 days time.
Captain Brian Lara, opener Sherwin Campbell and fast bowler Franklyn Rose were left out of a starting XI picked with a view to giving fringe players a chance to stake their claim. He noted: "It's only two tests and, to be fair, any guy can go and have a bad test match. That doesn't mean he's a bad player.
"The team has not been performing the way other West Indian teams in the 80s performed. But, as I've mentioned to these kids, what happened yesterday happened yesterday and they are here for today and they are the ones who have to make it. "When they leave this tour of New Zealand you will have an idea what these individuals can be in the future."
And what have the batsmen delivered so far? The team scored 450 for the loss of five wickets against New Zealand A Team at the Owen Delany Park, Taupo on December 5-7. The batters faced 157 overs and occupied the crease for 661 minutes. The individual scores and the number of balls faced are as follows: Adrian Griffith (25 off 109), Darren Ganga (28 off 63), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (216 off 397) Wavell Hinds (19 off 83), Ricardo Powell (86 off 113) and Jimmy Adams (46 off 163).
Chanderpaul, who scored a double, delighted the small crowd with some entertaining batting after he had anchored his innings. His used his feet impressively against off spinner Wiseman. He always appeared assured and proceeded to a chanceless 100 which included 14 fours in four hours 21 minutes. West Indies' batting fortune depends so much on the "Guyanese Tiger"; that is why we glory in his new-found form.
Ricardo Powell, who is yet to play test cricket but has a reputation as a fast scorer in ODIs, produced an array of shots, which suggest that he is not a slogger but an orthodox stroke maker of high class. His exhibition included a six lifted effortlessly over mid off and a series of cover drives off front and back foot. Sir Vivian Richards could be heard to purr as he passed by. Powell will certainly be included in the test team on December 16-20 and may remain there for some years.
What have Viv and the selectors learned from this match? There are still questions of sustainability but they go to Auckland on December 10-13 for a four-day game in which they hope that one of the fringe batsmen does enough to secure the second opener's slot by right.
Auckland and most of all, Hamilton will confirm any batting resurgence. But we are glad for the good start!

Peter Adrien is an author and syndicate Sports Columnist

He may be contacted at: Adriens Enterprises,

P O Box1133, Basseterre, St Kitts

Email: Adriens@Caribsurf.com

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

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

Scientists say the start of new dome growth at the volcano does not pose an immediate threat to the inhabited areas in the north.

The scientific group has just completed another review of the volcanic situation on Montserrat.

In an executive summary published December 7, the scientists’ state there may be several months of dome growth before the hazard approaches conditions comparable in the latter half of 1997.

They say if this situation is approached, then the eruption could pose hazards outside the Exclusion Zone.

The scientific group considers that a few months of observation will be necessary before the significance of the new dome growth episode can be more fully evaluated.

The team says the resumed magma ascent and dome growth reinforces the need for sustained and vigilant monitoring by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory.

The scientists also report that the onset of new dome growth will have implications for possible projects and activities within the Exclusion Zone; that is areas in the Day time Entry Zone such as Cork Hill, Foxes Bay and Weekes.

There was talk earlier of plans for the possible reoccupation of some of these areas after the all clear would’ve been given, proper clean up and the necessary utilities restored.

Now, it appears as though these plans have been placed on the back burner, at least for the time being.

Legislators have taken another step forward in the implementation of the new Social Welfare System on Montserrat.

At a sitting of the Legislative Council at McChesney’s Estate in Olveston on December 7, the Social Welfare Act was passed into law.

This new piece of legislation provides for the establishment of a Social Welfare Board consisting of four members from the Government and three from non-governmental organizations.

The board will be responsible for the overall working of the social welfare system, monitoring of the system, reporting and acting as the final arbiter in determining eligibility and entitlement

The Social Welfare Board will also be responsible for appointing an Assessment Panel to carry out the day-to-day management of the system.

A system of means testing will be put in place to ensure that persons most in need get assistance.

Meantime, another training programme under the ongoing social welfare review was held December 7 and 8.

The exercise is geared towards training individuals in the analysis of application forms.

Among the issues that were dealt with were an introduction of the social welfare system, and the idea of getting people out of dependency and on to self-sufficiency.

The implementation of the new system would mean the end of the food welfare programme, which began in 1995, after the start of the volcanic crisis.

The Government of Montserrat has moved quickly to clarify any uncertainty surrounding public holidays here.

An amendment to the Public Holidays Act was passed in the Legislative Council on December 7.

Attorney General Charles Ekins says the original act was in place for nearly 50 years, and at times there is uncertainty as to what should occur when a designated public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

He says the amendment deals with the uncertainty and brings Montserrat in line with the United Kingdom and the rest of the region.

Ten public holidays are provided for in the new act – the Queen’s Birthday, New Years Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Monday, Whit Monday, August Bank Holiday, Christmas and Boxing Day.

Mr. Ekins says when any one or two bank holidays fall on a weekend, the following Monday and Tuesday will be taken in lieu.

This year, Christmas day falls on a Saturday and Boxing Day on a Sunday.

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced the winners of its back yard gardening competition.

The first prize in the Cable and Wireless-sponsored competition went to Daniel Ryan of Salem. He will receive EC $1,000 for his efforts.

Randall Gibbons of Manjack placed second and Sarah Ackins of Cheapend third.

Gibbons receives EC $800 and Ackins EC $600..

The Communications giant Cable and Wireless is planning to accelerate the roll out of Internet-based products and services at locations in Montserrat and other Caribbean islands.

The company is a major player in international data and Internet protocol market, and already, it provides services to 17 Caribbean markets.

In a recent press release, Cable and Wireless says it is committed to leveraging its global resources and experiences to the benefit of its customers.

Director Carol Lake says Cable and Wireless’ goal is to unlock the full potential of the Internet to business and consumers in the region.

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt and John Kerby, senior Department for International Development (DFID) official, have discussed the safety of some of the newly completed houses at Lookout.

Officials say because of the way the houses are built, families would not be able to escape through the front door if a fire starts near the backdoor.

The front door is several feet from the ground and the officials say there’s insufficient funding to construct the stairs.

Chief Minister Brandt brought this concern to Mr. Kerby during his recent visit to the island.

Mr. Kerby, who has responsibility for Eastern Europe and the Western Hemisphere at DFID, has promised to look into the matter.

A spokesperson for Brown and Root, the company which supervised construction of the houses, did not want to comment on the matter.

The Volcano Executive Group (VEG) has reopened the Daytime Entry Zone (DTEZ).

The DTEZ was closed some weeks ago after the discovery of new dome growth in the crater of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

The VEG met on December 8 to discuss the preliminary findings of the recent scientific review of the status of the volcano.

In a press release issued by the Governor’s Office, the group said although dome growth has resumed, it is too early to say with certainty how this new phase of activity will develop.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory has since advised that there is no immediate risk to the Daytime Entry Zone.

The DTEZ was opened from 6 o’clock on the morning of December 9 and was closed promptly at 6 o’clock in the evening. This will be the opening and closing times.

However, this decision will be kept under review in light of developments at the volcano.

Other areas within the Exclusion Zone, particularly Plymouth, are extremely dangerous and the public is advised against entering under any circumstances.

The British Government has issued an update on Montserrat’s preparedness for the millennium bug.

In an advisory published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London, Her Majesty’s Government says remedial action is currently being undertaken to ensure the local Government’s computer systems are Y2K compliant.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) says monitoring equipment at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory will be completely Y2K compliant by the end of the year, and monitoring of the volcano will continue as normal.

The FCO says based on current information there may be delays in billing for some utilities, but services are not expected to be affected.

As far as communications are concerned, Cable and Wireless’ systems are Y2K compliant.

The two ports of entry, external transportation such as the ferry and helicopter and navigation systems are all Y2K compliant.

However, the heliport’s weather forecasting system is not yet compliant.

It is expected that Customs and Immigration services at the ports of entry will not be affected by the millennium bug.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office says the two main banks are linked to internationally-known financial institutions and are completing or have completed their Y2K programmes.

Heliport Y2K Systems To Be Ready by Year-end

Airport Manager Normal Cassell says the heliport systems will be Y2K compliant by the end of this year.

He says the heliport is getting assistance in upgrading its systems from the OECS Telecommunications and Navigational Aids Services (TNAS)

Unit Manager Mr. Rosemund James paid a recent visit to the island to see the new facilities now under construction at Geralds.

Mr. Cassell says new equipment will be provided to Montserrat under a regional programme to replace the network with a new digital system

The system, to be installed by Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago is currently being tested.

A team is scheduled to visit Montserrat shortly.

The Airport Manager says some additional equipment is being procured as part of the overall upgrade of the Geralds Heliport.

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt attended the recent first annual Awards and Banquet of the Montserrat Association of the British Virgin Islands in Road Town, Tortola

Mr. Brandt was the special guest at the event.

During the ceremony, two prominent Montserratians were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the development of the BVI - former legislator and businessman Q.W. Osborne and educator E. Ryan, both of whom have served the BVI with distinction.

Justice Lee Moore was the keynote speaker at the ceremony.

Five years ago, we had a facility in Plymouth called Sturge Park. It was at this facility that we as Montserratians, and our visitors, met at the end of each year to celebrate our Montserrat Festival as only we knew how.

There we met friends and even relatives whom we had not seen for a very long time because they had gone abroad. And even though we had heard that they were home for Christmas, we did not have to worry about whether or not we would see them, for we knew that we would all meet up at Sturge Park.

My friends, sad to say, Sturge Park is no more. It has become yet another fatality of the volcano, which has changed all our lives and the way we celebrate our annual year-end Festival.

The advent of volcanic activity in 1995 has created a serious setback for culture and most forms of cultural expression on Montserrat.

In 1995, when we all spent our first Christmas in the Safe Zone, we tried to celebrate as we had always done - in fine spirit and gay abandon, despite the threat of what scientists were calling a cataclysmic eruption from the volcano.

In 1996, we realized that we might all have to be in the North for the long haul, but this did not dampen our spirit, nor stop us from attempting to indulge in our traditional way of life as we were accustomed. 1997 and 1998 were trying years for us. Not only did we still not have a proper home for festival, but we had to scale back our activities due to the great depletion of the already dwindling numbers of our population.

But we are a resourceful people, and the spirit of innovation and discovery that exists in us will not allow us to be defeated by such a crushing blow that was dealt to our cultural way of life.

Today, as we look around this Village, we can truly say that Festival has come home in the North of the island. This Village is a testimony of our resourcefulness and resilience as a people, and our ability to create and improvise in the face of setbacks and disappointments.

Where we now stand is a temporary facility we have developed, in order to build a home where we can enjoy our traditional Christmas and Festival; a home where we can gather with friends and loved ones, drink a cup of goat water, eat fried chicken, souse, pelau, and share a drink and warm companionship with them.

I understand that the Jamaicans and the Guyanese have booths in the Village and will also be serving jerk pork, jerk chicken, roti and curried foods. I also understand that our rasta brother too will be serving ital foods at his booth. In fact, we have something for everyone.

All these people and many others have worked hard to make this place a reality, despite the odds we faced – the constant rains, the rushing seas from Hurricane Lenny, which threatened to halt the work in progress.

The Co-ordinator of Culture will thank all those who have worked on this Village, but I would especially like to commend the men of the Public Works Department, the men of MONLEC, and the men of the Montserrat Water Authority for the wonder that they have accomplished with this place. It is still my opinion that we have some of the best tradesmen in the world, if not the best, and day by day we see this manifested in the work they do on our homes and business places.

If you are not convinced, just take a short ride up to Sweeney’s to see the marvel of a hotel built by our own Emmanuel Galloway, amidst the talk of evacuation and impending doom and gloom. On the other side of us is Montserrat’s latest night club and Restaurant, which is the achievement of another local son, Alford Dyett.

Such development is good, as we need avenues to relieve stress and be entertained.

Other Montserratians are invited to take such initiatives.

To our visitors I say welcome and feel free to enjoy our hospitality and the wonderful atmosphere which exists in Montserrat, especially at this time of year.

To Montserratians returning home for Festival, we know that apart from coming to see your friends and loved ones whom you had to leave because of the volcano, you are also sizing up the situation and taking note of the progress we have made during your absence. We want, on your return to where you presently call home, to tell your Montserratian friends and relatives about the Montserrat that we here are striving to create; one in which there will be a place for you whenever you decide to return to your homeland.

To other visitors, we want you to take back the word that the Montserrat you have visited is alive and fast recuperating from the devastating blow struck us by the volcano. During the Festival, we will be host to four contingents of entertainers from our sister island of Antigua. To them, we say a sincere thank you for your participation, and invite you to feel free to enjoy our hospitality; and we look forward to the entertainment that you are bringing to help us celebrate our Festival.

The volcanic situation has also brought us persons from other cultural backgrounds who are now living among us, and fast establishing themselves on Montserrat. I am therefore pleased to hear that Festival this year will include a Beauty Pageant which will feature seven lovely young women representing other Caribbean islands, and even as far as West Africa.

Seated next to me on this stage is a Montserratian who, by his talents in the entertainment business, has told the world of our plight and our subsequent trip on the road to recovery. His music is worth more than any publicity campaign which we can afford, and it is fitting that at the opening of this new facility, we should honour Alphonsus Cassell, known to the international music world as "Arrow," for his contribution to the cultural life of Montserrat.

In closing, I invite you to enjoy the Festival, the last of this century. Had our circumstances been different, we would have gone all out to make this one the best ever, with a spectacle never before seen. Though we are limited in resources, my Government has made sure that you have a home in which to celebrate in the traditional way, and it is for this reason that this Festival Village was built.

We ask you to go out and patronize the shows which are being held at venues from the Pelican Room at the Vue Pointe Hotel in the South to St. John’s in the North. The organizers of these shows have worked very hard designing, building their sets, and rehearsing and preparing their performances for you. It is only fitting that their efforts be rewarded by your presence and appreciation.

On behalf of my Government, I invite you to do as the slogan says: "Catch the spirit, get in line, move in time, for Festival ‘99".

With that, I now formally declare this Festival Village and the 1999 Montserrat Festival open.

1999 School Gala Extravaganza Ends

The curtains were drawn on the three-day 1999 Schools Gala Extravaganza on the evening of December 9^th with a typically entertaining concert at the Brades Primary School.

The event kicked off with a big rally at the Brades multi-purpose hard courts on the afternoon of December 7^th. This rally featured various uniformed bodies including the Montserrat Secondary School Cadet Corp, Girls Guides, Scouts and Pathfinders.

The opening day also included statements by a representative each from the three schools on the island about where they think education should go in the next century and the challenges it would present to those young persons.

Speeches were also made by Chief Minister David Brandt and Minister for Education Mrs. Adelina Tuitt.

In addition, there was the presentation of a song which was scripted specially for this event. The song was performed by a joint schools choir including representatives from the St. Augustine, the Brades Primary and the Montserrat Secondary Schools.

On December 8, the creativity of the island’s youths was on show during a joint schools exhibition which spread into a second day on December 9.

The exhibition featured the children’s work, displays of art and craft, creative writing, and items that highlighted the culinary skills of the students.

There was also clothing made by students at the MSS and tote bags by students at the primary schools.

Talent Show Contestants

<-- Letticia Allen

Age: 16yrs

Sponsored by: Carlisle Shoe Store

<-- Laurrine Hoyte

Age: 16yrs

Sponsored by: MONLEC

<-- Franciles White

Age: 18yrs

Sponsored by: Bank of Montserrat

<-- Denise Gordon

Age: 14yrs

Sponsored by: St Patricks Credit Union

<-- Jevon West

Age: 16yrs

Sponsored by: National Development Foundation

<-- Sasha Farrell

Age:16yrs

Sponsored by: Victor's Grocery Store

<-- Jermaine Wade

Age: 15yrs

Sponsored by: Angelo's Grocery Store

<-- Clyde Rogers

Age: 19yrs

Sponsored by A&F Servicentre

<-- James Adams

Age: 17yrs

Sponsored by Ernst & Edith Herman

<-- Francis Destouche

Age: 15yrs

Sponsored by Montserrat Printing & Publishing

FEATURES

A group of scientific and adventure tourists visited Montserrat last weekend, as part of a three-week volcano viewing cruise around the Caribbean. They were traveling on the picturesque looking schooner, "Sir Robert Baden Powell," which could be seen at anchor outside Port Little Bay for a few days.
The cruise was the brainchild of well-known resident and videographer David Lea, who was interested in the idea of making a video on volcanoes in the Caribbean. David met the schooner's owner, Captain Karsten Borner, while in the island of Saba, and the two got together to organize the three-week cruise.
The group of 20 passengers, plus six crew members, are visiting 11 volcanic islands in all - Grenada, St Vincent, St Lucia, Martinique, Dominca, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, St Kitts, Nevis, St Eustatius and Saba.
About half the group consists of professional geologists or volcanologists, either working or retired, with the rest being people who are interested in volcanoes and also keen on sailing and/or diving. Many of the group made the trip over from England, Germany or the United States especially for this cruise, which was advertised in a professional geology magazine under the title "Scientific volcano expedition - millenium adventure cruise of a lifetime!"
David Lea and his son, Sunny, are also a part of the group, and David has shot a lot of video footage on the various islands and on board the ship, with the intention of eventually editing these into a video about Caribbean volcanoes.
Most of the visitors are experienced sailors and enjoy taking part in the many sailing tasks on board the schooner, which was able to sail with full sails between several of the islands, depending on the wind strength. In spite of the mature age of many of the group, these are fit and energetic people with stamina, who have done several strenuous hikes, like the one to the top of Mont Pelee in Martinique.
The visitors are enthusiastic about the tour, which is the first of its kind for this boat. Highlights of the voyage so far, besides Montserrat, included the grotto and boiling lake in Dominica, the sizzling cauldron in the volcanic crater in Guadeloupe, and the visit to Mont Pelee on Martinique, where the famous 1902 and 1929 eruptions took place.
The group climbed Mont Pelee, which now looks like a normal mountain, green with trees, grass and tropical plants. They report that the town of St. Pierre, which was totally destroyed in the 1902 eruption, killing 29,000 people, is a thriving town again, although not back to its former size. This gives us some idea of what the Soufriere Hills and Plymouth might look like in 70 years' time. Some group members were also able to dive and view the wrecks of ships that sank during that eruption.
While sailing over from Guadeloupe to Montserrat they were able to view the devastated southern coastline and what was Plymouth from the sea. On Montserrat they got a close look at Plymouth from Richmond Hill, and were able to get views of the devastation in the east from the Jackboy Hill area. They also visited the MVO and toured the north, but were unable to go diving due to the stormy weather.
The rough seas also had them grounded for two nights on land, giving them a chance to experience Montserrat's small guest house and bed and breakfast accommodation. At all the other islands they had slept on board the boat.
The 140-foot schooner was built in Germany in 1957 as a tugboat, but in 1971 it was bought by Captain Karsten, who converted it into a topsail schooner of the Baltimore Clipper design. As a former Boy Scout, he renamed it after Sir Robert Baden Powell, the founder of the world-wide Scout movement.
For several years the boat was used for diving and sight seeing tours in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, but about three years ago Captain Karsten transferred it to the Caribbean for the winter months, and now does half the year in the Mediterranean and half the year in the Caribbean, with the boat making the passage across the Atlantic twice a year.
The schooner and its captain are based in St Maarten while in the Caribbean, and specialize in diving tours, which take them to many islands. This is the first time the boat has done a specialist volcano cruise, but judging from the success of this trip, and the enthusiasm of the passengers, it will not be the last..

The Common Cold, known medically as an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, is a contagious disease caused by a virus. A person can catch the Common Cold by inhaling air borne water droplets from the sneeze of a patient with the disease or by contact with hands that have touched an infective mouth or nose. It is also caught by breathing in contaminated dust floating in the air. The symptoms develop one to two days after exposure. A person who harbors infection can transmit it to other persons a few hours before his own symptoms begin and for as long as five days after his symptoms have appeared.

Exposure to cold temperatures, wind, rain, extreme tiredness or fatigue, loss of sleep, poor nutrition, existing illness and reduced vitality make a person more susceptible to the Common Cold.

Inasmuch as the Common Cold may be caused by one or more of a large number of viruses, protection by immunization is difficult. Even having an attack of the Common Cold makes a person immune to only the particular virus or viruses which caused his recent illness. He is still vulnerable to other viruses.

Early symptoms of the Common Cold usually begin with roughness, irritation or soreness of the throat, followed by sneezing and by the discharge of water fluid from the nose. Watering of the eyes and headache may also be present.

In most cases symptoms such as fever, chilliness, general body aches and pains, malaise, stuffy nose, a slight cough and a feeling of indisposition may appear.

The Common Cold, although extremely annoying, is seldom serious. However, babies, young children, asthmatics, patients with bronchitis, heart disorders, diabetes or kidney disease who have symptoms of the Common Cold should seek medical advice, so that secondary infections and their complications can be prevented.

The person with a Common Cold should avoid becoming fatigued and should be protected against exposure to wind, rain and unfavourable temperatures.

As a courtesy to other people, one suffering from the Common Cold should cover his face with a handkerchief when he sneezes or coughs and should avoid being near other people while his symptoms last. Such precautions help to prevent the spread of the virus infection.

Please take note that Antibiotic Medications are not effective in combating virus infections. They are therefore not useful in treating the Common Cold, unless complications develop because of the invasion of common bacteria.

The use of large doses of Vitamin C does not uniformly prevent the occurrence of the Common Cold although it may have a slight favourable effect on the severity and duration of symptoms. Nevertheless, whenever you are attacked by the Common Cold, make use of your local sources of Vitamin C, which include oranges, limes, tamarind, guavas, cherries and passion fruits. Increased fluid intake is also important, so blend your local fruits into a delicious fruit drink that would be most soothing for your aching throat.

The use of nose drops and steam inhalations may help to relieve the symptoms of the Common Cold; Panadols may be used for body aches and pains as well as fever control.

Heating Compresses to the throat or to the chest particularly during the night will help to relieve symptoms and hasten recovery from the Common Cold, as well as tepid sponging to relieve fever. Rest with proper ventilation of room is also recommended.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A COLD TO CLEAR UP

An ordinary cold should clear up in three to four days. If it does not or if additional symptoms occur such as earache, pain in the face, higher fever or a combination of sore throat, cough and shortness of breath a physician should be seen or visit your nearest District Clinic and consult with your District or Public Health Nurse.

Mrs. Maple Griffith, RN

Mrs. Maple Griffith joined the staff of the Georgetown Public Hospital, Guyana, as a Student Nurse in 1974 and successfully completed training in 1978 as a Registered Nurse. In 1979, she pursued training in Midwifery and after being successful, was promoted to the position of Staff Nurse.

After her appointment, Mrs. Griffith worked in the general wards of the Georgetown Hospital including the Gynecological Wards and the Main Operating Theatre.

In 1984, she returned to her home district of Mahdicony East Coast Demerara and worked at the Community Hospital there as a General Nurse.

In 1991, Mrs. Griffith joined her husband in Montserrat where he was working. In 1992, she joined the staff of the Ministry of Health and Community Services, working at the Cork Hill Clinic as District Nurse until 1997 when volcanic activity forced herself and family to relocate to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mrs. Griffith then worked at the South Caicos Clinic for two years. She is now back on the staff of the Ministry of Health, working at the St. John’s Hospital.

She is thankful to the Ministry of Health for being very supportive to herself and family during the earlier years of the volcanic crisis.

Special thanks to Mrs Mary Fenton of Judy Piece, who has repeatedly opened her home to Mrs Griffith and her family.

A country that eagerly humors

The spreading of outrageous rumors

While remaining aloof

To demand for some proof
Inflicts on itself dreadful tumors.

If libel is not your concern,

You could have a lesson to learn.

It's unwise to defame

Even those you don't name,

Unless you have money to burn.

Jus wonderin if there is a high level of AIDS on the island now with the invasion of non-nationals.

Jus wonderin if now the roads at Lookout are being fixed the buses will come to the bottom.

Jus wonderin if M'rat men are using the 'broadies' as No.1 and the 'yardies' as second hand fiddles.

Jus wonderin why all the Montserrat Nurses abroad don't come back home to look after their own sick Montserrat patients, so they won't have to hire Guyanese nurses any more.

Jus wonderin if they will find the youngster.

Jus wonderin how parents encourage and indulge in child abuse.

Jus wonderin where is the seriousness in a one-man government information office whether here or there.

Jus wonderin when we will learn the importance and relevance of providing and preserving information.

Jus wonderin why bad rumours spread so fast.

Jus wonderin wha demotives behind the pushin o' de ruma dem.

Jus wonderin wha happen to de donkey dem.

Jus wonderin if 'Jus Wonderin" getting pay.

Jus wonderin why the water situation has not improved.

Jus wonderin if there is another elephant is around and how old it is.

Jus wonderin if Labour Speaking will get the information on the figures to date for the GHQ elephants.

Jus wonderin if we could really in for another 3-5 years of volcano assaulting behaviour.

Jus wonderin if and how the latest news will be disadvantageous to Montserrat.

Jus wonderin if the greenness is paling out.

Jus wonderin how long the current gas crisis will last and how it will affect our Christmas cheer.

Jus wonderin if recent incidents will teach us all anything.