Alliouagana
Montserrat ’s Community Newspaper
Vol 01, Issue 08
$3.00
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2019
Express
NEWS
ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL KICKS OFF PG 2
2019 Under 21 Champions...pg 14
Women’s Day Celebration...pg 8
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ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS
Monday, March 11, 2019
St. Patrick’s Festival kicks off
Hon. Delmaude Ryan The 2019 St. Patrick’s Festival has officially begun, succeeding an opening ceremony and balloon fest at Salem Village. Deputy Premiere Delmaude Ryan did the honours of giving the official declaration to commence the festival. The ceremony featured a number of local performances to include, presentations from the Montserrat Secondary School performing Arts group, Acoustic sounds, Brades Primary School students, Edgar N White, Volpanics Steel Pans and the Masqueraders. Chairman of the St. Patrick’s Planning Committee David Duberry and the Director of Tourism Warren Solomon gave brief remarks. The Salem ceremony followed the lighting of the torch at the Silk Cotton tree in Cudjoe Head. In his remarks, Solomon highlighted the importance of the festival to the local tourism product, identifying this time as peak period for visitor arrivals. “We at Tourism have certainly acknowledged the value and importance of the St. Patrick’s Festival and it has become the key
Mr. Warren Solomon
Mr. David Duberry
component in our marketing communication especially when we speak at Montserrat’s rich culture. We have also partnered with the committee to host the cultural explosion at Marine Village on March 16th.” He said, “Now in its 37th year the St. Patrick’s Festival has developed immensely, with the visitor arrivals increasing steadily over the years. In 2018, the destination recorded over 6600 in the month of March, by far the most active month during the year and almost doubling the amount that came in 2017.”
CORRECTIONS In our last issue (#7) there were several errors is the Prince & Princess show. Below are the corrections •
The headline should have read: Look Out Post Valentine Prince & Princess Show
•
The best formal wear went to: Prince G’Ovaughny Brown Grade 6
In the National Honours & Awards story the name Gerodine Mason should have been Geraldine Mason.
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Monday, March 11, 2019
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Market Day move to Salem a success Attendees of the market day affair on Friday are calling for the event to be a year round fixture in the Salem Village, so said Billy Darroux of the Farmer’s Association, after receiving positive reviews on the first Salem edition. The event, which is usually hosted at the Little Bay market made its Salem debut by simple coincidence, according to President of the Farmers Association Claude Browne. Browne informed this news agency that this is the first market day held in Salem. He revealed that initial plans to host market day was intended for the Little Bay market, however due to circumstances it was changed to Salem. Following consultations with the St. Patrick’s Committee they were given the go ahead to
President of the Farmers Association Mr. Claude Browne
host the event on Friday which tied in with the official start of the St. Patrick’s Festival. After the event Darroux recounted some feedback he received from persons who participated in the market day, “The persons who attended market day were very happy for it—the request is that we continue doing it a bit more often not wait for an occasion like either Christmas or St. Patrick’s, but do it a bit more often, so people can eat a bit more of what is grown locally.” “—they are happy that it went over to that side of the island as opposed to where it is. I don’t think people are very keen on where the market is and they are asking for it to be more often,” he said. He also shared some other recommendations that were given, suggesting the event should occur every weekend not only for the purpose of commerce but as a means of fellowship and gathering as was previously done in the island’s capital, Plymouth prevolcano. The event featured a variety of locally grown produce, ornamental plants, local art and craft works as well as locally prepared dishes to include goat water and products such as coconut oil and castor oil.
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Service Providers still awaiting 2017 Festival payments Two years along and some service providers are still awaiting payment from Government for services rendered during the 2017 St. Patrick’s celebration. An issue that has cast a cloud of blame and contention on the Ministry of Finance having assumed management of the festival pay-outs that same year. Marketing & Promotional Manager Reinford “Kulcha Don” Gibbons expound on the issue, “In 2017 when we had that 140,000 overspend and the audit was issued, some of those outstanding invoices were paid up to recently. However there are others that the government (GoM) still —refuse to pay, or reserving not to pay.—it is a decision from the Ministry of Finance as to how they going forward.” “Some of those invoices they questioned, which when we look at it these were services that were provided for the festival. We as a committee cannot understand the questions behind these services that were provided. —They came up with some conflict of interest from their audit which we as a committee cannot see and don’t understand. There is a restaurant for example that has not been paid where we know for a fact, participants kept coming off the ferry at 10 O’clock at night to eat. They were brought here by us and that’s the only restaurant that was opened around that time
and you had that going on for an entire week. That service was provided and a bill is being refused,” said Kulcha. Kulcha concludes, “So there are conflicts, there are points of disagreements with that, however as we move on to last year, 2018, yes there was an overspend as well and those bills are all paid for.” Local artist and reigning Calypso Monarch Garnet “Sylk” Thompson expressed similar sentiments, “I didn’t get pay, a lot of other performers didn’t get pay.” When asked if a reason was given for lapse in time for payment Sylk said, “I don’t even know, they told us before performance we going to get, I think $300 to perform, after that we don’t hear anything yet— They told us to write a bill—and we still haven’t gotten our pay yet.” Sylk called on the responsible parties to be forthcoming with payments to service providers, “In order for things to get bigger you have to spend, let out and pay people, and people will be willing to do things for you for free. If you even ask for free, just say that you can’t afford to pay, and we can do it for free out of our own hearts. Don’t promise us and when done, have us waiting, waiting for years now. I perform on private shows, like Emerald City Fest— and I have no problem with the private shows, I get paid as I finish.”
Monday, March 11, 2019
Your weekly Horosc opes
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21- Feb. 19) Somebody you thought, or feared, had disappeared for good, is about to hove back into view. It’s strange how the past keeps coming back to haunt you, but your planetary cycles do make this inevitable. It’s important to understand that everything has a reason — usually a good one. PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20) The current time climaxes with a brilliant lunar picture, and you may be brought back to the real world with rather a jolt. But, then, the Piscean definition of reality is considerably different from the norm. Go ahead with a financial risk as long as you have obtained the necessary expert support. ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20) : This beginning of the week will clear off your mind of all worries and problems as it seems that everything is going just as you planned it. However, this doesn’t mean that the components of your work that depend on other people won’t risk creating you minor troubles. You should also be extra careful when dealing with other employees. TAURUS (Apr 21 - May 21) Feelings could be running high and you can of course go right over the top and let others see just how upset or angry you are. But, in view of rapid changes in mood, I’d advise you to wait and see how the land lies after a few more weeks. As far as romance is concerned, see the world through other people’s eyes. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) It’s a week of two halves, one active, the other more restful. Family arrangements and domestic moves may be delayed or postponed, but rest assured that this phase of uncertainty will not last long. Travel prospects gain as the stars become livelier. Cancer (June 22 - July 23) The stars move on, in the silent way, bringing an array of auspicious alignments. Others have had their say and now it’s your turn to sparkle. Yet, briefly, the moment for talking may have passed. A financial opportunity will, though, once again be within your grasp. LEO (July 24 - Aug 23) Not everything that happens suits you, but much of it does! Loved ones are now prepared to draw a veil over the recent past. This is wise of them, for with Mercury and Venus returning to their former positions, you will again be in undisputed control. VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sep 23) Although the general tide of events is moving in your favour, a special opportunity may be snatched from your grasp. If so, don’t worry about it. Appreciate the fact that you are being given another few weeks to consider your future. LIBRA (Sep 24 - Oct 23) Emotional stars rise over your personal horizon. Don’t allow your feelings to cloud your judgment. Any confusion is purely the result of chaotic celestial movements and there is no reason why you should be concerned. Set yourself up at the beginning of the week by making sure that you have as many friends and allies as you need. SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 23) This is the perfect moment for you to make decisive moves. Employers, partners and people in authority have now dropped their guard and the last thing they are expecting is a return bout. As far as love is concerned, you may begin to make amends for any past mistakes. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 24 - Dec 23) It’s an intriguing week in many respects, and you have much to gain. Something that took place on the work front appears to have been beyond the pale, but the fact that various planets are behaving so strangely is sufficient reason to take a second look.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 23 - Jan. 20) Everything is thrown into the melting pot — travel plans, legal questions, educational schemes and financial ventures. This doesn’t mean that you’re facing difficulties, only that you’re changing your mind. A financial scheme will be delayed — with helpful results.
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Monday, March 11, 2019
Rotary celebrates 49 years with a night of Jazz
The Montserrat Rotary Club celebrated 49 years of rotary in Montserrat with a Charter Night and Jazz Reception at the Olveston House last Sunday evening. True to their vision and mission statement, the gathering also served as a fund raising event in aid of Children’s Outreach programs. Attendees were treated to an evening of soothing vocal renditions from Sonja Smith, Tomeika Jeffrey, Adena Johnson and reigning Soca Monarch Garnet “Sylk” Thompson. Sun Lea provided instrumental renditions during the two part session. The club held its first official charter ceremony on October, 1970 under the theme: “Service Above Self – He Who Profits Most
Serves Best.” With the mission to provide opportunities of significant service to others by business and professional persons
united in promoting understanding, fellowship, goodwill and peace in our community.
ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS
Monday, March 11, 2019
T h e To r t o i s e a n d t h e H a r e
Once upon a time there was a hare who, boasting how he could run faster than anyone else, was forever teasing tortoise for its slowness. Then one day, the irate tortoise answered back: “Who do you think you are? There’s no denying you’re swift, but even you can be beaten!” The hare squealed with laughter. “Beaten in a race? By whom? Not you, surely! I bet there’s nobody in the world that can win against me, I’m so speedy. Now, why don’t you try?” Annoyed by such bragging, the tortoise accepted the challenge. A course was planned, and the next day at dawn they stood at the starting line. The hare yawned sleepily as the meek tortoise trudged slowly off. When the hare saw how painfully slow his rival was, he decided, half asleep on his feet, to have a quick nap. “Take your time!” he said. “I’ll have forty winks and catch up with you in a minute.” Name this country!
The hare woke with a start from a fitful sleep and gazed round, looking for the tortoise. But the creature was only a short distance away, having barely covered a third of the course. Breathing a sigh of relief, the hare decided he might as well have breakfast too, and off he went to munch some cabbages he had noticed in a nearby field. But the heavy meal and the hot sun made his eyelids droop. With a careless glance at the tortoise, now halfway along the course, he decided to have another snooze before flashing past the winning post. And smiling at the thought of the look on the tortoise’s face when it saw the hare speed by, he fell fast asleep and was soon snoring happily. The sun started to sink, below the horizon, and the tortoise, who had been plodding towards the winning post since
morning, was scarcely a yard from the finish. At that very point, the hare woke with a jolt. He could see the tortoise a speck in the distance and away he dashed. He leapt and bounded at a great rate, his tongue lolling, and gasping for breath. Just a little more and he’d be
How do you say that in...?
first at the finish. But the hare’s last leap was just too late, for the tortoise had beaten him to the winning post. Poor hare! Tired and in disgrace, he slumped down beside the tortoise who was silently smiling at him. “Slowly does it every time!” he said.
Solve the clues then translate
Boat used to transport persons ______________ First greeting of the day ___________________ ‘When Irish Eyes are ______________________’ National celebration, eg. St. Patrick’s ___________ English
Spanish/Espanol
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Haitian Creole/ Kreyòl Ayisyen
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ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS
Monday, March 11, 2019
Women’s Day Symposium held on Montser rat
Roselyn Cassell-Sealy of the Sisters for Progress group believes that equal access is the key issue for consideration when contemplating the theme, “Balance for Better: Negotiating Manhood and Womanhood in Montserrat.” The theme was the centerpiece for the 2019 International Women’s Day seminar at the Brades Arts and Education Centre on March 8 th. The seminar was a production of the Social Services Department and Sisters for Progress in acknowledgement of the economic, political, cultural and social achievements of women. Discussing her thoughts on the theme, Roselyn told AEx News, “It’s all about access. Can men and women both feel like they have the same access to opportunities, be it economical social or political? Do they feel that there is equal access and this is really where the balance issue comes in—.” Sharing her thoughts on the event, she said, “It was quite interesting—the guest speaker was the Honourable Minister who quite easily zoomed in on the issue about the balance between male and female and what it’s really about. I have to keep stressing the word access, that both genders—have access to the opportunities and that your ambitions can be realized and that there are no obstacles in your way because you’re a woman or because you’re a man.—It is equal access that ensures the balance in any community.” Coming off the event, Roselyn believes the conversation must continue. She believes, “The narrative has to continue and be expanded within the community,
even within our education. We have to look more at the education and socialization of our young men.—we have to continue the narrative to ensure we have balance. Author and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Oluwakemi Linda
Banks of Anguilla in her key note address highlighted the need for gender equality and the need for its pursuance in every aspects of society. She said, “We have to encourage gender balance in all the court rooms, all the board rooms, in the media.—if we are going to strive as economies we need the input, we need the economic input of women. A lot of research has been done to prove that there are many benefits to gender diversity. It said that gender balanced companies perform better financially, they work better as teams, work teams stay on schedule, they get the job done on time because women make things happen and they utilize their resources. Women are the best budget managers of finance because they manage the fam-
ily’s finance— and they take that skill into the boardroom.” Deputy Premier Delmaude Ryan in her address to the audience said, “In Montserrat we adopted the theme to make it more pronounced and centered to our development and take it one step further, “balance for better, negotiating manhood and womanhood in Montserrat.” We believe that our island’s development can be better in finding and accepting that balance. Understanding our manhood and womanhood is cen-
tral so that we know it does not make you less of a man or less of a woman in whatever path you choose to contribute.”
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Annual CXC Awards held
“Be the change, even if your studies may take you away from this island. Remember Montserrat is waiting for you to return with your knowledge, your skills, your experiences and your dreams —our ideas and talents are the greatest resource that we can invest in Montserrat,” Chief Statistician Siobhan Tuitt appealed to young awardees at the annual National CXC Awards Ceremony on Wednesday at the Brades, Arts and Education Centre. The ceremony which aimed to recognize the outstanding academic performances of students at the primary to tertiary levels, presented more than 40 students with awards for their commendable achievements at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams. Tuitt, who gave the feature address, encouraged the awardees to continue moving forward with a sense of purpose and conviction. “Firstly with God’s grace and then with the drive to succeed, the
determination to stick to task and the dedication and goodwill to mankind, you can achieve great things that would not only uplift the quality of your life, your family, but impact positively and progressively on society.”
She reminded the group, “Yes — just keep moving forward. My challenge to you awardees is to perform at your best when your best is required and I want to remind you that your best is required every day.” The top ten national performers in the CXC’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) examinations were awarded at the ceremony. Jaaziah Hackett received the award for the Overall Outstanding Student in the CPEA Examinations. Awards were also pre-
sented to five students who gained 5 passes in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, 4 students who were successful in six subjects, 8 students who obtained passes in 7 subjects and 9 students who were successful in 8 subjects. Additionally three students were awarded for passes in 9 subjects and one in ten subjects. The 2018 Overall Outstanding Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) Certificate was awarded to Dawyte David Davis. Katrice Fenton received awards for the Most Outstanding Performance in the Sciences and Outstanding Performance in Humanities. The 2018 National CXC CSEC Overall Outstanding Student Award went to Shekanah Irish. While the Overall Outstanding student in the 2018 CXC, Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations was Jenalyn Celine Weekes.
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ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS
Monday, March 11, 2019
Junior Calypso Championship goes to Raymer ‘Raymer Style’Sierra It was a narrow win, but Raymer Sierra ultimately snatched the title as the new Junior Calypso Monarch at the 20th Montserrat Union of Teachers (MUT) Junior Calypso Competition at the Cultural Centre last evening. Raymer Sierra, stage name “Raymer Style” took the crown by eight (8) points ahead of first runner-up winner Keianna Wade, stage name “Lady K”. Melvaleena Tuitt stage name “Lady Shan,” placed second runner up in the competition.
Specials prizes were awarded to contestants for the following: Best Upbeat Song— Raymer Sierra The Youngest Calypsonian — Jelani Williams stage name “Mighty Shoelace” Best New Comer— Jahfique Ryan stage name “Calypso Vybz” Best Theme song— Raymer Sierra Veteran— Keianna Wade and Raymer Sierra The competition featured two rounds for which
the first round focused on the theme, “Antibulling.”
Melvaleena Tuitt Jahfique Ryan
Keianna Wade
Jelani Williams
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Arranca el Festival Festival Saint Patrick an anvwaye de San Patricio
El Festival de San Patricio de 2019 ha comenzado oficialmente, tras una ceremonia de apertura y un festival de globos en la aldea de Salem. La diputada premier Delmaude Ryan hizo el honor de dar la declaración oficial para comenzar el festival. La ceremonia incluyó una serie de actuaciones locales que incluyeron presentaciones del grupo de artes escénicas de Montserrat Secondary School, sonidos acústicos, estudiantes de Brades Primary School, Edgar N. White, Volpanics Steel Sart y Masqueraders. El presidente del Comité de Planificación de St. Patrick, David Duberry, y el director de turismo, Warren Solomon, hicieron unas breves observaciones. La ceremonia de Salem siguió a la iluminación de la antorcha en el árbol de algodón de seda en Cudjoe Head. En sus comentarios, Salomón destacó la importancia del festival para el producto turístico local, identificando este momento como el período pico para la llegada de visitantes. “Nosotros en Turismo sin duda hemos reconocido el valor y la importancia del Festival de San Patricio y se ha convertido en el componente clave de nuestra comunicación de mercadotecnia, especialmente cuando hablamos en la rica cultura de Montserrat. También nos hemos asociado con el comité para organizar
la explosión cultural en Marine Village el 16 de marzo “. Dijo: “Ahora, en su 37 ° año, el Festival de San Patricio se ha desarrollado enormemente, con la llegada de visitantes en constante aumento a lo largo de los años. En 2018, el destino registró más de 6600 en el mes de marzo, con mucho el mes más activo durante el año y casi duplicando la cantidad que llegó en 2017 “.
Te 2019 St Patrick a Festival ofisyèlman kòmanse, siksede yon seremoni ouvèti ak balon nan Salem Village. Adjwen Premiere Delmaude Ryan te fè onè yo nan bay deklarasyon ofisyèl la kòmanse fèt la. Seremoni an te gen ladan yon
kantite pèfòmans lokal yo enkli, prezantasyon ki soti nan Gwoup Mizik Lekòl Segondè Montserrat, Gwoup Acoustic, Brades elèv lekòl primè yo, Edgar N White, Volpanics Steel Pans ak Masqueraders yo. Prezidan Komite Planifikasyon St Patrick a David Duberry ak Direktè Touris Warren Salomon te bay remak kout. Seremoni an Salem swiv ekleraj la nan flanbo a nan pye bwa a Koton Swa nan Cudjoe Head. Nan remak li yo, Salomon te montre enpòtans festival la nan pwodui touris lokal la, idantifye tan sa a kòm peryòd somè pou vizitè vizitè yo. “Nou nan Touris te sètènman rekonèt valè a ak enpòtans nan St Patrick a Festival ak li te vin eleman kle nan kominikasyon maketing nou an espesyalman lè nou pale nan kilti rich Montserrat la. Nou te tou patenarya avèk komite a pou òganize eksplozyon kiltirèl nan Vilaj Marin nan Mas 16th. “ Li te di, “Koulye a, nan 37yèm ane li yo te Festival la St Patrick a devlope ekstrèmman, ak envite yo vizitè ogmante piti piti sou ane yo. Nan 2018, destinasyon an anrejistre plis pase 6600 nan mwa mas la, pa lwen mwa ki pi aktif pandan ane a ak prèske double kantite lajan an ki te vini nan 2017.
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Arts & Entertainment
Idol wrap up week 6
Youngest contestant out
Monday, March 11, 2019
three (3). He said, “I feel like the strength of this field justifies it. When you get a group like this it’s hard for me to see who the top two will be—.” The Competition resumes Saturday, March 23rd at the Soca Cabana.
Aneeta
The Montserrat Idol singing competition breaks for the St. Patrick’s weekend celebration on the 16th of March, but not before saying good-bye to its youngest contestant Saturday night. After two tight rounds of singing, 15-year old Anetta failed to match her op-
ponents and was voted off this week. The group is now down to seven (7) contestants for the title of the next Montserrat Idol. Show Producer Thomas “Tom” Walker announced that the show has decided to take four (4) persons into the finals instead of the typical
Famalay wins Road March Famalay is officially the Road March winner of 2019. The song by Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous and Bunji Garlin beat out Kees Dieffenthaller’s Savannah Grass by 139 points to win the title. According to the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO), Famalay was played 346 times while Savannah Grass was played 207 times. This win gives Montano his 10th Road March, effectively tying him with Superblue, and gives Bunji Garlin his first Road March title. it also gives Skinny Fabulous his first in Trinidad.
Bimsha Jason Aneeta Chanzzy Delz Kimona Serafina
Name in red has been eliminated
CONTESTANTS
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Crossword #4: Cartoon Characters 72. ____-a-whirl 73. VHS successor 74. Slow on the uptake
DOWN 1. Club on a card 2. Beware of these in March 3. Strip of wood 4. In the lead 5. “____ Your Password?” 6. Kill a dragon 7. A pop 8. New Mexico’s state flower 9. Bunch of hair 10. Hat part 11. First name in frozen desserts 12. Hammer part 15. Port in Denmark 20. *Gnomeo or Juliet 22. Cash dispenser 24. Become too mature 25. *Paul Frank’s Julius 26. AM/FM device 27. Pipsqueak 29. *He’s “hunting wabbits”
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: CARTOON CHARACTERS ACROSS 1. Middle Eastern staple 6. What I do with my little eye? 9. Cookbook abbr. 13. Potato State? 14. Romanian money 15. Sign of a saint, pl. 16. *Rabbit’s first name 17. Brow shape 18. Like Bananas Foster 19. *Scooby-Doo’s best friend 21. *Eric of “South Park” 23. *Mr. Duck, to friends 24. Hippocrates’ promise 25. TV tube in days yore 28. Vegan’s staple 30. Islamic scholars 35. Hems and ____ 37. *Tramp, e.g.
39. Mountie uniform fabric 40. A lightbulb signifies one in many comics 41. Straight ones in a drafter’s toolbox 43. Agitate 44. Wharton’s “The House of ____” 46. *What Charles Schulz did with Snoopy 47. *Flapper Betty 48. *The Sailor Man 50. Black cat, e.g. 52. Abba song 53. Front part of a ship 55. *#48 Across’ Swee’___ 57. *Pink feline 61. *The youngest Griffin 64. Musical composition 65. 2nd largest bird in world by height 67. Mends a sock 69. Beauty shop 70. Chowed down 71. Grind down
31. *Phineas’ friend 32. *Huey, Duey, Louie and Blossom, Bubbles, Buttercup, e.g. 33. *Chilly Willy’s home 34. Oozes 36. Fill beyond full 38. Do like bees 42. Hid under a rug 45. What Toulouse-Lautrec and ZetaJones have in common 49. “But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight,” 51. Vital 54. Artemis’ companion 56. In the know 57. Attention grabber 58. Antioxidant-rich berry 59. He’s one behind Belichick 60. Mother Goose’ “Dame ____ and Her Cat” 61. What victim did in court 62. Fairway club 63. Book ____, pl. 66. *”Beavis and Butt-Head” channel 68. “____ Spot go”
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Monday, March 11, 2019
Elites are 2019 Under-21 Basketball Champions
Elites are the new champions of the Under 21 Montserrat Ameature Basketball Association (MABA) Tournament after defeating Hornets at the Little Bay stadium Friday evening. After a bitter battle of what can only be described as a tug of war match for the championship title, Elites took the win with a score of 91 to 82 points, putting the tournament to rest. MABA President Gilmore Williams explains the rationale for the youth tournament, “The idea behind the Under 21 Basketball Tournament is that some of the youngsters that are going to school normally don’t get picked on the school team because the school team is only made up of 15 —but some of these youngsters love basketball. They can’t make the school team because there is only 15 and they will pick the 15 best guys. So in terms of trying to develop the game— we decided to have a youth tournament that will include not only the 15 that make the school team but the others that love the game.” Williams said the tournament has been receiving positive feedback and enthusiasm from the young players. He said, “They love it— they are not playing
against the older guys, they are playing amongst their peers— they can show their skills now.” However he believes that the series lacks public support, “That is the biggest downfall of this tournament, because we are not having the participation of the general public. Our parents, the teachers, the other children. Most of the attendance is by the children—their peers— instead of their parents or people from the general public.” Nonetheless, he sees the event as a way to ensure the continuity of the sport in Montserrat, “We have to keep this tournament going because outside of the village tournament that we have for the seniors, this is the only other tournament that happens for basketball. The kids from this tournament— we can now make a good
Jenzil Skerritt
assessment in terms of the under 21 team in terms of representing Montserrat, the Shamrock. Also—the school can use this tournament in selecting their team for upcoming village leagues. “The drive of the Montserrat Basketball Association is to develop from the youth up, so we have to keep this tournament going and we are going to ensure this tournament stays afloat,” said the MABA President.
Awards
Most points - Teshawn Phillip - Tritons - 385 Most Rebounds - D’vaughn Sweeney - Hornets - 183 Most Assists - Teshawn Phillip - Tritons - 54 Most Steals - Kriston Murrain - Tritons - 49 Most Blocks - Kriston Murrain - Tritons - 25 Playoff MVP - Kasjuan Sullivan Tournament MVP - Maldrick Weekes Rookie of the Year - Rashawn Fenton
Gilmore Williams
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ELITES 2019 CHAMPS pg 14