Alliouagana Express News - May 20 2019

Alliouagana

N E W S Port Development

Montserrat ’s Community Newspaper

Vol 01, Issue 18

$3.00

Express

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2019

Davy Hill houses hand over

Project launch

Davy Hill home

pg 8

MSS rehabilitation project on back burner

pg 2

MSS building

By Staff Reporter Friday May 17th, Little Bay— Works are off the ground for a breakwater and docking

facility at Port Little Bay, following the launch of the Montserrat Port Development Project last week.

The project start

was marked by an official launch ceremony at the Little Bay Port deck.

The event Pg 12

Long awaited Budget finally unveiled...pg 14

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ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

MSS rehabilitation project on back burner

By Staff Reporter Friday May 17th, Davy HillNews of no budgetary allocation for the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) rehabilitation project has sparked public outrage and an online petition to have lawmakers move to make the project a priority in the 2019/2020 budget.

According to confirmed reports, parents and educators were informed at the school’s recent Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting on Thursday May 16th that funds were not available for the demolition and reconstruction or the refurbishment for two MSS blocks. Both buildings were condemned after an assessment of government buildings determined that they were unsafe and posed a threat to life if they remained in use.

Among the classes dislocated due to the closure, were Spanish, French, and the Chemistry and Biology labs. Those teachers were relocated to several locations on the compound wherever space was available. This included the use of a tent on the school field; wooden buildings, the community college and commutes to Salem Primary School building.

The sources revealed that the news was met with fierce questioning as parents and educators sought answers for a resolution for the displacement issue. The news had prompted one educator to take action through an online petition.

Lyston Skerritt of Skerritt’s Educational Consultancy launched an online petition to gain a minimum of 500 signatures to endorse the need

to change the budget allocation and ensure MSS is fixed. The petition is in circulation via various social media network sites and mobile apps, including Facebook and Whatsapp.

According to a statement from the Consultancy organization, “…It was explained that despite the closing of two buildings in September, renovation or replacement with permanent structures will not be a priority in the coming fiscal year (we are still technically waiting on the budget). The implications of the unacceptable work and educational conditions cannot be ignored and the implications have far reaching effects for Montserrat’s future.

The statement urged that, “Educational development needs to become more of a priority of any elected official or political aspirant. Skerritt’s Educational Consultancy Ltd is committed to advocating for this necessary change. The budget allocation can still be changed in the Committee Phase of the upcoming Budget Debate.”

Meanwhile PTA President Mildred Chalmers has taken a different approach to the issue. She informed AEx News, “ we have written a letter to the Minister of Education and we have not gotten any response.

We talk about excellence yet you find that we are having our children in an environment that does not encourage excellence; in an environment that will affect their learning experience.”

She said, “As for the parents, I want to reassure them that we’re working in the background. I’ve had several conversations with members

of the government already, I have sent out a letter I have spoken to the teachers, I’ve spoken to the President of the Montserrat Union of Teachers. So we are doing our part, asking the government to reconsider putting the school issue on the budget for this term.”

A concerned parent who also attended the meeting shared their concern about the issue, “I’ve been hearing these concerns vented by the Permanent Secretary with regards to lack of adequate facilities for our children. And as a result of that you have demoralized teachers and parents. You see buildings falling around you, you are not sure where or what is planned to replace them. You’re just hearing they are going to be condemned, there is no money to demolish, there is no money to rebuild, a future plan for any kind of school, where are we going?”

The parent questioned, “what is the message that is being sent there?

Is it that there’s no interest? What is the expectancy of any funding agency when they see a dire problem and a critical need, should you not rise to the occasion to assist the situation?”

Past students of the MSS have also weighed in on the conversation.

One student stated “They never interested in the school I went to the school for five years and in my five years nothing has been done to the school. They constructed some wooden buildings on the fields because they had broken down another block that was infested with rats. Teachers were out of place and had to use the college as classrooms.” These teachers were later provided with wooden constructed classrooms on the school field which they continue to occupy to date.

We contacted the Minister of Education, Delmaude Ryan on the issue, she commented, “They’re still going through the discussions and negotiation on where the funding will come from to address some of the needs. It is not in the CIPREG or capital funding package, although we had listed it as a priority, we’re asked to put it with the maintenance budget. so it’s

a bit premature to speak on it before I have updates on it on Tuesday, before Premier wraps up his budget presentation.”

In addition to concerns over the lack of budgeted funds for the rehabilitation of the school, persons close to the issue expressed distaste during the PTA meeting, for the way in which the building assessment came to its conclusions and recommendations.

One of the teachers displaced during the closure expressed disapproval for the way in which the assessment was conducted. According to sources who attended the meeting, the teacher informed that he was not consulted during the building assessment. He said that in his many years of inhabiting the classroom he has not seen any signs of extensive damage that would warrant the closure of the building.

Our News Agency conducted further inquiry into the building assessment and learned that the local Land Authority was not involved in the assessment process.

A credible source close to government, informed us that the government building authority was not consulted at any stage of the building inspection. According to the source, “The Montserrat Land and Housing Development Authority was not consulted or included in the assessment of the buildings.”

The source said, “Montserrat has a planning development authority that governs all development and any demolition in the island. It is imperative that you consult them when you are doing any building and demolition, so if they are not consulted it goes against the grade of the law.”

Government reports informed that the buildings were condemned on the findings of DfID funded assessments of the structure. One of the reports sited at the meeting can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/ dfid-research-outputs/developmentproposals-for-lookout-primary-schoolbrades-primary-school-montserratsecondary-school-2008-mnt-09

ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

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Dear Kate Reprinted from antiguanewsroom.com

My marriage is on sinking sand

Dear Kate My husband and I of 3 years have been having marital problems for some time now.

My husband states that I’m not there for him emotionally and I put my family before him and the ways in which I speak to him, he does not like it… These problems I’ve stated have been there from since we got married and I admit most of them is true, I’m not really an emotional person and I find it hard at times to cuddle etc which are things that he likes, my friend circle is really small I can count on 1 hand the amount of friends I have so I cling to my family I’m not a party girl and I find simple pleasures in staying home an reading a good book or keep my house tidy… Over the years my husband has tried his best to be there where I fall short emotionally he’s told me countless times how he feels about it but I just taught he was being a big baby and always brushed it off because I taught we had bigger issues then trying to be cuddly…

After hurricane Irma last year my husband was transferred to another island to assist and was eventually stationed over there to work… Financially we were in the red and we both agreed him working over would help with our financial situation as it would bring in more money… I got another job also to help… I wasn’t able to the island because of the 2 jobs I had and I taught he understood…

Late last year I started noticing a change in my behavior, he stopped communicating with me… Knowing I would’ve flown off the handle if I called and asked him what I going on I opted to message him, my first message was read and I got no reply, a few days later I attempted to message him again it was then he revealed to me that he was not happy and started to bring out the issues I mentioned about. I was so angry and frustrated with this man because I honestly taught we were passed this… So I told him it makes no sense continuing this marriage if he’s still holding onto the pass… I admit I didn’t mean what I said and I just wanted him to realize what he’s losing…

A few weeks later he came home and I taught that this was the opportunity to try and fix our marriage, but when he came over he didn’t come back home, I tried, I begged, I pleaded with to come home and let us work on our marriage, I even got countless people to talk to him to let him know I was sorry and I was willing to work and fixed all that he said was wrong in our marriage…but to no avail..

He just didn’t care anymore….

I even asked him to have intercourse to which he turned me down an said I should find someone to have it with because he’s not there… I recently found out that he’s in a relationship someone he met on the island he denied it at first until I found pics of him and this other woman… He has done countless things since that has left me embarrassed and ashamed… At one point I told him to choose this girl or his wife- he chose her.

He has completely blocked me from his life he won’t even take me calls..

Even after all this I still want my husband to just come home and let us work on our marriage.. even after all this I still love this man endlessly…even after all this I still cry every night and every morning because he’s not there…

I just miss my husband so much…

Am I being foolish for wanting a man that clearly doesn’t want me anymore?

Broken Wife Dear Broken Wife, You are not being foolish by wanting to be with your husband. But you were foolish to brush off his complaints.

He complained to you for the first couple of years in the marriage that you were not there for him emotionally.

When people are not there for each other emotionally it can have some serious effects.

Humans have the tendency to stay where they feel comforted, loved, happy and all of that.

You fell short of providing that for your husband and we found it somewhere else.

I don’t think he was being a big baby when he told you about his emotional needs. I think he was being honest and for a man to admit that it means he was greatly affected by it.

I am sorry for your hurt but you have to face some hard facts. One of them is that your marriage could be over. And you face it, then you won’t be able to move on.

If he is publicly displaying his affection for his newly found love, then it means that they are serious. It also means that he doesn’t care anymore about continuing the marriage with you.

I am not blaming you. However sometimes we have to listen to our partners cries even though we find it petty and trivial because to them, its a concern.

Accept that your marriage is over. Then begin working on yourself. In order for anyone to be filled up again, they must be emptied. So there is hope. It may not be with your husband.

Best Kate

ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

Your weekly Horoscopes

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21- Feb. 19) It’s at times like these that your innate sense of stability and security will prove useful. If you understand that finances must be the centre of your attention now, then certain other aspects of your life will begin to make more sense.

PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20) Everything in your universe is in an ongoing state of change, which means that new opportunities are constantly presenting themselves. If you feel uncertain about your home life and family relationships, that is an extremely good thing indeed.

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20) The Moon’s rapid movements indicate that yet more change is on the way, so stay on the move but don’t feel obliged to stick to a pre-arranged schedule. If travel plans have been altered recently, try to adapt to new circumstances, and don’t worry about any delays at work.

TAURUS (Apr 21 - May 21) Your next task is to work out a better solution to a financial conundrum. Extravagance can be a compensation for emotional loss. This is not to say that you shouldn’t spend any money, but that if you are tempted into any impulse buys it might be better to question your motives.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You feel one thing, but the planets say another. You may not believe it, but your stars couldn’t be better. However, it’s at such times that you are likely to encounter those twists of fate which convert every situation into its opposite. Keep your wits about you.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Mars is certainly set to give you a lift, and you should spare no effort when it comes to achieving your aims. There will come a point, in a few weeks’ time, when you run into a spot of confusion. This simple fact should remind you to see that everything is in order now.

LEO (July 24 - Aug 23) The Heavenly spheres look particularly positive at the moment. Your social stars are relatively strong, and the most enjoyable gatherings should be based around good conversation with like-minded people. You have interesting choices to make, and you can afford to go for the livelier options.

VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sep 23) In the past you have often unconsciously settled for second-best, but this is no time for self-doubt. There’s a powerful law operating at the moment, and it’s that if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

Financial rewards will be delayed – just long enough to give you time to think again.

LIBRA (Sep 24 - Oct 23) You are entering a nicely positive and self-confident phase, but some secrets cannot be kept for very much longer. In fact, you should now have your story ready, just in case anyone should enquire exactly what you have been up to. Be as open with your ideas as with your feelings.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 23) Family members are on your case and financial questions now require answers. There is certainly room for a little extravagance, especially if family and domestic purchases are beckoning. Partners will bring reminders of uncompleted practical tasks.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 24 - Dec 23) Agreement is vital, not to say essential, if you are to make any headway at home. It may well seem that you are getting your own way for a while, but without co-operation from others, pitfalls will lie in wait. Even at work, harmonious collaboration is a necessity – not a luxury.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 23 - Jan. 20) One of your greatest skills, when you care to use it, is your ability to plan ahead. Grand ambitions can be attained if you are competent, thorough and organised. You should therefore stay busy, and keep a close watch on each and every detail, no matter how small and apparently meaningless.

ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

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Letter to the Editor: MSS rehabilitation disappointment Dear Editor, This letter serves to enlighten the general public of the present situation that has left teachers, parents and students of the Montserrat Secondary School quite distressed. It is hope that you would lend us your support as we seek to urgently act on the matter.

At the beginning of the 2018/2019 academic year, an emergency PTA meeting was called to alert the group of a report from a consultant, tasked with assessing the structural integrity of the Government buildings. We were told that two buildings at the MSS were reported to be unsuitable for use. Six classrooms and two labs were shut down. Eight teachers and students from every year group were displaced on the second day of the first term.

There was much effort by the ministry officials and management of the school to find temporary solutions to the problems that resulted. We were told the buildings would be demolished and basically it was assumed the work to better the situation would have been undertaken during the school year. In March 2019, the PTA requested an update as to the plans to remedy the situation, we were told the buildings would be demolished in April. One can understand that a false sense of hope was forged assuming the Ministry of Education was working in the background to get the job done at some point. It is obvious that funds should have been made available. That sense of hope carried on even though the buildings were not demolished as promised.

However, at the latest meeting of the PTA body on Thursday, 16 May, 2019, hope dissipated when we were made aware that no funds had been secured and budgeted to deal with the matter. For further evidence that we were not mistaken, I would like to reference a section from the Government’s Budget Statement 2019-2020: 85. This year Montserrat Secondary School celebrates its 80th year as a comprehensive secondary learning institution. Yet

in the midst of our celebration, we were forced to decommission two of the school buildings on the current Salem site due to discovering structural building faults. Despite this, our teachers have shown grace and fortitude to deliver for the young minds of our future. I want to assure them, along with parents and children, that we are working tirelessly to find a funded solution for the medium and long term that will provide the greater capacity that our secondary school environment deserves.

86. In the meantime, we have forged ahead making repairs and upgrades to the physical school plant at all schools, including the MSS. This includes painting, fencing, plumbing and other critical upgrades to improve the safety and resilience of our school environments for staff and students alike.

On the surface the words of the statement sound sweet, but just as cotton candy is simply sweet, colored puffy sugar with no substance, that’s the taste those words leave in my mouth. I think we can all deduce from the first section that since funding is ‘being’ sought, the project was not deemed significant enough for the government to fund, in this current budget. Basically, the grace and fortitude of our teachers and the quiet, assumed acceptance of the parents and students were considered enough to ensure all goes well for the children referred to as “the young minds of our future”, but is it really so?

Furthermore, lest we assume section 86 would cover the urgent short term solutions, I would like to propose that usually a statement would list the most significant repairs and upgrade. Although painting, fencing and plumbing are welcomed, they rank very low on the totem pole of urgent needs of the MSS, directly related to the decommissioning of the two buildings.

As the President of the MSS PTA, I realized that I was not only

tasked to deal with the parents’ reaction, but also those of the teachers.

As such, my first act was to meet with the teachers on Friday, 17 May, 2019, so as to get an in depth view of the situation from where they sit.

The teachers were understandably furious. They indeed had been exercising admirable grace and fortitude, with the assumption that overseers of the Ministry of Education sat in their comfortable well outfitted offices, taking care of the issues that were totally under their authority. I sensed they felt deceived and betrayed by what they had heard. To make matters worse, they were only visited once and certainly needed further updates by Ministry officials.

These are the individuals who have been holding the fort in distressing circumstances, so that our future is filled with educated well-rounded individuals.

Please permit me to list some of the issues directly related to the closed buildings, which were being tolerated, while assuming the Government of Montserrat had their best interest at heart.

• Since the staffroom is now used as a classroom, • Then teachers find themselves sitting in their vehicles marking books, (and eating lunch) • Therefore, they are in poor working position for such a task, which is considered a significant occupational health and safety hazard, and can have severe long term effects on their bodies.

• Since the staffroom bathrooms are consequently not convenient to use at times, • Then the shortage of toilets is further escalated, • Therefore, embarrassing and disastrous situations have been experienced (as was passionately detailed).

• Since the two science labs have been closed and a compressed space is being used • Then the science School Based Assessments have been slowed down

• Therefore, frustrated teachers and students as they hustle to prepare for exams.

• I cannot ignore the emotional distress that was articulated, as some teachers described the move as comparable to the loss they felt relocating from the unsafe zone during the volcanic crisis. Except, this disaster is man-made.

Those are only a few of the plethora of issues. I must admit my feeling of empathy was such that I had to fight the temptation of telling the teachers let us all go immediately and camp out in the cushy offices of our well-paid elected officials and demand an explanation. However, I bowed to protocol. After all, we are supposed to be people of excellence and the teachers are the ones who, we as parents, and the country at large, expect to mirror excellence to our children, even where we fall short. Granted that those at the highest echelon of excellence also have children attending the school, leaves one to wonder, if they not aware of the deleterious impact of bad working environment on both adults and children? Where are those parents who are tasked with caressing the country’s purse strings in all of this?

Are they as muzzled as the Permanent Secretary seemed to have been at the meeting?

It’s inevitable, that we are going to lose teachers because of this crisis bearing in mind that we are already struggling to have a full complement of teachers year after year. So how will all this affect our future minds?

It’s no guess work that the grades of the students have and will be impacted. It is sobering to think that those we granted access to the highest level of government, could not have gauged the damaging impact that will show up in the future, because we failed to prioritize working on the learning environment for our children. Have they strategized a plan to correct the effect of their failings to these children when they are ushered into society? Or are we

cont’d. on page 14

Alliouagana Express Printing & Publishing and Alliouagana Express News welcomes letters to the editor. The letters may be edited for clarity, legal ramifications, length or general taste at the editor’s discretion. We also reserve the right to refuse to publish submitted letters for the same reasons. All letters must be signed. Letters published do not necessarily reflect the views of Alliouagana Express News, its Publisher, its Staff or its Advertisers.

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ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

Guest Editorial: The Foreign Affairs Committee Inquiry: Where did it all go wrong?

The Foreign Affairs Committee inquiry was mean to be bring the British Territories closer together. It was meant to be a once in a decade chance to “reset the relationship” between the OTs and the UK, but it hasn’t quite gone like that. The political leaders of several islands, including Montserrat, ended up condemning the evidence put forward by some of their own citizens, and the Caribbean Governments made it clear that they would not agree to people having the same rights as they would in the UK. It ended up a bit of a mess.

The Committee is not part of the British Government, which is required to formally respond to the recommendations. It now has, and it doesn’t seem to like them much either. This is a shame as there are a lot of good things in there, particularly for Montserrat. In fact, the response to the Committee’s criticism of UK aid support to Montserrat was so robust that it read like the Premier’s budget speech.

So how has this all gone so badly wrong? It starts with the Committee Chair, Tom Tugendhat, who is a strong supporter of Brexit. It looks like he was influenced by his own desire for a post-Brexit “Global Britain” where, detached from the EU, a British passport carries the same status in every British territory. It was his fantasy BU, a British Union with free movement and equal rights across all territories, but with Great Britain firmly in control.

Given the indifference to most of the recommendations, it was not surprising that the political leaders in the Caribbean focussed mainly on the changes asked of them. No one has been talking about the proposal to increase access to the NHS, or diluting the influence of DFID and

the FCO. No one was looking at them, but this could have steered the overall model that the Commit- its tactics. The Caribbean Governtee wanted to create.

When the ments gave a clear warning about long standing anti-gay Camanian how the more contentious issues phrase “the next imposition” starts would be perceived back in their to be heard, particularly in Montser- Territories, and the Cayman Islands rat, it is clear that the message had Government refused to even meet been lost. with the Committee But a U-turn by the UK GovernAn alternative approach would ment on same-sex marriage would have been to listen more to the Ishave had long lasting ramifica- land Rights Initiative, one of the ortions. The Foreign and Common- ganisations asked to present to the wealth Office has always resisted Committee. In their evidence they intervention and even signed the suggested a broad review of the Bermuda ban into law, so there al- human rights applicable in the OTs ways seemed to be little chance of with a comparison to those in the the “next imposition” that had been UK. This would be followed by depredicted. There is no doubt that velopment of specific plans to close those who complained that families the gap around each one. This may have had to flee the country, and have been seen as less provocathat the UK was forcing people to tive, and taken the Committee closCourt, will be deeply disappointed. er to something more universally But they will keep fighting through acceptable. This was also similar other routes. to the approach suggested by MontThe Committee also tried to serrat Association for Persons with address belonger status, which is Disabilities. more politically contentious than it The window of opportunity seemed to realise. The Committee seems to be passing. The Commitclearly felt that it had to respond to tee has moved on to other Inquiries, those British citizens, born or do- the FCO plans to carry out its own miciled in overseas territories, who review in the summer, and the Dehad no democratic rights. In some partment of Health will report on its territories, like Montserrat, the right assessment of NHS quotas around to vote is more easily obtained, the same time. But there is still even for people who aren’t British some life left in this process, and, citizens. But in other OTs there are despite the press coverage, it never greater restrictions on the rights of was all about sex. non-belongers.

These have been Printed and Published by the subject of Alliouagana Express Printing & Publishing fractious debate P.O. Box L11 for years.

Davy Hill, MSR1110 The CommitMontserrat tee should probTel: 664-496-0810 ably have listened Email the newsroom: allixpnews@gmail.com more to those in Email Printing: alliexprinting@gmail.com power in the CaVisit us on Facebook: Alliouagana Express ribbean. It did not have to agree with (includes links to our website and Twitter page)

Opinions expressed in this opinion/editorial are that of the writer. Alliouagana Express Printing & Publishing and Alliouagana Express News are not responsible for inaccuracies or misrepresentations. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Alliouagana Express Printing & Publishing and Alliouagana Express News, its staff or its Advertisers.

ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

Har mony Far m

The day started the way every day did at Harmony Farm — Rooster crowed at sunrise.

Then the animals began to do their jobs.

Cow looked at Hen curiously.

“Hen,” she said, “what is it like to lay an egg?”

“It’s nice,” replied Hen. “The farmer is always happy when he sees a new egg in my roost.”

“I thought so,” said Cow. “It looks exciting.” Cow thought for a moment. “I think I’d like to try it.”

All of the animals stopped what they were doing and stared at Cow. “Wha-what do you mean, Cow?” asked Cat nervously.

Cow held her head up high.

“I’d like to try laying an egg.” Then she stamped her foot. “Why not?

“Don’t you wonder what it would be like to try something new?” asked Cow. The animals all thought about Cow’s question. Then, one by one, all of the animals confessed that they might like a change. Well, almost all of the animals. Pig just kept rolling around in the mud.

“I’d like to try Cat’s job,” said Horse bravely.

“That’s the spirit!” exclaimed Cow. “Is Sheepdog’s job open?” asked Donkey. “I’m tired of pulling that plow all day. And you know, I think I might be good at herding sheep.”

Soon all of the animals had traded jobs. Cow and Hen traded, as did Donkey and Sheepdog. Cat and Horse also switched.

Name this country!

Suddenly Hen cried, “We forgot about Pig!” The animals followed Cow to the sty to break the news to Pig. Poor Pig would be stuck rolling around in the mud forever. “Pig,” said Cow, “I’m sorry, but there aren’t any new jobs left.”

Pig sighed with relief. “Thank goodness!” he exclaimed. “I was afraid you would ask me to chase mice.” Pig laughed at the idea.

“Just imagine!” “But Pig,” said Hen, “don’t you get bored just eating and rolling around in the mud all day?”

“No,” replied Pig. “I’m really good at what I do. I’m happy with my life!”

“Well…okay,” said Cow, and headed back to the barn with the others.

“Have fun, y’all!” called Pig. All the animals set out to do their new jobs. Cow and Hen chatted together to pass the time. After an hour, Hen looked at Cow. “Cow, what am I doing wrong?”

Hen asked, a bit embarrassed.

“I was wondering the same thing,” said Cow. “I haven’t laid one egg yet!”

Soon all of the animals discovered that they weren’t having much luck with their new jobs.

“The sheep just don’t seem to respect me,” said Donkey.

“Why won’t they listen?”

Sheepdog had a sad story, too. “That plow is so heavy!” he said. “I don’t know how Donkey does it.”

“If you think the plow is heavy,” said Cat, “try the wagon!

Sheesh!”

“And those mice are fast little guys!” chimed in Horse. “I couldn’t catch a single one.”

Yes, all of the animals were disappointed — well, all of the animals except Pig. Pig watched his friends from his sty. They looked so unhappy that he decided to find out what had happened. “Why so glum?” he asked.

One by one, each of the animals told Pig how they had failed at their new jobs. “I

How do you say that in...?

couldn’t make even one drop of milk!” confessed Hen. “Friends,” said Pig, “don’t think about what you can’t do.

Think about what you CAN do!

Why, Donkey, you’re the best plow puller I’ve ever seen.”

Donkey blushed. “And Cat,” continued Pig, “you can catch more mice than I can count.” Pig helped his friends see that they all had special talents. Everyone felt much better.

The animals were happy to go back to their old ways. They all felt thankful that they had jobs they could do well. But they were also glad they had tried something new. They were able to laugh about it for years to come.

Solve the clues then translate

An inflated bag used as a child’s plaything or decoration _____ A woven strip used for ornament, tying, hair decoration_______ To enclose with decorative paper ______ To come upon or discover unexpectedly ___ English

Spanish/Espanol

7

Haitian Creole/ Kreyòl Ayisyen

8

ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

Long awaited hand over of

By Staff Reporter Monday May 13th, Davy Hill― After more than 20 years in temporary housing since displacement, owing to the 1995 volcanic eruption, four vulnerable families will finally benefit from the handover of four social houses during a ceremony at the Davy Hill Community Centre last Monday.

The keys to the newly constructed houses, one located in Lookout and three in Davy Hill, were handed over to the Department for Housing. Each home stands at a valuation of approximately EC$500,000 per house and was funded by the Department for International Development (DfID) at an overall price tag of EC$3,000,000. At 1044 square foot, each house has an interior which includes two bedrooms, a porch and a one and a half bathrooms.

One of the beneficiaries of the new homes, widower Lenora John briefly recounted her struggles awaiting housing assistance after being forced to relocate. Originally from St. Georges Hill, Lenora shared that she had been living in temporary housing for more than 20 years, having lived at the Brades Primary School for two years after initial relocation. She was then relocated to Davy Hill where she lived in a temporary wooden building. She expressed gratitude for finally having a permanent structure to call home.

Permanent Secretary of Housing, Eulyn Silcott-Greaves who chaired the proceedings, highlighted that in 2015 the Government of Montserrat in conjunction with DFID embarked on a project concept which aimed to deliver new and improved permanent dwellings that meet decent home standards.

“We’re here to celebrate the achievement of four― new and improved dwellings, targeting, what was considered to be persons in critical housing need. The numbers in 2005 were 11 and the project recognizing certain challenges focused on trying to replace those that are in crown ownership,” she said.

The designs for the new houses were created with a 13%

MONTSERRAT THE REGISTERED LAND ACT (CAP. 8.01) REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL ST. PETER’S 13/12 212 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PRESCRIPTIVE TITLE TAKE NOTICE that an Application was filed on the 8th day of April 2019, by virtue of section 135 of the Registered Land Act, (Cap. 8.01), by Kharl Markham, Attorney-at-Law of Allen Markham & Associates, 100 Banks Estate, Montserrat, on behalf of Mabel Venzen aka Mabel Osborne, the Applicant herein for Prescriptive Title of the above-mentioned parcel of land more particularly described in the Schedule hereto and presently Unclaimed.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if you object to the granting of the application you must within six (6) weeks of the First Publication of this notice in a newspaper published in and circulating in Montserrat lodge an objection setting out the grounds of your objection.

The said Application may be inspected by any interested party at the Land Registry Department from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00am – 2:00pm.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT a parcel of land, approximately 0.22 acres registered as Block 13/12 Parcel 212 in the St. Peter’s Registration Section in Montserrat and butted and bounded as follows: On the southwest to north and south-east by the Block 13/12 parcel 230 registered as Unclaimed land; On the south-east to south by Block 13/12 parcel 229 registered to James Allen, Norma Tuitt, Ada Lewis, Tony Weekes and Milicent Weekes; and On the south south-west by Block 13/12 parcel 102 registered to James Wilston Allen, Administrator of the Estate of Simon Allen (deceased).

Dated the 17th day of May 2019.

Sgd., Shelley Isles-Hillocks REGISTRAR OF LANDS

ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

Davy Hill houses

9

increase in the structural requirements as recommended by building code experts around the world.

Chief Architect at the Public Works Department, Linda Dias said, “This 13% increase actually now has afforded us the opportunity to create buildings that can have a 182 miles per hour wind threshold of tolerance. So essentially these buildings are, in essence should be able to withstand hurricane Irma ―this is the first design within the region and I think that is something we as Montserrat should be proud of―a lot of the other islands are now trying to play catch up to these designs.”

Housing Minister, David Osborne said the occasion recognized a number of milestones be-

MONTSERRAT REGISTERED LAND ACT, CAP 8.01 SECTION 34 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO REPLACE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE TAKE NOTICE that applications were filed in the Land Registry Department in respect of the following persons, for the replacement of their Land Certificates which have been reported as lost: REG. SECTION/ DATE NAME REFERENCE ISSUED Sarah Gillard St. John’s – 14/19/090 June 2, 2010 John Fergus and Margaret Fergus

Cork Hill – 9/07/015

August 31, 1982

Autwelle Llewellyn Whyte

Salem – 11/01/142

June 14, 1989

Lucy Virginia Weekes

St. Peter’s – 13/13/010

May 9, 2006

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any person who objects to the issuance of the new Land Certificates or who has knowledge of the lost Land Certificates must within the period of fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice in the newspaper inform the Registrar of Lands in writing.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in the absence of an objection or information as to the existence of the lost Land Certificates within the time specified, the Registrar of Lands may proceed to cancel the original Land Certificates and issue new Land Certificates in their place without further notice.

Dated this 17th day of May 2019.

Sgd., Shelley Isles-Hillocks REGISTRAR OF LANDS

ing met. He said, “…we gather here to celebrate significant milestones. The first milestone, four vulnerable households who have been waiting for over 20years, will be getting permanent decent resilient houses. The second milestone, we were able to provide employment for at least 40 construction workers under this project. The third milestone, three houses were declared not fit for human habitation was demolished and have been replaced with steel reinforced concrete dwelling.”

“As the Minister with responsibility for housing I wish to underscore the need for us to continue to invest in the provision of social housing to those who are unable to secure mortgage finance from private lending institutions. It is for this reason that my Ministry has submitted a proposal to provide 34 units of houses over the next three years. We have also submitted a request to purchase lands to support the expansion of social housing in emerging communities. We are also committed to building socially balanced communities and new development sites will help us to avoid creating concentrated pockets of poverty,” said the Minister.

Presently there are more than 45 households on the waiting list at the Housing Department with incomes below $1500 per month that requires housing assistance.

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ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

Montserrat Arts Council releases John Gordon and Will Gelling to 2019/20 Festival Calendar visit as part of a familiarization Wednesday May 15th, Litvisit to the Caribbean tle Bay― The Montserrat Arts Council (MAC) has released its preliminary Year End Festival Calendar of events. This is according to a press release from the council, which also announced plans for monthly updates to the calendar.

With the 2019 Montserrat Festival roughly seven months away, Acting Director of MAC, Nerissa Golden said they are pleased with the level of interest from promoters as well as volunteers who are eager to be a part of the annual celebration, the release stated According to the release, “We are happy to see several private promoters gearing up to host their events during December. Despite the challenges over the last few years, this speaks of confidence in the festival and Montserrat.”

Presently Mac is calling for persons to register for the Miss

Gov. Pearce Nerissa Golden Montserrat competition called Crowning of a Queen as well as for the National Calypso Monarch competition and are also informing persons interested in volunteering for any of the shows that they should contact the council.

The release informs that the calendar will be updated once a month as promoters continue to fine tune their plans for the festival. Updates and

ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT A.D. 2019 [PROBATE DIVISION] LEGAL NOTICE In the Estate of SARAH PIPER GOODING, deceased

Wednesday May 15th, Brades− DFID Deputy Director for the OTs and the Caribbean, John Gordon and Deputy Director for the Overseas Territories (OTs) at the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO), Will Gelling are slated to visit Montinformation will be posted on the Montserrat Annual Festival page on Facebook as they become available.

The Montserrat 2019 Year End Festival is slated for December 21st, 2019 to January 1st, 2020.

serrat this week. The visit is scheduled for May 21st to 23rd, as part of a familiarization visit to the Caribbean.

A press release from the Governor’s Office, states that while on island, the officials will meet with Ministers and senior officials in the Government of Montserrat and key members of the business and political communities. They will engage in discussions on national matters pertaining to disaster resilience and security, transport, environment, health, education and tourism polices and challenges.

The deputies will also visit Glendon Hospital, the port and breakwater facility, the airport, Montserrat Secondary School and the Davy Hill and Look Out communities.

The visit will culminate with a site viewing of the volcanic exclusion zone and press briefing at the Governor’s Office in Brades.

ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT A.D. 2019 [PROBATE DIVISION] LEGAL NOTICE In the Estate of JOHN JOSEPH BROWN, deceased

NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date hereof, application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order for Letters of Administration of SARAH PIPER GOODING late of 1685 Randall Avenue, Apt 1B, Bronx New York, be granted to PHYLLIS GOODING of 22 Wayside Drive, White Plains, New York, 10607, the Daughter of the deceased and one of the persons entitled to a share in the Estate.

NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date hereof, application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order for Letters of Administration of JOHN JOSEPH BROWN late of 12 Inglethorpe House, Geldeston Road, London, E5, United Kingdom, be granted to GLORIA VERONICA BROWNE of 12 Inglethorpe House, Geldeston Road, London, E5, United Kingdom, the Wife of the deceased and one of the persons entitled to a share in the Estate.

ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the Estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to me the undersigned within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice.

ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the Estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to me the undersigned within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice.

FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant of Letters of Administration to the applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice whose address is: Office of the Registrar, Brades, Montserrat, not later than fourteen (14) days from the publication of this notice.

FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant of Letters of Administration to the applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice whose address is: Office of the Registrar, Brades, Montserrat, not later than fourteen (14) days from the publication of this notice.

Dated this 16th day of May, 2019

Dated this 16th day of May, 2019

FITZROY E BUFFONGE Attorney at law for the Applicant

FITZROY E BUFFONGE Attorney at law for the Applicant

ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

Starbucks llegando a la republica dominicana

S a n t o Domingo.Starbucks anunció hoy que ha alcanzado un acuerdo de licencia con Green Star Partners, una alianza que combina décadas de experiencia a nivel nacional e internacional en múltiples sectores.

Este acuerdo le otorga a Green Star Partners los derechos exclusivos de poseer y operar las tiendas Starbucks en el país. La apertura de la primera tienda está programada para principios de 2020 “en la dinámica y moderna ciudad de Santo Domingo”.

“Nos sentimos honrados de tener la oportunidad de llevar la experiencia sin igual de Starbucks a los clientes en la República Dominicana.

Al posicionar a la compañía a través de un crecimiento continuo en la región del

Caribe, nos enorgullece agregar a Green Star Partners a nuestra sólida red de licenciatarios para aprovechar sus indudables capacidades dentro del mercado para crear mayor valor, tanto para nuestros clientes como para nuestros socios. (empleados) ”, dijo Ricardo Rico, vicepresidente y gerente general de Starbucks para América Latina y el Caribe.

11

Ayiti - Edikasyon: Minis Cadet peye peye lajan taks bay 50 pwofesè eminan

Vandredi, 17 me nan Hotel la Mariott, kòm yon pati nan Jou Pwofesè Nasyonal la, prèske 300 moun ki gen ladan minis, direktè jeneral, manm kabinè, patnè nan koperasyon entènasyonal, reprezantan sendika, pwofesè yo, direktè teknik ak depatman, pwofesyonèl sektè ... te pran ... pati nan seremoni an peye lajan taks tradisyonèl ki te òganize pa Ministè Edikasyon Nasyonal la, dedye. 50 edikatè emerit yo te onore ki gen ladan 40 pwofesè ki soti nan Direksyon Depatman Edikasyon an ak 10 pèsonalite ki te make mond lan nan edikasyon.

Seremoni sa a te fèt anba tèm “Edikasyon pa gen devlopman, edikasyon san anseyan yo” (Pa gen devlopman san edikasyon, pa gen okenn edikasyon san pwofesè) pèmèt otorite yo ki pi wo nan peyi a temwaye respè yo ak admirasyon pou gason yo ak fanm yo. ki te chwazi pwofesyon ansèyman an.

Nan diskou li a, Pierre Josué Agénor Cadet, Minis Edikasyon an ensiste ke pwofesè merite gen merit nan patri a pou li te konsakre pi fò nan lavi yo nan fòme jenerasyon nan jèn moun, pi souvan nan kondisyon ki trè delika “Se pou ou remèsye, distenge. pwofesè yo, pou kouraj ou, devouman ou, sans ou nan moralite, pataje ak angajman [...], “ak fyète ajoute” Pa vwa mwen epi ak konpliman yo nan tout Administrasyon MoïseLapin, espesyalman Prezidan Jovenel Moïse, peyi a voye bonjou ou epi bese devan ou pou angajman patriyotik ou nan yon sosyete ayisyèn solid ak entegrasyon rezolve vire pou pwogrè. “​​ Sonje efò yo te fè nan regilarize sitiyasyon an nan plizyè mil pwofesè k ap travay san yo pa yon lèt nan randevou ak peman an nan aryere salè, Minis Cadet rekonèt ke te gen toujou kèk fason yo ale “ranpli fòmasyon an nan pwofesè yo, amelyore kalite a nan ansèyman. / aprantisaj, kondisyon an ansèyman ak rezilta yo espere fè edikasyon pa yon depans initil, men yon envestisman ak benefis byen mèb an tèm de rediksyon povrete ... “ Pou pati li a, Guichard Dore, Konseye nan Prezidans lan, li mesaj la nan tèt la nan Eta deklare ke administrasyon an Moïse ta redouble efò li nan “[...] ankouraje fòmasyon inisyal la ak devlopman nan pwofesè yo, jeneralize konpetisyon an yo rekrite ... anplwaye k ap anseye, konbine efò pou amelyore kondisyon aprantisaj yo, pou ede pwofesè yo nan pwosedi administratif yo pou yo jwenn aksè nan opòtinite ak enstalasyon yo gen dwa a ... [...] “ Lis 10 pèsonalite onore: Sè Marie Bruno (60 ane karyè); Pwofesè Amos Durosier (51 ane karyè); Sè Marie Mona Jacques; Doktè Frantz Joseph Casséus (40 ane karyè); Dr Arnold Antonin (40 ane nan karyè); Caroline Hudicourt (37 ane karyè); Kettelène Moise Edmé (36 ane karyè); Marie Monique Sabine Sanon; Jean Marie Théodat (33 ane karyè); Bishop Pierre André Dumas (29 ane karyè).

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ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

Level: Easy Port Development Project launch unfolded in two parts which commenced with a closed ceremony of special invited guests and a public launch gathering which allowed the community to tour the proposed future construction site as well as ask questions about the project.

At the opening ceremony Minister for Transportation Paul Lewis shared with attendees, some of the benefits to be gained as the project progresses, as well as the revelation

of a key timeline.

He said, “Construction of a safe harbor for Montserrat will reduce the impact of down time experienced during poor weather and provide shelter for vessels during rough seas. It will provide a 300m breakwater and additional jetty, will provide new cargo handling equipment for the Montserrat Port Authority, and will provide institutional strengthening and training for the staff of the Montserrat

Port Authority.

Minister Lewis revealed, “The project will also provide employment for 72-100 workers over a time-line of 18 months to two years. This first phase of the project will have the capabilities for expansion and landside development too in the next phase.”

He also disclosed that a September 2019 timeline was set for the second phase of the project. At this stage tendering for a

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design and build contractor will take place, thereafter, the successful company will be mobilizing to start work by the end of the year.

Earlier in the week, stakeholders in the project

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engaged in a two-day workshop which predated the official launch of the Port project. The May 15th to 16th sessions were facilitated by Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) rep-

resentatives. The main objective of the workshop was to raise the awareness of stakeholders involved in the project of CDB standards and policies to ensure a smooth transition from concept to implementation and completion of the project.

The funding for the project is approximately £14 million granted to the government of Montserrat from the UK government via the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF).

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ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

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ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

Minister unveils the 2019/20 budget

By Staff Reporter Wednesday May 15th, Little Bay - The Honourable Premier Donaldson Romeo unveiled what he described as an “historic” budget of EC$202.2 million dollars during his budget speech in a sitting of the Legislative Assembly at the Cultural Centre.

Presented, under the theme, “A New Era of Transformation: A Platform for Progress”, he outlined the spending and revenue expectations for this financial year 2019/2020. The new budget figures shows an increase of 20% to last year’s EC$164.8 million budget.

The recurrent budget is set at EC$ 137,772,200 while the Development budget is EC$ 64,399,400 a sum total of EC$ 202,171,600.

In his address Premier Romeo said, “We have moved to a much more credible budget which was critical to implementing the programs you the people have charged us to deliver. Estimates of recurrent Revenue and Expenditure for 2019/20 provide for a total of $137.77 million dollars. This is a 4.81% increase over EC$132.73 million for fiscal year 2018/19. On the capital side there is EC$ 64.40 million to finance several key infrastructure projects,

5 that will open the doorway for faster, self-sustaining growth of our economy in years to come.”

The budget statement breaks down the budget as follow: Revenue estimate for 2019/20 is EC$137.77 million. This represents a 4.81% increase over the 2018/19 approved estimates of EC$131.15 million. The projected increase is based on a combination of improvements in revenue collection and modest economic growth expectations.

The estimated revenue from local sources is EC$58.17 million compare to EC$52.68 million in 2018/19.

Total local revenues will be generated from two main areas: tax revenue and non-tax revenue (fees, fines, permits, rents, interests and licenses).

Budget support from DfID will contribute £23.18 million or EC$79.60 million or 57.8% to the recurrent budget. Of this support £1.57 million or EC$5.4 million will go towards Access Subsidy and £2.6 million or EC$9.23 million will go towards Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building.

The capital expenditure for 2019/20 is estimated to be EC$64.40 million. The classifications are as follows: Economic Infrastructure de-

velopment of EC$53.23 million, 82.66%, Social Infrastructure development of EC$8.21 million, 12.76%; Public Administration of $2.56 million 3.99%; Agriculture of EC$0.08 million, 0.13%, Statistical Research and Miscellaneous Projects of EC$0.29 million 0.46%.

This Capital budget will be funded with the UK Government/ DFID providing EC$30.19 million or 47%; the European Union support amounting to EC$25.56 million or 40%, UKCIF providing EC$8.34 million, 13% and the remaining EC$0.29 million, 0.46% from our local budget and other funding partners.

The Recurrent Budget reflects a number of policies and programmes aimed at moving government towards fiscal sustainability. The recurrent budget is used to facilitate salaries, wages, and operational expenses of the Ministries and Departments across government.

The breakdown of the allocation for the 2019/20 recurrent budget by Ministry is as follows: a. The Office of the Deputy Governor receives EC$29.11 million or 21.14% of the overall budget; b. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development EC$21.38 million or 15.52%;

c. The Ministry of Health and Social Services’ allocation is EC$20.39million or 14.80%; d. Office of the Premier EC$21.78 million or 15.81%; e. The Ministry of Communication and Works EC$13.73 million or 9.97%; f. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport EC$11.69 million or 8.48 %; g. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment is allocated EC$6.13 million or 4.45% h. The Royal Montserrat Police Force EC$7.13 or 5.17%; and i. The balance $6.43 million 4.6% of the budget is allocated among the other services of government which include Legislative and Judicial services, as well as the Office of the Auditor General.

The recurrent budget resources are allocated as follows; General public services 30.5%; Defense 1.3%; Public order and safety 7.4%; Economic affairs 35.7%; Environmental protection 0.7%; Housing and community amenities 0.4%; Health 10.4%; Recreation, culture, and religion 2.4%; Education 6.8%, Social protection 4.4%.

waiting for the reaping of the same value we placed on them during this time of learning? As a staff of MSS rightfully said, “If we damage the children, we damage the country.

We can fix the country, but can we fix the children we damaged?”

To this end, after conversing with the teachers a letter was sent to the Honorable Minister of Education and copied to members of cabinet, outlining the issues and concerns of the teachers and parents. We have asked that she considers making adjustments that would thrust the short and medium term solutions to the aforementioned matter, into priority funding within the current budget.

Additionally, we have posed some questions, such as, • Can the report that caused this confusion be made avail-

able to the public?

• Can a second opinion be sought regarding the state of the condemned buildings?

• Is it possible to fix the buildings instead of demolishing them?

To this end, at this point we have not yet received a response. Not even acknowledgement that the letter was received.

However, I have also had a meeting with the Minister of Finance on the matter. Although the answer was vague, he seemed to have taken the concerns seriously. Admittedly, some aspects of the meeting left me wondering if the escalation of the matter was been seen as a way to strategically use the teachers, parents and students as game pieces for future financial negotiations. I shudder to think that any of our elected

members could be that callus and heartless, but alas I could be wrong, as we all were regarding the aforementioned matter.

So we wait to see if the desired changes will be made during the impending budget debate. It must be noted that any unfavorable response would see further action be taken by parents and teachers. I can openly declare that the teachers I spoke to were ready to take action, to which parents were being mobilized to join.

However, plans were challenged by the preferred protocol proffered by the President of the Montserrat Union of Teachers (MUT). Their swift call to action should not be ignored as it hints at the brewing storm. They have no fear, but in the spirit of excellence, they too bowed to protocol, while awaiting the response of the Minister of Education.

I thank you for allowing me this opportunity to give wind to the public of how our government’s budgeting decision is affecting the Montserrat Secondary School, parents, teachers, students and by extension our entire society. The majority of our homes are been impacted by this school, as it is the only one, through which our children can attain secondary education. There is no doubt, that what affects the school will inevitably affect all of us in this country. Please let us all encourage our elected officials to adjust the budget such that monies can be made available for the expeditious remedying of the many issues created by this dilemma.

Letter to the Editor: MSS rehabilitation ...pg 5

Yours truly, Mildred Chalmers President, MSS PTA

ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

15

Windies head into World Cup with heartbreaking defeat to Tigers

Left-arm spinner Fabian Allen sent down a costly 25-run over as West Indies failed to hold their nerve when it mattered most, and slumped to a five-wicket defeat to Bangladesh under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern in the Tri-Nations Series final here Friday.

In their final competitive One-Day International ahead of the World Cup beginning month end, West Indies struggled to contain a buoyant Bangladesh as the Asian outfit easily chased down a difficult revised target of 210 with seven balls to spare, in the contest reduced to 24 overs per side.

Left-handed opener Soumya Sarkar struck a sparkling 66 off 41 balls but it was Mosaddek Hossain, batting at number seven, who turned the screws on West Indies with a breathtaking 24-ball unbeaten 52 at the end.

With Soumya in full flight, Bangladesh were cruising to victory at 109 for two in the 12th over but lost three wickets for 34 runs in the space of 25 balls, to leave the result open.

However, Mosaddek slammed a 20-ball fifty – the fastest by a Bangladeshi in ODIs – in a 70-run, unbroken sixth wicket stand with Mahmudullah (19 not out) to snuff out any chance of a West Indies win.

The game, though, was in still in the balance at the start of the 21st over from Allen, with 27 runs required from 18 balls.

But Mosaddek switch-hit the left-arm spinner over the point boundary for six off the first ball and then then cleared the ropes at long on with the second delivery. He dabbed the third ball to the third man boundary before lashing the fourth over extra cover for the maximum, to leave the Windies shell-shocked.

All told, the right-hander smacked two fours and five sixes while Mahmudullah faced 21 balls and struck a single four.

The defeat to Bangladesh was the third straight in the tournament for West Indies and seventh in nine meetings over the last 12 months.

Man-of-the-Series Shai Hope had earlier top-scored with 74 while Sunil Ambris stroked an unbeaten 69 as West Indies finished on 152 for one after rain resulted in a five-hour break during their innings.

Man-of-the-Series Shai Hope drives during his top score of 74 on Friday.

Sent in, they had reached 131 without loss in the 21st over when the inclement weather drove players from the field.

Once play restarted following a series of inspections, West Indies found themselves with just 23 balls left in the innings and managed only another 21 runs.

Neither batsman looked troubled by Bangladesh’s attack with Hope hammering six fours and three sixes off 64 balls and Ambris notching seven fours in a 78-ball knock.

Hope was the first to his half-century off exactly 50 balls when he struck seamer Mustafizur Rahman for a straight six in the 18th over which leaked 13 runs.

Ambris, who had earlier smashed three boundaries in the 12th over from Mustafizur, reached his second half-century in ODIs with a couple to wide long off leg spinner Sabbir Rahman in the 19th over.

When the rains arrived, Hope was perched on 68 and Ambris on 59 and on resumption, Hope added a further six runs before holing out to long on off off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the penultimate over.

Needing to score at nearly nine runs an over, Bangladesh took command of the run chase early through Soumya who played audaciously to belt nine fours and three sixes.

He put on 59 for the first wicket with Tamim Iqbal (18) who was dropped on four off a sitter by Ashley Nurse running back from slip, with the score on 18 in the third over from seamer Kemar Roach.

Left-hander Tamim eventually fell attempting a third straight four off speedster Shannon Gabriel (2-30) in the sixth over, caught at mid off by captain Jason Holder, and when Sabbir Rahman was hit in front without scoring in the same over to the second ball he faced, West Indies were back in the game.

However, Soumya put on 49 for the third wicket with wicketkeeeper Mushfiqur Rahim whose 36 came from 22 balls and included two fours and sixes.

And even though left-armer Raymon Reifer (2-23) got rid of both to claim his first wickets in ODIs and spark a Bangladesh slide, Mosaddek kept his composure to finish the game strongly.

16

ALLIOUAGANA EXPRESS

Monday, May 20, 2019

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