Rep01 jan03 14 pages

Friday, January 03, 2013

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Today’s Scripture

www.themontserratreporter.com

[The Lord] put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. — Psalm 40:3 (NIV)

Festival 2013 Wallace creates history Tazia Briscoe wins Vol. XXIX No. 01

Week Ending Friday, January 03, 2014

Price $3.00

- captures three major crown as Miss Festival Festival titles 2013/14

by Staff Reporters

Newcomer calypsonian Baptiste Wallace created history when he captured three major titles during the 51st festival celebrations, which included the coveted monarch crown, and by so doing etched his name in the annals of Montserrat calypso competition.

Wallace set the stage for this outstanding triple-title feat by capturing the Soca Monarch title on December

26, 2013 and then followed it up with the calypso monarch title on December 30, 2013 and the road march crown on New Year’s Day. The Dominican born Wallace, sang his two songs “Who will it Be?” and “Dracula System”, stole the spotlight and walked away with the title in front of an enthusiastic and supportive crowd in the park. He pulled a rare feat similar to Trini-

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Headlines...

by Staff Reporters

Montserrat’s newest Festival Queen is Miss Tazia Briscoe. The Jamaican born 18-year-old who lived on Montserrat since age six was crowned on December 29, 2013 at Festival Village. She outpointed three other contestants, Azrudee Lindsey, who took the 1st Runner up spot, with June-Ann John and Alexia Allison being the other contestants.

The elated Briscoe danced and performed a dramatic monologue for her talent in support of ending child abuse, earning her best talent. She also won; Miss Photodad’s David Rudder in 1986, genic, best evening and sweeping the Soca Monarch, swim wear, carrying also Calypso Monarch and Road the best question and answer segment.

March titles.

Pundits said Wallace stayed close to the other competitors in the first round and then took festival Village by storm with the ever-popular “Dracula System” to put his position beyond doubt.

Sylvina “Khandie” Malone was first runner up, cont’d. on page 8

For her winnings, the new Festival Queen received the keys to her Lexus vehicle sponsored by MONFEST and Bruce Farara, a Samsung Tablet, a Gift Basket and cont’d. on page 8

2013/14 Festival Queen Tazia Briscoe

DPP resigns...pg 2

Miss Teen 2013/14...pg 4

2 Montserratians arrested in Antigua...pg 2

Vanice Tuitt places...pg 5

Alternative to Geothermal...pg 3

Warren Cassell Jr, Entrepreneur of the Year...pg 7

PURCHASE YOUR DREAM VEHICLE Bank of Montserrat Your Bank. Your Future.

www.bankofmontserrat.ms (664) 491-3843

WITH LOW INTEREST RATES Enquire about interest rates from our Loans Department.

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Friday, January 03, 2013

Montserrat DPP resigns Miss Kathy Ann Pyke, Jamaican attorney, has resigned her post prior to the end of her contract, in undisclosed circumstances as a Government House press release suggests as of December 31, 2013.

A three-line press release from Government House signed by Governor Adrian Davis, under caption DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS, states: “Ms Kathy-Ann Pyke resigned her position as DPP on 31 December 2013, by mutual agreement. Mr Oris Sullivan will take over as DPP, in an acting capacity for six months initially.”

Miss Pyke who became the first Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Montserrat, is resigning after two years and three months following her appointment in October, 2011.

Governor Davis although stating from time to time his reliance on the independent decisions of the DPP is known to be sympathetic to outside opinions on the DPPs decisions. TMR

received information that the Governor involved the Jamaica police force as he questioned the veracity of Miss Pyke’s ill health which we know followed a vehicle accident in Jamaica, where

she was a passenger.

Indirect sources had revealed that Miss Pyke had been subjected to ‘undisclosed’ pressures from her superiors.

Miss Pyke who is still

Premier Meade

expresses sympathy

at death and destruction in OECS Winward Islands

Montserrat’s first Director of Public Prosecutions, Miss Kathy-Ann Pyke

On Christmas eve, the Windward Islands of Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines experienced excessive rain fall causing severe flooding, and caused loss of life, described further as ‘widespread devastation’ to infrastructure and property. (visit our Facebook pages at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Montserrat-Reporter/203080105851) Reports said at least eight people died and dozens were forced out of their homes by heavy rain in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to the reports, landslides and flooding also reportedly killed five people in neighbouring St Lucia. Heavy rain has also caused destruction in Dominica. cont’d. on page 5

Two Montserratian young women charged for cocaine possession in Antigua

Following reports over the past weekend of their arrests, Antiguan Authorities have formally charged two Montserratian females with possession of cocaine.

Reportedly a Press Release from the Office of Strategic Communications in the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force, stated that 21 year old U.S. born Ashley Warner and 19 year old Serene Leonard both of Montserrat were jointly charged for Possession of

five-and-a-quarter (5¼) lbs of Cocaine, Possession with intent to Transfer; Attempting to Export; Being concerned in the supplying of Cocaine and Conspiracy.

Warner was intercepted at the V.C Bird International Airport after she allegedly attempted to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to England last Saturday.

Leonard has been named as Warner’s accomplice and was later picked up boarding the ferry to Montserrat.

They both appeared before the Magistrates Court on Thursday and are remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison until Monday January 6, when they are expected to return to Court regarding the class A drug estimated to carry a street value of over $80,000.00.

Both young women, Warner and Leonard have secured legal representatives, namely, Lawyer Stedroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin and Michael Archibald.

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of ISABELLE KIRWAN nee DALY deceased NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice, an application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration in the Estate of ISABELLE KIRWAN nee DALY who died on the 24th day of April, 1984 be granted to BAZIL ALFONSO PROCTOR her son and personal representative of the deceased and one of the persons entitled to share in the estate of the deceased.

ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this Notice.

BRITISH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

(In Judicial Management) ELLIOTT LIONEL BERESFORD NANTON of Woodlands Beach Road, Montserrat having made sworn declaration that Policy No. BMT003336 issued by British American Insurance Company Limited has been lost and having made Application to the Judicial Manager, notice is hereby given that unless objection is raised within one (1) month of the date hereof, the policy holder will be entitled to receive any benefits under the above policy that are being made available as part of the Judicial Management of British American Insurance Company Limited.

Dated December 18, 2013 Brian A Glasgow Judicial Manager LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of FLORENCE ELIZABETH GERRALD, 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 Letters of Administration with Will annexed to the Estate of FLORENCE ELIZABETH GERRALD late of 2287 Lyon Ave. Bronx, New York who died on the 01st December 2010 be granted to BRENDA BRAMBLE daughter and Executrix named in the will of the deceased.

ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the estate are requested to send particulars thereof to the undersigned.

ANY person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court not later than 14 days from the date of this Notice.

FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of Letters of Administration to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court Brades Montserrat not later than fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice.

Dated this 27th day of December , 2013.

Dated this 07th day of October , 2013.

BRANDT & ASSOCIATES Attorneys-at-Law

Hogarth Sergeant Solicitor for the Applicant

Friday, January 03, 2013

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Letters/Opinion

EDITORIAL Will they start doing it right this election year of 2014?

In July last year, we wrote an Editorial captioned, “Clean hands and a pure heart”. It began: “If you get it wrong at the beginning, there will hardly be a right conclusion. There is an old saying heard in Montserrat often. We heard it used at a recent high court case hearing by the defense who said who referred to the old saying, “Wha gan bad a-marnin, can’t come good aevenin.” What gone bad in the morning, cannot come good in the evening.”

This was in reference to the HMG (UK Government) ICAI investigation that we reported, “was announced with ‘confused’ invitations and messages that were responded to by the somewhat ‘dis-functioning’ Montserrat Chamber of Commerce (MCCI) to meet with the investigating team members.

The KPMG members did not meet with the media, the independent media for sure, even though TMR went to great lengths to seek an audience with them. We stress one of the matters they reported on: “One of their recommendations is that DFID and GoM need to be much more engaging with the people of Montserrat, Civil Society. Democracy in action! So our leaders look about the viability of festival promoters and others, but do not care about the provision of engaging and guaranteeing that all are informed.

We noted as follows: How accurate and complete can this report be, speaking only to public servants, GoM officials, FCO and DFiD officials and small business owners and their staff? We were told that their visit was for some reason curtailed, and there was even a promise that someone would return. We eventually questioned as to the accuracy to some of the information they reported, as well as the credibility of the report.

DFID did for the better part rejected the report, but we note now that we have not heard of any reaction from the Government of Montserrat.

One conscientious senior public official said that one thing that jumps out at them is the “seemingly obvious disconnect public servants and ministers, particularly in the UK, where the ministers say one thing, but the civil servants try hard to do something else.”

We do not know for the UK but in Montserrat, the ministers have a different story as they claim public servants do not act on directives or even policy but on their own perception. Sorry ministers, they told the Governor they did not care or understand why they should do anything to facilitate progress in the private sector.

What did we hear about? More training, and efforts to prevent the civil society and businesses seeking redress, or benefiting by taking Government and their officers to court for not doing it right at the begining, wrong doings.

Therefore, at the end of 2013, we find that it is even worse than can be imagined, the overarching ignorance as to the meaning of democracy and its practices. MDC’s lack of interest in talking with and to the Montserrat public, all efforts from Governor down, not recognising the importance of getting the ‘message’ to everyone; making all kinds of decisions without truly or holistically involving the stakeholders, the beneficiaries, all hands on deck, meanwhile promoting in select places, the ‘future is ripe’. Oh, for investors.

Sometime this year Montserratians and residents will be required to participate in General Elections. The new calypsonian king Baptiste Wallace’s song, ‘Dracula system’ should serve as a message. The other calypsonians at a time when everyone was complaining that they are still searching for Christmas this year, avoided any in-depth thoughts on the state of things.

Why? Fear! of what of or whom? The elections would have been completed when they get another chance.

The Montserrat Chamber of Industry and Commerce (MCCI) needs to get an act together. They and the Government do need to understand that their non-existence is at the heart of much of the unfairness, injustices, to those who suffer on this island. Waiting one’s turn to ‘catch the soup’; to have our government tell 16-19 year-olds to go and be entrepreneurs, when these young people probably never even know how to open a bank account, must be insincere and misleading. To be lending $40,000 to businesses to improve their business, or start a new business, sounds good, but they must start paying it back right away, the question, what new business and who will they serve?

There are so many other thoughts and questions to fill the air while we trudge to the future 2016 and 2020 on little more than hope, ignoring what is possible now. If these plans are so promising, even while now is so important, how sincere are we in spreading the word. Whose responsibility is it, to do it right.

The Montserrat Reporter Published by: Montserrat Printing & Publishing, Inc. - Editor: Bennette Roach Office: Davy Hill, Mailing Address: P.O. Box 306, Davy Hill, Montserrat, W.I. Typeset and Printed by Montserrat Printing & Publishing, Inc. - monp_p@candw.ms.

Tel. (664) 491-4715 Fax: (664) 491-2430 E-mail: editor@themontserratreporter.com or monrep@candw.ms - Web Site: http://www.themontserratreporter.com

Brooklyn man comments: Caribbean integration is not natural Jamaica Observer Dear Editor: To take a stand is not hate. To demand respect is not hate. No one is demanding that anyone be let into Trinidad or any other place. We are simply saying that refusals should comply with the recent court ruling, access to consulates, attorneys etc.

The people have placed the government in power; the government should represent the people.

This so called integration is not natural, not real, and obviously in Trinidad it’s unwelcome. This issue is larger than the fact that a few thousand people have studied together at UWI, or worked for some regional institutions on the public purse.

These politicians must know that they are paid to represent our interests and not their personal friendships. We are not saying they should be hostile to each other. However, their photo ops do not represent the feelings of the people. People claim that people making a personal choice will have an adverse effect on employment. Well let market forces handle that issue.

Politicians love to smile and talk diplomatic double speak. We the people speak with our wallets and purses. This is something that cannot be legislated or dictated. Japan and China have diplomatic stalemate over a piece of rock, a useless piece of rock that can’t hold 10 people. Yet we have no backbones as Jamaicans.

People blame the rich, and the very poor for Jamaica’s destruction. But I think the blame should be laid clearly at the feet of the so called middle class; there seems to be some type of pride derived from being able to absorb price increases and devaluations.

They see protest as the territory of the “likkle man”. Of course the wealthy have “lobby groups”. So unoo can grin up and skin up. The people will not relent, we will not be moved.

Brooklyn man

Expat M’rat home-owner suggests cost saver alternative energy to geothermal

chlpatent@aol.com Just one commercial/utility scale wind turbine could provide more than the suggested 1.7 megawatts at a fraction of the cost to build and operate.

Placed off-shore on the eastern side of the island, where shipping lanes permit, and there would be minimal if any noise or other environmental consequences. Geothermal will generate constant noise, there will be waste water to deal with, and it will require plenty of fresh/clean water resources to operate, water resources that are relatively

limited on Montserrat.

Geothermal on Montserrat will be another boondoggle, in my opinion. Definition: “A boondoggle is a project that is considered a useless waste of both time and money, yet is often continued due to extraneous policy motivations.”

PS: I am an electrical engineer and a patent attorney, own property on Montserrat (since the 1960’s) and love the place and the people, and have a keen interest in alternative energy and conservation (I drive a Nissan Leaf electric car here in the US).

Our Scripture Verse Today A New Old Song [The Lord] put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. — Psalm 40:3 (NIV) Recently I began studying the psalms and found that all human emotions are there · sorrow, praise, anger, bewilderment, thanksgiving, to name just a few. The psalmistÊs mood often changes in just a few verses. One phrase is repeated in several psalms, and it struck me afresh recently: „Sing to the Lord a new song.‰ Like the psalmists, IÊve often felt weary or ultracritical of myself or others.

But unlike them, rather than moving on I tend to cling to those feelings. In doing so, I have blocked my vision of a great God

who is always doing new things, who loves and sustains me · and all creation.

Now when I feel negative emotion, I consciously try to sing to the Lord a new song by remembering and speaking of the positives in my life.

In my prayer time, I slowly repeat the word blessing on each inhalation. As I breathe in, IÊm reminded that God wants to bless me and all creation. As I breathe out, I repeat the word sing. In this way I worship God by singing GodÊs praises. In whatever mood I find myself, I try always to remember to sing to the Lord a new song with the words and actions of my life.

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Friday, January 03, 2013

Claricia Chambers crowned Sharese Allen captures 2013/14 Miss Princess Miss Teen title for 2013/14 The St. John’s Action Club crowned its eighth Princess Sunday night, December 22, 2013 at the Montserrat Cultural Centre.

Claricia Chambers stole the spotlight from among five contestants. She was sponsored by Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade.

Dr, Irene Prospere sponsored Kieanna Wade, who took 1st Runner Up, while Emerald Trendsetters sponsored Javika Adams who was adjudged 2nd Runner Up. The other contestants were Tianna Destouche and Julissa Herdsman.

They contesting princesses endured the task of competing in four categories -introduction which was worth 20 points, costume - 30 points, talent - 40 points and formal wear - 30 points.

Chambers won in two categories—Best Costume and Best Talent. For her prizes, Claricia Chambers received a trophy, 1 WII Game system, 1 ID Bracelet, 1 Watch, 1 Gift Bag, a gift bag and a $50 gift card from Apple SPF. Wade won the Best Evening Wear segment as

Clariicia Chambers - Miss Princess 2013/14

well as the Miss Photogenic Award.

Sponsored by Emerald Metal Tianna Destouche, copped the best introduction award, while Cool and Smooth sponsored Julissa Herdsman.

Meantime, the princess show featured an impressive line-up of young performers

such as junior calypsonians Mighty Soca, The Icon and Princess SY. As part of the sideshow compliment, the St. John’s Action Club also had several dance groups such as the Lookout Primary School Dancers, the Real Mckoy’s dance group and solo dancer Dinyka Gordon.

Shareese Allen of Baker Hill the Sunrise Productions Miss Teen triumphed and ran away with the crown in the 2013 Teen contest on Saturday evening, December 20/21, at the Montserrat Cultural Centre.

In front of a packed audience Miss Allen fought off competition from four other contestants to earn the coveted title.Under the theme, ‘Dream it…Live It’, she outlasted the others to win the casual wear segment, the research and presentation category and the interview section.

Maria Figueroa followed closely as first runner-up while Samisha Samuel filed in the second runner up position. Samisha also took the Miss Photogenic prize.

In the remaining segments, crowd favourite, Nicole Meade of Davy Hill, won the best talent, while Alexandria Thomas won Miss Congeniality.

At this one show there were strong comments as

top: Teen Queen contestants, and above Sharese Allen of Baker Hill is crowned 2013/14 Miss Teen members of the audience openly expressed dissatisfaction with the results as regards the failure to place contestant #1 Miss Nicole Meade.

Apart from the Crown and title, Miss Allen re-

ceived several other prizes including $1000.00 towards her education, a return trip to Antigua, a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, and an online Shopping Spree.

Ashok’s wishes all it’s customers May all your dreams turn into reality and all your efforts into great achievements.

St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union Ltd.

a Happy and Healthy 2014

Friday, January 03, 2013

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Vanice Tuitt places in Haynes Caribbean teen pageant Montserrat’s Vanice Tuitt, Sunrise Productions Miss Teen 2012/2013, was named second runner up in the recent Miss Haynes Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant.

The regional Pageant which was held in in St. Kitts on December 30, saw Pernelle Abraham emerging as the new Miss Haynes Caribbean Talented Teen. Abraham also won best ambassadorial Appearance, Best Talent, Best Evening Wear and Best Production Number. Miss Heidi Barrow of Barbados was named First Runner Up with 696.5 points while Nevis Representative Irveeka Nisbett and Montserrat’s Vanice Tuitt tied with 693 point to take Second Runner up. Miss Jamaica Joselle Fisher won best onstage interview.

Chaperone Ronel White accompanied Miss Tuitt on her successful outing.

Devastation in St. Vincent At the special sitting of the Legislative Assembly on December 27, Premier Rueben Meade expressed sympathy to his sub-regional counterparts in the wake of the loss of lives and grave damage to infrastructure following the heavy rains.

The Premier called for solidarity with the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Dominica.

Photos of Miss Vanice Tuitt who placed in the Miss Haynes Caribbean Talented Teen Pageantt in St. Kitts.

News of her performance was announced at Festival Village just at the end of the Miss festival Competition the same night.

As the calendar renews, may you find yourself with an abundance of strength, hope and love Photo caption: bridges washed away, and roads impassible as a result of heavy christmas eve rains. Photography by Bill Mortley

C & G Construction

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of EDWARD SEMPER aka EDWARD BUZZELLE, 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 a Grant of Probate to the Estate of EDWARD SEMPER aka EDWARD BUZZELLE late of Flemmings Montserrat who died on the 15th November 2005 be granted to JANE WEEKES daughter and Executrix named in the will of the deceased.

ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the estate are requested to send particulars thereof to the undersigned.

FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant of Probate to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court Brades Montserrat not later than fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice.

gift of love, the gift of peace, the gift of happiness…. …may all these gifts be yours this year 2014.

Dated this 07th day of October, 2013.

Hogarth Sergeant Solicitor for the Applicant

Peoples’ Mini Mart

Page 6

Friday, January 03, 2014

Kids time - In your own korner

Two little boys were at play one day when a Fairy suddenly appeared before them and said, “I have been sent to give you New Year presents.”

She handed to each child a package, and in an instant was gone.

Carl and Philip opened the packages and found in them two beautiful books, with pages as pure and white as the snow when it first falls.

The Fairy’s New Year Gift

by Emilie Poulsson

“You shall look at your book,” said the Fairy, “and Philip, at his.” And she lit for them two little silver lamps, by the light of which they saw the pages as she turned them.

Many months passed and the Fairy came The boys looked in again to the boys. “I have brought you each wonder. Could it be another book?” said she, “and will take the that these were the same fair books she first ones back to Father Time who sent had given them a year ago? Where were the them to you.” clean, white pages, as pure and beautiful as the snow when it first falls? Here was a “May I not keep page with ugly, black spots and scratches mine a little longer?” upon it; while the very next page showed asked Philip. “I have a lovely little picture. Some pages were hardly thought about decorated with gold and silver and gorgeous it lately. I’d like to colors, others with beautiful flowers, and paint something on still others with a rainbow of softest, most the last leaf that lies delicate brightness. Yet even on the most open.” beautiful of the pages there were ugly blots and scratches.

“No,” said the Fairy; “I must take it just as Carl and Philip looked up at the Fairy at it is.” last.

you?” said the Fairy, smiling at the two little boys.

“See, Philip, the spray of roses blossomed on this page when you let the baby have your playthings; and this pretty bird, that looks as if it were singing with all its might, would never have been on this page if you had not tried to be kind and pleasant the other day, instead of quarreling.”

“But what makes this blot?” asked Philip.

“That,” said the Fairy sadly; “that came when you told an untruth one day, and this when you did not mind mamma. All these blots and scratches that look so ugly, both in your book and in Carl’s, were made when you were naughty. Each pretty thing in your books came on its page when you were good.”

“Oh, if we could only have the books again!” said Carl and Philip.

“That cannot be,” said the Fairy. “See! they are dated for this year, and they must now go back into Father Time’s bookcase, but I have brought you each a new one.

Perhaps you can make these more beautiful than the others.”

So saying, she vanished, and the boys “I wish that I could “Who did this?” they asked. “Every page look through mine just once,” said Carl; was white and fair as we opened to it; yet were left alone, but each held in his hand a “I have only seen one page at a time, for now there is not a single blank place in the new book open at the first page. when the leaf turns over it sticks fast, and I whole book!”

And on the back of this book was written can never open the book at more than one place each day.”

“Shall I explain some of the pictures to in letters of gold, “For the New Year.”

Pre-School Corner

See you next week right here

In Your Own Korner.

Where we will have fun Kids write your stories, tell us about yourselves. Email or post - Write to Aunty Lyka, at P.O. Box 306, Davy Hill, or send email to: kidstime@themontserratreporter.com

Friday, January 03, 2013

Page g 7

Warren Cassell Jr. named “Entrepreneur of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year, Warren Cassell, Jr.

A leading Caribbean digital newspaper has named 14 year old author and serial entrepreneur Warren Cassell Jr. “Entrepreneur of the Year”.

Caribbeanjournal.com made the announcement on its site at the closing of 2013. The digital newspaper noted that while the Caribbean is not the easiest economic environment for entrepreneurs, Warren Cassell Jr. started business and generated profit since the age of 8.

Cassell Jr. got his start in business when he started his greeting card company at 8 years. He then went on to starting Zap Social – a blog featuring inspirational content.

After school Warren hopes to get involve with investment banking because “I just like investing — I

like the idea of creating wealth and creating wealth for others.”

In speaking to caribbeanjournal.com, Warren Cassell Jr. said that “entrepreneurship needs to be taught more in schools… and the school has a major role to play in building future entrepreneurs.”

The 14 year old also said

“For people who are on the fence of starting a business, I want to tell them to do it — don’t worry about funding, don’t worry about not having enough product to start with,” he says. “Because the first step is to start. If you have all the passion and the determination for it, everything will come and you’ll get the funding

Little Bay Development

Premier provides funding to make festival promoters viable, pay late bills and aid development projects Premier the Hon. Reuben T. Meade caused a special sitting of the Legislative Assembly (LegAss) December 27, 2013 and succeeded to get passage to a Supplementary Appropriation bill to facilitate spending on projects that he, as Minister of Finance said, are critical to Montserrat’s Development.

Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade who summoned the meeting almost immediately after the previous sitting on the 17th, says, that without the

approval of the Legislative Assembly, the government would not be legally in a position to spend those monies to carry out the critical work.

Mr. Meade also says monies are to be spent in other areas such as, urgent repairs to the New Windward road, which leads to Jack Boy Hill and the garbage site, and the removal of asbestos from the Montserrat Secondary School.

The Premier outlined the money bill to the Assembly: “The funds are required to fund out-

standing bills from Festival 50 which to a great extent were bills that had either been presented and lost some place in the system, or bills which were submitted very late,” he said. He added that this is, “Also, to provide them (festival promoters) with a modest increase in allocation, so that we can fund all of the private shows in terms of allowing them to use the park free, pay for the lights and sounds to facilitate them being viable.”

That amount he said, totaled, “one hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($120,000.00),”

and was, “an increase allocation that’s principally towards Festival.”

“We co-hosted the 58th meeting of the OECS Authority,” he continued, and that required, “an additional amount of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) to facilitate that meeting…” Eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($850,000) was sought, “so that the Ministry can continue to do work to patch those roads.”

Then to the asbestos that The Montserrat Reporter (TMR)

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT STAFF VACANCIES Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified nationals of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and Associate Members of the Caribbean Community to fill the following positions with assigned duty station in Guyana: (i) (ii)

and you’ll get clients. But you need the passion to start.”

Caribbeanjournal.com says “For now, the Caribbean will need more enterprising, selfstarters like Cassell. He is precisely the kind of entrepreneur that will help lead the Caribbean toward the next level of development.”

Senior Project Officer, Human Resource Management Legal Officer, Legal and Institutional Framework

Full details of these positions may be obtained by accessing the following web sites-www. caricom.org; www.caribank.org; www.oecs.org; www.crnm.org and www.caribbeanjobsonline. com Applications in English Language with full curriculum vitae details, including nationality, work experience, educational qualifications and/or expertise, language proficiency, coordinates (including email addresses) of three referees (at least two of whom must be familiar with the applicant’s work), and other relevant information, should be addressed to the Executive Director, Human Resource Management, Caribbean Community Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana and sent by email to applnhrm@caricom.org.

The deadline for the submission of applications is 12 January 2014.

suggested was an unnecessary expenditure. “The Montserrat Secondary School - material which was deemed to be asbestos was found in the buildings and we have to move that asbestos out in order to fix the buildings.” For that, “we are seeking to have an appropriation of seventy seven thousand, seven hundred dollars ($70,700.00) towards the asbestos removal and destruction…of the asbestos, proper burial of the asbestos,” he explained.

There were also: “Two hundred and forty six thousand, nine hundred dollars ($246,900.00) to meet those cost and those obligations, for persons from Montserrat who had to be treated overseas under special circumstances.

Laboratory and pharmaceutical supplies; the operating theaters are not cheap…one hundred and two thousand, three hundred dollars ($102,300.00); For Laboratory and pharmaceutical supplies - we look after the health and wellbeing of the people of Montserrat, three hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($380,000.00); garbage disposal - an appropriation of one hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($180,000.00) to pay the contractors.

Meanwhile the Hon. Leader of the Opposition Donaldson Romeo while outright challenging the spending money bill, believes more

must be done to attract tourists to the island.

While he commended the Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC) for the ongoing Little Bay developments (the Marine Village) he expressed concern about the benefit and support that will be given to the local businesses. “we must commend the MDC and all government for the beautiful buildings at Little Bay, he said. “The only problem is, they are a bit ahead of the port that will bring the tourists, who will pay the bills of those establishments.”

He noted, “the MDC said it was not lending money to people who are going to open bars - most of these buildings are bars, and unless it’s new trade, it means that these bars are going to compete with the bars that are already existing. While we have beautiful buildings, we do not have business to support them,” he offered, following up with the question.

“How is the investors going to be able to cover the cost of operation? What is going to happen to local businesses that are already struggling?”

Romeo said that over the next few months, “We need to have something drastic pop up, to bring more people in the meantime, to support all businesses that are struggling.

The Opposition Leader announced, “The opposition is working on suggestions and pretty soon we will see some of those come to light.”

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Friday, January 03, 2013

www.themontserratreporter.com

Triple crown winner Tazia Briscoe 2013/14 Baptiste Wallace Festival Queen ...cont’d. from page 1

cont’d. from page 1 while Steve “Iceman” Weekes finished second runner up. Veteran and former monarch Herman “Cupid” Francis who was defending his crown was beaten into fourth place.

The other calypsonians placed as positions – Maggie D. 5th, 2+2 6th, Rakatang 7th, Rondell 8th, Tabu 9th and AJ 10th.

Maggie won best social commentary and $1000 with her song “End Child Abuse”. Cupid took the most creative calypso award $1000 with his composition, “Push that Mountain Down.”

B a p t i s t e Wa l l a c e won the best newcomer award $1000, while Iceman pocketed $1000 for best social and political commentary “Share of the Wealth.”

For his sterling efforts, Wallace the 2013/2014 Monarch received a Lexus Alteeza compliments MONFEST and Bruce Farara plus $500 dollars from Ashok’s Supermarket.

The first runner up Khandie receives $9,000, second runner up Iceman $8,500, third place finisher Cupid $6,500.

Fourth place finisher Maggie Destouche received a purse of $5,500. 2+2 who finished in fifth place or in position number 6 won $4,500. Rakatang in number 7 received $3, 500, Rondel $2,800, Tabu $2,500 and AJ $1,500.

The road march prize is $1000. Wallace also pocketed $1000 for being adjudged the best newcomer for the Calypso Competition.

Meantime, for his efforts, Wallace the 2013/2014 Monarch receives a Lexus Alteeza compliments Montserrat Festival Committee (MONFEST) and Bruce Farara plus $500 from Ashok’s Supermarket.

The closest artiste to achieving this feat prior was Rondel in 2008, when, as a newcomer, he won the soca monarch and road march titles with “Love my Festival” which was also written

by Cecil “Cepeeke” Lake.

Cecil “Cepeeke” Lake won the award for best songwriter for festival 51 calypso

a hand bag among other prizes.

Sponsored by M S Osborne Ltd., first runner up Azrudee Lindsey received one 23-inch smart TV plus $3,000, a Samsung tablet, a handbag, a foot spa, two perfume sets, and a gift basket.

Miss Allison and Miss John each received a 23-inch smart TV plus $1,500 each compliments Johny’s Mecca Fashions.

The sideshow included the popular Soca Bunnies, Tomeira Playter, Roman Catholic Youth Dancers, Ben Durant and Yogi Laser.

Top: Baptiste Wallace, 2013/14 Calypso Monarch Above: Khandie, 1st runner up right: AJ

Competition having written over 25 songs for the 2013 festival. He receives a trophy from LHNET Ordering Services.

He was specifically responsible for writing songs for four of the finalists in the 2013 calypso competition including the new monarch 2013/2014 Baptiste Wallace.

The Bank of Montserrat was the major sponsor of all the special cash prizes. right: Rakatang middle: Steve ‘Iceman’ Weekes, 2nd runner up far right: Maggie Destouche

Pink Ribbon Charity Concert on Saturday, 11th January at 6:30 Government House..

top: 1st runner up Azrudee Lindsey left: Alexia Allison right: June-Ann John