Friday, January 20, 2012
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www.themontserratreporter.com
And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NASB)
DFID stunts GoM Budget Estimates Vol. XXVII No. 01
Week Ending Friday, January 20, 2012
all of which were, “particu- l-r: B. Roach, Mary Thompson (parlarly important in ensuring tially hidden), Kato Kimbugwe, Karen continued support of the UK McGeough, Richard Erleback, and public in the context of an Drew Tetlow, austere economy,” noted in the statement. At the end however, the GoM must not be camping happily, as the team informed: “GoM are finalising revenue and expenditure projections taking on board our discussions. We will make final commitments on the basis of the revised projections.” That statement suggests a deviation from the expected, following all the new and hard work, understanding, the Premier had alluded to earlier, that all Ministries and Departments had been putting in for many weeks over the latter months of last year. The DFID budget team expressed throughout the press conference their concerns with the shortfall of revenue in the current year expected to be “$5 million Two senior ranking po- senior on compulsory leave dollars less (from $45m pending further investigation $40m) representing 11%.” lice officers of the Royal into alleged misconduct. They blamed this “largely Montserrat Police Service According to a release by poor compliance…the (RMPS) are suspended, one from Government House on suspension and the more cont’d. on page 5 the Governor’s actions arose out of the conduct of, “an extensive internal investigation into allegations of police misconduct during and folTwo more celebrate 100 years...pg 2 lowing the arrests of George Changes to ferry service...pg 3 Leonard and George Farrell on the morning of 17th Royal visit to mark Diamond Jubilee...pg 3 December 2011 at Drummonds.” Lifetime LIME winners...pg 5 Other informed and reliable sources have informed Calypso Monarch crowned...pg 7 that the alleged misconduct continued in the vicinity Kids’ Korner...pg 8 of Police Headquarters at Youngest visitor to Montserrat...pg 11 Brades, where other senior
The DFID budget team of Karen McGeough, Richard Erleback, Drew TEtlow, Mary Thompson and Kato Kimbugwe, wrapped up their mission in Montserrat with a press conference at the Governor’s Office on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Their mission was twofold as noted in a Statement provided to the press and in writing at the end of the conference. To conduct a review of budget performance in 20111/12 and; assess the need for budgetary aid for the next three years covering 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15. The press conference was a fairly lively one and must have been expected as the Montserrat Programme Manager, McGeough revealed that the discussions with the Montserrat teams have sometimes been not easy. The team made a statement at the beginning recalling that the current discussions were preceded by several visits by DFID ministers and officials all of last year, mentioning the various commitments an promises,
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Incident of arrests at Drummonds leaves two police officers on suspension
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officers had to restrain one of the officers. The release informed that, “The Governor has decided that in addition to the very comprehensive internal investigation undertaken to date, he should activate the provisions of a co-operation agreement on reciprocal law enforcement assistance between the Caribbean Overseas Territories.” As a result beginning early next week law enforcement officers from the Bermuda and Cayman police services to come to Montserrat to assist in the on-going investigation under the command and direction
of Deputy Commissioner Paul Morris. Following this they will, “present their findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions through the Governor.” Other credible and informed sources have also revealed that there may be more action and probably criminal charges brought against others who have been implicated in alleged wrong doing in connection with the incident. The Governor has undertaken to. ”keep the general public informed of relevant developments as they occur.
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Friday, January 20, 2012
Two more reach 100 years on Montserrat GIU – Montserrat this week celebrated with Mrs. Beatrice Allen and Mr. Charles ‘St. Kitts’ Pike as they became the fifth and sixth persons on island 100 years and over. St. Kitts, who got his name because of his island of birth, turned 100 on Saturday, January 7. He received visits from His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis and Premier, the Hon. Reuben T. Meade at the Golden Years Home where he resides.
Governor Davis and his wife Sujue, visited the home and sang along to the birthday song. The Queen’s official birthday card will follow, the governor told Mr. Pike. Premier Meade congratulated him on his achievement and presented him with a fruit basket. Pike credits his long life to his faith in God. He was also visited by Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Easton Taylor Farrell. O n Tu e s d a y, M r s . Beatrice Allen turned 100
with four generations of her family in attendance. Grandchildren and great grand-children travelled in from Canada, the Caribbean, UK and the US to wish her well and to attend a church service and reception in her honour. Claudia Ewan-Davis, one of her granddaughters said about 70 family members have come home for the celebration. Allen was also visited by the premier and Minister of Community Services Hon. Colin Riley on Tuesday.
Minister of Community Services Hon. Colin Riley dropped by to wish Mrs. Beatrice Allen Happy Birthday as she turned 100 on Tuesday, January 10 in the company of four generations of family who travelled from all over the world to celebrate with her.
His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis visits with Mr. Charles “St. Kitts” Pike at the Golden Years Home on Saturday January 7, 2012 on the occasion of his 100th birthday.
Jamaica opposition wins elections in a landslide
DAVID MCFADDEN, Associated Press KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — On Jamaica's rutted streets, the complaints have been chronic — home ownership is out of reach for most wage earners, the cost of electricity has skyrocketed, water service regularly fizzles out and decent jobs are scarce. Fed up with chronic hard times, voters in this debtwracked Caribbean nation on Thursday threw out the ruling party and delivered a landslide triumph to the opposition People's National Party, or PNP, whose campaign energetically tapped voter disillusionment especially among the numerous struggling poor. The win marks a remarkable political comeback for former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who was Jamaica's first female leader
during her year-and-a-half-long first stint in office that ended in 2007. The 66-year-old known affectionately as "Sista P" reached out to Jamaicans as a champion of the poor with a popular touch. "She cares about the ghetto people," said Trishette Bond, a twenty-something resident of gritty Trench Town who wore an orange shirt and a bright orange wig, the color of Simpson Miller's slightly center-left party, which led the island for 18 years before narrowly losing 2007 elections. As word of her election win emerged Thursday night, PNP supporters shimmied and shouted in the capital, Kingston, and motorists honked horns in celebration as they tore down the streets. "I am humbled as I stand before you and I wish to thank
Premier, the Hon. Reuben T. Meade and his son Gatrick celebrated with Mr. Charles “St. Kitts” Pike on his 100th birthday on Saturday January 7, 2012 at the Golden Years Home.
Portia Miller Simpson, Jamaican Prime Minister
the Jamaican people for their love, for their support and for giving the People's National Party and the leader of the party her own mandate," she said, after receiving hugs from numerous candidates, some crying. Simpson Miller defeated Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who at 39 is Jamaica's youngest leader and leads the centerright Jamaica Labor Party. Holness said the defeat will prompt a time of introspection and reflection for party leaders to examine what went wrong. "I wish the new government well. We hope for the benefit of the country that they will do a good job," said Holness, who warned during the campaign that an opposition win would scare away foreign investment and dash hopes of economic progress. While official results have not been released, elections
director Orrette Fisher told The Associated Press that preliminary results showed Simpson Miller heading to victory. "Based on the margins, it appears safe to say" that Simpson Miller's party won, Fisher said shortly after Jamaican newspapers and broadcasters called the election for the PNP. He expected his office to release the official count and breakdown of parliamentary seats on Saturday. News station TVJ said Simpson Miller's People's National Party won 41 seats in parliament and Holness's Jamaica Labor Party 22. Simpson Miller is beloved by her supporters for her folksy, plainspoken style. She became Jamaica's first female prime minister in March 2006 after she was picked by party delcont’.d on page 9
Friday, January 20, 2012
Summary Report of Proceedings of the Legislative Assembly held on 20th December 2011. 1.
The following papers were laid on the table :-
(a)
Financial Secretary i.
S R & O No. 50 of 2011
- Customs Duties and Comsumption Tax (Sonia Charles) (Exemption) Order;
ii.
S R & O No. 51 of 2011
- Customs Duties and Consumption Tax (Waiver of Duties on Barrels) Order;
iii. S R & O No. 56 of 2011
- Customs Duties and Consumption Tax (Amendment) Order.
(b) Attorney General i.
S R & O No. 53 of 2011
- Emergency Powers (Unsafe Areas) Order;
ii.
S R & O No. 54 of 2011
- Patents (Amendment) Act 2011 (Commencement) Order;
iii. S R & O No. 57 of 2011 2.
- Proclamation Declaring December 26th, 27th and 31st and January 2nd, 2012 as Public Holidays.
The First Reading of the following Bills took place: ‘Customs Service Tax (Repeal) Bill 2011’ First Reading
- 20th December 2011
This Bill seeks to repeal the Customs Service Tax Act. (CAP 17.06) ‘Electoral Commission Bill 2011’ First Reading
- 20th December 2011
This Bill seeks to provide for the composition, functions, operation and procedure of the Electoral Commission and matters connected therewith. 3.
The First, Second and Third Readings of the following Bill took place: ‘Supplementary Appropriation (No. 3) Bill 2011’ First Reading Second Reading Third Reading
- 20th December 2011 - 20th December 2011 - 20th December 2011
This Bill seeks to sanction certain payments from the consolidated and development funds in excess of the sums provided by law for the services of the Government of Montserrat for the period ending on the thirty-first day of March, 2012. The Bill was passed with no amendment. 4.
The Second and Third Readings of the following Bills took place: i.
‘Income and Corporation Tax (Amendment) Bill’ First Reading Second Reading Third Reading
- 14th November 2011 - 20th December 2011 - 20th December 2011
This Bill was passed with the following amendments: Clause 8 (a) (b)
Insert the following words at the end of sub clause (a): ‘in the form and manner prescribed.” Insert the following words at the end of sub clause (b): “in the form prescribed.”
Clause 10
ii.
(a)
Delete the words “January 1, 2005” and substitute with the words “January 1, 2006”; and
(b)
Delete the words “January 1, 2012” and substitute with the words “January 1, 2013”
“Complaints Commission Bill 2011” First Reading Second Reading Third Reading
- 14th November 2011 - 20th December 2011 - 20th December 2011
This Bill was passed with a few amendments which may be obtained from the Legislature Department. 5.
A Resolution to approve SR&O 55 of 2011 - Customs Service Tax (Sonia Charles) (Exemption) Order 2011 was approved by the Legislative Assembly.
6.
A Resolution to approve SR&O 58 of 2011 - Pensions Regulations, 2011 was approved by the Legislative Assembly. The Bill was passed without amendment.
Bills that had their first readings can be read in their entirety at any of the following places:
Legislature Department #1 Farara Plaza Brades Montserrat Sgd. Judith C Baker Clerk of Councils
Legal Department Valley View Brades Montserrat
Public Library BBC Complex Brades Montserrat
Government of Montserrat Website www.gov.ms
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Deputy Governor and retired teacher on Queen’s New Year’s Honours List
GIU – His Excellency, the Governor Adrian Davis has congratulated Montserrat’s first female Deputy Governor Mrs. Sarita Francis and Mrs. Oeslyn Jemmotte who have been named to the Queen’s New Years Honours List. Mrs. Sarita Francis of Olveston, has been awarded the Offi-
cer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her public service to the Government and people of Montserrat and for her work with the Montserrat National Trust. Mrs. Francis is a former president of the MNT. Mrs. Oeslyn Jemmotte of Brades, is a retired Head Teacher and has been awarded the Mem-
ber of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to education and the Girl Guide movement. Mrs. Jemmotte is a former leader of the Girl Guide movement in Montserrat. Both recipients will be invested with their awards during the first quarter of 2012.
Ferry service reduced to twice weekly and then back to four days In late news before late publication there is the announcement that the ferry service will revert to four days weekly. It seems surprising and must be a stark indication of the tourism activity in the height of the tourist season. The following release from GIU (Government Information Unit) describes in very simple terms that Montserrat is not likely to see anything near what it used to with respect to tourist arrivals. This also serves as further information as to the complex-
ity to the ferry and access to Montserrat, according to the Ministry of Tourism officials. The Release – The Ministry of Communications Works and Labour wishes to inform the public that effective next week (3rd week in January) until the end of January 2012, the Ferry schedule will change to two (2) days weekly, i.e., Fridays and Saturdays only. A further decision will be made by the end of January with respect to services for the remainder of the financial year. This measure is deemed necessary in light of the very
low volume of passengers which are currently travelling and likely to travel during the first quarter of 2012. The costs of operating the ferry are substantial and to a large extent are not being met by the low volumes being experienced. The Ministry trusts that the public understands and will plan their travels in keeping with the schedule of services by sea and air. The access issue is among the main discussions when the economy and development of Montserrat are on the table.
Royal visit to mark Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee
His Excellency Governor Adrian Davis told press members on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at his monthly press conference usually held every second Wednesday, that Prince Edward, The Earl and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex will visit Montserrat in June, 2012 as part of a global tour to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. H.E was responding to a request by ZJB’s Executive Producer, Mr. James White Jr. for more information to what was released from Buckingham Palace about the Diamond Jubilee. The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II is the forthcoming international celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne of seven countries, on the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee (25 years) in 1977 and her Golden Jubilee (50 years) in 2002. In British History, the only other Monarch to achieve a reign of 60 years was Queen Victoria
(1819-1901) who reigned as Queen of the UK and Ireland for a total of 63 years. As it appears Queen Elizabeth II seems set to overtake that record. Prince Edward, The Earl and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex will also visit Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. The Governor said there was a general programme in the UK to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. “We will be discussing more specifics of the Royal visit and the general programme with the Premier’s office and hopefully announcing that…” he said. H.E said the lighting of beacon is one aspect of the celebration in which Montserrat should participate in. “One in particular that I am very interested in and I think we should do, that doesn’t have any cost implications… is the lighting up of beacons across the commonwealth. I think we ought to have a Montserrat beacon,” he
said adding that the Governor’s Office in conjunction with the Premier’s Office will release a programme. Britain has a long history of beacon lighting spanning many hundreds of years. A beacon chain, once used as a tool for communication, has now become a symbol of unity across towns, borders, countries and continents and is often the central point of focus for any outdoor gathering or celebration. The release from Buckingham Palace further revealed that Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh will not be undertaking any overseas trips. Instead they will focus on the United Kingdom region. They will visit Wales, Scotland, the Midlands and East Anglia, the four corners of England as well as London. These visits will take place beginning in March and ending in July, whilst the Queen and Prince Philip are also performing their regular engagements.
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Friday, January 20, 2012
Letters/Opinion
EDITORIAL DFID is obviously dissatisfied with much on budgetary affairs The Government of Montserrat (GoM) needs to show that it is a team committed to the future progress, development and rejuvenation of Montserrat, and not just any single person, group or entity. In the meantime Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) through their Ministries, whether it be the Department For International Development (DFID) or the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) must stop referring to HMG through their public servants as our ‘government’, while their Ministers give a complete different picture, showing some responsibility for Montserrat. It may appear that there is no correlation in the two scenarios presented above. It arises when it is repeatedly referenced in discussions or statements “Our government as against GoM. Minister Duncan got close and even seemed careful not to speak in the terms referred to. Somehow it seems not clear as to how Montserrat should be treated in the ‘unique’ circumstances that exist. At the same time just when it seemed that this was the case DFID’s response at the end of the budget discussions must come as a surprise to GoM following the recent IMF report and the reported hard work (or was it just an improvement on before) that Ministers and public servants put in preparing for the budget talks. We have been talking plenty here at TMR about taxes, ‘tax arrears’ and pension issues, so too GoM. How come it seems that GoM still does not have its house in order on these matters? It seems somehow, either there are misunderstandings or the wrong messages are being sent and/or received. Is it the new approach by HMG who says, “Support is guaranteed, but only if everything is right?” And why are we still hearing about the Pension issue? That is three years old. The DFID team directed our question to GoM for answer about what efforts are being to add new jobs to enhance the dead economic situation, since more construction is more of the same while the Port Authority warehouse is practically empty. The question to DFID was, “what GoM telling you about their plans to bring life to the economy?” There was the recommendation on another issue we have heard much about and it is time we start talking about it. This is the matter of ‘outsourcing’. It seems as if this is completely misunderstood as GoM and public servants seem to completely confuse cutting down on their expenditure when at the same being told they must outsource and facilitate the private sector in order to achieve fiscal prudence. After a year of planning and reviews, we cannot understand GoM being told, “the projected fiscal position (as presented) is unsustainable and will require some difficult decisions, now more than ever, to balance the budget.” We are calling on our Premier and the Ministry of Finance to explain the things that DFID is saying. They talk about cost savings and it appears that instead of seeking to see how the private sector can save them money by encouraging and supporting efficiency, they are taking away the business already with the private sector under the obviously mistaken guise that they will save money.
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
Contraceptives increase the risk of catching AIDS
According to a study, published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal by Renee Heffron (University of Washington), the use of hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of women in contracting the AIDS virus. www. thelancet.com Previous research studies reached the same conclusion; however, the latter one is much more credible. The study was conducted by closely following 3,790 marriages; a strategy which allowed researchers to observe and carefully follow AIDS transmission from men to women as well as from women to men. The people who collaborated with the study come from seven African countries: Botswana, Kenya Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. If the hormonal contraceptive is used through injection, then the risk of woman-to-man transmission
is of 2.64%, while from man-towoman increases to 6.86%. When it comes to birth-control pills, the percentages are 5.94% and 2.50%, respectively. According to the New York Times, the World Health Organization (WHO) has summoned a meeting with the aims of examining these statistics. Experts will discuss whether or not there is enough evidence that prove these studies in order to proceed unto informing women about these risks. www.nytimes.com Other state authorities from different countries have been motivated to follow the example. Governors from Kenya and Zambia prefer educating their peoples in order to convince their aboriginal populations to change their sexual habits by promoting post-marital fidelity as well as pre-marital abstinence. www.sinsida.com According to the Global Sum-
mit of the Ministries of Health, human values, spiritual values, human rights, and human dignity must all be respected and abided by in order to prevent the spread of AIDS. The deadly virus continues without a cure. According to Nature Medicine Magazine, AIDS affects more than 33 million people worldwide. www.nature.com Pope Benedict XVI advocates that “fidelity and chastity” make up the only secure path unto eradicating AIDS in Africa. www.wordpress.com/category/ sexualidad (Translated by Gianna A. Sanchez Moretti) Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of publicity and press relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.
Haiti two years later H a i t i , Tw o Ye a r s Later News Americas, P O R T- A U - P R I N C E , Haiti: Two years after the horrific earthquake in Haiti, some 500,000 people still live under terrible conditions in makeshift camps. That’s the word from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which was working in Haiti before the disaster and lost 12 staff members in the earthquake. The piles of rubble
and gaping holes in the streets of Port-auPrince remain. MSF’s medical coordinator, Wendy Lai says “access to drinking water and sanitation is (still) very limited throughout the entire country, particularly in rural and remote areas.” “This situation promotes the spread of infectious disease,” she added. “While the number of new cases of cholera has fallen considerably, we still see several hundred
each week and the risk of seasonal resurgence remains very high. We must remain extremely vigilant.” With more than 50,000 inhabitants, Jean Marie Vincent is the biggest IDP camp in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, occupying several hectares of property near the city centre and close to Cité Soleil, one of the poorest and less secure areas of the city. Raymond Lama-
Our Scripture Verse Today Blue Skies? Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV) Recently I was driving home into a storm front. But rather than an increasingly overcast sky, I saw a line of dark clouds where the front began. It was as if God had scribbled a line across the sky to mark the beginning of the rain. As I drove toward the front, I could see blue sky stretching above the cloud line. For me this was a reminder that the blue sky wasn’t turning gray; it was just hidden from sight by the clouds. Similarly, circumstances sometimes cloud my view of God. I see a relationship in turmoil, a series of unexpected expenses,
a child’s rebellion. Habakkuk reminds me that behind these gray clouds is a God who is “my Savior” and “my strength” — one who can empower me to withstand hardship and assure me that all will be well in the end. All clouds dissipate eventually, revealing the blue sky that is always there beyond what we can see. Source of strength, help us today to look beyond our circumstances to your faithful character. We pray in trust, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”* Amen. *Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV).
Friday, January 20, 2012
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Lifetime winners get gifts and witness Apple/LIME iPhone launch James Boatswain representing his wife and Stephen Mendes are the final customers to join the ranks of LIME Lifetime winners, following the Christmas promotion . They both received their winnings at the LIME business quarters in Sweeney’s on Friday, January 13, 2012, the same day LIME launched the availability of the Apple iPhone 4S. “I am very grateful for this timely gift. I have been a customer of Cable & wireless for a long time. I am very honoured to receive this gift and I am also encouraged that Cable and Wireless is doing such a good job in Montserrat and they are actually looking
out for their customers and with the advancement of technologies they are trying to stay in pace with,” said Mendes. Meanwhile Boatswain speaking for his wife said: “I am very happy we have been given the opportunity to receive for a lifetime this package of internet, landline and mobile (services). I am looking forward for new developments in telecommunication and hope I will live to be a part of whatever new development comes in the near future.” Previous winners of these unique lifetime gifts were: Yvette Lee, Steve Ryan, Elsa Morgan and
Edith Duberry. Lee was the winner of a Lifetime of Mobile service, Ryan received a Lifetime of Broadband service, with Morgan winning a Lifetime of fixed line service and Edith Duberry, a Lifetime of broadband service. Along with the day’s two winners were two iPhone customers, Messrs Diege Daley and Paul Payne, who were invited to talk a bit about their iPhone experience, while LIME following its first-to-market introduction of the iPhone 4, last summer, as a full-service telco provider is continuing its exclusive Apple deal with introduction of the most amazing iPhone yet.
DFID stunts GOM
cont’d. from page 1 collection of tax arrears has so far failed to deliver significant returns.” That was in the face of their commendation in the fact that according to them, “The reduction in domestic revenue has been accommodated by the GoM (by) constraining expenditure,” which said was achieved from”, “unfilled vacancies across the civil service and efforts by accounting officers to constrain expenditure. Their single recommendation on that is a follow-up on a statement that cause Premier Meade to be referred to now as “suicidal”. “GoM
take appropriate actions to tackle non-compliance, including the use of bailiffs and prosecution.” Another area of concern for the team is the call on Government to “complete it actuarial review of the civil service pension scheme, and implement recommendations for mitigating short and long term exposure.” The GoM were to reconsider membership and payments to regional bodies to ensure they are essential and represent value for money. The team was pressed for information as to how the Government plans to activate and revive the economy in
spite of the much talked of increase in construction. They repeatedly referred TMR Bennette Roach to seek the answers from GoM. Eventually Kimbugwe offered a response. This and other explanations and answers will be published in our next issue. Excerpts and more from the press conference will be available online at TMR’s site www.themontserratreporter.com. We have been unable to contact for reaction the Minister of Finance or Financial Secretary who we learnt are both away in Europe (Brussells).
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF MONTSERRAT PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of ROBERT FERGUS, deceased NOTICE is hereby given that an application will be filed at the Probate Division of the High Court of Justice of Montserrat for a grant of letters of administration of the Estate of ROBERT FERGUS, deceased, late of St. John’s, Montserrat, who died on the 22nd of April 1984, to be issued to DANIEL FERGUS, one of the lawful children of the said deceased. ANY person claiming to be beneficially interested in the Estate is requested to send written particulars to Kelsick & Kelsick, attorneys-at-law, P.O. Box 185, Bladen House, Brades, Montserrat, within 14 days from the date of the publication of this Notice. ANY person objecting to the issuance of the grant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice not later than 14 days from the date of the publication of this Notice. Dated this 15th day of December 2011 Kelsick & Kelsick Attorneys-at-Law
The iPhone 4S is an intelligent assistant which sends text messages by voice command, lifelike photographs and video footage that’s editable on the phone. These are just some of the great breakthrough features of experience which telecoms Company, LIME is now offering in Montserrat and all its markets in the region as of today. Country Manager Joseph Cassell echoed LIME’s CEO David Shaw highlighting the benefits of this phone to its customers, saying the iPhone 4S will again change the way people communicate.” “This is another first from LIME. Bringing world class technology is our way of building communities and families in the Caribbean. The iPhone 4S is best in class, innovative and the ultimate ‘every-thing device’ that will change the way we access and share information. It shows what advanced technology looks and feels like and that's what our customers expect of us. We're very proud to partner with Apple to make this happen for the Caribbean," Shaw said. “We definitely prom-
ised customers the most advance technologies across the board and this is just another one of those specific items of technology that Lime is bringing to the table and this is through our partnership with Apple. We are definitely bringing the cutting edge here in Montserrat,” Cassell told the press. The device was described as an intelligent assistant which sends text messages by voice command, lifelike photographs and video footage that’s editable on the phone. IPhone Customers in Montserrat may not be able to enjoy the full capabilities of the device just yet. Cassell said the mobile data network is not going to give customers what they called the bang for the buck because right now LIME has what is called a GPRS base. “We have just actually migrated to EDGE but we still have ways to go in relation to the speed so I wouldn’t want to set any high expectation here that
one can basically be out and about streaming movies or any content they may have taken at that point in time, that is really when you have a high speed mobile data network which we are still in the process of transitioning to,” the manager explained. The iPhone 4S packed with incredible new features, including Apple’s dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics, will available in three models – the 16GB, the 32GB and the 64GB. Other features of this masterful device include an all new camera with advanced optics and full 1080p HD resolution video recording; iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features; and iCloud, a breakthrough set of free cloud services that work with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC to automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud and push it to all your devices.
REGISTERED LAND ACT SECTION 34 LOST LAND CERTIFICATES It is notified for general information that Land Certificates in respect of the following persons have been reported lost:NAME Hermon Locker Isaac Weekes et al John Alfred Osborne John Alfred Osborne John Alfred Osborne John Alfred Osborne John Alfred Osborne
REG. SECTION/REFERENCE St. John’s 14/22/161 Beachettes 12/05/015 St. Peter’s 13/19/026 Plymouth 05/02/010 Elberton 07/04/043 St. George’s 06/05/018 St. George’s 06/05/017
DATE ISSUED January 14, 2008 March 15, 2001 Nov. 1, 1997 January 29, 1982 June 10, 1986 October 27, 1989 June 9, 1993
Unless any objections are received within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice, replacement certificates will be issued. Dated this 10th day of January, 2012. J. Christopher Gerrald Registrar of Lands (Ag.)
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Friday, January 20, 2012
LIME Winners LIME. For Living. Everyday
Stephen Mendes
James Boatswain
Congratulations to our Lifetime Promotion end of Year and New Year winners Stephen Mendes, Mr. and Mrs. James Boatswain and Miss Edith Duberry.
Friday, January 20, 2012
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GARNETT ‘SYLK’ THOMPSON IS THE 2011-2012 CALYPSO MONARCH Garnett “Sylk” Thompson is the 2011-2012 Calypso Monarch A very appreciative crowd, celebrated Garnett “Sylk” Thompson, a young Cudjoe Head resident who was adjudged the 2011-2012 Calypso Monarch at Festival City on Friday, December 30, 2011. Intermittent showers did not dampen the festive mood, while there were grumblings and heated debates about what could and should have been done to prevent the constant interruption by the rain. But, fireworks, flashing cameras and screams echoed throughout Festival City as ZJB morning show MC, Basil Chambers announced the winning monarch. Sylk has reportedly made good his tenth entry to the competition with his renditions of ‘Changing World’ and his patriotic winning song of ‘Never Give Up‘ which earned him a total of 840 points to defeat a strong field. The field included Black Jaguar who secured first runner-up with 783 points, four-time calypso monarch Silvina “khandie” Malone who earned the next spot with 760 points, followed by Nielson “Tiger” Duberry with his score of 738 points. Defending monarch Herman “Cupid” Francis followed with a total of 735 points. The other contenders were Anderson “Andy”
Kirnon and Jester “Iceman” Weeks who tied for with a total of 717; Kelvin “Tabu” Duberry captured the number seven position with 692, Vickie “storm” Locker, 683 points, placed her at position number eight and Kevin “King Natty” Farrell in the final position with a total of 681 points. Sylk’s first place prize earned him $10,000, in addition to a cash price of $1,000 sponsored by the Department of Culture for the most patriotic song. He also captured the People’s Choice Award. Sylk was
one of the first calypsonians to release his entries. James “Cruiser” Browne (not in finals) a favourite for many at the eliminations and up to the semi-finals was judged the most improved calypsonian. He also received $1,000 for the best mountain chicken song – De Mountain Chicken Sick best social commentary was captured by Sylvena “Khandi” Malone with “Melting Pot”. She received a cash price of $1,250.00 sponsored by the Bank of Montserrat.
The c a s h price of 1,250.00 for the m o s t creative composition was captured by Kevin “ K i n g Natty” Farrell with Rose, Goddess of Radio The calypso
competition is usually one of the biggest highlights of the Festival celebrations. The 2011 festival came to a close on Monday, January 2, 2012.
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Friday, January 20, 2012
Kids time - In your own korner Hello everyone – It is kid’s time with Auntie Lyka “In Your Korner”.Happy New Year to you and your family. I believe you have made some good New Year wishes and you plan to keep them. I hope you are ready to work hard for this school term, it is also the term for sports. I wish you all the best for this term. Remember to read a book. There was once a widow who had two daughters, Helen, her own child by her dead husband, and Marouckla, his daughter by his first wife. She loved Helen, but hated the poor orphan because she was far prettier than her own daughter. Marouckla did not think about her good looks, and could not understand why her stepmother should be angry at the sight of her. The hardest work fell to her share. She cleaned out the rooms, cooked, washed, sewed, spun, wove, brought in the hay, milked the cow, and all this without any help. Helen, meanwhile, did nothing but dress herself in her best clothes and go to one amusement after another. But Marouckla never complained. She bore the scoldings and bad temper of mother and sister with a smile on her lips, and the patience of a lamb. But this angelic behavior did not soften them. They became even more tyrannical and grumpy, for Marouckla grew daily more beautiful, while Helen’s ugliness increased. So the stepmother determined to get rid of Marouckla, for she knew that while she remained, her own daughter would have no suitors. Hunger, every kind of privation, abuse, every means was used to make the girl’s life miserable. But in spite of it all Marouckla grew ever sweeter and more charming. One day in the middle of winter Helen wanted some wood-violets. “Listen,’’ cried she to Marouckla, “you must go up the mountain and find me violets. I want some to put in my gown. They must be fresh and sweet-scented-do you hear?’’
QUESTION TIME
THE FIRST CHILD TO SEND IN THE CORRECTCT ANSWER WINS A GIFT. Question: Name the world’s known poisonous bird.
The Twelve Months
by Alexander Chodsvko - Slav Fairy Tales
swered: “What brings thee here, my daughter? What dost thou seek?’’ “I am looking for violets,’’ replied the maiden.
“But, my dear sister, whoever heard of violets blooming in the snow?’’ said the poor orphan.
“This is not the season for violets. Dost thou not see the snow everywhere?’’ said January.
“You wretched creature! Do you dare to disobey me?’’ said Helen. “Not another word. Off with you! If you do not bring me some violets from the mountain forest I will kill you.’’
“I know well, but my sister Helen and my stepmother have ordered me to bring them violets from your mountain. If I return without them they will kill me. I pray you, good shepherds, tell me where they may be found.’’
The stepmother also added her threats to those of Helen, and with vigorous blows they pushed Marouckla outside and shut the door upon her. The weeping girl made her way to the mountain. The snow lay deep, and there was no trace of any human being. Long she wandered hither and thither, and lost herself in the wood. She was hungry, and shivered with cold, and prayed to die. Suddenly she saw a light in the distance, and climbed toward it till she reached the top of the mountain. Upon the highest peak burned a large fire, surrounded by twelve blocks of stone on which sat twelve strange beings. Of these the first three had white hair, three were not quite so old, three were young and handsome, and the rest still younger. There they all sat silently looking at the fire. They were the Twelve Months of the Year. The great January was placed higher than the others. His hair and mustache were white as snow, and in his hand he held a wand. At first Marouckla was afraid, but after a while her courage returned, and drawing near, she said: “Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? I am chilled by the winter cold.’’ The great January raised his head and an-
Colouring Time
Here the great January arose and went over to the youngest of the Months, and, placing his wand in his hand, said: “Brother March, do thou take the highest place.’’ March obeyed, at the same time waving his wand over the fire. Immediately the flames rose toward the sky, the snow began to melt and the trees and shrubs to bud. The grass became green, and from between its blades peeped the pale primrose. It was spring, and the meadows were blue with violets. “Gather them quickly, Marouckla,’’ said March. Joyfully she hastened to pick the flowers, and having soon a large bunch she thanked them and ran home. Helen and the stepmother were amazed at the sight of the flowers, the scent of which filled the house. “Where did you find them?’’ asked Helen. “Under the trees on the mountain-side,’’ said Marouckla. Helen kept the flowers for herself and her mother. She did not even thank her stepsister for the trouble she had taken. To be continued.........
Winner of our Question time Section
Pre-School Corner Hello to you my preschool friends. This week well look at Matching. DRAW A LINE TO JOIN THE SIMILAR BALLS. I hope you are having fun.
Kevin Elijah Grant
Missing Letters
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 20, 2012
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Jamaica’s Opposition wins in a landslide...cont’d. from page 2 egates when P.J. Patterson retired as leader. But she was tossed out of office a year later in a narrow election defeat. This time around, she has pledged to lift debt-wracked Jamaica out of poverty, secure foreign investment, and create jobs. Specifics are few, however. Her party will face deep economic problems in this island of 2.8 million people, with a punishing debt of roughly $18.6 billion, or 130 per cent of gross domestic product. That's a rate about 10 percentage points higher than debt-troubled
Italy's. Veteran opposition lawmaker Omar Davies said one of the first things the People's National Party will do is get "a true assessment of the state of the economy," a dig at Holness' party which was accused of rarely providing citizens with a clear picture of the island's dire fiscal straits. Holness, who became prime minister two months ago after Bruce Golding, Jamaica's leader since 2007, abruptly stepped down in October amid anemic public backing, won his parliamentary seat with 54
percent of the vote. Simpson Miller has been a stalwart of the People's National Party since the 1970s. She was first elected to Parliament in 1976 and became a Cabinet member in 1989. Partisans have long admired Simpson Miller as a Jamaican who was born in rural poverty and grew up in a Kingston ghetto, not far from the crumbling concrete jungle made famous by Bob Marley. During her brief tenure as prime minister, her support waned amid complaints she responded poorly to Hurricane Dean and was evasive about a
scandal regarding a Dutch oil trading firm's $460,000 payment to her political party leading up to 2007 elections. The two top candidates' different styles were clear while they cast their votes. Holness is largely seen as unexciting, but bright and pragmatic. He whisked into the voting center in the middle class area of Mona, barely interacting with voters. After being heckled by an opposition partisan, he said he was "very confident" of a Labor victory and departed after taking three questions from reporters.
By contrast, Simpson Miller hugged and chatted with supporters at a school in Whitfield Town and told election workers to help struggling elderly voters. Her party, which experimented with democratic socialism in the 1970s, is still perceived as more focused on social programs than the slightly more conservative Labor. There are no longer stark ideological differences between the two clan-like factions that have dominated Jamaican politics since the onetime British colony began self-rule in 1944. Jamaica
became independent within the British Commonwealth in 1962. Jamaica's former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller shows her inked finger after casting her ballot in parliamentary elections in Kingston, Jamaica, Thursday Dec. 29, 2011. Jamaica is holding 63 parliamentary races where current Prime Minister Andrew Holness' Jamaica Labour Party is in a tight race against the People's National Party, headed by Simpson Miller, to win control of the government for the next five years. (Collin Reid / AP)
BANK OF MONTSERRAT LIMITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30 September, 2011 BANK OF MONTSERRAT LIMITED
BANK OF MONTSERRAT LIMITED
Statement of Financial Position As at 30 September 2011
Statement of Profit or Loss For the Year Ended 30 September 2011
[(Expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$)]
[(Expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$)]
Notes
2011
2010
30,769,073 89,700,345 57,285,678 3,687,105 5,413,717 5,507,613 192,363,531
40,294,048 82,369,514 52,321,051 3,687,105 5,713,886 5,758,592 190,144,196
Assets Cash and cash equivalent Investment securities - net Loans and advances to customers - net Other long-term receivable Property and equipment - net Other assets - net Total Assets
11 12 13 15 16 17
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Notes
2011
2010
5,734 5,846,028 4,510,578 10,362,340
3,867 5,143,390 4,354,752 9,502,009
Savings Demand
(3,093,638) (139,917)
(2,792,000) (103,242)
Time Other
(781,003) (20,000) (4,034,558)
(756,808) (20,000) (3,672,050)
6,327,782
5,829,959
Service fees and commissions Foreign exchange gain - net Miscellaneous
1,014,623 673,919 252,620 1,941,162
824,630 743,999 274,609 1,843,238
Operating income
8,268,944
7,673,197
(2,106,257) (965,335) (900,000) (317,271) (876,726) (5,165,589) 3,103,355
(2,192,088) (1,128,524) (900,000) (344,622) (841,074) (5,406,308) 2,266,889
Net (loss)/income
(15,583,540) 2,183,609 (13,399,931) (10,296,576)
(8,340,721) (1,000,547) (7,340,174) (5,073,285)
ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS
(10,296,576)
(5,073,285)
Interest income Cash and cash equivalent Investment securities Loans and advances to customers Interest expense
Liabilities Deposit Liabilities Accrued pension liability Provision for CALMS Agreement Convertible debenture Other liabilities Total Liabilities Shareholders’ equity Share capital Share premium Convertible debenture Statutory reserve Retained earnings - appropriated for loan loss reserves Retained earnings - unappropriated Total shareholders’ equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
18 19 20 21 22
21 23 14
174,220,009 381,924 3,170,506 905,731 1,309,533 179,987,703
160,764,312 301,595 2,270,506 905,731 1,395,901 165,638,045
5,275,800 175,280 94,269 5,723,330 184,595
5,264,650 175,280 94,269 5,723,330 2,029,492
922,554 12,375,828 192,363,531
11,219,130 24,506,151 190,144,196
These financial statements were approved on behalf of the Board of Directors on 21 November 2011 by the following: Sgd. Kenneth Allen Mr. Kenneth Allen, Q.C. Chairman of the Board The notes on pages 10 to 53 are an integral part of these financial statements.
Sgd. Cynthia Farrell Ms. Cynthia Farrell Director
Net interest income Other income
Operating expenses Salaries, bonuses and other allowances Occupancy and equipment-related expenses Provisions - CALMS Taxes, licenses and professional fees Other expenses
7 8 20 9
Net Operating income before impairment
Add/(Less): Impairment losses Recovery of allowance for impairment losses
14
The accompanying notes on pages 10 to 53 are an integral part of these financial statements.
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Friday, January 20, 2012
SOCIAL SECURITY FUND
P.O Box 170, BRADES, MONTSERRAT, WEST INDIES. TEL: (664) 491-2567/3667. FAX: (664) 491-6145 The following named persons are asked to get in touch with the Montserrat Social Security Operations Department on 1-664-491-2567 or Email: operations@socialsecurity.ms No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Name Agnes M. Lemprier Albertina D. Hilliman Alena Jackson Anetta Ryan Angus P. Cayetano Annester Farrell Austin R. McKend Bridget Scarville Carl Pollard Carroll L. Hesky Catherine E. Howson Catherine Ryan Cecelia V. Burns Cecil Lewis Cecil Martin Chantel L. E. Thomas
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Charles E. Lewis Charles Howson Charles J. Greenaway Clayton E. Hope Cleveland A. Abrams Count Dooker Daniel Hickson Daniel Tuitt David R. Poynton David Shimmows David Willock Delroy Weetom Dereck Mason Diana Harris Diane M. Burns Donald Wilson Edmund M. Allicock Edris Tuitt Eileen L. Joseph Eliza Greenaway Elizabeth Ryner Emmanuel Boatswain Esther Buffonge Esther Mills Eugene Irish Franklyn Meade Gay L. Marglin
44 45 46
Georg Heinrichs George Mackay George R. R. Silcott
Address Palm Loop Amersham P O Box 446 Parliament Street Bethel Salem Wapping Geralds St. John’s P O Box 186 Tuitt’s Village Kinsale Cork Hill Lees Kinsale Colony House, Plymouth Lees St. Patrick’s Parson’s Road St. Peter’s Olveston St. John’s St. George’s Hill Windy Hill Old Towne Glendon Hospital Fort Barrington Kinsale Old Towne Parsons Spanish Pointe Amersham P O Box 10 Salem Kinsale Molyneaux Cork Hill Harney Street Parsons Salem Sea Haven, Kinsale Kinsale P O Box 413, Plymouth C/o Radio Antilles Richmond Hill St. John’s
No. 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68
Name Gerald Phillip Glasford Lee Gloria Browne Gregory R. De Gannes Harry D. Rapuano Helen Tuitt Henrietta Daley Hilde Blake Hildred Howe Ian M. Wallace Ingrid T. Rapuano Ivan Daley James Griffith James H. Lee James Meade James R. Farrell James R. Naylor Janet Riley Jerry R. Gilbert Jewelle Piper John A. Ross John Kipp
69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93
John M. Walsh John Richardson Joseph Buffong Joseph Dorsett Joseph J. Lynch Joseph Murrain Joseph W. Gibbons Jossette Rogers Joycelyn Lewis Julian Martinez Laurine R. Jones Laurn F. Anderson Lennox White Leona G. Duberry Leroy Dyer Lincoln Bernard Lloyd Bramble Louisa E. O’Brien Louise L. Parkinson Margaret Lee Margarita Ryan Mary A. O’Garro Mary Brade Mary E. Weekes Mary Irish
Address Molyneaux Molyneaux Webbs Village Bank of Montserrat Lime Kiln Beach Gage’s Village Harris St. John’s Gingoes Glendon Hospital Lime Kiln Beach Weekes Road Victoria Village Salem Aymer’s Ghaut Lees Cudjoe Head Bethel Richmond Hill Cork Hill Old Towne P O Box 108, Woodlands Foxes Bay P O Box 525 Parson’s Road Amersham Trials Long Ground Dyers St. John’s Cork Hill Kinsale Jones Hill Richmond Hill Harris Cork Hill Harris Amersham Delvins Village Cork Hill Geralds Streathams Cork Hill Salem Bramble Village Kinsale Weekes
No. 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111
Name Mary Ryan Meryl Greenaway Morris Browne Murrie Huggins Nicholas G. Roach Nicholas Joseph Noel A. John Norris M. Vidal Patrick A. Shepherd Patrick Thomas Pedro Ammonies Peter West Philip Boydell Rachel Nicholas Ralston E. Blair Reuben B. Sweeney Robert G. Meade Robin G. Williams
112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125
Rosalind Aaron Rosalind C. Bodkin Rosalind Irish Rosanna Galloway Rose Greer Samuel E. Buffonge Samuel Farrell Sara M. Carty-Alcantara Sarah Gerald Simon K. Maty Stephen Daley Steve Deane Sylvia Kickling Theresa F. Thomas
126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139
Vernon Jeffers Veronica Cassell Veronica Galloway Veronica Pond Vincent L. Barzey Vincent R. Joseph Waverney Burke Wilfred Meade William P. Fuller William T. Hall William W. Meade Wilston N. Tuitt Winifred Roache Ynolde Scantlebury
Address St. George’s Hill Bethel Baker Hill Gages Long Ground Salem Village C/o Police HeadQuarters Richmond Hill Salem Richmond Hill Salem Parson’s Road C/o Brown & Root Cork Hill St. Peter’s Friths, Salem Parson’s Road 92 Bishops Gate, Salem Delvins Village Boston Village St. Peter’s Tuitts Chapel Street Hodges Hill Tuitt’s Village Harris St. John’s Richmond Hill Webbs Village Olveston Richmond Hill C/o T.E.A Perkins, George Street Boston Village Fort Barrington Long Ground Victoria Village George Street Gages Richmond Hill Tuitt’s Richmond Hill Olveston St. Patricks Salem Trials Lower Dagenham
Haiti two years later...cont’d. from page 4 rre, the UNPOL police spokesperson in Haiti, bluntly describes the d i ff i c u l t i e s f a c e d b y law enforcement: “The gangsters of Cité Soleil commit crimes and then hide in the IDP camp where it is more difficult for us and for the
Haitian National Police (HNP) Force to track them down.” Women remain vulnerable to attacks. Celia Romulus, a project manager for UN Women, the agency fighting violence against women, says: “We are confronted with
dramatic situations in which young women are raped in broad daylight in their tents or even young children are being raped, We have found out that the latrines are particularly dangerous for women at night. That’s why we
have decided to install lighting near these places where sexual predators happened to be lurking.” Yesterday, on the s e c o n d a n n i v e r s a r y, President Michel Martelly was among those marking the day with a
holiday. Many Haitians gathered in makeshift churches to remember the dead and hope for a new beginning. The disaster killed 316,000 people and displaced 1.5 million. Services on the national holiday ranged from
roadside affairs to a government-organized observance near a mass grave north of the capital led by President Martelly and attended by former dictator, JeanClaude “Baby Doc” Duvalier.
Friday, January 20, 2012
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Youngest known Christmas visitor - parents sorry they have to leave At nine-weeks old when he arrived, Felix Reuben Louis Davis is the grandson of Governor Davis and his wife SuJue and they are claiming Felix to be the youngest visitor to Montserrat during the Christmas season. Felix disembarked at the John A Osborne Airport on Wednesday, December 8, 2011 with his mom Amy Davis, a diplomat with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and his dad Daniel Davis, a doctor specialised in geriatric medicine. Felix’s birth was announced and published in The Montserrat Reporter’s (TMR) publications at the end of October, last year. The young couple brought baby Felix to Montserrat to visit his grandparents His Excellency Governor Adrian Davis and Mrs. Sujue Davis. Felix parents told TMR that Felix was born in Geneva,
“We've all really enjoyed our stay in Montserrat, everyone has been so welcoming and we'll be sorry to leave on 8th January when we return to Switzerland,” the enthusiastic couple said. Amy Davis told TMR, “Felix took a while to adjust to the heat, it's very different to the cold Switzerland on Saturday, October 5, 2011. They told TMR that they applied for Felix’s passport when he was one week old to ensure it came through on time for the trip.
and snow of Switzerland, but now he loves it.” “He has also been enjoying all the sights and events of Montserrat, he has been in a boat on the sea for the first time, along
the coast as far as Plymouth and to several events of the festival events, including the night of pan, the calypso finals and the Emerald Community Singers,” she said. (See Felix in a steel pan) Mrs Davis said Felix slept through most of the events but was awake throughout the visit to the Botanical Gardens. She added that, “Felix has also been to the Golden Years Nursing home a few times and has been very popular with the residents there.”
Felix’s grandfather has boasted about the hospitality they have enjoyed in Montserrat. “My wife and I are very happy that our family has joined us in Montserrat this Christmas. They are experiencing the same hospitable welcome as we did eight months ago,” he said in his Christmas message
Miss St. Kitts crowned Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Queen 2011/2012
Carnival Village (January 2012):-St. Kitts representative 15-year-old Siobhan Phipps was crowned the 2011/2012 Miss Digicel Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen after midnight on December 29th before a massive audience of thousands gathered at Carnival Village. Miss St. Kitts beat her 11 competitors, including that of sister isle Nevis, to win the crown. Thunderous applause and screams echoed throughout the Carnival Village as the two beautiful hostesses in the former Ms St.Kitts Carnival Queen Johan Kelly and reigning Miss Caribbean World Sudeakka Francis announced Miss St. Kitts had captured 4 out of the 5 judged segments namely: Best Ambassadorial Wear, Best Performing Talent (with 363 points), Best Production Number and Best Evening Wear (114 points) that tallied an overall winning total of 826 points. With a score of 753 points, the first runner-up spotlight went to Miss Jamaica, 18-year-old Aba Syke whose ‘irie’ personality and her signature and loveable “wha a gwaan st.kitts !” undoubtedly classed her as a favourite in the eyes of the audience and the entire Kittitian public. Following in the second runner-
up position was Miss British Virgin Islands (BVI) –Tortola, 16-year-old Ashellica Fahie with 695.5 points. Miss Anguilla 16-year-old Keivanée Lake placed third runner-up. She amassed 693.5 points. In a shimmering festive-looking piece, Miss St. Kitts displayed the annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which is a major tourist attraction. Her winning eveningwear ensemble dubbed ‘Twilight’ was a one strap sparkly bodice, light blue dress that had contrasting hues of purple and a deeper shade of blue at the bottom. As mentioned before Miss Jamaica captured the heart of the audience that night. Her warm personality went over well with the audience, with phrases in her ‘Land of Reggae’ accent like "Jamaica to the World" after the ambassadorial segment; telling the audience "Big up youself” and “mi sey dat" following her singing piece in the talent segment, which saw her doing a melody of well-known Jamaican tunes. She belted out Etana’s “People Talk” and “I’m not Afraid” and Ikaya’s “Fly Away.” Miss Jamaica also stood out for wearing running sneakers with her ambassadorial outfit which highlighted some of her country's well known sprinters including Usain Bolt. She even did Bolt's signature
pose upon exiting the stage. Through a comical dramatic presentation, in the talent segment, teen St. Kitts addressed the serious issue of bullying which unfortunately led to suicide on prom night. She popped out of a coffin on stage and recapped the series of humiliating ‘baboon’ name-calling and other bullying interferences throughout high school. With karate poses, Phipps demonstrated how she practiced moves like those of Jaden on the movie Karate Kid in preparation to confront her bullies. She shared how she looked up a long funny sounding disease on the internet and told her mom she had that specific illness and even tried teasing a dog so that it could bite her and give her Rabies just so that she would have an excuse not to go to school. In her humorous drama, she showed how her parents ignored her cries and referred to when one girl interfered with her and said that she doesn’t brush her teeth. Her dad in reply told her that they had Listerine and encouraged her to use it. Miss Bermuda, 18-year-old Shaunte Simons, won the best interview with 152 points for her eloquent assessment of the qualities that a good leader must have.
Other contestants were: Miss Antigua and Barbuda, 16-year-old Aalilyah Thomas; Miss Bahamas 15-year-old Monesha Bowleg; Miss Barbados 16-year-old Sacha Clarke; Miss Grenada 16-year-old Grenada Kande Duncan; Miss Nevis, 17-yearold Erica Doras; Miss St. Lucia – 16year-old Kadijha Mason and USVI, 14-year-old Bailee Dukes. The show was punctuated by a scintillating performance by extremely popular Kittitian artiste Infamus. The 22 year old Infamus belted out some of his popular tunes including “Feel like Crying” and “Cry from the Ghetto” much to the delight
of the audience who sang word for word along with the young Kittitian musical Prince. After his set the audience chanted “More Infamus” and the young artiste obliged and came back on stage to a huge roar and sang an accapella version of ‘Times Rolls On” . The fans again sang along and by the end were agin asking for a 2nd encore. Other performers included Masud Sadiki, Dejour, Classique Academy of Anguilla, Rhythm Dance Theatre of Nevis and a surprise appearance by popular calypsonian Unexpected with his ‘Gi dem di Dougie’ tune. The KC5 Band was the house band that night. Former Miss National Carnival Queens Johan Kelly (2004/2005) and Suddeaka Francis (2009/2010) hosted the pageant along with legendary radio personality 'Sly J' out of Antigua. In addition to the normal cash and tangible prizes, the queen and first runner-up received BlackBerry handsets compliments Digicel and also received laptops and digital cameras, compliments Hon. Sam Condor, the Deputy Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the St. Johnson's Village area, where the Haynes Smith Youth Club
iis based. Phipps will receive a 7-day cruise compliments Delisle Walwyn and Kantours Travel. Public Relation and Marketing Director of the Pageant Wallis Wilkin said that this years pageant was another success . “The staging of this years show was another success. Particularly in terms of the level of the production of the entire show. The show ran smoothly and the inclusion of state of the art effects raised the standard of the show thus ensuring it’s position as the top show in the Caribbean based on production and overall presentation, “ said Wallis Wilkin “Our guest hosts and guest performer were exceptional and the young ladies were easily the most articulate and well rounded that we have seen in some time which all came together to make the show another typically pleasing and satisfactory and exciting affair,” Wilkin continued Phipps was chaperoned by Ozelle Martin who also chaperoned Iantiavian Queeley who is the reigning Miss Carival and Miss Jaycees. Like Miss Queeley the undisputed Caribbean Queen, Miss Phipps has been labelled as the undisputed Caribbean Teen Queen.
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