The Montserrat Reporter April 27, 2012

Friday, April 27, 2012

Page g 1 Today’s Scripture

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Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27 (NRSV)

Montserrat, Guadeloupe collaborate Vol. XXVII No. 10

Week Ending Friday, April 27, 2012

Premier at conference with delegation from the Regional Council of Guadelope, including: Mrs. Therese Marianne-Pepin, Mrs. Jessica Julan-Aubourg and Mr. Gerard Richard.

ECCB issues EC Notes with Braille features In one of its latest initiatives, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has issued a series of notes with braille features.

In a release dated April 18, 2012 the Central Bank says: “In an effort to provide EC Notes which are easier for blind and visually impaired persons to use, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has issued a series of notes

with braille features.

The release explains as follows: Braille is a universal system of writing and printing which enables blind or visually impaired persons to read and write through touch. It consists of a pattern of raised dots which are arranged on special paper and represent letters, numbers and characters.

The braille characters on

the upgraded EC Notes feature a cricket theme in the form of balls and stumps. These characters have been added to the 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar bills. All the other features of the notes, including the profile watermark of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, the security features and the images, remain the same.

cont’d. on page 5

Montserrat’s Premier the Hon. Reuben T. Meade hosted on Friday, April 27, 2012 a four-person delegation from the Regional Council of Guadeloupe, lead

by Mrs. Thérèse MariannePepin, Chairman of the Cooperation Commission at the

Price $2.00

Regional Council.

Mrs. Thérèse Marianne-Pepin confirmed in a press briefing at the end of the day before returning to neighbouring Guadeloupe that the mission was to have discussions that will lead us to agreement with Montser-

rat as they look at ways to develop closer collaboration and also with other nations in the Caribbean. To that end, the delegation is presently conducting missions into several islands including the British Virgin Islands

cont’d. on page 2

More Headlines...

Budget support for Montserrat delayed...pg 3 How does this Happen...pg 4

Premier leads delegation to first OCTs meeting...pg 5 Childrens’ Music Workshop a success...pgs 6&7 Kids’ Korner...pg 8 Local Weather & Your daily horoscopes...pg 11

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Friday, April 27, 2012

GUADELOUPE DELEGATION VISITS cont’d. from page 1

the Premier’s office had indicated that the objectives of the mission were, to provide an in-country forum for Guadeloupe and Montserrat to discuss and decide on broad areas of collaboration for each country’s mutual benefit and development; and, to discuss Guadeloupe’s intention of

becoming Associate Members of OECS and CARICOM and ways in which Guadeloupe can cooperate in that regard, while learning from Montserrat their experience of membership status within these entities.

Premier Meade at the end of the briefing, promised that he will be sharing the information from Overseas Countries

and Territories (OCT) meeting, “which we’ll have in Curacao next week, of which Guadeloupe is not a part so that we can bring them along…”

The delegation head reported that they had looked at several areas, as this meeting was a follow from one that was held in 2009. “We have quite a number of subjects of

CIDA INTRODUCES CARILED TO M ONTSERRAT Mr. Felix Finisterre, Consultant from St. Lucia has been tasked to explain the Caribbean Local Economic Development program (CARILED ). He is one of several who must take the program to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which com-

prises 15 member states — 12 island states and three continental countries.

Mr. Finisterre spent Friday, April 20 on Montserrat and met with Chamber of Commerce members and other persons as well as official from the Economic Development Unit.

He explained to them that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), in partnership with the Caribbean Forum of Local Government Ministers (CFLGM), the Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities (CALGA) and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), is implementing a six-year, 23.2 million dollar project named “Caribbean Local Economic Development Program” (CARILED).

CARILED is expected to contribute to increased sustainable local economic growth benefiting men and women in the Caribbean region. CARILED is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Stay tuned there will be more on CARILED which MCCI officials believe must be beneficial to Montserrat.

I think it should lead between Montserrat and Guadalupe because we are close.”

Premier Meade expressed his excitement that Montserrat can indeed play big brother to its cousin and neighbours since, “We’re both European Union citizens and therefore we have to look at ways of collaborating with our next door neighbors and our cousins, in relation to what can happen among ourselves. Not only in terms of what we can get from them but in terms of what we can share with them as well.”

He noted that there are

Mrs. Jessica Julan-Aubourg accepts gift from Mrs. Beverley Mendes M r. G e r a rd Richard

Premier Reuben T Meade presents gift to Mrs. Therese Marianne-Pepin

areas that we can corporate on, we look at the areas that are more common areas between us, (such as) health, education, fisheries, agriculture…,” adding that they also looked at areas that “will affect our future development such as our participation in the OECS, that Montserrat can be our big brother…”

She agreed that regarding the wider region and Caribbean, CARICOM, “It’s been quite a while since we’ve wanted that level of participation in regional bodies,” saying, “you might say the time is right now…and even on a level of France, we have the possibility now to be able to do such.”

Mrs. Marianne-Pepin spoke of geothermal energy and said, “It is very important to us,” that they in fact are currently collaborating with Dominica on such a project and, “should that project be successful Dominica would be self-sufficient in the production and dissemination of Geothermal energy.”

She promoted, “We would like that Montserrat participates,” adding they are, “very interested ourselves in supporting and being part of that initiative.”

The Full Guadeloupe delegation included, Mrs Jessica Julan-Aubourg, Head of Fisheries Division within Rural, Agriculture and Fisheries Directorate; Mr. Gerard Richard, Head of Archaeological Division within Culture Directorate; Laurence Marianne, Head of Cooperation Division within EU and Cooperation Affairs Directorate; and Mrs Lydia Barfleur, Director of the Franco-Caribbean Institute (ICFC).

The Montserrat delegation included Cabinet Secretary Mrs. Angela Greenaway, Permanent

Secretary, Mrs. Beverley Mendes and Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Premier Mr. Colin Fergus.

During the day’s visit the Guadeloupeans paid a courtesy call on His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis. They met and spoke speak with senior officials from the government on matters relating to matters already mentioned as well as culture, air and sea travel, and disaster response. On the travel matter, Mrs. Pepin agreed, “I think tourism should be part of the economic development of all the islands in the Caribbean,

also included some trade elements.

“For example Guadeloupe is interested in our sand for construction purposes so we are looking at reviving that, as well in terms of the access issues in term of air and sea access…”

He spoke to Guadeloupe being possibly an associate member of the OECS, promising that government of Montserrat will provide all the technical assistance which is possible to get them through that process.

The MONTSERRAT FESTIVAL COMMITTEE is seeking Expressions of Interest for the management and/or provision of the following festival activities for this year:Calypso Show Queen Show Street Jams Light and Sound On line streaming Interested persons are asked to contact the Culture Division on 664 491 8555 or email: culture@gov. ms by Tuesday, May 1st 2012.

Friday, April 27, 2012

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D ELAYS IN ESTABLISHING COMMISSIONS CREATED UNDER THE NEW M ONTSERRAT C ONSTITUTION At his fourth press conference for 2012 held on April 18, Governor Adrian Davis says he’s reluctant to establish the Integrity Commission while Premier Meade is yet to name the person he wishes to serve on the Electoral Commission.

The Governor was asked about the delays

in establishing some of the Commissions as required since the 2010 new Montserrat Constitution. “I have a difficulty with the integrity commission as it was proposed and I don’t quite know exactly what to do about it… I don’t believe that the current list is proportional or pragmatic…,” he declared.

He explains that the list of people under the current Integrity Commission Act that would have to report their financial dealings every year, “it seems to me disproportionately long, ludicrously long, that covers far too many people, and goes down to too junior levels.”

Meantime as the Governor waits for directions from the UK government, Premier Meade has promised to address the issue since, the Governor ’s predecessor Waterworth and other British officials wanted an even longer list going further down the ladder of public servants.

BUDGET SUPPORT FOR MONTSERRAT

DELAYED BECAUSE OF COST OF LIVING

ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2012

Montserrat’s cost of living has been cited as one of the reasons that “it is impossible to get to that trajectory budget support” by HMG." Dr. Kato Kimbabwe said at the most recent Governor ’s press conference that because of the increasing cost of living on Montserrat and a few other things that needed to be addressed, along with, “The road map which use to be a document that essentially guided their financial relationship between DFID and the government of Montserrat setting out what the bud-

get provisions over the next fi ve years, would have to be rescinded.”

He said that agreement from ministers (HMG) was necessary to proceed. He said getting to approve the

budget that’s set out in our business case, “the process is on the way and normally we agree the budget and agree the business case well before the end of March…it took slightly longer than we had expected…”

PROPERTY FOR SALE BEACH

FRONT PROPERTY FOR SALE IN WOODLANDS

2

HOUSE LOTS IN

OLVESTON

CONTACT JOEL OSBORNE - 495-1555

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF MONTSERRAT

[PROBATE]

PROBATE DIVISION

In the Estate of HAYCENE EVERTON RYAN, deceased

In the Estate of AMELIA REBECCA EDWARDS, deceased

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date hereof, application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration in the Estate of HAYCENE EVERTON RYAN late of Jones Hill, Montserrat who died on the 21st. day of February 2012 at St. Ann’s Hospice, Heald Green, Stockport, Manchester, England be granted to PHYLLIS PATRICIA RYAN of Jones Hill, Montserrat the lawful Widow of the deceased and the sole person entitled to take Letters of Administration of his Estate.

ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested therein are requested forthwith to send particulars to us the undersigned.

FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice, whose address is: Office of the Registrar General, Brades, Montserrat, not later than fourteen (14) days from the date of first publication of this notice Dated this 13th day of April, 2012 …………………………….

ALLEN MARKHAM & ASSOCIATES Solicitors for the Applicant This notice is published by Allen Markham & Associates Barristers & Solicitors whose address for Service is 100 100 Banks Estate, Montserrat.

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 AMELIA REBECCA EDWARDS, deceased, late of 1 Highfield Avenue, Lostock Hall, Preston PR55UX, Lancashire, England, who died on the 13th August 2010 in Preston, England, to be issued to CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH EDWARDS of 1 Highfield Avenue, Lostock Hall, Preston PR55UX, Lancashire, England, the son 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 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 23rd day of April, 2012.

Kelsick & Kelsick Attorneys-at-Law

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Friday, April 27, 2012

Letters/Opinion

EDITORIAL It’s more than time Montserrat and its leaders take action about its future Montserrat is in a crucial position step out, and it must be mentioned, forward to building a future both immediate and onwards, 16 years of volcanic activity now, notwithstanding. Step-out forward, since in the past, over twelve (11) years ago our politicians had agreed with Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) that the time was right to “stand on their own two feet”. But for many years prior to that Montserrat has known only to take one half-step forward and a full one backward.

We thought that when this was noted and confirmed as far back as June 1997, those lessons would have been learnt and the courage to do differently would have been garnered. David Brandt as Chief Minister tried a strong new approach but it angered the British government who was ably supported by our own government ministers and officials, and that way forward steps were not quite realised. In spite of that, it was not surprising therefore that immediately after the John Osborne regime took over he was coerced to say Montserrat was ready “to stand on its own two feet.” Oddly enough at the exact same time, they installed a reducing scale of budgetary support. It might be noteworthy that it was this Editor who asked John Osborne, on what will Montserrat be able to stand on its own two feet.

That question had caused the CM to back up on the statement and conjectured that only if HMG improved on its level of support financially, that can happen. Practically, nothing happened but in 2008 HMG acknowledged quietly their mistake in two critical areas which all had to do with access.

But, again Montserrat somehow failed to make its move.

Then 10 years later HMG under new leadership repeated the, ‘stand on your own two feet‘ phrase. Only this time, although it came with insulting undertones, highlighting that, brought about a completely new approach from DFID who wrongly or rightly is in charge of Montserrat finances. Much later in 2011 they announced a commitment to forge Montserrat ahead along with the other Overseas territories. However, they said Montserrat only has to do “the right thing.” Maybe it needs to be well established and understood what the right thing entails.

Much has been built around the Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC), which so far has failed and is in the throes of being reorganised while plans for the new town being discussed almost in haste. There seems to be more mistakes on the way if that is all Montserrat’s future is going to be built on, since in the meantime there are things needed to be done already to begin to improve the welfare of the island.

We note the difficulty in establishing the budgetary support and the delays being experienced as enunciated by DFIDS Kato Kimbugwe recently.

(See and listen to him at www.themontserratreporter.com). The Premier and Minister of Finance seemed to have for the first time delivered a several years budget, which must be all part of the new thrust to improve things and move well into the future.

Is that another mistake going forward? It is certainly causing delays when it was hinted seven months ago that the ‘road map’ had to be revised.

Why was that not completed before the budget presentation? Questions our Premier will have to answer, taking DFID’s stance on the issue, much of which surrounds, ‘business cases’.

Going forward there is a Memorandum of Association (MOU) that is on the way. It will seek agreement and speak to such issues as: a Reform Programme, Investments for Growth, Dissemination strategy, Coordination, Monitoring and Reporting.

It will have GoM Reform Matrix consisting of Reform Aarea, Policy area, Goals, Milestones by 09/12 and 02/13, the resources required and the Implementing Agencies.

Will GoM discuss with, advise the public on these matters before hand or even report on their plans? There is a big problem, however. The local private sector has shown very little inclination to understand or take initiative to see to this. The Premier sees this, as well as the bad attitudes among the public servants. The pressure we believe must fall into his lap to bring about the success he claims he believes in along with the vision that he is agreeing on with HMG.

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

HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?

Dear Sir, I can’t understand this!

Just yesterday something perplexing was forwarded to my inbox, so I decided to put pen to paper to help clear up its contents. As a journalist I choose to protect the source given its nature. However, as you yourself can also appreciate, as journalists we pride ourselves on seeking out the hard facts; and also providing a raft of analysis to break down the issues surrounding a story, event or a not so straight forward situation.

Let me put into perspective why I am addressing this matter.

I have visited your serene and hospitable island several times during your St. Patrick’s celebrations; and have recognized (and loved) how Montserratians pride themselves on holding their sons of the soil, who have achieved significant success, in high esteem. This patriotic attitude must be commended and must be held with a degree of sacredness.

Therefore, it was with utter bewilderment that I sat and read

a particular email, which was, in fact, a legal issue being filed in the High Court on Montserrat by a gentleman from the United States.

My oh my, how he defamed and outright disrespected your people (in particular, a number of individuals who have served the island of Montserrat and its people with high distinction).

The legal matter being filed by this American individual has blasted the integrity of Sir Howard Fergus, Queens Counsel Kenneth

cont’d. on page 10

WHITHER BOUND CARIBBEAN JUSTICE?

By Claude Gerald

Sir Dennis Byron’s recent lecture at the UWI Jamaica cannot go unnoticed as he opined that the character of a judge is the prime ingredient, in the mix to evaluate the success of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), as the preeminent body of legal decision making in the English speaking Caribbean.

That quality is believed to embody the legal art of this international jurist, who now heads the fledgling Caribbean

FEEDBACK

Court of Justice and is the chief proponent of selling its worth to the stoutly indifferent and doubting Thomas’s in the region.

Character goes straight to demeanour, transparency, court control and thus judicial decision making in and beyond the reaches of the courtroom.

Character models Victorian decency; this precedes the trappings and power of being a judge, especially in largely unquestioning societies.

Stinting as he did on

ONLINE :

Montserrat in the early 80’s, though a consummate tennis player and a socialite reminiscent of the late Chief Justice, Allan Louisy, Sir Dennis’s mannerisms did not generate any reports or rumours of inappropriate associations, of callous verbal haemorrhaging or side taking on any issue that obligated his attention in the court. His was one of balanced professionalism, probity in and out of the court and a fine example to viewers who

cont’d. on page 9

ALARMED! IMF...

Some late advice for the Premier and his dealings with IMF “…instruct victim governments to engage in economically CATASTROPHIC activities?”

I recently read an article about some public comments made by the current Premier. He is sick and tired? What exactly does this man, at best misinformed, at worst a fool, think he is doing with the alleged plans with the

IMF about Carr’s Bay? Does he know anything about the IMF? Does he know anything about the impact of that fraudulent cartel on the economies of any country that they operate in?

Anything about the prosperity that occurred in some world countries that have kicked them out of their borders? Anything

about the intentions of the vultures who run the World Bank which bankrolls the IMF and the bottom feeding saprophytes within the IMF that drain every possible penny out of a country to fill the coffers of them and the World Bank?

Anything about the state of world economies and the role of the IMF? (and

cont’d. on page 9

Our Scripture Verse Today Our Strength

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” - John 14:27 (NRSV) When I was in my early teens, I had to undergo minor surgery. The night before the surgery I was afraid and could not sleep.

When my dad visited me in the hospital the next morning, I broke down in tears. But he comforted me, gave me a Bible, and asked me to read the 14th chapter of John’s Gospel.

Jesus spoke these words to the disciples on their last night together. They did not understand him; but later when they faced trials and persecution, they remembered his reassuring words and became bold and strong in their faith. (See Acts 4:13-22.)

As I read Jesus’ words, peace flooded

my heart; my fear left me. I realized that God was with me. I was able to entrust the surgery into God’s hands, and I went confidently into the operating room. The procedure went well, and I recovered completely. To this day that chapter in John is my favorite. In every difficult situation in life, I have found peace and strength in those words of Jesus.

Thank you, Lord, for promising us your peace. May it give us courage in every trial and faith to live confidently as we pray, “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.

Friday, April 27, 2012

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EC NOTES WITH BRAILLE FEATURES cont’d. from page 1

The $10 EC notes with the braille features are now in circulation and are available at the commercial banks in the ECCB member countries . The other three notes will be issued on demand.

The Bank boasts that its management of the EC currency has helped to maintain its peg to the US dollar at a parity of EC$2.70 to US$1.00 since 1976. The maintenance of the fixed rate and the Bank’s continual upgrading of the security features of the EC notes have helped to safeguard the currency’s international value and engender a high level of confidence in the EC dollar.

A bit of the history, shows the first ECCB banknotes were issued on 15 November 1984 to commemorate the ECCB’s first anniversary. Prior to 1984, the notes in circulation were issued by the East Caribbean Currency Authority (ECCA) between 1965 and 1983 and the British Caribbean Currency Board (BCCB) between 1950 and 1965.

PREMIER MEADE LEADS DELEGATION TO FIRST CARIBBEAN OCTS COUNCIL MEETING

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of RAPHEL STRATHMORE LEE deceased NOTICE is hereby given that an application has been filed by SARAH JOSEPHINE LEE for an Order for GRANT OF PROBATE in the Estate of RAPHEL STRATHMORE LEE who died on the 4TH day of February, 2012 be granted to SARAH JOSEPHINE LEE the mother 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.

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.

Dated this 19th day of April, 2012 BRANDT & ASSOCIATES Attorneys-at-Law

The Government Information Unit has issued a release which tells that the Honourable Premier Reuben Meade is in Curacao to attend the first Caribbean Overseas Countries & Territories Council Meeting on Thursday.

At the January Brussels EU-OCT Forum, the British Virgin Islands proposed the formation of a council for Caribbean OCTs. The Caribbean OCTs include the Dutch, French and British dependent territories.

This initial meeting of the regional OCTs in-

cludes a presentation on the structure of the Caribbean OCTs Council which will be presented by the BVI Financial Secretary; the nomination of the Executive Body including that of the Chairman, Vice Chair and Secretariat.

A Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed between all of the Caribbean OCTs; along with a look at areas for regional cooperation and establishing the Caribbean’s position going into the 11th EU-OCT Forum later this year in Greenland.

Accompanying Premier Meade are: Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Premier, Mrs. Beverley Mendes and Cabinet Secretary, Mrs. Angela Greenaway.

Montserrat concluded its chairmanship of the OCTA Forum in January 2012.

Top government officials off Island Meanwhile this week, the island has been without several of its top cabinet and government officials.

The Governor is in the UK, (see story) and Ministers Kirnon and Riley are also away from the island. The Legislative Assembly slated for Tuesday this week.

l: Permanent Secretary , Mrs. Beverley Mendes r: Cabinet Secretary, Mrs. Angela Greenaway

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Friday, April 27, 2012

Seven-day Music workshop

Over the Easter break a total of 31 students from the Montserrat Secondary School and the three local Primary Schools on Island completed a seven-day music workshop conducted by the Department of culture led by Herman “Cupid” Francis, Director of the Department of Culture.

This was held from April 10 -19.

Parents, principals, teachers, music enthusiasts and well-wishers were all present at the closing ceremony of the music workshop on Thursday 19, 2012 held at Old Salem Primary School building.

According to “Cupid “,The students, some of whom touched a musical instrument for the first time, learned piano, guitar, violin, trombone, drums, and clarinet.

The seven-day music workshop was financed by The Montserrat Tourist Board, this was acknowledge in the vote of thanks developed by Mr. Francis he

Friday, April 27, 2012

Page g 7

d eem e d a s u c c ess

also thank them for their support.

Lloyd “Bimsha” Francis taught the students guitar, his contribution was also acknowledged in the Vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Francis.

Students of the past small beginner also contributed

to the seven day music workshop. Mr. Francis recognised their contribution, later calling on parents to ensure that the new beginners continued the program as this will take place every Wednesday during the school term.

“My other assistants were

actually members of the Small Beginnings group who have passed this stage and are putting something back, he said.”

Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Jermaine Wade was also present at the closing of the seven day music workshop. Mr Wade

gave a brief address in which he said that he is happy to see that so many kids had taken the opportunity to spend their Easter break learning a new instrument and that from the afternoon performance they were well on their way to becoming

the future stars in the local bands.

The Junior Minister, while congratulating the organizers and the children, said, “What we have seen here today is truly small beginnings and we are seeing the talent coming out amongst our

young people at a very early age. It shows that there is some continuity among Montserrat’s future musicans.”

The Director of Culture said that everyone who signed up for the program finished with one hundred percent attendance.

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Friday, April 27, 2012

Kids time - In your own korner Hello everyone – It is kid’s time with Auntie Lyka “In Your Korner”. I hope you have hit the ground running for this is your final term for this school year. For those in grade 6 it is your final year at Primary School. I wish you all the best And for those students in Form 5 you are preparing for your exams. All the best. For everyone else its a new class.

The day was very sunny and it was getting hotter. Kookie the kookaburra got up early in the morning and had been searching for food all day. He was tired and hot and decided to take a rest. He flew across the trees and was looking for a nice place to rest when he saw a lovely blue swimming pool. He flew down and settled on the fence around the pool. Taking a deep breath he sighed and decided to close his eyes and rest there for a while.

A little later he was startled by a noisy bird. It was Willie the wagtail. “Get off my fence,” he chirped, “It’s my fence and my pool. Go away!”

Kookie slowly turned his large head towards Willie but didn’t say a word.

“Go away Kookie, you’re not wanted here. This is my place. I found it first,” Willie screeched.

“Please let me rest a while Willie,” said Kookie.

“I’ve had a busy morning looking for food and I need a little time to gather my strength.”

Willie twitched his tail one way then the other like all wagtails do and chirped louder and louder. This didn’t seem to make Kookie move so Willie decided to peck Kookie’s back. Kookie still didn’t move or try to peck Willie back. He just sat still and tried to take no notice.

“Can I have a dip in the pool Willie?” asked Kookie.

“No you can’t, it’s my pool only my friends can go into my pool.”

“Aren’t I your friend?” Kookie asked.

“No you’re not, you are too big for the pool,” replied Willie wagtail.

“But I only want to cool down and I wouldn’t be a minute. The pool is large enough for me and all the birds in the woods. Please be friendly and share,” said Kookie.

Pre-School Corner

Hello to you my preschool friends. This week we will look at COLOURING ALPHBET PICTURES. I hope you have fun. Letter E

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

Kookie and Willie

by Alfred Rogers

Willie tried to frighten Kookie off by flying behind him and pecking his back again and chirped, “No, no, no, go away Kookie.”

Willie thought it would be a good idea to make Kookie jealous so he decided to go into the pool himself. He flew low across the water and landed on the other fence. He turned and wagged his tail several times before he flew back and gently landed on the water. It was so cool, and Willie smiled at Kookie as if to say, “Look at

very tired with all the wing flapping and trying to get out of the pool.

“Hold on,” said Kookie.” Let me see if I can help.”

Kookie swept down onto the side of the pool and reached down to Willie. He gently held onto Willie’s wing with his beak and pulled him up onto the path around the pool. Willie lay panting on the tiles. ”Are you all right Willie?” asked Kookie.

Willie was so out of breath, he could barely say a word. “Yes... I think I am.”

“Good,” said Kookie.

“Oh, you saved my life Kookie, I’m ever so grateful.”

“No problem,” said Kookie, “I couldn’t let you struggle like that.”

me, I’m having a lovely, cool time in my pool.

You can’t come in.”

Kookie looked on and felt envious that he wasn’t in the cool water for there was more enough for both of them. Willie splashed the water with his tiny wings and chattered away.

His long tail was getting too wet though and when he tried to fly up from the water his tail held him down because it was too heavy.

He tried again but his tail was getting even heavier. Willie was now getting frightened and unsure of what to do. If he couldn’t get out of the water would he have to stay there for ever?

Kookie watched and could see Willie had a problem but didn’t know if he could help.

Willie by this time had decided to flap his way to the edge of the pool and try to climb up. But when he got there he could not hold onto the side and it was too high to climb up. He needed help.

“Help me Kookie, help me!” he cried.

Willie was losing his breath and he kept on taking mouthfuls of water. He was also getting SEND IN YOUR ANSWER TO WIN A GIFT.

Question: List four uses of the tongue.

Willie managed to get his breath back after five minutes and this gave him time to think about what had happened. He realised he had been really mean to Kookie by not letting him into the pool and also for pecking him on the back. He had also showed off by flying into the water when Kookie wanted to go in. Willie felt really bad.

“I’m sorry I was so nasty to you Kookie, you did help me when I was in trouble. Can we be friends? You can go into the pool any time you want.”

“Of course I will be your friend Willie and I’m sure you would have helped me if I was in trouble.”

“Yes, I would,” said Willie.

With that said, Kookie swooped down onto the water and took a nice cool dip in the pool.

Luckily he managed to fly away after he had his dip. He said goodbye to Willie and said, “Thanks for the swim Willie, I might come back later.” “You can swim in my pool anytime,” chirped Willie, grateful that he had found a new friend.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Your Health Corner

from the Health Promotion Unit Sponsored by the Ministry of Health

Va c c i n a t i o n W e e k i n t h e A m e r i c a s : 2 1 - 2 8 A p r i l Vaccination for you, for me, for everyone.

Get vaccinated How Does Vaccination Work?

Vaccinations protect you from specific diseases that can make you very sick, disable or even kill you. They boost your body’s immune system.

This system fights or defends against invading germs and infections.

Vaccines create immunity or [resistance] that protects you from an infection without causing the suffering of the disease itself. Sometimes vaccines are called immunizations, needles or shots.

Here’s how vaccines work: • Most vaccines contain

By Wayne Hunte a little bit of a disease germ that is weak or dead. Vaccines do NOT contain the type of germ that makes you sick. Some vaccines do not contain any germs.

• Having this little bit of the germ inside your body makes your body’s defense system build antibodies to fight off this kind of germ. Antibodies help trap and kill germs that could lead to disease.

• Your body can make antibodies in two ways: by getting the disease or by getting the vaccine. Getting the vaccine is a much safer way to make antibodies without having the suffering of the disease itself and the risk of becoming disabled or even dying.

• Antibodies stay with you for a long time.

They remember how to fight off the germ.

If the real germ that causes this disease (not the vaccine) enters your body in the future, your defense system knows how to fight it off.

• Often, your defense system will remember how to fight a germ for the rest of your life.

Sometimes, your defense system needs a booster shot to remind it how to fight off this germ.

Sometimes vaccines prevent one disease. Sometimes they are combined to protect you from several diseases with one shot. For example, the MMR vaccine fights Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German measles).

Most vaccines are given by needles while others are delivered through the mouth or nose.

Invest in your family’s health, make sure everyone is vaccinated. Visit the health center closest to you with your children.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada.

The Government of Montserrat (GoM) Invites interested bidders to tender for: THE SUPPLY OF LAPTOPS AND ACCESSORIES TO THE MONTSERRAT SECONDARY SCHOOL Full Details of the RFP can be downloaded from the Ministry of Finance Website at http:// inance.gov.ms or by contacting min in@gov.ms All requests for additional information shall be addressed to: Director DITES Government Headquarters Brades Montserrat westd@gov.ms 1-664-491-7379 Deadline Date for the submission of proposals is: 09th May 2012 at 3PM Proponents should submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy in .PDF format in a sealed package and by E-mail.

Proposals must be submitted to the following address: The Chairman Central Tenders Board Ministry of Finance Government Headquarters Brades Montserrat West Indies Email Address: minϐin@gov.ms

Page g 9

CARIBBEAN JUSTICE? wanted to learn and respect the institution of the court of law, thus feeling confident in its direction, decisions and guidance. He recognized the loneliness of the court judge and lived its dictates.

As a public figure Sir Dennis is arguably alone in highlighting and setting the tone for this noble foundational quality. Others have chosen to place emphasis on training and experience and how capable our faculties of law have become relative to world standards. Breaking the colonial yolk is not a viable and attractive argument in itself although it is popular and has sensational appeal to the rabid anti-colonialists, who undervalue lessons from colonial rule somewhat sadly, oblivious to a purported higher moral order of those times.

But why is Sir Dennis so enthralled with who a judge is as opposed to what he has become in a worldly sense?

Powerfully placed in an individual’s make up is a core set of values that are either genetically conditioned or acquired normally in the formative years of life, by virtue of human influences. Properly combined this hybridization takes decision making to its optimum level.

Beyond those years a person’s prime tendencies are not a function of anything much more, no matter how major those experiences or accomplishments maybe. So character, Sir Dennis is implying, is of an endogenous origin primarily and you either have it or not despite varying gradations of that quality; if you do not then you cannot be a good judge of anything much less in positions that affect a society as fundamentally as an arm of governance like a court of law.

Law at its core is interpretational. And though the theory of law is intertwined with social mores and taboos in many instances, law cannot function alone. Law is given life by the makeup of the official adjudicator of interpretation - a judge - and it must be conducted in a setting that would equate to a pristine laboratory, in an applied scientific sense.

The judge is like a permeable membrane that determines what passes its cell wall and becomes a part of the court records and guides the summation of the case. The strength of that membrane effectively determines the nature of the

organism and speaks to the quality of the judgement and that maybe the thesis of Sir Dennis’s seminal argument going forward.

To legislate a code for that quality is a genuine puzzle.

And influencing and finding it is a long term challenge, as such is not a ready and immediate resource in a legal world of scarcity. The fact is that there is a need to sustain it for the good of the institution of justice and this is no small issue for Sir Dennis and beyond him, since not every lawyer can meet that threshold of quality to engender public confidence as a judge.

Moreover to what extent is ethicity a formal requirement to enter law school and is emphasis placed on it at any level along the way? We know that Universities on a whole do not award steel. Instead they award paper. They do not teach character and do not emphasize it. You go as you are and return as you were.

Given this importance, there is the need to reformulate the curriculum from the ground up to bring it in line with the market fundamentals of our time at least.

The selection of judges is not a trivial matter as Sir Dennis convincingly aired, evaluatively. The selectors of judges continue to owe society a tremendous debt since they must ensure that a culture of moral and legal excellence is the flagship that beckons and sustains confidence in the court at its various levels through to the CCJ. And only selectors of

...CONT’D FROM PAGE 4 quality can select the best quality to afford decision making the highest heritability opportunities.

Selectors must seek and select judges who have a vested professional interest in seeking the truth in court matters and to stay with the facts. To do so you have to cast aside passion, accepted thought, and the inclination to esteem matters and opinions outside the realm of the case or selection issues; with that you shall not be led into error, to the detriment of social welfare objectives.

In an imperfect world with imperfect legal codes judges are expected to safe guard society nonetheless.

The distinguished Sir Dennis knows too well of the outside pressures that face court adjudicators in these regional jurisdictions and a key safeguard rests squarely on the shoulders of men and women of moral steel in the court.

Court watchers know that the mob element in tiny societies is the same today as it was at the time of Jesus Christ.

If we disregard the importance of character on the bench, the type of justice meted out to Joan of Arc of France and Robert Emmet of Ireland many centuries ago, will continue to mince away at the moral fabric of our societies, to make a nullity of all human endeavours.

A judgment that lets you off with a warning is one that is forearming.

Claude Gerald is a social commentator on Montserrat.

He is at ceegee15@hotmail. com

ALARMED! cont’d. from page 4 the heads of the world bank who are the heads of virtually all other banks in the world.)

Did he know that the IMf and these Jewish bankers are behind such things as the murder and rape and plunder of resources in places like The Democratic Republic of Congo?

Can he imagine what they have planned for the little island of Montserrat and its people? And he is the absolute idiot who invited them? Does he know that they will instruct victim governments to engage in economically CATASTROPHIC activities, de-

signed for the ultimate gain of these bankers?

Does he think Montserrat is any different in their eyes to say countries in Africa who have entered into famine because of these same policies?

The world today is much better informed than how it once was. He, in his willingness to enter deals with these bringers of death, ignoring common sense is proving himself to be ignorant of the world, ignoring sense and the will of the people; thus antiquated, sick, and tired and not fit for a any premiership. rock.stone@hotmail. co.uk

Page 10

Friday, April 27, 2012

CCJ head welcomes Police news - vehicular and drug offences result in fines Jamaica’s warming to court Late news emanating from the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) last week Friday informs that there were three incidents that resulted in arrests and charges of criminal damage to property and On March 24, 2012, Mathew Pierre of Look Out was arrested and charged for the following offences criminal damage done to a motor jeep valued EC $20,00.00; taking of conveyance to wit one motor jeep, driving without driver’s license and driving without insurance coverage.

Pierre appeared before the Magistrate two days later and pleaded guilty to the taking of conveyance, driving without driver’s license and driving without insurance coverage charges.

He subsequently returned to the Magistrate Court on April 20, when he was fined $1,000.00 for driving without insurance coverage; $1000 .00 for taking of conveyance; and $500.00 driving without driver’s license.

Pierre is also disqualified from obtaining a driver’s license for a period of one (1) year. Matthew must pay the

fines within five (5) months BY BALFORD HENRY or serve three (3) months Observer senior reportimprisonment. er

The charge of crimiPRESIDENT of the nal damage will be heard Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Sir Dennis Byron in a later trial.

The Royal Montserrat Police Service carried out a successful drug operation on April 19, 2012 in the Davy Hill area. Consequently, Llewellyn Brown of Davy Hill was arrested and charged for being in possession of 1.5 grams of cannabis sativa. He appeared before the Magistrate the following day and pleaded guilty. He was fined EC $700.00 to be paid in two (2) months or serve two (2) months imprisonment.

HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? cont’d. from page 4

Allen and former Chief Minister David Brandt; the Attorney General Esco Henry and ordinary civil servants amongst others. I had to wonder what proof this man had in making such allegations. So I decided to call on my investigative researcher to pull some information on this gentleman, as it's the normal thing for a journalist to do, to ensure he can provide a series of facts and not hearsay or innuendos.

So let me offer up some of the information we found on this American gentleman.

First, the once popular American University of the Caribbean washed him up onto your shores. However, according to school records he was kicked out of the school for failing to pay his tuition fees. But before he washed out to sea, he created his first scandal. In the late ‘80’s (some of you may remember) he got the British government to take then Chief Minister John Osborne and his Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Housing Mr Noel ‘Dadda’ Tuitt to court claiming they had tried to defraud him by asking for money under the table to get the alien landholding license approved for a company both himself and another American individual had setup on your island.

It didn’t stop there, he then tried to get a reknowned barrister the late Mr John Kelsick disbarred and even wrote to the UK Bar Association. It was the local bar association that stepped in and said no this is a local matter and should be dealt with here.

Now before vanishing, this man wormed thousands from a number of banks like the Royal Bank of Canada, what was called the Barclays Bank at the time and your very own indigenous Bank of Montserrat. All of these banks hold deposits from ordinary Montserratians, but he has failed to honour the repayment scheduled agreed on all of his loans (he has since been

taken to court by one of the banks and a re-payment structure has been put in place we are yet to find out if he’s made any such payments under this agreement).

Now he has resurfaced, with claims of life threatening medical problems, which my assistant could not source. Additionally, verification from the legal office on Montserrat proved that they themselves had never seen such evidence. Despite his “frailty” history seems to be repeating itself as he continues to malign the character of your sons and people.

This cunning American individual was once again able to convince the establishment on Montserrat to bring criminal case against one of its lawyers (a case which should have been a civil one based on a number of legal minds); and now has turned to sue the very same Government which extended your limited financial resources to fund what turned out to be a very hefty legal matter.

If this doesn't leave the ordinary resident on the island mystified then what else will?

This man has stood the test of time just as his allegations of corruption and fraud against your own people who he has labelled as “unprofessional”, “corrupt” and “fraudulent”. Is this image the residents of Montserrat want the rest of the world to have? Can the residents of Montserrat not see this man for who he really is? Will they continue to afford him the opportunity to masquerade in their country as a victim of some grand scheme of fraud and corruption? Should he be allowed to waste more tax payers money and court time? Think about these things and be objective, it's your country not mine!

Thanks for giving me the space in your paper.

James W. Washington James Washington is a freelancer journalist based in Europe and the USA

says he welcomes the move towards unanimity between Jamaica’s main political parties on accepting the regional institution as its final appellate court.

Delivering Thursday night’s Norman Manley Lecture at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, with the theme “The Coming of Age of the Caribbean”, Sir Dennis said that the development was “a tribute to the coming of age of the Caribbean and a

fitting gift to the masses”, as Jamaica celebrates its 50th independence anniversary.

“The independence of the CCJ and its fitness to replace the Privy Council (in England) as the final appellate court should not be a matter in which there is any doubt,” he told the audience inside the Faculty of Law lecture theatre.

Sir Dennis, who assumed the presidency of the court in September 2011, said that “the groundwork has been satisfactorily laid for completing the journey of ending the manifestations of colonial rule”.

He praised the Jamaican Government for main-

taining its strong backing of the Court, as well as the Opposition for moving to accept the emerging maturity of the court and facilitating cooperation on its recognition.

He said that the independence of the court should be assessed on the quality and character of the judges, the system of selecting these judges and the financing of the court. He added that the court has done exceptionally well since its inception.

Sir Dennis noted that countries in the region, including Jamaica, were demonstrating a commitment to avoid “playing party

cont’d. on page 11

CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK JOB OPPORTUNITIES Applications are invited from suitably qualified nationals of the Bank’s member countries to fill the following positions at its headquarters located in Barbados:

OFFICE OF VICE-PRESIDENT (OPERATIONS) Climate Finance Advisor Gender Equality Advisor Knowledge Management Advisor Coordinator, Quality Assurance and Monitoring PROJECTS DEPARTMENT Operations Officer (Civil Engineer) Operations Officer (Gender and Development) Operations Officer (Social Analyst) Adaptation Mainstreaming Consultant The Bank’s member countries are the Commonwealth Caribbean countries together with Canada, Colombia, Germany, Haiti, Italy, Mexico, the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

APPLICATIONS Full details of the job opportunities, guidelines for the submission of applications and general information about the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) may be obtained from the Bank’s website at http://www.caribank.org.

CDB is a multi-lateral development finance institution that works in collaboration with its Borrowing Member Countries to promote sustainable, social and economic development within these countries and economic cooperation and integration among them.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Page g 11

RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIORS STILL A PROBLEM IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PANCAP National statistics in Antigua and Barbuda suggest that despite increasing levels of education and knowledge regarding the mode of HIV transmission, sexual behaviours have not changed drastically.

According to Antigua and Barbuda’s Global AIDS Progress Report for January 2010-December 2011, “the controlling of HIV transmission continues to be a major developmental challenge”.

For the reporting period, a total of 103 persons were diagnosed with HIV. At the end of 2011, there were 216 children and adults living with AIDS. The report states that since the first case of HIV was identified in December 1985, there has been a steady increase in the number of persons diagnosed annually over the past 25 years.

A cumulative total of 919

Sexually active youth persons were diagnosed with HIV since 1985, with a male to female ratio of 1:1.2 at the end of December 2011.

The data for January 2010 to December 2011 indicates that the major mode of HIV transmission is through unprotected heterosexual sex. Additionally, there is evidence which suggests that both the economically active and reproductive populations are most the most highly

affected groups and those living with the disease. An evaluation of the HIV infection notification by age for the period shows that the epidemic is concentrated within the age group 25-39.

The report also notes that the collection of data as it relates to Most-at-Risk Populations (MARPs) such as men who have sex with men (MSM) remains a challenge because of stigma and discrimination and the unwillingness of persons to be identified as members of these groups.

However, despite these challenges the Ministry of

Health has recorded a number of successes in its National AIDS programme.

These include: • The introduction and expansion of voluntary, counseling and testing (VCT) services; • Free access to Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and Post Exposure prophylaxis (PEP); • A Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme; • Intensification of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) interventions; and, • Greater collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to serving people living with HIV, sex workers, MSM and youth.

The Antigua and Barbuda Government has reiterated its commitment to the Caribbean Cooperation in Health (CCH) and the

New TMR Feature to appear in every issue Your Weather Forecast for Montserrat April 27 – May 4, 2012 For more information and full forecast see the AccuWeather chart at www.themontserratreporter.com

Weekly Horoscope: April 27 - May 3

by Shelley van Strunckel

implementation of the regional health framework for HIV and AIDS through the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP). The CCH was established by CARICOM Heads of Government.

The Ministry of Health, therefore, prioritizes the country’s HIV and AIDS programming in keeping with the six priority areas of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) 2008 - 2012. The CRSF guides the work of PANCAP. PANCAP is a regional partnership established by CARICOM Heads of Government in 2001 to respond

to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean. It is a more country focused, goal driven, learning organization that is able to respond flexibly to emerging needs.

PANCAP is committed to championing the cause and continues to develop and coordinate the implementation of programmes across the region designed to reduce stigma and discrimination, accelerate the agenda for achieving universal access to prevention, care, treatment and support services and collaborate to increase awareness of the need to develop anti stigma and discrimination policies and legislation.

JAMAICA WARMING TO CCJ cont’d. from page 10 politics” with the subject of the court and were, instead, moving towards recognising its achievements, and encouraging cooperation of government and parliamentary opposition for its constitutional recognition.

Government Senator K D Knight reflected on the life of the Jamaican national hero, the late Norman Manley, after whom the law school was named, while principal of the law school, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, welcomed the guests. The annual event, inaugurated in 1966, was staged by the Norman Manley Law School’s Students’ Association.

The CCJ will meet in Barbados, beginning April

16, the first time the court will be sitting outside of its base in Port-of Spain.

Barbados is one of three countries to have acceded to the court’s appellate jurisdiction, along with Guyana and Belize. The remainder of the Caribbean, including Jamaica, has retained the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London as its final court of appeal. The CCJ, the subject of heated debates across the Caribbean since it was established in 2001, derives its legal mandate from Caricom’s Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Read more: http:// www.jamaicaobserver.com/ news/CCJ-head-welcomesJamaica-s-warming-tocourt#ixzz1s7P82upf

COMMUNITY DIARY NOTICE The public is encouraged to send in their community notices for publication and viewing in the The Montserrat Reporter newspaper and online

Pa t i e n t s r e q u i r i n g u l t r a s o u n d a re a s k e d to c h e c k t h e i r d o c tor or nurse for a request form, and to call Cathy Buffonge at 495-2613 to book their name for this service. Please note that as soon as exact dates are known, appointments will be given.

Page 12

Friday, April 27, 2012

www.themontserratreporter.com

Disabled persons on Montserrat recognized and organised Joseph “Teacher King” Kirwan is elected President of The Montserrat Association of People with Disabilities (MAPD).

The Disabled Peoples' International North America and the Caribbean Incorporated (DPI NAC Inc.) Public Relations Officer Mr. Perro Holloway and The Barbados National Organization of the Disabled Incorporated (BARNOD Inc.) Secretary, Mr. Winston Callender visited Montserrat during the Easter weekend.

Disabled Peoples' International (DPI) was established in 1981 and set up five Re-

gions in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America and the Caribbean. The mandate of DPI and Its Regions is to promote the equal inclusion of persons with disabilities and to ensure their rights and dignity are promoted and protected. DPI and its Regions are made up of Member Organizations that are mostly managed by persons with disabilities.

This visit was as result of several telephone conversations between former public servant and many years Community Services worker, Mr. Joseph (Teacher King) Kirwan, who is blind, and the

DPI NAC Inc. Executive Director, Mr. Leslie A. Emanuel, with some wonderful assistance from the Community Development Advisor in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Priscilla Owen.

The sole purpose of the visit of Mr. Perro Holloway Mr. Winston Callender was to have discussions with persons with disabilities on island with the intention of electing an Executive to manage a Disabled Peoples Organization (DPO) in Montserrat. Prior to the visit there was no organization of persons with disabilities.

One of TMR reporter caught up with Mrs. Owen, “Although there is still a lot of work to be done with the organisation I am pleased with the progression thus f a r. ” M r s .

Owen is also appealing to the general public to offer assistant to the association in any way possible.

Photos - courtesy Priscilla Owen