Friday, May 04, 2012
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Today’s Scripture
www.themontserratreporter.com
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (KJV)
Premier signs MOU with DFID Vol. XXVII No. 11
Week Ending Friday, May 04, 2012
Price $2.00
for Reforms to economic growth
The Honourable Premier Reuben Meade on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department for International Development (DFID) which outlines a series of reforms the Government of Montserrat is agreeing to. These are: (i) improve
the business environment (ii) develop Montserrat as a tourist destination and iii) strengthen GoM’s capacity to facilitate growth. Significant progress across all reform areas is a fundamental precondition for any future UK commitment to investment funds in Little
cont’d. on page 12
GEOTHERMAL
EXPLORATION FUNDED TO BEGIN THIS WEEK l to r.: Governor Adrian Davis, SEC Andrew Mitchell and Minister of State for International Development Alan Duncan MP
Story begins on page 3 Premier Reuben T Meade signs Memoradnum of Understanding with DFID
More Headlines... Serious concerns about limited water supply...pg 2 Caribbean Chaos: Crisis in West Indies Cricket...pg 5
Consultation on nutrition module...pg 6 ‘The Ill Concepts of the Caribbean Woman’ up for prize...pg 7 Kids’ Korner...pg 8 Local Weather & Your daily horoscopes...pg 11
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Friday, May 04, 2012
Serious concerns about limited supply of water for the North of island A GIU release coming out of the Management Coordination Agency (DMCA)’s Annual Hurricane Conference on Thursday, May 3, reports that Manager of the island’s water system Emile Duberry sounded an alarm that there is only capacity to store a half a day’s supply of water for the Lookout and St. Johns area. Sharing during the Annual Hurricane Conference on Thursday, Duberry says Montserrat Utilities Ltd. (MUL) has a more than adequate supply for the Salem and St Peter’s areas but for the North of the island there is not enough for an entire day. "The population has increased in the North but the storage tank at Dick Hill has not been increased to accommodate the growth," Duberry added. He implored the DMCA and the Public Works Department to support their application to fund a larger tank and help reduce the island’s vulnerability.
Trevor Howe from the Ministry of Health and Billy Darroux, Director of the DMCA said the public needs to have at least two to three day’s supply of water and medicines per person per household on hand. Darroux added this should also be the case for people who will need to go to a shelter. "We must try to be as self-sufficient as possible," Howe said. Last year MUL was forced to initiate a water rationing system to manage the supplies ahead of an approaching storm. The Water Supply Manager confirmed to TMR that since the passage of hurricane Earl in 2010, ‘continued requests have been made to the Ministry of Communications and Works (and Government) for the upgrade’, to ease the serious concern. Duberry reportedly said, "We need funds to construct
the tank." He added that MUL vulnerable to landslides and flooding and pose added risk to supplying the entire island with water also has limited funds available continually. MUL says it is also in need of a reliable communication system. to handle pre and post disaster emergencies. There is also conLEGAL NOTICE cern about the ability to access IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE water source areas, which are PROBATE DIVISION
LICA/WICBC SPORTS MINISTERS MEET, ISSUE A DECLARATION ON CRICKET The Hon. Minister Colin Riley who carries responsibility for sports on Montserrat, and Montserrat Cricket Association president, Gregory Willock attended a first LICA/WICBC Ministers of Sports Meeting in Antigua. The two-day meeting held under the theme, ‘The State of Crickewas t in the Sub-region; Charting a Path for the Way Forward’, was held under the auspices of the Office of the Antigua and Barbuda Minister of State: Sports, with the assistance of LIAT Airlines, APUA Inet, Royal Antiguan Beach Resort and Kenneth A Gomez.It was held over the weekend Sun-
day, April 22 – 23 at the Royal Antiguan Beach Resort. Hon. Riley continued on from Antigua to Jamaica where he was scheduled to attend meetings under his other port folio of Education, Health and Community Criket president Willock upon his return spoke to the media at ZJB Radio. He asserted that West Indies cricket is good, but the meeting was to determine that “it would take everyone, government, people and cricket associations to work together to get the best.” At the end of the meeting the sports ministers from the Leewards and Windwards and cricket association representa-
tives signed a statement in the form of a declaration named “The St. John’s Declaration on LICA/WICBC Cricket” All LICA/WICBC countries as well as the regional cricketing authority confirmed their support for the meeting. Support was received from: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Commonwealth Of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, United States Virgin Islands, Leeward Islands Cricket Association, Windward Islands Cricket Board Of Control, and West Indies Cricket Board.
cont’d. on page 3
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 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF MONTSERRAT PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of AMELIA REBECCA EDWARDS, 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 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
Friday, May 04, 2012
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GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION FUNDED TO BEGIN THIS WEEK Just prior to the quick signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (May 1, 2012) the local press corps was handed a Government House press release, which informed of the United Kingdom’s green light and assurance of financial support for geothermal exploration. The Honourable Reuben Meade on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department for International Development (DFID) agreeing to a series of time bound reforms, which require completion to lead to “increased capital investment and technical assistance, funded by the UK.” The Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development and the Rt. Hon. Alan Duncan, Minister of State for International Development announced that the UK government will support the Montserrat’s plan to, “prove the size and potential of Montserrat’s geothermal reserves,” the statement from Government House said. “The funds will support Phase one of an exploratory
well drilling programme over a 12-month period starting May 2012. The funding will cover all necessary site preparation and access works, all drilling, supervision and well testing costs, and the technical assistance required by the GoM to manage and implement this project successfully. “If exploration proves successful the wells could be used for production. While there now seems a good chance that the exploration will prove the
resource. It is not yet certain that Montserrat will be able to move to the production phase,” the release said. Following upon the announcement spoke animatedly about the matter. The Premier Meade said a group presently drilling in Dominica will be on island later this week to assess the potential sites and make a decision on tendering for the project. He added that recent discussions with Guadeloupe officials, who have been supporting geothermal exploration in the region, had expressed willingness to look at ways to assist Montserrat in its undertaking, putting the island in a good position now with UK backing to make geothermal a reality. “We need to prove the resource and it will be a combination of a test and production well. Depending on the resource coming out, we will them consider what size of plant we will need for Montserrat. Reports have said it will take a two Minister of State for Interna- to four megawatt plant” to tional Development, Rt. Hon. handle the island’s power needs,” he added. Alan Duncan MP
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
Once Phase I is completed, the intention is to see if private sector companies would be interested in bidding for the Phase two before seeking additional support from the UK government. But, according to the GoM ministers, this was in the distance as a determination would have to be made as to the quality and quantity of the resource. Hon. Charles Kirnon, Minister of Communications & Works said he welcomed the decision by the UK and said they are hoping to meet the 12-month target to assess the island’s geothermal resource. It has long been touted, particularly by CRM (Citizens for the Redevelopment of Montserrat) who decided to take a
lead, that the overall impact of successful geothermal development in Montserrat would mean significant improvement in energy security, cheaper electricity generation, and reduced dependency on diesel. The government Rt. Hon Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of almost a year, State for International Development July 25, 2010 after it had taken office had the geothermal development said that geothermal was not got new life when UK Minister on the front burner in their Mitchell promised to look at and five (5) year development plan. support its progress. However, in February last year
S PO R TS M INSTERS cont’d. from page 2 Over 35 delegates attended the meeting which included the following activities: A National Sports Awards – Antigua and Barbuda held at the Sandals Grande Resort, Dickenson Bay, an Opening and Closing Ceremony of the Meeting – held in the Crystal Ballroom, Royal Antiguan Beach Resort. Hon. Carlisle Powell, Junior Minister was appointed Chairperson of the meeting. The declaration covered, the Associations, Technicians, and the Ministers of Sports. They declared firstly among 11 clauses: That all national associations should be incorporated as legal entities, based on a standardized mechanism agreed to by LICA/WICBC. That with the support of Governments and other key stakeholders, the administrative structure of national and territorial associations should
be reformed, to include: The establishment of a secretariat for territorial associations with physical space and operational support, the provision of office space with paid personnel and financial support at the national levels; and that, with assistance provided by the WICB, full use of technology (including the establishment of a website), should be utilized. For the technicians there nine clauses which addressed such issues as: a clearly defined pathway for cricket development in the school systems across the sub-region to begin from the ‘kiddy’ level up for both males and females. That there should be clearly defined standards for coaching at the various levels; clearly defined cricket leagues across the sub-region; efforts should be made to secure corporate sponsorship; That all technical support staff, including officials and
MEET
physical wellness personnel in the schools cricket programme, should be certified; to provide academic cricket scholarships for student athletes; Governments should be approached to provide greater support for the Under 15 and Under 17 cricket. Ministers of Sports of LICA and WICBC would provide individual strategic plans as well as a formal Memorandum of Understanding between both territorial boards to the Council of Sports Ministers for incorporation into a single integrated document for charting the way forward for cricket in the sub-region. A next meeting was agreed to take place in Grenada in the first week of October 2012. The hosts and sponsors were endeared with gratitude and the end, while all the delegates were commended for their attendance and quality interventions on charting the way forward.
HOUSE RAFFLE
The public is asked to note that the House Rafϐle that was scheduled to be drawn on 2 January 2012 will now be drawn on Wednesday, 26 December 2012. Your chances of winning will now be even better as several other prizes will be up for grabs including: * 1 42” Flat Screen TV * 1 Stove * 1 Microwave Get your tickets today - $100 for 2 or $60 for 1. For more information contact the Montserrat Tourist Board on 491 2230 or email: info@montserrattourism.ms
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Friday, May 04, 2012
Letters/Opinion
EDITORIAL The MOU: should bring change, but is the process right for Montserrat? Last week’s Editorial mentioned the advent of what turned out to have been a long in coming Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an Agreement, between the British Department of International Development (DFID) and the Government of Montserrat. This document as explained is the framework of a “strategic growth package for Montserrat”. In a release announcing the signing of the MOU, packed with a matrix of requirements, goals and milestones, performances, it further described the package, saying: “It is expected that the successful implementation of the reform programme will put Montserrat on a clear path to faster economic growth and reduced dependence on UK budgetary support.” DFID seemed to be the only one who thought the occasion was a grand one. After he signed the MOU on May 1 (see front-page story), the Premier seemed somehow subdued and refused speak about the MOU, although that was the reason we had gathered at the Governor’s conference room. He promised a press conference for next week. We had squeezed in one question about the “unfriendliness” mentioned in the MOU. He explained that this had to do with the slothfulness in the way public servants approached its relationship with the private sector. The word ‘unfriendly’ is perhaps a poor choice, since the word suggests hostility. He said that he has been “consistent” in speaking on the matter. Governor Davis has been facing some pressure since last year about the way his/our public servants conducted their service. In February this year he reported to the media, that his office along with the Premier wanted the public servants to have, ”a recognition that their role, their mission is to help to get the economy growing…” The Governor said the public servants, “Question about why should we doing this or why should we be doing that (to help the private sector to grow), we have not had any increments for years, our pay has not been increased.” This has amazed everyone who has heard this, and the question they ask, ‘Has any heads rolled…?’ The statement by those public servants is very damning in many ways. The cards are very much on the table, and GoM must act speedily to change the terrible attitudes that have become burdensome. The Governor had said in February that he is giving his office six months to begin to see a difference. While we do not agree with the way the MOU is sounding, not like the blackmail we were smelling, but rather Montserrat is being held to ransom and hostage in its crisis. We thought that when Secretary of State Allan Duncan visited that his government was ready to put right the wrongs of the recent past, that this was the invitation Montserrat needed. We had expected the Premier to recognize the suggestion when this Editor noted to him in a ZJB discussion in December last year, that there is a misconception outside that Montserrat is well off from the amount of support it had received from Britain, that the record should be set right with a recap and accounting of that support. Perhaps the term ‘budgetary support’, when broken down might be referring to the support needed to place us in at least the position Montserrat was in the late 80s and early 90s, prior to the volcanic disaster. Efforts should be made to have clarity on exactly what it is that both HMG and GoM need to agree on, what ought to be. After the volcanic crisis set in before anyone accepted, maybe because there was no preparation, that volcanic activity would get worse and continue for as long as it has, both Governments went around in circles. HMG declared it did not know what to do having not experienced that before. Montserrat should never have had the elections in 1996. That, was a mistake as the wait for HMG action and inaction permeated. Up to now, no one has put on the table what Montserrat lost in this crisis; and the island continues to lose. One problem however, we note our Premier’s lack of interest in that very important fact to help determine the kind of road map that we really need. It is no mystery it is taking this time to settle on it.
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
Let’s be prepared for tsunami threat in Caribbean, Gulf By Wendy Watson-Wright Opinion Technology and preparedness save lives and protect livelihoods. The recent earthquake off Indonesia provided a shining example. The Indian Ocean Tsunami Early Warning System, coordinated through the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Commission (UNESCOIOC), worked as it was designed following an 8.6 magnitude earthquake off northern Indonesia. Largely due to education programs, Indonesians living in coastal communities were able to mobilize and safely move to higher ground. As soon as the threat of a tsunami had passed, the all clear was sounded. Far from the Indian Ocean, but not far from our concern, are the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. For UNESCO-IOC and the scientists who research and follow these powerful phenomena, the Caribbean is a case of when, not if. Lurking beneath the azure waters that wash up on countless coastal and island beaches and vacation spots is the potential for a devastating tsunami. Since 1498 there have been at least 94 tsunamis with run-ups reported in the Caribbean region, causing 4,652 deaths. Most of these tsunamis were associated with underwater, or what are called
submarine earthquakes, although the Caribbean Sea region has all of the potential tsunami-generating sources: submarine earthquakes, subaerial or submarine landslides and volcano activity. Sound science-based tsunami inundation modeling has been performed for all of Puerto Rico and several localities in the French Antilles and Venezuela, which demonstrates real tsunami threats for this region. In addition to the 40 million people living in the region, 22 million people annually visit the Caribbean, making the region extremely vulnerable to the impacts of tsunamis. The installation of the Tsunami Early Warning System for the Caribbean was largely supported by the United States, among other countries, but following the vote of the General Conference to admit Palestine as a full member to UNESCO, all funds were cut in adherence to U.S. law. The loss would have seriously delayed this important project. Realizing this, Director General Irina Bokova assigned emergency funds to the Tsunami Early Warning System for the Caribbean earlier this year, keeping us on track for our work. We expect the system to be in place by 2014, with the U.S. having adopted a phased approach to establish a Caribbean Tsunami Warning Center located in Puerto Rico.
The absence of the Caribbean early warning system does not mean the region is unprotected, as it is covered on an interim bases by the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. But once implemented, the system in the Caribbean will enhance our ability to evaluate data and ensure that timely information is passed on to authorities and most importantly the public, for the safety and security of all in the region. Since the mid 1960s, UNESCO has had the responsibility of coordinating the Tsunami Early Warning System in the Pacific and following the devastating Sumatra earthquake in 2004, which resulted in widespread death and destruction across the region, UNESCO has been responsible for the Indian Ocean system as well. The system had been tested in a simulation exercise in October of last year. The United States is also involved in the Indian Ocean system, and is an important strategic partner. The results of these efforts are that nature's fury may not be subdued, but the cost in terms of human lives and economic devastation can be substantially reduced and our capacity to rebuild afterward significantly enhanced. Watson-Wright is assistant director-general and executive secretary of the UNESCO-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
Our Scripture Verse Today Love Letters
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16 (KJV) My husband died nine years ago. Recently, I came across the letters he wrote to me while we were dating almost 60 years ago. When I saw the familiar, hard-to-read handwriting, I smiled, remembering the excitement I had felt when a letter from him arrived. As I read the letters, I felt again the joy of knowing that he loved me. Through the years of our marriage, he demonstrated his love in many ways. I thank God for this good man’s love. The Bible contains love letters from God — not romantic love, of course, but love that is deep, powerful, and steady. Throughout
the scriptures, we read of God’s love and mercy, first to the Hebrew people, in providing for their physical needs and spiritual development. God’s greatest love comes to us through Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection, the love of God becomes real; we know that God loves us deeply and completely. We can be filled with joy as we praise God and give thanks for God’s unending love. My husband’s letters went back into the box to be stored. But my Bible is close at hand so that as I read it each day, I receive assurance of God’s love. Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your love letters in the Bible, and for your gracious love shown in Jesus, our Savior. Amen. Thought of the day: Look for ways God shows love for you, and find a way to show God’s love to those near you.
Friday, May 04, 2012
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CARIBBEAN CHAOS: A CRISIS IN WEST INDIAN CRICKET
As they arrive for the Test series against England, the West Indies are average on the field and a shambles off it. There is even talk of regions going it alone. The Independent Stephen Brenkley assesses the damage West Indies arrived yesterday (Wednesday, May 2). They were utterly unheralded where once they would have been feted and feared in equal measure. Their formal unveiling as the first tourists of the summer will take place in Hove this afternoon, though the most excited response will barely rise above a shrug of the shoulders. Click http://www.scribd. com/doc/92153684/WestIndies-Graphic#fullscreen to view graphic Cricket in the Caribbean, once so joyous and victorious, is in an unholy mess. It is not simply that the team are losing too often but that the game is being so woefully run that there is a serious danger of
the world passing it by. The recent domestic firstclass cricket competition was an embarrassment and a shambles. It lacked both a sponsor and quality, with match after match being done and dusted in three days. There is talk of secession in the air and going it alone, whether it be in Jamaica, or Trinidad, or Guyana. Talk is one thing, action another and a split by one or more seems unlikely. If for no other reason than it would leave any breakaway country without international cricket for at least a generation, while it regrouped and sought full membership of the ICC. Throughout the region the game in the individual countries which make up the West Indies Cricket Board is in turmoil. Government intervention in Guyana, supported by the former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, has brought virtual meltdown and court action yet to be resolved. In Jamaica, the Prime Minister, the highly
regarded Portia Simpson Miller, became involved in a testy exchange with the not so highly regarded WICB. In Trinidad, there has been a rapprochement recently between the board and the country's government but there are still bitter disputes between opposing factions in the game which threaten to undermine progress. The Windward and Leeward islands seem to be in worse disarray, with no elections having been held for five years and no annual reports made either to the central governing body.
Antigua, in the Windwards, was where so many great players – Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Curtly Ambrose – came from. Were it not for it being the headquarters of the WICB it would now be a cricketing backwater. The WICB has made several misjudgements. Chief among them was commissioning an inquiry by B J Patterson, a former Prime Minister of Jamaica, who made a series of recommendations about the future direction of a game in a thorough, wide-ranging report. None has been implemented. If everyone agrees that the present system is unsustainable, no one agrees how it can be changed. Meanwhile, the team struggle on. For much of the past decade the players have been in conflict CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK with the board and Chris Gayle, the former captain, has not played JOB OPPORTUNITIES international cricket for more than a year. Although there are clear signs of more friendly relations generally, $SSOLFDWLRQV DUH LQYLWHG IURP VXLWDEO\ TXDOLILHG QDWLRQDOV RI WKH %DQNœV PHPEHU FRXQWULHV the way ahead is fraught. WR ILOO WKH IROORZLQJ SRVLWLRQV DW LWV KHDGTXDUWHUV ORFDWHG LQ %DUEDGRV Too many players are being lost too often to Twenty20 competitions around the world for the board is perpetually cash-strapped, having LEGAL DEPARTMENT scant television income. Apart from General Counsel Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell Legal Counsel and Sunil Narine are plying their trade in the IPL when they should be in England. ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT It is widely expected that they Director will lose the three-Test series (prob ably 3-0). The squad of 15 is far 7KH %DQNœV PHPEHU FRXQWULHV DUH WKH &RPPRQZHDOWK &DULEEHDQ FRXQWULHV WRJHWKHU from hopeless. It contains players of ZLWK &DQDGD &RORPELD *HUPDQ\ +DLWL ,WDO\ 0H[LFR WKH 3HRSOHœV 5HSXEOLF RI genuine talent, five of them no older &KLQD WKH 8QLWHG .LQJGRP DQG 9HQH]XHOD than 23. It also possesses, in the 37-year-old Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the batsman who is officially the APPLICATIONS world's best. Chanderpaul returned to the top place in the ICC rankings )XOO GHWDLOV RI WKH MRE RSSRUWXQLWLHV JXLGHOLQHV IRU WKH VXEPLVVLRQ RI DSSOLFDWLRQV DQG with his stoic displays in the recent JHQHUDO LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH &DULEEHDQ 'HYHORSPHQW %DQN &'% PD\ EH REWDLQHG home series against Australia. IURP WKH %DQNœV ZHEVLWH DW KWWS ZZZ FDULEDQN RUJ But as a whole they lack nous. Too often they have failed to last the &'% LV D PXOWL ODWHUDO GHYHORSPHQW ILQDQFH LQVWLWXWLRQ WKDW ZRUNV LQ FROODERUDWLRQ ZLWK LWV distance in Test matches, putting %RUURZLQJ 0HPEHU &RXQWULHV WR SURPRWH VXVWDLQDEOH VRFLDO DQG HFRQRPLF GHYHORSPHQW themselves in positions of control ZLWKLQ WKHVH FRXQWULHV DQG HFRQRPLF FRRSHUDWLRQ DQG LQWHJUDWLRQ DPRQJ WKHP which have been too easily wrested
from them. Many of their players, especially but not exclusively the batsmen, look ill-equipped for the peculiar, stringent demands of longform cricket. It cannot be easily rectified, although Ottis Gibson, the coach, who was formerly England's fastbowling coach, has introduced more discipline. He has also been loyal to his preferred captain, Darren Sammy, which may prove costly. Sammy is a resolute character but his ability at the highest level is in doubt. Yet the playing aspect of the operation is in rude health compared to the administration of the game across the Caribbean. In almost every territory there is either discord or disruption. Guyana, Chanderpaul's home country, provides the most extreme example. The Government has intervened in the running of the country's cricket board, forcing the resignation of the board's president after police raided his home looking for computer files which may yield evidence of misdeeds. An Interim Management Committee was set up, under the chairmanship of Lloyd, the great Guyanese batsman. But the ICC condemned the Government interference, albeit half-heartedly. This leaves Lloyd in a peculiar place: chairman of an apparently renegade IMC, yet also still chairman of the ICC's cricket committee. In an unexpected turn of events, the Guyanese High Court found in favour of the board and the case reaches its next stage on 16 May, the day before the first Test at Lord's, in the Caribbean Court of Justice. To be continued: (Go to www. themontserratreporter.com)
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Friday, May 04, 2012
Consultation on the nutrition module of the surver of living condition
Melissa O’Garro
A two day consultative workshop attended by the workers of the Ministry of Health, the Environmental Health Department, Agriculture Department, representatives from various organizations and agencies and the media was held on Tuesday, April 24- Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the Culture Centre in Little Bay. The workshop was on the
nutrition module of the survey of living condition. Two members from The Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI) were on island to assist the Ministry of Health with the facilitating the workshop. The facilitators were Mrs. Beverly Lawrence and Miss Deonne Caines. Speaking at the opening Ceremony Nutrition Officer at the Ministry of health, Miss Muanelva Taylor told the participants that in 2008 it was decided that Montserrat should undertake the process of looking at the population's consumption patterns. “In 2008 when it was decided that Montserrat should undertake the process
Mrs. Beverly Lawrence
Mr. Trevor Howe
Dorothea Hazel
of looking at the population consumption patterns. National food and consumption surveys were only completed in four countries, with smaller surveys been done in some of the other countries. Montserrat was in a similar position as other Caribbean countries, very limited data available on dietary pattern. The lack of data or dietary pattern of the population has limited the country’s ability to effectively plan program s for safe guarding food secu-
rity as well as preventing and managing obesity and other non-communicable chronic diseases.” Miss Taylor said some may question the relevance of the data since it was collected in 2009. She assured the participants that the data is still significant as the evidence emerging shows that the Caribbean is experiencing significant increases in the prevalence of obesity and nutrition related chronic diseases.
"Increasing food prices and food shortages, impact our food security and therefore our consumption patterns,” she said. Mrs. Lawrence in her brief opening remarks stated that although persons are more aware of what they eat and the impact that it has on their health, indications are, that their consumption patterns show great unbalances and gaps in the quality. She said, “One major concern that is common throughout
Miss Deonne Caines all countries is the excess calories that we consume and these calories come mainly from fats and sugars. This has resulted in data which shows that over 25% of adult population is overweight or obese, while at the same time that people have become less active.”
Montserrat students celebrate
annual Girls in ICT Day
On Thursday, April 24, 2012, as established by the International Telecommunications Union in 2010, Girls in ICT Day was celebrated globally and on Montserrat. Grade Six and Five students from Lookout Primary School, Brades Primary School, Lighthouse Christian Academy and St. Augustine School participated in the exercise. Organizer of Girls in ICT Day Youth Officer Ms. Loni Howe expressed how impressed she was by the knowledge of the girls at the four local Primary School and how they were already using ICT tools. This venture came as a result of the lack of aware-
ICT Day at St. Augustine School
ness from girls on what a career in ICT could offer which was among students, teachers and parents. The Organization said, “despite
the obvious benefits, many girls never even consider a career in ICTs.” On Girls in ICT Day, students from the four local
Primary Schools learned about a variety of ICT tools and how they can use them in everyday life and
cont’d. on page 7
Friday, May 04, 2012
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The Ill Concepts of the Caribbean Woman in the running for Commonwealth Book Prize The Ill Concepts of The Caribbean Woman book has passed the first stage of the prestigious Commonwealth Book Prize Award, established in 1987 and it awards writers across the Commonwealth countries. The book is a first, written by London based Montserratian born Jo-Annah Richards. She received the good news in an email message which said: “The Ill Concepts of The Caribbean Woman has made it through the first stage of the judging process for the Commonwealth Book Prize for best first book published in 2011.” The shortlist will be announced in May 2012 and the award will take place in June 2012. The winner within each region, i.e.
Africa, Canada and the Caribbean, Europe and South Asia and South East Asia and South Pacific receives £2 500 and the overall winner £10 000. The Ill Concepts of The Caribbean Woman has been on sale and is available here in Montserrat. It was launched in Montserrat at the Literary Festival in November last Author Jo-Annah Richards, in the running for Commonwealth Book Prize year.
Annual Girls in ICT Day
ICT Day at Look Out Primary School
ICT Day at Lighthouse Christian Academy Miss Dias conveyed that students knew a lot about the technology available and how they could use them to communicate and create designs. Dias presentation focused on how architects use ICT in designing and also the power of ICT in graphic an option for a future career. Formed as part of a tour to celebrate the Day Director of design. Information & Communications Nerissa Golden and Public Works Department Architect A similar presentation is said to be given during the upcoming Career Fair later Designate Linda Dias made a tour of the primary schools to speak with girls about their this year at Montserrat Secondary School to encourage secondary school students jobs and how they too could use ICT tools more effectively as well as to help others. to consider jobs in the ICT sector.
ICT Day at Brades Primary School
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Friday, May 04, 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, May 04, 2012
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Your Health Corner
from the Health Promotion Unit Sponsored by the Ministry of Health
Health and Safety in the World of Work Stone-dust can kill you!
This year’s observance of the ‘World Day for Safety and Health at Work’ fell on 28 April. The International Labour Organization (ILO) leads the world in the observance of this day to support the prevention of work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities on a global scale. ILO reports that every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work related accident or diseases as well as every 15 seconds, 160 workers have a work related accident. The human cost of these daily
By Mauvette Sweeney misfortunes are enormous and the economic burden of poor occupational safety and health practices has far reaching implications for employers, workers and their families particularly in developing countries like Montserrat. In an effort to foster a safe and healthy work environment, the Ministry Health and Social Services would like to focus attention on the hazard of stone-dust which emerges from the various road construction sites
on the island. When workers work with rocky materials through cutting, drilling, crushing and grinding, dust is inevitably produced. This dust usually contains crystalline silica which is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, concrete and many other rocky materials and metals. Crystalline silica exposure is a serious occupational threat to workers in high risk jobs such as road and bridge construction, stonecutting, rock drilling, quarrying, excavation and foundry work. Breathing crystalline
silica dust can cause silicosis. This disease is incurable but preventable and it is marked by inflammation and scaring of the lungs. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, severe coughing, fever and cyanosis (blue-like discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygen supply). Also, silica has been classified as a cancer causing agent and causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The damage suffered by the lungs leave a person susceptible to lung infections like TB [and bronchitis]. Smoking not only aggravates the symptoms of silicosis but also speeds up the progress of the disease. For this reason, it’s essential that those diagnosed with silicosis are helped to
stop smoking (BBC Health). Basically, silicosis destroys the normal structure and function of the lungs thereby causing disability and premature death. This tragic eventually can prevent you from providing for your family. However, you can prevent silicosis if you take specific steps to protect yourself.
Protection Tips:
•Apply routine source controls like regularly wetting the road surfaces that is affected in road construction zones. •Use respirators and other adequate respiratory equipment. •Don’t eat, drink or use tobacco in dusty areas.
•Wash your hands and face before eating and drinking. •Shower if possible and change into clean clothes before leaving the work site to prevent contamination of other work areas, cars and homes. •Park vehicles where they would not be contaminated with silica dust. •Trucks used for transporting gravel type materials must cover the load before leaving the site. •Request lung screening at your next physical examination. Take the time to protect yourself while on the job; it’s a worthwhile investment in your health and family’s welfare.
BANK OF MONTSERRAT LIMITED Brades, Montserrat As at September 30 2011 ABANDON PROPERTY – OVER 15 YEARS The following customers are hereby advised that the balance on their account will be transferred to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, if no claim is made within thirty (30) days of the date of this notice. All claims should be made to “Bank of Montserrat Ltd, Brades, Montserrat”. Account #
Type
Account Name
7001975
SAVINGS
DONALD BARZEY
7003382
SAVINGS
DENZIL FENTON
7005253
SAVINGS
Address
City
Code
ZIP Code
FAIRFIELD
Montserrat
PEACEFUL COTTAGE
ST. JOHN’S
Montserrat
EUNICE BUFFONGE
5 JOHN CAMPBELL RD
STOKENEWINGTON
England
N16 8JY
26 COLBERG PLACE, STANFORD HILL
LONDON
England
N16 5RB
LONG GROUND
Montserrat
ST. GEORGE’S
Montserrat
PLYMOUTH
Montserrat
7005261
SAVINGS
PRICILLA I RYAN
7010672
SAVINGS
BALDWIN BOATSWAIN
7011679
SAVINGS
J DYER
7015836
SAVINGS
OLIVETT CHURCH
7016220
SAVINGS
MAVIS DUBERRY
7016239
SAVINGS
JOHN CUMBERBATCH
7018355
SAVINGS
ABRAHAM LEE
7020848
SAVINGS
WILMUTH WEBBE
7023251
SAVINGS
LLOYD C LEE
7029349
SAVINGS
MARILYN U IRISH
WEEKES
Montserrat
7030118
SAVINGS
MONTSERRAT DOMINO ASSOCI, C/O EUGENE BRADE
BARZEYS
Montserrat
7031289
SAVINGS
ELROY WEEKES
HARRIS
Montserrat
7032595
SAVINGS
CATHERINE RODNEY
NEW YORK N.Y.
USA
7035705
SAVINGS
LENORE LEE
AMERSHAM
Montserrat
7041870
SAVINGS
RYAN BROTHERS
P. O. BOX 310
7043538
SAVINGS
MARGARET ANDREASSEN
GLEN MHOR
GAGES
Montserrat
7045336
SAVINGS
TERESA BROWNE
30 ENFIELD STREET
HARTFORD, CT.
USA
7047622
SAVINGS
RADHIKA GARLAPTY
P.O. BOX 400
PLYMOUTH
Montserrat
7049552
SAVINGS
STUDENT C MONTSERRAT
PLYMOUTH
Montserrat
7051000
SAVINGS
JOSEPH FERGUS
7052626
SAVINGS
CECIL S RYAN
7054726
SAVINGS
FITZROY D MATTHEW
7054750
SAVINGS
REBECCA REED
GEORGE STREET
535 WEST 150TH ST
31 ORMOND STREET
10031
Montserrat
MATTAPAN MASS
USA
ST. GEORGE’S HILL
Montserrat
P.O. BOX 34
PLYMOUTH
Montserrat
P.O. BOX 64
PLYMOUTH
Montserrat
6112
2126
7055862
SAVINGS
MONTSERRAT S
SALEM
Montserrat
7057040
SAVINGS
RUTHLYN PERKINS
FORT BARRINGTON
Montserrat
7057148
SAVINGS
CAROL POWELL
SALEM
Montserrat
7057164
SAVINGS
GERARD L SKERRITT
KINSALE
Montserrat
7059400
SAVINGS
JOHN TERRY
CALGARY, ALBERTHA CANADA
7060157
SAVINGS
JOSEPH P JOHN
#1680 STRAWBERRY ROAD, BOX #2
MOHEGAN LAKE
USA
10547
7060700
SAVINGS
ALVIN A WHYTE
BRAMPTON
ONTARIO
Canada
L6Z 1P7
7062010
SAVINGS
MARGARET E PIETERS-BRAMB
FLAT B, 91 ELUR PARK
LONDON
England
SW2 2TZ
7062150
SAVINGS
FREDERICK O THOMAS
6382 ROSE BLVD WEST
BLOOMFIELD, MI
USA
48322
FINSBURY PARK
N4 4BG
7062427
SAVINGS
THOMAS DALEY
7062575
SAVINGS
CARLOS CABEY
LONDON
England
CORK HILL
Montserrat
105180
CHEQUING
REBECCA REED
P. O. Box 251
PLYMOUTH
Montserrat
6515996
CHEQUING
CIVIC ACTION GROUP
P. O. BOX 177
PLYMOUTH
Montserrat
6507654
CHEQUING
BILTON BRAMBLE
P. O. BOX 408
PLYMOUTH
Montserrat
T1Y 3M5
Page 10
Friday, May 04, 2012
Post of DEPUTY GOVERNOR 1. JOB PURPOSE The Deputy Governor is required to provide quality advice to Cabinet and to facilitate Cabinet decisions. The Deputy Governor ensures the management of professional, accountable, effective, well-motivated, responsible and nonpartisan public service. The Deputy Governor works with other key senior public officials to coordinate the formulation and effective implementation of government policies and plans. The Deputy Governor also assists in coordinating disaster management and developing an effective risk management approach to policy and planning. 2. ROLE SUMMARY The Deputy Governor acts as the Chief Executive Officer of Government under the Governor, leading the senior management team of Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Department to develop and implement policies and strategies to enable Government to deliver sustainable economic and social development in Montserrat. 3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The Deputy Governor: • Advises HE the Governor on all strategic matters relating to the management of the public service; • Is responsible to HE the Governor for managing the Civil Service to maintain an efficient, effective, results oriented and non-partisan service, including ensuring high standards of training for public servants that are relevant to needs. • Deputizes and acts for HE the Governor as required from time to time. • Provides strategic leadership to the public service and coordination of its work, including through leading the Senior Management Team and as Reporting Officer for the Permanent Secretaries, proactively dealing with performance management; • Ensures effective formation and implementation of Government policies through provision of high quality information and policy advisory services, in particular to Cabinet, and through assessing the effectiveness of government policies; • Ensures implementation of Cabinet decisions; • Contributes to coordinating the preparation and implementation of, and monitoring progress against, corporate and business plans; • Participates in the co-ordination of disaster management, and in the integration of risk management into the policy-making and planning process; • Directs and coordinates the smooth and efficient operation of the business of Government, and the application of sound business management practices in pursuit of the strategic development of Montserrat; • Manages and directs the development and delivery of the Government's public sector reform and modernisation programmes, including improvements in efficiency and effectiveness and in the quality of customer service; 4. PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION: Applicants should meet the following specifications: • A tertiary level degree, and preferably a post graduate qualification in business or public management, human resource development or a related field plus specialized training in public management, financial management, human resource management or management services; • Proven high level managerial and leadership skills, with an emphasis on the ability to manage change and to deliver modern and efficient services. At least 10 years recent experience at a senior management level, and experience in relevant fields of management, consultancy services, project management and human resource management and development. • The capacity to think strategically, with strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills • Strong reasoning skills in managing and delivering complex programmes of work; • Skills in negotiating with high-level personnel and with senior elected officials; • Excellent interpersonal, staff management skills together with professionalism and understanding in dealing with all level of personnel; • Ability to supervise policy development and implementation of major initiatives and change programmes establishing objectives and performance goals and pushing forward implementation. • Ability to cope with a consistently heavy and demanding workload, plus the pressure arising from being a public figure under constant scrutiny. • Ability to build teams, with a commitment to create, support and sustain an environment that enables staff to achieve results and to develop and build organizational capacity for the future; • Demonstrated proactive problem-solving and decision-making abilities; • The ability to manage change, anticipate implications of strategic direction on a wide variety of stakeholders, and develop contingency plans or interventions as required. • Willingness to encourage new approaches and to question existing ones to ensure the most efficient and effective outcomes are achieved. • Demonstrated ability to conform to the highest tenets of leadership. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES FOR DEPUTY GOVERNOR (As part of their applications, applicants are expected to state the extent to which they possess these competencies (giving relevant examples). Applicants will also be expected to demonstrate possession of these competencies during the selection process.) Strategic Perspective – looks at issues with a broad view to achieve the goals and objectives of the public service. Thinks ahead and prepares for the future. Understands external expectations and influences on the wider public service. Identifies common goals, interests and perspectives with other agencies and stakeholders. Creates a vision for the future and a strategy for how it can be achieved. Recognizes and responds to the need for change, and uses it to improve organizational performance. Personally champions change and encourages and supports managers to make it happen Results focus - Accepts responsibility for delivery of results. Takes overall responsibility for completion of programmes of work and delivery of results, ensuring overall objectives and targets are met. Drives excellence in service delivery and operations. Exceeds professional practice standards. Manages risks effectively. Provides leadership, direction and guidance to staff, balancing risk and return to achieve optimal results. Accountable for successful implementation of the performance management process. Cascades and ensures the relevance of strategic goals and targets at Departmental and individual level. Ensures effective objective and targets plans are created and actioned. Acts as a coach and mentor, providing expertise, guidance, support and regular constructive feedback to others. Effectively uses the performance management process to continuously improve own performance and that of staff. Leadership - Sets direction for public service as a whole. Agrees targets for individuals and for programmes. Clarifies performance standards with managers and ensures all staff know criteria for monitoring performance. Delegates respon-
sibilities to staff, taking into account their abilities and workload. Matches training and development activities to changing needs of the public service. Identifies training and development needs and implements actions to address them. Provides leadership to build support and commitment to accept and implement change. Supports colleagues and subordinates in exchanging skills and knowledge with others. Manages conflict within the wider public service, building consensus where possible. Persuades and influences others using logic and reason. Sells the benefits of the position they are proposing, and negotiates to find solutions that everyone will accept. Develops sophisticated strategies for influencing others at all levels in the organization. Negotiates satisfactory solutions on broad or complex issues with stakeholders. Team Working – develops strong working relationships inside and outside of the team to achieve common goals. Creates workings partnerships inside and outside the organization. Monitors performance of staff. Develops links with outside stakeholders to get different views. Develops strategies to help people work together to achieve organizational goals. Enables staff to cooperate effectively across the service towards achievement of wider strategic goals. Creates and leads high performing teams. Champions and is an advocate of public sector ethics and values. Tackles difficult management and staff issues in a timely and effective manner. Actively encourages and supports the development of people. Motivates others to achieve organizational goals. Creates an environment where staff are motivated to achieve results. Considers and shows respect for the opinions, circumstances and feelings of colleagues and members of the public, no matter what their position, background, circumstances, status or appearance Effective Communication – communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing. Uses listening and questioning techniques to make sure that they and others understand what is going on and can effectively transfer ideas and information. Explains complex issues, making them easy to understand. Makes sure that important messages are being communicated and understood throughout the public service. Communicates clearly to a wide range of audiences within the public service and outside. Writes clearly, concisely and persuasively to tight deadlines, presenting complex specialist, operational or policy matters. Planning, Organizing and Problem Solving – plans, organizes and supervises activities to make sure resources are used efficiently and effectively to achieve organizational goals. Understands the wider GOM priorities and uses this in prioritizing objectives, including short term demands. Uses business planning techniques to priorities and implement strategic activities. Establishes expected outputs of policies and plans, assesses options and sets criteria for evaluating effectiveness. Identifies resource and staffing implications of proposals, constructs business cases and presents them effectively. Obtains and reviews diverse, complex and sensitive information and assesses its completeness, accuracy and impact. Analyses information to identify problems and issues, and makes sound decisions and recommendations on operational and policy. Makes strategic decisions by logically analyzing all the relevant factors. Develops and evaluates innovative approaches to operational and organizational issues Personal Responsibility – takes personal responsibility for making things happen and achieving results. Displays motivation, commitment, perseverance and conscientiousness. Acts with a high degree of integrity. Takes responsibility for managing situations and problems. Leads by example, showing a commitment and a determination to succeed. Continues to learn and develop. Performs under pressure and/or against opposition. Is able to recover quickly from setbacks and disappointments. Demonstrates commitment to decisions and executes them in a consistent way. Able to take calculated risks with a successful outcome. Shows resilience, even in difficult circumstances. Prepared to make difficult decisions and has the confidence to see them through. Shows reliability and resilience in difficult circumstances. Remains calm and confident, and responds logically and decisively in difficult situation. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT Appointment will be made on a contractual basis for three years, with the possibility of renewal. Remuneration Package The remuneration package for the post of Deputy Governor consists of the following: Salary $8,043 per month. Duty allowance: $3,500 per month Professional allowance: $3,000 per month Travel Allowance: $ 800 per month Telephone Allowance: $ 150 per month Entertainment Allowance: $ 600 per month Sums quoted are in Eastern Caribbean currency. Basic salary, and professional, duty, and telephone allowances are subject to income tax. Appointments to the post of Deputy Governor are made in accordance with the section 23 of the Montserrat Constitution Order 2010. HOW TO APPLY An application form may be downloaded from the Government of Montserrat’s website, www.gov.ms, or can be obtained from the Governor’s Office at Tel: 1 664 491 2688/2689; Fax: 1 664 491 8867; email: Thomas.Regan@fco.gov.uk. A completed application form, along with curriculum vitae and certified copies of qualifications, should be sent to: Mr Thomas Regan Staff Officer to the Governor Governor's Office 8 Farara Plaza Brades, MONTSERRAT or by email to Thomas.Regan@fco.gov.uk. The deadline for receipt of applications is 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31st, 2012 THE SELECTION PROCESS Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a selection process. The dates of participation will be notified, and short listed candidates will be advised of these dates by Thursday, June 14, 2012. Applicants should advise the Governor, if they expect to be off island at this time, so that appropriate arrangements can be made. The selection process for the post of Deputy Governor will involve the shortlisted candidates in a variety of activities designed to show their experience and skills base, in order to enable the Selection Panel to draw on more evidence about candidates than can be derived from a written application and interview alone. The Public Service Commission (PSC) will be invited to observe the selection process. The selection process will involve some or all of the following: 1. Candidates may be asked to provide a short written paper by a specified deadline, on a topic to be selected in consultation with the PSC. Topics will be designed to enable the candidate to highlight some aspect of their previous experience which is relevant to the needs of Government of Montserrat; or to elicit their understanding of the Sustainable Development Plan and the Policy Matrix which forms part of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for Montserrat; 2. Candidates may be asked to make a formal presentation to a small invited audience. Each presentation should be for no more than 20 minutes with an opportunity for 10 minutes of questions. The presentation could either be based on the same topic as that for the written paper, or on another topic which would be notified to the candidates; 3. Following the individual presentations, candidates may be asked to participate in a group discussion of a real-life ‘scenario’, in which a particular situation would be presented for discussion. This would provide an opportunity to observe the candidates’ contributions to the discussion, and to the process of arriving at a conclusion. This section would be limited to around 20 to 30 minutes in total. Candidates will be invited to a formal interview. This could take place in person or by telephone or video conference.
Friday, May 04, 2012
THEN AND NOW: A humorous commentary on how the world around us has changed
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: May 4 - May 10
by Shelley van Strunckel
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Friday, May 04, 2012
www.themontserratreporter.com
Premier signs MOU cont’d. from page 1 Carr’s Bay port and sea/ air access to Montserrat. The signing of the MOU took place behind closed doors with members of the Legislative Assembly, in the presence of the Deputy Governor and DFID’s local representative head Dr. Kato Kimbugwe. Following protests from the press, the Premier staged the signing of a copy of the MOU, which he previously signed, prior to the ensuing press briefing. The formal signing was done with DFID in London via video conference with DFID officials in East Kilbride, Scotland and UK ministers in London. Premier Meade during the press conference highlighted the announcement that the UK government will support the Montserrat’s plan to, “prove the size and potential of Montserrat’s geothermal reserves.” Minister Charles Kirnon sat in with the Premier at the press conference and he briefed on some matters of the de-
velopments. (See story: UK agrees to fund Geothermal Development…) The Premier declined to speak much on the just signed MOU, the draft copy of which had been described in a TMR story online prior to the signing. Under caption, Premier to sign MOU to get aid package for now and future by Bennette Roach - It smells like blackmail somewhere! Is this what doing the “right thing” is?It read as follows: In last week’s Editorial we made reference to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was on the way and we asked, “Will GoM discuss with, advise the public on these matters before hand or even report on their plans?” We also published a brief item, “Budget support for Montserrat delayed …” Just hours after we went to press we received an invitation to witness the signing of ‘the’ MOU on Monday at mid-day to be followed by a video conference with
Secretary of State for International Development, Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell. The invitation was followed by a press release, captioned, “Premier Meade expected to sign MOU with DFID for Montserrat’s new aid package”. The release of the draft document was not welcomed by DFID, while they pointed out that the date for the signing was incorrect as we were advised as well as the direct purpose of the MOU was wrongly stated. “Our goal is by 2020 to have our private sector taking over more than 50% of our GDP,” Premier Meade declared. “Montserrat cannot develop without local and foreign direct investment.” That got an immediate follow-up story which read in part: “Dr. Kato Kimbugwe of DFID, Montserrat, advised that the information was incorrect, in that, the MOU is to be signed, not as described (Monday, Apr 30), but on Tuesday, May
SMALL ISLAND STATES TAKE STEPS TO BECOME ENERGY INDEPENDENT AND END POVERTY
High-level forum in Barbados to chart a new ‘Sustainable Energy for All’ roadmap ahead of “Rio+20” Conference Barbados, 1 May 2012—The Government of Barbados, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States will host from 7 to 9 May 2012 the High-Level Conference of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Achieving Sustainable Energy for
All in SIDS and the Rio+20 Informal Ministerial Meeting. Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Stuart and UNDP Resident Representative in Barbados Michelle Gyles-McDonnough will open the Conference which will discuss policy strategies leading to universal access to energy, increase in renewable energy production and energy efficiency. Convened less than two months before world leaders gather in Brazil for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development “Rio+20”, the Bridgetown Conference brings together high level representatives of 39 countries from the Caribbean, the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Africa, that belong to the Small Island Developing States group. “Small island developing states can leap toward the goal of UNDP Resident Represena poverty free and prosperous futative in Barbados Michelle ture by changing their energy secGyles-McDonnough tors,” said Prime Minister Stuart.
“Just weeks before the Rio+20 Conference, our countries can rally the international community with a unified voice, sharing our aspiration to become fully sustainable, and to contribute to a meaningful outcome of the meeting in Rio de Janeiro.” In Bridgetown, heads of state, the private sector and civil society will also foster discussions on the SIDS sustainable energy partnership (SIDS DOCK), an initiative focused on creating an institutional mechanism to help small island states transform their energy sectors into a catalyst for sustainable economic development and to generate financial resources to address adaptation to climate change. “Rising oil prices fuel economic and social instability in the energy importing small island developing states,” said GylesMcDonnough. “Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, building local renewable energy sectors, investing
Premier Reuben Meade and Minister Charles Kirnon speak to the press about other matters but hardly about the MOU for which the press was gathered to get explanations. (Dr.. Kato Kimbugwe (left) and Minister Kiron (right) at head table 1, 2012. He further said that the description in the release advising the signing of the MOU and which referenced DFID’s: “…new capital aid package for the budgetary cycle 2012/2013,” was incorrect. Kimbugwe said It has to do with a link to the strategic growth package… which is supposed to be a stimulus for the private sector…to provide the infrastructure, ...” In the release that made the signing announcement, it was stated, “Last October the government committed to creating a Strategic Growth and Development Plan (SGDP), linked to receiving future investment from DFID. Some of the reform commitments in the MOU are: a streamlined tax administration system to increase tax collection and compliance; implementing the eGovernment Strategy
and the introduction of online payments for public services; a revamped immigration and land acquisition policy; appropriate legislature for environmental management; policies to increase private sector participation in the economy; and the outsourcing of several government services.” The Premier speaking briefly to the MOU, confirmed a Government House pre-release which stated , “It is expected that the successful implementation of the reform programme will put Montserrat on a clear path to faster economic growth and reduced dependence on UK budgetary support,” a release from Government House stated. The GoM leader said: “This MOU was developed by the Government of Montserrat and DFID has agreed to support us to get it done,”
Included with the MOU is a Government Reforms matrix document which sets out timelines of Goals, Milestones by September, 2012, (Mid-Year Review), Milestones by February, 2013, Resources Required and the Implementing agencies. The Premier in his brief response pointed out, “… Government’s reform was not handed to us by the UK,” while the release stated: “the government’s progress in implementing the reforms will be reviewed… the outcome of the February 2013 review will influence future UK ministerial decisions on possible investments in the Carr’s Bay Port, Little Bay Town and access to the island.” A copy of the MOU was eventually circulated to the media on Wednesday which showed no change from the draft MOU we acquired earlier.
change on SIDS, particularly related to the islands’ vulnerability to rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions, are other major challenges to which these countries need to respond. Concurrent to the conference, UNDP will PM Freundel Stuart of Barbados host a Knowledge Fair, in green jobs and strengthening at which civil society groups, the social safety nets for people whose private sector and SIDS governlivelihoods depend on imported ments can share best practices, energy is critical for gaining en- display their work toward achievergy independence and poverty ing sustainable energy for all, and eradication.” showcase technologies in the The effects of global climate renewable energy and energy ef-
ficiency sectors. In order to spur economic growth, address global inequities and preserve the environment, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has established the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative. The SecretaryGeneral has set three complementary objectives to be achieved by 2030: to ensure universal access to modern energy services; to double energy efficiency; and double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Participants of the Bridgetown Conference will also mark the roll-out of the 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.