Friday, May 03, 2013
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Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” - Acts 10:3435 (NIV)
Premier misfires on procurement, Vol. XXVIII No. 14
Week Ending Friday, May 03, 2013
Price $2.00
loses appeal in court
DFID suspends the A1 Road Improvement Project The A1 Road project from Salem to St. John’s is falling by the way side with another reported $5 million left in the project. DFID acknowledges that the project has had challenges, but in the following press release issued today, says that better planning could have achieved better results. The release states: “The Department for International
by Bennette Roach
It was one of those rare occasions when the Premier’s office through governments press officer advised of a joint press conference with the honourable Premier Meade and DFID’s Dr. Kato Kimbugwe, to be held at the conference room. We consented three hours before the scheduled two
o’clock to attend upon being told that the press conference would be on ‘projects’’. It was surprising to receive two releases moments before the press conference would begin, dealing with Access and Lookout School. The questions period at the end of the brief would find
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Headlines...
LIME unveils Blackberry Z10...pg 2
Howell Bramble tributes...pg 5
Gas prices drop...pg 3
Kids Korner...pg 8
Man from Baker Hill...pg 3
Chris Gayle scores fastest century...pg 10
HOME LOANS Enquire about interest rates from our Loans Department. Bank of Montserrat Your Bank. Your Future.
www.bankofmontserrat.ms (664) 491-3843
Interest rates and terms on Home Loans may vary so come in and talk with us today. Bank rules and regulations apply.
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Friday, May 03, 2013
LIME keeps customers moving smarter with Blackberry Z10 Customers Can Win Tickets To Alicia Keys’ Concert in Prague On April 26, 2013,LIME launched the new BlackBerry® Z10 smartphone powered by BlackBerry® 10, and announced that three lucky customers from across the region will be jetting off to see Alicia Keys’SET THE WORLD ON FIRE concert in Prague, Czech Republic. LIME debutedthe BlackBerry Z10 at Heliconia House. The event was attended by interested customers and the media. The new smartphonewill be available from LIME across the region. At the event,LIMEexplained that the BlackBerry Z10running on LIME’s mobile network makesfor a smarter experience for customers. “As the region’s value leader our customers expect us to offer devices and packages that let them work and play at a cost they can afford. The BlackBerry Z10 on our data network will allow us to do just that. LIME customers will get the best of both worlds – a smartphone that goes further and a network provider that understands their needs. Our customers know it is the smarter choice,” said Joseph Cassell, General Manager at the launch event. At the event a formal presentation of the first Z10 sale in Montserrat to Richard Campbell, The Royal Bank of Canada won the spot as the Enterprise customer, who was able to redeem their Rewards Points for the purchase of two mobile phones. Customers who purchase the new BlackBerry Z10 from LIME will have the opportunity to win one of three trips for two to see Alicia Keys’ SET THE WORLD ON FIRE concert in Prague on June 12, 2013. Campbell was full of thanks to LIME for Z10 blackberry. “Well I just want to say thank you very much from the staff of LIME who have afforded me this opportunity to own one of the first Z10s here in Montserrat. What a pleasant surprise. I was called today and … it just made my entire day a lot better, I am very happy. “I must say and thank you again to LIME and the warm and very customer friendly staff that they have working with them, thank you,” he gleefully announced. “We are always looking for ways to delight our customers with unmatched experiences. With the BlackBerry Z10 from LIME, our customers again have the best value in the region. And we are excited to go further with a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to see Alicia Keys live in Prague.” The Z10 was on sale only for that day at a cash discounted price of $2499, and LIME took the opportunity at the launch to promote the availability of the full range of standard, micro and nano sims for all mobile phones. The new BlackBerry Z10 isthe first BlackBerry smartphone to launch with the re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry 10 platform, giving customers a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience. LIME will also be promoting the availability of the full range of standard, micro and nano sims for all mobile phones available immediately.
top right: Unveiling the Blackberry Z10, new smart phone from LIME. right: Country Manager Mr. Joseph Cassell hands over phones to Royal Bank representives below: Richard Campbell becomes ownership of Blackberry Z10 from Mr. Joseph Cassell.
ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A. D. 2013 [PROBATE] In the Estate of HERBERT CHESTERFIELD DALY, 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 HERBERT CHESTERFIELD DALY late of Salem, Montserrat who died on the 23rd. day of September 2003 at Admirals Reach Nursing Home, Ridgewell Avenue, Chelmsford, England be granted to PERCIVAL AUSTIN BRAMBLE of Jones Hill, Montserrat the lawful attorney of ORVILLE VINCENT DALY the son 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 this notice. Dated this 25th. day of April, 2013 ……………………………. ALLEN MARKHAM & ASSOCIATES Solicitors for the Applicant This notice is published by Allen Markham & Associates Barristers & Solicitors whose address for Service is Banks, Montserrat.
Friday, May 03, 2013
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MONTSERRAT plus DFID Aid: EQUALS NOGHT by Man from Baker Hill If you were to apply simple arithmetic to arrive at the progress that Montserrat should have derived from the economic aid through DFID, economically Montserrat seems to have retrogressed to Zero. There is an old Montserrat proverb that says, ‘always add to legacy received, do not waste it’. But it is as if we take from ourselves or abuse what is given to us for our own good. Montserrat has spent money. But the population has not grown. There is never a sustained vibrancy in the economy. There is no sense of excitement o r expectation that things will be different in the future. That bothers me; and it should. After all, even the best intentioned benefactor will get tired of helping. So where do we go from zero? Changes of course! Change the way we do some things. There must be other tried and tested methods to stimulate a small island economy than the methods we are using. Is it reality that Montserrat’s population has not grown by 100 persons since the year 2000? Not even by one Mulato despite 25 years of DFID’s presence? No aggression! My God! This is failure on all fronts. With such a cold blooded population, how can the economy become vibrant? But there is one change that is very easy to make; it is only a mindset change, the change in the methods of population growth. But it will add up; because in this scenario Montserrat plus DFIDians will equal to more than one… certainly not zero. There you have it. Demographically, Montserrat has fared worse despite hundreds DFIDians
socialising among us. AUC students did better; they left a little Ching with us! That is social change! The changes need not be about money except who spend the money or how the money is spent. Money has been showered into Montserrat since 1995. The truth is, the British Government has showered over $1 billion into Montserrat since the volcano. The British cash is second only to volcanic ash in the showering business. The ash is still with us but with respect to the cash… the only thing I want to shout about is the Look Out Development. Let us get serious now. The real change will be about ideas. Ideas are the forerunner to all success. Ideas! I wish somebody had better ideas than to give the A1 Road to Public works. I just wonder…just wondering, really. Ideas! I wish somebody have real good ideas about the hospital construction project and which construction engineering firm will be awarded the contract. Ideas! I wish the British would split Montserrat into two parts, take some and leave the balance with Montserratians.
Let Marse Sir have the cliffs and the mountains; and I am sure that there will be changes in the economic vibrancy of Montserrat. I am sure that Marse Sir will create an economic paradise with our ocean facing cliff side lands surpassing any thing that St. Martin contains. I am sure Marse Sir will recreate our mountains into a food basket. Last week end my friend Docs… ‘Yow, Fool’ returned from St. Martin via Antigua. He brought me a gift of three ordinary tomatoes which he purchased from a vendor in Antigua at $2 a pound. Docs returned with ideas. One of his ideas was that we must bring people into Montserrat who will farm our hills and mountains. He is confident that the population will grow and the price of food will become cheaper. Docs had ideas, another of which was: DFID should finance a project to bring 50 Haitians to Montserrat to farm our mountains. Ideas! Imagine DFID’s presence has been on Montserrat for more that 15 years and not even one dozen Mulatoes. Ideas plus Montserrat plus DFID adds up economically, s
GIU(adapted) – The Honourable Premier Reuben T. Meade will lead a five-member team to the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) in
on the Little Bay Development during Round Two of Meet the Opportunity on Monday afternoon at 2:55pm along with St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucian and the US Virgin Islands. Cox told ZJB News that this year’s conference will allow for follow-up discussions with investors with whom the MDC is already in talks with, as well
Montserrat to promote Investment opportunities at CHRIS Miami
Gasoline and cooking gas prices drop
Residents are now getting an ease in their pockets as the price of an essential commodity has decreased. As of Monday, April 29, 2013, the price of a 100 pound cylinder of Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) was $198.00. This amounts to a saving of $35 dollars on the previous cost, announced on April 9.
A 20 pound cylinder of the commodity will now retail for $39.57 down from 46 dollars and 60 cents. This means consumers will save $7.03. Meanwhile…Motorists are spending less at the pumps for diesel and gasoline. This may well be also reflected in the surcharge on electricity bills during
Miami, Florida this weekend. John Cox, Director of Infrastructure at the Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC) said, the annual event gives governments across the region, an opportunity to present hotel and tourism projects, and meetwith potential investors. Montserrat is on the programme to make a presentation
John Cox Director of Infrastructure at the Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC stands in front several concept plans for the new town in Little Bay, Montserrat.
May. Effective Tuesday, April 30, the price of gasoline at the pumps is $15.93 which is 20 cents cheaper than the new price of $16.13 in April Persons purchasing diesel also as of Tuesday, will save 30 cents as the price of the commodity will drop from $15.93 to $15.63.
ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT A.D.2013 [PROBATE DIVISION] LEGAL NOTICE In the Estate of ABRAHAM HOWSON, deceased NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of 14 days from the date of this notice, an application will be filed at the Registry, High Court of Justice for a Grant of Letters of Administration of the Estate of ABRAHAM HOWSON deceased, late of St. John’s, Montserrat who died on the 17th day of July 1995 be issued to JOSEPH SILCOTT of St. John’s, the nephew of the deceased and one of the persons entitled to a share in the Estate. ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the Estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this notice. FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant of Letters of Administration to the said 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 publication of this notice. Dated the 03 day of May 2013 rd
Marcelle E.M. Watts Attorney at law for the Applicant
as to meet new ones. Mr. Cox, who is optimistic about going into detailed discussions with potential investors at the summit, says Montserrat will be represented by a strong team this year. Accompanying the premier and Mr. Cox will be MDC Chairman John Ryan, One Stop Shop Head David Chrichton and Consulting Architect for the Little Bay Master Plan Lane Pettigrew. The Little Bay Master Plan includes the possibilities for villa properties on Potato Hill, one or two hotels on Little Bay Beach as well as condominiums on and around Benito Hill. This is the second year in a row that Montserrat will be attending CHRIS Miami, which will be held May 6 - 7 at the JW Marriott Marquis.
MONTSERRAT REGISTERED LAND ACT, 1978 SECTION 34 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO REPLACE LOST LAND CERTIFICATES TAKE NOTICE that applications were filed in the Land Registry by the following persons, for the replacement of Land Certificates, which have been reported lost: NAME
REG. SECTION/REFERENCE
DATE ISSUED
Elvina Daley
St. Peters 13/12/231
18/01/2001
Margaret Skerritt
St. John’s 14/14/020
28/02/1990
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that anyone who objects to the issue of the new Land Certificates or who has knowledge of the original Land Certificates must within the period of fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice in the newspaper inform the Registrar of Lands in writing. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in the absence of any objection or information as to the existence of the original Land Certificates within the time specified, the Registrar of Lands may proceed to cancel the original Land Certificates and issue new Land Certificates in their place without further notice. Dated this 30th day of April 2013. ………………………………… Jamiel M. Greenaway Registrar of Lands
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Friday, May 03, 2013
Letters/Opinion
EDITORIAL On World Press Freedom Day, here’s a call to do good In solidarity with those journalists and reporters who must endure the violence and abuse as thrust upon them and against them, we publish the following, conscious that while, we may be too miniscule to suffer the same fate, we suffer nonetheless, albeit not to the same degree. Trying to dehumanize, humiliate and starve a profession is as undignified as murder. All of the predators referred to, are corrupt and believe that they are super humans as they are able to get their cronies, cohorts and legions to carry out their selfish and weakling acts. They know the usefulness and the humanness in the work of journalists to their fellowmen, but the fellowmen are never the interests of these predators. What they do not realise is that if they would use the brain that they believe is so super to others to do good, while showing respect and allowing dignity, their own happiness will light up those they use to do their evil bidding. No one expect these to change overnight, but what we ask is to begin. The only reason journalists and newspapers, the media are not allowed to flourish is because they gravitate to exposing bad. If someone does bad, he knows that it is bad, but his first inclination is to hide it, which makes it so much more worse because he does only more evil to cover it up. On World Press Freedom Day, Reporters Without Borders is releasing an updated list of 39 Predators of Freedom of Information – presidents, politicians, religious leaders, militias and criminal organizations that censor, imprison, kidnap, torture and kill journalists and other news providers. Powerful, dangerous and violent, these predators consider themselves above the law. “These predators of freedom of information are responsible for the worst abuses against the news media and journalists,” Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. “They are becoming more and more effective. In 2012, the level of violence against news providers was unprecedented and a record number of journalists were killed. World Press Freedom Day, which was established on the initiative of Reporters Without Borders, must be used to pay tribute to all journalists, professional and amateur, who have paid for their commitment with their lives, their physical integrity or their freedom, and to denounce the impunity enjoyed by these predators.” Five new predators have been added to the list: the new Chinese president, Xi Jinping, the Jihadi group Jabhat Al-Nosra from Syria, members and supporters of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, Pakistan’s Baloch armed groups, and Maldives’ religious extremists. Four predators have been dropped from the list: former Somali information and communications minister Abdulkadir Hussein Mohamed, Burmese President Thein Sein, whose country is experiencing unprecedented reforms despite the current ethnic violence, the ETA group, and the Hamas and Palestinian Authority security forces, which are harassing journalists less. To draw attention to their abuses, Reporters Without Borders has drafted indictments against some of these predators in the hope that they will one day be brought before competent courts. To better highlight the gulf between propaganda and reality, the statements of some of them have been contrasted with the facts. And to show how some predators really think, we have presented their innermost thoughts in the first person. We had to use a little imagination, of course, but the facts alluded to conform to reality. The plea from our corner as insignificant as it may seem will resonate if our the people we deal with deign themselves to be different and crave good and move away from the corruptible . It will slowly rub off and stick somewhere else and so on and so on it goes. Can this be a world to look forward to?
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
Supercharge your brain 4 Best Foods for Women… 4 Best Foods for Men Women and men need different foods. Reason: They have very different brains. We did a study of 46,000 brain scans involving about 26,000 patients. Using a brain-imaging test called SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography), we found clear differences between male and female brains. In general: Women’s brains are more active than men’s brains. Much of this activity is in the region known as the prefrontal cortex, which controls judgment, impulse control and organization. Women also produce less serotonin than men. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that makes you less worried and more relaxed, so women are more prone to anxiety and depression. Men, on the other hand, produce less dopamine . Dopamine is involved with focus and impulse control, so men are more likely to be impulsive and have trouble concentrating. BEST FOODS FOR WOMEN Foods that increase serotonin are critical for women.
When their serotonin levels rise, women naturally experience less anxiety and are less likely to get upset… Chickpeas.Also known asgarbanzo beans, chickpeas increase the brain’s production of serotonin. Other carbohydrates do the same thing, but chickpeas are better because they’re high in nutrients and fiber, with about 12 grams of fiber per one-cup serving. Fiber slows the body’s absorption of sugars…prevents sharp spikes in insulin…and helps the brain work at optimal levels. Sweet potatoes.They’re my favorite starch because they taste good, are high in vitamin C and fiber and don’t raise blood sugar/insulin as quickly as white potatoes. They’re a “smart” carbohydrate that causes a gradual increase in serotonin. Blueberries.They’re called “brain berries” for a reason. Blueberries are a concentrated source of flavonoids and other antioxidants that reduce brain inflammation. This is important for good mood and memory. Studies have shown that people who eat blueberries may have less risk for dementia-related
cognitive declines. You will get some of the same benefits with other berries, including strawberries, but blueberries are a better choice for brain function. Dark chocolate.It is one of the healthiest foods that you can eat. Chocolate increases levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates arteries throughout the body, including those in the brain. One study found that women who ate the most chocolate had greater improvements in verbal fluency and other mental functions than those who ate the least. Chocolate also can improve your mood and energy levels. Because it’s high in antioxidants, it reduces the “oxidative stress” that can impair memory and other brain functions. I recommend dark chocolate with natural sweeteners. My company, Amen Clinics, makes a Brain on Joy Bar with dark chocolate and coconut. BEST FOODS FOR MEN Men naturally gravitate to high-protein foods. The protein increases dopamine and provides fuel for a man’s
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Our Scripture Verse Today It’s No Bother
Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” - Acts 10:34-35 (NIV) My brother-in-law had quit a job he had held for more than 20 years and was looking for another one. I told him I would pray for him, but he told me not to “bother” God, who had bigger problems to take care of. I told him that God yearns to be “bothered.” God wants us pray about anything — not just the big stuff, but all the stuff. I’m thankful that “too busy” or “that’s not important enough for me to deal with” aren’t among God’s responses. Imagine God saying, “Can we reschedule that for next week? And
instead of an hour, I can give you only 30 minutes — things are a bit hectic, what with the wars and the economic crises.” Do you think God is more apt to listen to the prayers of church leaders, the president, or world dignitaries because of who they are or the magnitude of their problems or responsibilities? Acts 10: 34 says God “does not show favoritism.” No matter where we stand on the metaphorical ladder of importance, God listens to all of us with the same passion and concern and love. You and I always have a standing appointment with God. So we can go ahead and tell God what’s on our mind. We can “bother” God, who’s always waiting to hear from us.
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Tribute to Howell By Claude Gerald (Howell’s long standing friend) How do I certify a tribute to a man who is now dead who normally certifies what I write? Some 6 years ago this month Howell requested that I do his funeral tribute after he certified one I did for a departed loved one. I deflected the request as funny. Howell Richard Bramble (HRB) was my friend, my mentor, who became a brother. True friendship is based on a shared value system. There is a mutual protection and promotion of each other and a desire to bring out the best in your friend. Howell Bramble defined friendship and was a fiercely loyal friend. He will guard your back like a proverbial hen with her un-weaned chickens. I value his exceptional role in my life’s undertakings and the rich experience of a very long association. His wife Ruby described us as beans from the same pod. I had just entered my teens when I first saw Howell Bramble. He was speaking on the behalf of the Montserrat Labour Party in Cudjoe Head. He was youthful, fiery, and vivacious, speaking without a script. (I learnt later, it was in his pocket). Words flew from his mouth, as he denounced the evils of the share cropping system that stifled Montserrat’s socio-economic progress. HRB had drawing power. His oratory was captivating. It was compelling.He commanded listenership. He left you transformed and bewildered. His life work had a civilizing influence on those touched. The welfare of Montserrat and its people was his driving force and his pen the main weapon of delivery. I had become a Howellite and an acolyte. I had found a life’s model. The love of cricket was central to my teenage years. HRB’scricket commentary drew attention. I wanted to meet him. The closest was when
he drove along Church Road, next to the cricket pitch at MSS, in his sporty model cars, to record the evening Sports on Radio Montserrat. Howell’s description of a cricket game was on par with the best there was internationally. Colourful language, mixed with lively figures of speech filled the airways. Reporting on a highly competitive league match he described the spin bowling of Bertram Burke and Frank Edwards as ‘beguiling’. I was truly beguiled by that word and headed to the Oxford Dictionary. Summarizing a Leeward Islands Match between Antigua and Montserrat at Sturge Park, he intoned that the crowd was ‘flabbergasted and indeed mesmerized by the array of stroke play by Jim Allen in his encounter with the great Andy Roberts’. This made me dove more deeply into my Oxford and my Thesaurus. The final dive as I recall was when he said matter-of-factly that ‘the bowling of Andy Fruity Roberts holds no terrors for local boy Jim Allen as we look forward to another enthralling day at the home of Leeward’s cricket, Sturge Park’. Those quotations are as fresh as a rose petal in my mind. Howell’s fascination with language fascinated me. I began to read and to practice to the joy of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Holding, a Principal/wife combination of English and Indian origin at the MSS.My grades took off unknowing to Howell. The Montserrat Times owned by Howell flourished after the 1978 change of government.
Howell lead a one-man crusade (Tim Hector-like) in a ten year spirited opposition to the new government’s attitude to governance. He was investigative and can build a convincing story from a molehill. He had a probing mind. His thoughts were fluid. But he was fair. When you are in the company of a master your duty is to listen and to probe but not to take charge. I did just that. It was risky to be in such an association at the start of one’s career, especially in that politically charged atmosphere where your loyalty counts.
I would not allow anyone to choose my friends for me.I was neck and neck with Howell, in the trenches and purposely visible and never took cover. I wanted to get into Howell’s head and learn how to write stories and particularly editorials. In 5-10 minutes flat he would manifest an editorial, in long meandering sentences that were punchy in flavour, rich in poetry and philosophical quotes. There are writers but Howell Bramble was gifted beyond the ordinary. I found in the library a piece he wrote for his father in the early fifties. It startled for its quality. It was just pass his 19th birthday! Without his knowing I began to write pieces on my pet subjects like
...at funeral service
organic gardening; the influence of trees on the air quality and dairy goats production. He gave me centre spreads with huge pictures of myself. He was as pleased as I was. Some 15 years ago I ventured into opinion writing locally mainly. Howell had started the Leeward’s Times in Nevis. I contacted and sent him samples of my manuscripts. And he was firstly keen to make sure that I was credible and wholesome in my arguments. A call from HRB was a moving moment.’You are risking much with those comments lad. They will come after you on Montserrat. They will hurt you Claude. You may be advised to back off that position’ he would say. ‘My
Father is Jehovah. Who is man that thou are mindful of him’ I would reply. He would then come to back me once I am committed to face the consequences. Writing on the death of Malcolm Marshall, the West Indian fast bowler, Tim Hector the late said ‘Death, it appears, is random. It is, for sure, a heartless thief in the night. Malcolm Marshall’s death had that effect. Numbing’. Those sentiments are applicable in this instance on the death of my friend Howell. May Howell Richard Bramble rest in eternal peace.Until that great day my friend! Shalom! Shalom!
Further - reaction on the death of Howell Bramble In response (or in addition) to our Tribute – the professional life of Howell R. Bramble, Montserrat bornAndrew Skerritt, Assistant Professor of Journalism, Florida A&M University, sends in the following, remembering Howell Bramble. I just wanted to add my voice in tribute to Howell
Bramble. I owe my journalism career to Howell. He gave me my first opportunity to write and get published, and I have not looked back since. I wrote about football for the Montserrat Times beginning around 1981. As a young man struggling to find purpose, I found it in my longhand written articles
submitted for the weekly edition. My most memorable article was “That dirty dozen” about the rebel West Indian cricketers who violated the embargo and played in apartheid South Africa. I will always remember Howell’s distinct broadcast style as he read the sports news on Radio Antilles. His spirit and legacy will live on
through the many others who he influenced. His legacy will also live on in my work and the work of my journalism students. He made a mark that will never be erased. Andrew Skerritt is also the author of Ashamed to Die:Silence, Denial and the AIDS Epidemic in the South.
It’s World Press Freedom Day All over the world today is being celebrated as World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) and the International Federation of Journalists is marking it by focusing on the issue of 'Journalist Safety and Journalists Imprisoned Around
the World'. The theme is: WPFD theme: “Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media.” WPFD celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2013. The Day was proclaimed
by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as
World Press Freedom Day. It is an opportunity to: • celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; • assess the state of press freedom throughout
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Friday, May 03, 2013
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P r o c u r e m e n t i s s u e s . . . c o n t ’d a Premier not in the mood to discuss issues relating to procurement procedures which arose out of the Lookout School project. Ferry subsidy increase The Premier addressed media briefly on both issues, the main thing on the Access being DFID’s increase in the subsidy to, “facilitate improved sea access to Montserrat. This means a bigger, faster and more comfortable ferry will be operating 5 days a week.” Neither Premier nor DFID could confirm a timeline for the upgrade to begin, but they enumerated some conditions of tasks that were agreed to be completed within “this financial year. “These included “Develop a marketing strategy to tap into the day tripper market in St Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe and Antigua and exploring opportunities to open up new regional routes…” Launch an online booking and ticketing service for the ferry…; Set up a fully functioning access website…; Continue to work with Antigua to access a fully operational Bryson’s pier. GoM (Government of Montserrat) was to “En-
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MV Opale Express
Lookout Primary School
In Loving Memory of Howell Bramble On the behalf of the late Howell, as he was affectionately called, and myself, I wish to thank – in a very big way- all those who have assisted in any way to make his parting a less than difficult transition. To Friends and loved ones who wished him well, I thank you for your kind and comforting words and thoughts shared in his ceremony, throughout his life and, in particular, at this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace, as we continue to remember him in our thoughts. His loving wife, Ruby Wade-Bramble
sure SVG develop a fully functional on-line booking service…” Lookout School On the Lookout school issue the Premier and DFID announced “the approval of additional funding and a time extension to the project.” The announcement also revealed that there would be, “new management and supervision arrangements which outline the Ministry of Finance as the Contracting Authority and PIU as the project supervisor.” The project now had two completion phases, the first in September this year and the second a whole year later. The overall investment from DFID now stood at £2.475
million and would provide additionally: Refurbished, furnished and equipped buildings at Lookout School; A multi purpose sports hall with changing rooms; IT classroom; Library, and Improved facilities for staff. The Premier answeringquestions said that while waiting for the issues which halted the project to be resolved, GoM had developed new and additional plans on the school. Procurement issues – Premier misfires He said the issues and the delay arose out of, “two contractors who both claimed that they should have had the contract awarded. The matter went before the judge. The judge has made a ruling on at least one appeal before the High Court in the Court of Appeal here and that’s as much as I can say.” Asked what the ruling was, “I have not had written details of the ruling,” he responded. The Case Surprised at the response, we later enquired into the matter and found there was the court matter was between Vernon White (Trading as White Construction Services) and The Central Tenders Board and the Attorney General regarding Construction of Lookout School Expansion Building 6.
The matter was adjudicated by a single High Court judge in favour of White, but GoM appealed and the matter had just been heard and adjudicated by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal (on April 23, 2013). The court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the order made by the Learned Trial Judge Justice Benjamin;that the Tenders Board acted intra vires;that it was clear from the facts of the case that the claimant submitted a tender and this offer was accepted. He found that the Board had not acted ultra vires in accepting the tender as the tender had met the required specifications. The appeal court did allow a reduction in the award of costs to White advising that the Learned Trial Judge erred in awarding the sum of $50,000 as the respondent was only entitled to costs on the prescribed scale, which was so ordered. The Premier agreed with the question whether the ruling was sufficient to move forward. “Wewill go forward. Part of it is, we can’t then hold up the development of a country simply because we have locals who are questioningwhether or not they should have had a contract. And those are matters which we are seeking to resolve in order
cont’d. on page 12
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Kids time - In your own korner Hello everyone – It is kid’s time with Auntie Lyka “In Your Own Korner”. This month is the beginning of CXC exams. I have dedicated a part of this page to our fifth formers. I wish you every SUCCESS. See your goal. Understand the obstacles. Creat a postivie mental picture. Clear your mind of self doubt. Embrace the challenge. Stay on track. Show the world you can do it. Once upon a time, there was a girl who lived in Mon Petit Village, a village in Haiti. Her name was Belle. Her name means “lovely” in Creole. Belle was just quiet and loved beautiful things in nature. Belle would always lie down in the water and just relax since she lived in a condo on Mon Petit Beach. She was 8 years old. One day, Belle was watching TV in her room when a news report interrupted her show. The weatherman said, “We have some breaking news folks, an earthquake will hit the town! Get as much protection as possible!” “Grandma, I’m worried about the earthquake,” Belle said. “Well, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Grandma replied. “But it could destroy the whole village!” “You’ll have the chance to find the magic rock!” “The magic rock? What’s that for?” Belle asked. “Go to the chamber of the magic rock, make a wish, and it will come true,” said Grandma.
Pre-School Corner
Hello to you my preschool friends. This week we will at shapes. and do some colouring.
The Magic Rock by Abadai Zoboi (8 years old) “Where is the magic rock?”
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
“Let’s go get some firewood,” said Pascale. So they gathered sticks, wood, and bark to set up the fire. They warmed the djon-djon and fried the guava and plantains. “I have plates,” said Pascale. Belle and Pascale got their food and they ate. “Yum! What’s the recipe to this delicious djondjon?” asked Pascale. “You like it? This recipe was made three centuries ago by my great-grandma,” said Belle. “This fried guava and plantains is so good. How do you make it?”
“In the gold statue. Now hurry!” Grandma said. So Belle got food, water, a sleeping bag, and extra set of clothes and leaves. She followed a map and traced her paths through the landmarks. When she got to the third landmark, she took a break. She ate a slice of coconut bread. Then, Belle met a friend during her break. She was a girl the same age as Belle. Her name was Pascale. “What are you doing here?” asked Belle. “I’m going on a journey to make a wish on the magic rock,” said Pascale. “I’m going to the same exact place for the same exact reason. How about we go together,” Belle said.
Bookjoy Around the World We can read, you and I. See letters become words, and words become books we hold in our hands. We hear whispers and roaring rivers in the pages, bears singing funny tunes to the moon. We enter spooky gray castles, and in our hands flowering trees climb to the clouds. Bold girls fly; boys fish for sparkling stars. You and I read, round and round, bookjoy around the world. Poem by Pat Mora Find the names of vehicles vertically or horizontally
See you next week right here
It was dinner time. “Do you want some friend guava and plantain?” asked Belle. “I also brought some djon-djon to warm.”
“You have to come to my house after the journey. My grandma will teach you,” Belle said. “Cool,” Pascale said. “Well, we’re on our last landmark,” Belle said. “It should be up ahead,” Pascale said. “Let’s go!” Belle and Pascale ran, ran, and ran until they got to the gold statue. Belle opened up a little door and saw the magic rock. “I wish the village stays beautiful,” Belle and Pascale said. “We did it!” That’s the story of the magic rock. About the Author... Abadai Zoboi is 8 years old and lives in Brooklyn, New York. She is currently in the 4th grade. She is of Haitian, Trinidadian and Liberian descent.
CXC Exams Tips
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Banks to automatically submit annual reports of account holders under FACTA GIU – Montserrat has joined other British Overseas Territories who are working to comply with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) which both the United Kingdom and the United States are enacting to combat tax evasion and fraud. Head of the Inland Revenue Division Violet Silcott says the FATCAs with both nations will be enforced by year’s end. This will mean that local banks will be required to automatically present to both countries annual reports about accounts
held by their taxpayers in this jurisdiction, including names, addresses, dates of birth, account numbers, account balances and details of payments made into those accounts. In April, the Government of Montserrat released its statement of agreement to comply with FACTA. It said “Tackling tax evasion and fraud is rightly a global priority, necessary to protect the integrity of public revenues, the confidence of taxpayers in the fairness and effectiveness of their tax systems and, ultimately,
public confidence in open global capital markets. “Despite the increased attention given to tackling evasion and fraud over recent years, in particular through the development of international standards and the Peer Review process by the Global Forum, further action is clearly needed to deter evasion and clamp down on evaders. In this respect the next necessary step, facilitated by rapid developments in technology, is to move to automatic exchange of tax information. The action
Cabinet approves learning and development needs for Montserrat GIU – Montserrat has released its priority learning and development needs for the 2013/2014 year. According to the Cabinet Report for the period of January to March 2013, 31 subject areas have been identified as the top needs for the island to move forward with its development. The list, which is separated in three groups, identifies the top six Bachelor’s degree areas as: Land Survey-
ing, Planning & Economic Development, Economic and Social Statistics, Biomedical Technician, English/English Literature and Nursing Administration. In Group B are Bachelor’s degrees in: Quantity Surveying, Nursing Anaesthetist, Industrial Arts majoring in Electricity/Electronics, Software/Systems Engineering, Civil engineering/Chartered, BSc Mental Health, Computer Science, and Pharmacy.
Group C includes: Economics & Financial Management, Physics, Architecture, Vehicle Systems Overhaul, Policy Analyst, Urban & Regional Planning and Tax Valuation. The Learning & Development Division within the Human Resources Management Unit can provide more information on applying for scholarships, which are allocated based on needs and available funding.
CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT
STAFF VACANCIES Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified nationals of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and Associate Members of the Caribbean Community to fill the following positions (funded by the Global Fund) with assigned duty station in Guyana: (i) (ii)
Director, Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean Senior Accountant, Global Fund
Full details of these positions may be obtained by accessing the following web sites-www.caricom.org; www.caribank.org; www.oecs. org; www.crnm.org and www.caribbeanjobsonline.com Applications in English Language with full curriculum vitae details, including nationality, work experience, educational qualifications and/or expertise, language proficiency, coordinates (including email addresses) of three referees (at least two of whom must be familiar with the applicant’s work), and other relevant information, should be addressed to the Executive Director, Human Resource Management, Caribbean Community Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana and sent by email to applnhrm@caricom.org. The deadline for the submission of applications is 26 May 2013.
taken by the United States under its Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act gives a unique opportunity to develop a new global standard in the near future and from that to develop a system of multilateral automatic information exchange,” the statement said. Silcott said Montserrat is working to enter the automatic exchange of information agreements with the UK on the same timetable as the agreements which are presently being negotiated with the US. “It is the belief of these countries that they are losing millions and even billions in tax revenues because of accounts being held in the Caribbean by their citizens. Things are changing
internationally and other countries are also creating similar agreements to deter this practice of not declaring income from overseas bank accounts,” the tax specialist noted. She added that the requirements were very extensive and of special interest to the United States are bank accounts with US addresses and those with balances over US$ 50,000. In its statement on the FACTA, the Government of Montserrat said it was committed to the multilateral automatic exchange of tax information, which will involve other European nations and countries across the globe. “We would also call on other jurisdictions to make similar commitments
which will take us to a new level of tax transparency and remove hiding places for those who would seek to evade tax and dodge their responsibilities,” the statement read. Montserrat also plans to tackle the issue of information sharing and enforcement of rules on beneficial ownership or trusts. “The work of the Global Forum and the Financial Action Task Force has led to significant improvements but there remain gaps in many jurisdictions. We are determined to take forward this agenda and will remain committed to review the effectiveness of their legal and enforcement framework and to produce an Action Plan” on the issue.
World Press Freedom Day cont’d. from page 5 the world; • defend the media from attacks on their independence; • pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Here in Montserrat while we enjoy a good measure of the freedom of expression, “Safe to Speak” is an issue making gathering of certain types of information exceedingly difficult. Freedom of expression, we would say suffers from suppression. While government media is well supported, they claim a form of control that minimises its ability to be free. On the other side, independent media finds great difficulty to be efficient or even to function for lack of support from government either by way of business or direct support to the backbone of civil society
and the other arm of democracy. The economic climate creates a worse environment and does not support either. The result is little or no resource to allow independent media to function effectively, or even exist. The media is suppressed by starvation. Sadly, that is where the safe to speak issue becomes very real. In Jamaica, a group of persons in media was asked to say in 20 words what press free-dom means to them. They said: 1. The fact that someone who annoys the hell out of you can be on talk radio every day, the fact that government ministers call your boss to complain about what you said on radio instead of locking you up or getting you fired, are two examples of our gloriously free press that many of us take for granted. I don't.- Dionne
Jackson Miller - journalist 2. Press freedom must be guaranteed in all circumstances. This applies not only to the role of the State, but to that of corporate interests as well.- Earl Moxam - journalist 3. Media freedom is to the development of a free and democratic society what oxygen is to a human being.Cliff Hughes - broadcast journalist/entrepreneur UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonand UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova declare today: "A fundamental right on its own, freedom of expression also provides the conditions for protecting and promoting all other human rights. But its exercise does not happen automatically; it requires a safe environment for dialogue, where all can speak freely and openly, without fear of reprisal."
JOKES
Dirty Toothbrush A small boy came running out of the bathroom in tears. “What’s the matter?” asked his father. “I dropped my toothbrush in the toilet.” “Okay, don’t worry, but we’d better throw it out” So the father fished the toothbrush out of the toilet and put it in the garbage. When he returned, the boy was holding another toothbrush. “Isn’t that my toothbrush?” the father said. “Yes,” said the boy, “and we’d better throw this
one out too, because it fell in the toilet four days ago.” Happiest Day Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, “why is the bride dressed in white?” “Because white is the color of happiness,” her mother explained. “And today is the happiest day in her life.” The child thought about this for a moment. “So why is the groom wearing black?” (Advice: Be careful to give the right explanation to these children! Better be always the full truth)
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LIME introduces Google Mail service to internet customers Customers encouraged to update e-mail passwords right away On April19, 2013, LIMEannounced the introduction of Google Apps mail service to its internet customers withLIME email accounts. The service was expected to be available by the end of April 2013. As a means of preparing its customers for the move to Google, the telecoms company sent e-mail
notifications (and text messages – MNI) to customers encouraging them to update their e-mail passwordsright away. This, the company explained, will help to ensure customers experience no downtime, during or after the move to the Google environment. General Manager Joseph Cassell explains that:
“The introduction of the Google Apps e-mail service allows us to provide our customers with the latest email technology through Google’s dynamic suite of communication applications.” Further, the company explained that while customers’ LIME e-mail addresses remain the same, the pass-
word upgrade is necessary to be compatible with Google’s security requirements. Customers can visit the company’s website at www.lime.com*** to get the instructions to update their pass word and learn more about the enhanced e-mail service from LIME. Some of the features of the Google Apps mail ser-
vice include: 6.5 Gigabytes of email storage, which is a 20 fold increase over the current 25 megabytes limit customers have; Google Talk, the popular instant messaging service;Google Docs, a service which allows customers to create documents and collaborate with others in real-time across the world and Reli-
ability with Google’s incredibly reliable, fast and robust email service, complete with anti-spam and anti-virus protection. With Google Apps mail service customers will also be able to continue accessing their information anywhere, anytime – including email access via mobile devices such as a Blackberry.
Poor economy results in TCI media shakeout A number of Turks and Caicos news media outlets have apparently fallen by the wayside, with others seen as precariously placed, apparently as a result of the sharp economic decline of recent years. The weblog TCI Post has disappeared, along with what seemed to be a companion website, the TCI Grapevine. The TCI Post, which largely favoured the Progressive National Party (PNP) and featured identified writers Royal Robinson and Oliver
Mills, was edited by a individual identified only as John Glasgow, which was widely believed to be a fictitious name. The blog was frequently criticised for name calling and possibly defamatory comments. Also gone is the TCI Free Press. This was a free newspaper, which sources say depended on outside support. Informed sources say it was started by Clive Stanbrook and current finance minister Washington Misick, with Hayden Boyce as its first edi-
tor. The paper was later run by Stanbrook's daughter, then by economist Gilbert Morris and later still by Jay Saunders, son of former PNP chief minister Norman Saunders. The Free Press attracted minimal advertisement and, as subsidies dried up, the paper has disappeared. Now apparently wavering is the TCI Sun, which recently missed one of its weekly issues and hit the streets late the following week. That paper received, sources say, heavy support
from the former Michael Misick government in the form of consultancy fees and official government advertisements. The newspaper is published and edited by Boyce. It seems that advertisers are tunring away from the Sun and Boyce is reported to owe thousands in unpaid contributions to the National Insurance Board. Boyce is married to former PNP minister Lillian Boyce. Also gone is the radio station known as Blaze Radio owned and run by PNP supporter Devon Williams.
Taking its place is a station sponsored by Brian Cox, a local pastor. The station hosts a program by Royal Robinson and is being criticised for adopting a political agenda favouringRobinson’s PNP on a station dedicated to religion. Weathering the storm is government-sponsored Radio Turks and Caicos and both private cable television stations. WIV shares the largest Provo market with PTV and is the only station available on the capital island of Grand
Turk. Sources say PTV is considering moving into the Grand Turk market. Also surviving is the TCI Weekly News, which is generally regarded as politically neutral. Its publisher, Duncanson Publications Ltd, recently launched a second publication, the “News Express”, which reaches the streets on Tuesdays. The Weekly News, which has been a mainstay of the TCI for 31 years, is published on Fridays and has the lion’s share of private advertisements.
Brain foods
cont’d. from page 4
CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK JOB OPPORTUNITY DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is seeking to recruit an experienced legal professional as Deputy General Counsel to work at its headquarters located in Barbados. The Deputy General Counsel will assist the General Counsel in providing strong leadership, effective management and oversight of the Bank’s Legal Department. The successful candidate should: Be a qualified Attorney-at-law, Barrister or Solicitor as evidenced by relevant qualification and ability to practice in one or more of CDB’s member countries. Have a post-graduate degree in law or a degree in another discipline relevant to CDB’s work. Have at least twelve years’ working experience in the practice of law in the private and/or public sector in one or more of CDB’s member countries, with at least six years mentoring or guiding a team. Candidates must be nationals of one of CDB’s Member Countries. APPLICATIONS Full details of the job opportunity, guidelines for the submission of applications and general information about the Caribbean Development Bank may be obtained from the Bank’s website at http://www.caribank.org. CDB is a multilateral development bank that collaborates with its Borrowing Member Countries to promote sustainable social and economic development, economic cooperation and regional integration.
greater muscle mass. The trick for men is choosing healthier protein sources… Salmon.Between 15% and 20% of the brain’s cerebral cortex consists of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty fish such as tuna, trout, sardines, herring and mackerel. Men who don’t eat fish are more likely to have brain inflammation that can impair the transmission of nerve signals. A study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found that elderly adults who got more DHA had improvements in memory and learning. The study focused on supplements, but you can get plenty of DHA and other omega-3s by eating fatty fish more often. Eggs.They are not the dietary danger that people once thought. New research has shown that people who eat a few eggs a week—or even as many as one a day—are no more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke than those who don’t eat eggs.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, inexpensive and easy to prepare. They also are high in vitamin B-12, which can reduce age-related brain shrinkage and improve cognitive function. Sesame seeds and Brazil nuts.In addition to increasing dopamine, they contain antioxidants that protect brain cells. Like other nuts and seeds, they’re high in protein and monounsaturated fats that reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol. Nuts and seeds are good for the heart as well as the brain. The landmark Adventist Health Study, conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University, found that people who ate nuts five or more times a week were only about half as likely to have a heart attack as those who rarely ate them. Source: Daniel G. Amen, MD, a brain-imaging specialist who is founder, CEO and medical director of Amen Clinics. Based in Newport Beach, California, he is author of more than 30 books, including Unleash the Power of the Female Brain (Harmony). www.AmenClinics.com
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A1 road project suspended...cont’d. from page 1 Development would like to inform members of the public of the suspension of further funding for the A1 Road Improvement Project. DFID has just completed an annual review of the project with particular emphasis on its management and implementation.DFID have consistently asked for a detailed program outlining activities and timelines to completion. This has not been forthcoming and the chaotic nature of the implementation does not give us confidence that the project is delivering as planned. Equally, it is
difficult to argue that the project is demonstrating value for money let alone meeting the needs of the Montserratian public. DFID are aware of the challenges that the project has faced with regard to the material supply.Nevertheless with better planning these problems could have been foreseen and the implementation programme adjusted accordingly. We are suspending any further financial contribution to the project until such a time as Government of Montserrat produces an implementation plan that clearly demonstrates an effective
management framework to deliver original project objectives.� We have reported constantly that not all seemed well with the project from the outset, and the above comes as no surprise. Meanwhile, according to a GIU release, Public Works Department officials say they are working to comply with the requests from DFID and sought to explain some of the reasons for the delays.
Director Ron Beardsley, of PWD said they are presently working to bolster the management supervision of the road programme and will shortly complete negotiations with a project manager in order that the work can resume. He added that the lack of aggregate on island has been an on-going challenge and they are presently awaiting the arrival of materials from abroad. Credible reports say
that an urgent GoM/DFID meeting was held to discuss the Project situation at Government Headquarters on Thursday morning where the management supervision of the project manager mentioned above was discussed. The meeting had no sooner concluded than a former Millenium Holdings employee showed up. That company was a major contractor on the troubled Little Bay Infrastructure development.
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www.themontserratreporter.com
Procurement issues...cont’d. from page 7
Little Bay - first of four huts being built by MDC, but who contractor’s gang on the job
for us to go forward,“ he offered. Procurement issues – tendering issues The Premier continued on the matter when it was mentioned to him that procurement issues seem to be a problem as there were many questions about the conduct of the issues. He then said: “Ba-
sically, what is happening here is interpretation and application of the rules. We are in an increasingly litigious society and therefore, we are asking all officers in government who have anything to do with government procurement to look at the rules, read them thoroughly, and apply them as provided
for by law. There are no shortcuts,” he said. A question to him pointed out that there were procurement and tendering issues at Little Bay involving the MDC and new works carried on there. He responded: “No, in the case of Little Bay, that is direct labour; it’s not a tender process. It’s
JUS WONDERIN
Jus wonderinif is true the PIU we here about means People I Use and the great MDC meansMore Direct Contracts. Jus wonderin if when they say In England, The Reporter Is a Home Town Paper they say the same now: “I must say all the way from England my husband and I enjoy reading our home town paper. We are from Montserrat living in England. Thanks for your hard work in publishing The Reporter.” Jus wonderin if government ministers understandthat their analytical capacity needs to be enhanced, at least, according to DFID’s 2013 Montserrat Budgetary Aid Discussions Aide Memoire”. Jus wonderin how government could forecast budget surplus when it doesn’t take into account liabilities that exceed the surplus claimed and how this accords with the Public Finance (Management and Accountability) Regulations of 2009. Jus wonderin if the DFiD-procured consultant who said that Montserrat had its own unique accounting was right after all. Jus wonderin if dem MPs dem read bills before passing them into law, and same ting fu Cabinet members andustand the regulations demmek and dem respective un and dung. Jus wonderinif de Speaker don’t know how she unabashedly biased in her rulings against selected members of the Opposition. Jus wonderin how many of us realize that we are made to suffer and held hostage by the UK’s policy of punishing their overseas territories’ peoplefudem own poor financial management. Jus wonderin how much more hardship the poor and vulnerable will have to endure to merit at
least temporary assistance from DFID or is it that the UK is waiting for us to become unrestful, to remove the government immediately, or to die in the interim. Jus wonderin how GoM could justify cutting the public welfare budget in 2012 with no plans to increase it through 2016 and DFiD could countenance it when DFiD acknowledges that the social welfare payments have remained at $600 per month since 2006 while inflation since then gone up 25%. Jus wonderinif the basket of goods on which the inflation rate is calculated is not long outdated and how Premier have the nerve to boast surpluses. Jus wonderin how DFiD justifies approval of inadequate funding for education which is about 10% less than the regional average when it intimates that there’s a direct correlation reflected in the disparity between Montserrat’s results and average regional results across all subjects. Jus wonderinhow DFiD can conclude that “reasonable assistance needs are being covered” in the health sector because indicators are reasonably good in terms of life expectancy, vaccination coverage and low infant and child mortality though the burden of non-communicable diseases is high. Jus wonderin if DFID’s gifted housing assets which cost more to maintain than the income they can generate qualify as value for money. Jus wonderin if GoM plans to transfer ownership of its dilapidated housing stock to occupants who can’t afford to maintain them. Jus wonderin if the Premier’s will admit to irrational behavior which if so is due to the contamination a poisonous tongue. Jus wonderin if the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has any legal standing thus explaining why it
being managed by the MDC and rather than tendering them out as individual units, they are hiring workers to do the work under the supervision of the MDC….In effect, the MDC is the contractor.” F o l lowing a suggestion from the media, after reading a section of the procurement rules, that what MDC was doing was not in keeping with the rules, he noted, “… the rules and regulations are published, also look at them, read them. And, if there’s an issue then question it on the basis of the regulations that are provided, not in terms of what you believe should be or should not be.” Pressed further on the matter, the Premier said, “Bennette, it’s similar, for example, if you are building a house, you can go several routes. One, you can be your
own contractor and hire in labour or you can go out and contract a contractor to do the work which means that you have to follow contract law. In this particular case, MDC has opted for their own efficiencies to be their own contractor…and therefore they are now saying to people, if you are seeking employment, this is the process which you need to follow to seek employment as a tradesman, or as a labourer or as a construction worker or as a supplier of materials.” The media pressed further on the issue suggesting that“…public entities cannot circumvent the rules by doing thingswhat it seems that the MDC might be doing in order to avoid tendering… and also by being your own contractor in order to avoid the regulations.” The Premier responded to that, “If they are in fact in breach then it’s a matter which will be dealt with by the appropriate authority.” When asked who or what was the “appropriate authority,” and told that it was his Ministry, the Premier became obviously annoyed and responded, “Well, you see sometimes we love to identify politicians and you identify
isn’t accounted for anywhere in the Estimates of Revenue & Expenditure. Jus wonderin how the People I Use (PIU) operations are funded. Jus wonderin how soon the rest of the Ministry of Works’ Development Vote ($23.9 million) will be transferred to the Premier’s portfolio now that PIU now has wrested away the Education Infrastructure project. Jus wonderin if DFiD will close down all projects once its review of PIU’s is complete. Jus wonderin if the Premier going after Agriculture’s measly development vote of $0.5 million next so he can controls all development funds other than those allocated to the Deputy Governor. Jus wonderin if the Office of the Deputy Governor plans to appoint PIU as its project supervisor for its $2.3 million Disaster Preparedness Repairs Development vote. Jus wonderin if the Minister of Finance has read the Procurement Regulations in its entirety and understands that all references to “Minister” refer to him since he claims that the Minister of Finance has absolutely nothing to do with the procurement process. Jus wonderin if conflict of interest comes into play when three members of MDC’s Board (a procuring entity) also sit on the Public Procurement Board.
individuals. There is a process. There’s an authority. There is an appeals process. And if you don’t read the regulations and understand what they say then you’ll have this kind of rubbish question,” whereupon there was a protest as he was told to stop it by one member of the media. He continued, “The point I’m getting at here is very simple. There is a process; there are procedures.” It was noted to the Premier, “I don’t know why you took that personal, Premier, because what I asked, all I was asking was what authority, whether it’s the court but I think you, in part of what you just said, you said that there are processes and there is the authority within the procurement situation so that answered the thing. And I really cannot do without commenting on the fact that you refer to questions as rubbish questions. I don’t think that there’s absolutely any rubbish question at any time.” The press interview ended fairly abruptly after that with Premier advising he had another engagement, leaving many follow-up questions yet to be heard.
Jus wonderin if the Executive Director of the MDC received written permission from the Public Procurement Board or other appropriate authority to participate in MDC’s procurement process now that MDC is its own contractor for the building presently under construction at Little Bay. Jus wonderin if the Minister of Finance gave written directions to the MDC per Procurement Regulation No. 50 as that’s the only way the MDC could flout the procurement regulations, especially since the DFID Resident Representative is also a member of the MDC Board and DFID’s commercial case to support MDC says: Jus wonderin if the Minister of Finance read the part of the Procurement Regulations that defines ‘procurement” as the acquisition of goods by any means and construction, consulting and other services. And that “services” means services of a general nature other than consulting and construction services. Jus wonderin if “services” includes hiring of labour. Jus wonderin if DFID accusation of poor management by the MCAP government will serve as an indictment in the face of all the MOU and matrix and strategic development. Jus wonderin if anyone out there with the smarts to see dem can’t re-elect dem next year with de demonstrated ineptness. Jus wonderin if dem should not be recalled before the constitution due date.