June 26 2014

Friday, June 26, 2015

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Today’s Scripture

We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Gov. Davis wants a www.themontserratreporter.com

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Goodbye and thanks to public servants but laments their need to share and be good to one another “You need to be friendly with one another; you need to help one another,” he said.

Governor Adrian Davis

A view from left and right of the public servants who turned up to hear the Governor’s last words and goodbye At the Montserrat Cultural Centre on Friday, June 26, 2015 His Excellency sought and used the opportunity to speak to public servants in a forum setting, some concerns and his wishes of things he would have liked to tell them before.

He began by recalling his understanding of his role as Governor in Montserrat, hoping that he would have gotten “some better assurance after the last four years,” which was the term he served in Montserrat, having arrived in April 2011 he will depart on or about July 7, 2015.

He said he understood the role of the Governor, in brief, “is to represent Montserrat in the UK and the UK in Montserrat…that boiled down to being a critical but supportive friend who is willing to tell the truth to both sides and to try and iron out any misunderstandings.”

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The Governor in his farewell presentation to the public servants, who it is considered turned out in good numbers, considering that, as the Deputy Governor who made the arrangements said, there were those who could not come, particularly those carrying out essential services, police, nurses, teachers, etc.

The Governor did not boast of any things that he thought was worthy of praise, though in ways he commended the civil servants for hard work. The DG congratulated him as he always sought to give “… commendations recognizing always the excellent service that was always provided by public servants.”

But Deputy Governor Jim Taylor did point and praise him further for what he considered his (the Governor) accomplishments.

“You lamented the use of our paper-based methods. Your commitment to the use of technology to improve the operations of government and the Cabinet led to the development and rollout of what is called EXCOTRACK. As a result, we now use less paper and ink when making cabinet decisions and dealing with cabinet matters. And I know that other overseas territories have an interest in this system.”

It did take some time for the various Commissions arising out of the new Montserrat cont’d. on page 7

Special visitors to Montserrat...pg 2

Pressure to stop CLICO payments...pg 7

As we remember June 25, 1997...pg 3

Christians decline...pg 9

Reverend Cecil Weekes...pg 5

Regional ferry...pg 10

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Friday, June 26, 2015

St Kitts Disability Associations visit Montserrat

by Cathy buffonge Two special visitors from St Kitts recently blessed Montserrat with their presence at the invitation of the Montserrat Association of Persons with Disabilities (MAPD).

They were Mr. Anthony Mills, President of the St Kitts Nevis Association for Persons with Disabilities and Mr. Rockliffe Bowen, President of the St Kitts Society for the Blind.

Both of these associations have been in existence for over thirty years.

They came through at the invitation of President Mr. Joseph ‘King’ Kirwan to coincide and highlight the Annual General Meeting of MAPD. In addition they took part in radio programmes, met with the Minister of Health the Honorable Mrs. Delmaude Ryan and other top officials and socialized with MAPD members.

In his feature address Mr. Mills, who is in a wheelchair, stressed that people with disabilities are willing and able to be treated like anyone else, hold jobs and make their contribution to society. He explained that the first business venture of the St Kitts Association was a jewelry making business, which was successful. He himself has a job in an electrical company.

Mr. Bowen, who is blind, revealed that his wife is also blind but between them they lead an active and useful life, and encouraged the community to treat blind people with the respect they deserve. He was one of a family of ten, and has been blind since he was eleven years old, but his mother was determined that he should be treated the same as the other children in the family.

Mr. “King” Kirwan emphasized the slogan ‘Nothing about us without us’, which illustrates that things should not be done ‘for’ persons with disabilities unless they themselves are involved, as they know their needs best.

They should be involved in every project or plan for their benefit, In addition the speakers stressed that national plans

Mr. Anthony Mills, President of the St Kitts Nevis Association for Persons with Disabilities

Mr. Rockliffe Bowen, President of the St Kitts Society for the Blind

should always include provision for persons with disabilities, for example building plans should include accessibility, so that those in wheelchairs or otherwise disabled can enter the building. They should be part of the process, not a ‘separate or different’ issue.

Hon Minster of Health Delmaude Ryan in her review took on the expectations of the speakers and was enthusiastic about involving them in ongoing and new projects.

She spoke about the need for a special bus that would make it easier for people with disabilities to get on and off.

Mr. Kirwan was reelected as President of the Montserrat Association, with Thomas O’Garro as Vice President. The Association is based at the Lookout Community Centre, where they hold their meetings. The visit from the two St Kitts Associations was a tremendous boost and encouragement to the local Association.

Friday, June 26, 2015

As we remember June 25, 1997 Paul Cole Photo of the June 25 1997 eruption. (MVO Photo)

I had made a conscious effort this year not to forget that fateful day or to revive it into the memories of Montserrat.

A Jus Wonderin from September last year even after nothing was said or done in June, said: “Jus wonderin if HMG dispenses aid based on the risk-of-embarrassment model, only rushing to partially fulfil the least-costly one from amongst their raft of strategically delayed promises when faced with shame, like when the 19 people died on June 25, 1997.

There was a rush, but not to answer the calls following the inquiry into the cause and reasons for the deaths. I now point finger at our GoM and especially our premier the hon. Donaldson Romeo, who has more firsthand information as to what I speak about the reasons occasioning the deaths of these people, the evidence taken at the enquiry notwithstanding.

I had hoped ever since that one day I would be in a position to lead through some local attorney some redress and/or compensation for these deaths. Well, now Mr. Premier the ball is in your court. Nice words…

Jeevan Robinson wrote on the observance of the day, yesterday at MNIAlive.com: “After today is done, and these 20 years have been observed, Montserrat will continue on. The lives

of those 19 lost along the flanks of the Soufriere Hills Volcano will be remembered for even a 100 years on from today, for their sacrifice is Montserrat’s sacrifice.

A sacrifice of resilience and hope.

It is within the island’s remit to not only remember those lost lives just for one day, and then tomorrow relegate them back to collateral loss to be expected from nature’s fury.”

I repeat: So people died, and later even to this day there are the unpleasant reasons why that happened.

But while HMG did not quite accept the verdict following the Inquiry which was presided over by Magistrate Rhys Burris, local government is yet to pursue some form of compensation for the survivors of these people. The deceased were where they were that day for varying reasons, some of them especially those in the Farrells vicinity, not hearing cautions that day of the risks.

Following the Inquest hearing: While the jurors found all 19 deaths were “caused by the natural catastrophe,” they pointed the finger of responsibility at both Her Majesty’s Government and the Government of Montserrat in at least

some of them.

On that day following a dome collapse of the crater at the Soufriere Hills Volcano. in 25 minutes, a series of devastating flows swept the northern flanks of the volcano, down Mosquito Ghaut and followed the Paradise River almost to the sea. The flows and associated surge clouds damaged or destroyed between 100 to 150 houses, sweeping over the villages of Farrells, Windy Hill, Streatham, Dyers, Harris, Bethel, Bramble, Trants, Farms and Spanish Point being severely affected.

On Thursday June 25, 2015, last week at 12:55 p.m., the hour of the explosion and pyroclastic flows as shown in the photo here, the church bells on island rang 20 times, 19 times for each person who died and once for unknown persons who may have died. I did not hear these bells as this newspaper would have had to listen to the radio to get the information of these plans.

The public was asked to observe a moment of silence for those who were lost that day and ZJB Radio Montserrat was to carry an observance ceremony.

Needed Consumer Association to be revived

By Nerissa Golden BRADES - Efforts are being made to revive the Montserrat Consumer Association to lead on advocating for the needs of consumers here.

CARICOM is presently conducting a Needs Assessment of all territories ahead of an EU-funded project to supply equipment and support to consumer agencies.

Derk Bienen, of BKP Development Research & Consulting GmbH visited Montserrat on Thursday. June 18. 2015 to meet with officials in the Ministry of Trade as well as former members of the defunct consumer association, which was set up in 2003.

Beinen has been asked to do a firsthand assessment of all NGOs and agencies

which handle consumer affairs. He also sought answers on price control policies and the level of market transparency.

He revealed that there are many CARICOM nations who do not have active consumer associations, stating that the preferred option is a non-governmental cont’d. on page 11

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We Still Here

by DiscoverMNITeam Written by Nerissa Golden (c) 2015.

20 years Since volcano start blow June 25, 1997 18 years 19 lives gone In a pyroclastic flow We still here.

Thousands leave To make new dreams Start families Reconnect with loved ones We still here.

Neighbours come They help They build They stay We still here.

Masquerade dance Government change Promises not kept Britain gives Britain takes away We still here.

Way d cash from d ash?

How day goin’ find us Off d grid?

We lose hope.

We make love.

We fight.

We break up.

You leave.

We still here.

We plant.

We reap.

We eat Mangoes Breadfruit Guava We still here.

Waiting Hoping Longing For a hero To rescue us From resilience Our lack of courage To change To demand To expect To dream We still here.

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Friday, June 26, 2015

Letters/Opinion

There was a time when The highlight began here people were upset and said it Posted on 03 May 2013.

The Montserrat procurement issues had already begun. In fact there were matters in the High Court already surrounding the mal practices surrounding procurement.

The following come from excerts when we reported: “The Premier misfires on procurement”.

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 way procurement was conducted.

He then said: “Basically, 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 suggested that there were procurement and tendering issues at Little Bay involving the MDC and new works being carried out there. He responded: “No, in the case of Little Bay, that is direct labour; it’s not a tender process. It’s 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.”

Following a further 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.”

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 the “appropriate authority” is and said that it was his Ministry, the Premier became obviously annoyed and responded, “Well, you see sometimes we love to identify politicians and you identify 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 in less than half hour, ended abruptly with Premier advising he had another engagement, leaving many follow-up questions yet to be heard.

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

Al Sears, MD

EDITORIAL

Dear Reader, Green tea has become the beverage of choice for people who want to live a long, healthy life. And the latest studies prove its power to fight cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and a host of other ills.

But as usual, Big Food has jumped on the bandwagon to make money by hawking poor-quality tea in pretty bottles.

In their relentless drive for profit, drink makers have churned out dozens of brands of bottled green tea with the aim of cashing in on the beverage’s reputed healing power.

The trouble is that almost all of these teas are a waste of good water – because Big Food’s processing has stripped away the most powerful antioxidant in green tea.

Green tea has a centuries-old reputation for healing the mind and body.

Its powers come from antioxidants called catechins.

And the most potent catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG for short.

Researchers at Penn State University recently used an extract of EGCG to kill oral cancer cells. And they discovered the antioxidant caused the cancer cells to self-destruct – and it even protects healthy cells while

doing it.1 And researchers at the University of Missouri tested EGCG in mice and found that the antioxidant significantly reversed the brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s.2 Studies over the past decade have also documented EGCG’s power against obesity,3 diabetes,4 cardiovascular disease5,6 and Parkinson’s disease.7,8 Despite numerous studies showing EGCG’s potency as a healer, the FDA has condemned its inclusion in a number of products. And Big Pharma has ignored it, because it’s a natural substance and can’t be patented.

Meanwhile, studies have also shown that as a scavenger of free radicals, EGCG can prevent and repair cell damage. It also combats the effects of pollution, sunlight and smoking on skin.

But when you buy green tea in a bottle, you will most likely end up sipping overpriced, caffeine-laced, sugar water with barely any of the brew or its antioxidants.

A report by ConsumerLab.com, the independent

tester which verifies the quality of many of my own products, recently revealed the truth about four brandname, bottled green teas.9,10 Only one brand, Harney & Sons Organic Green, delivered 46.8 mg of EGCG, which is close to my recommended dosage. In the three other brands, EGCG measured significantly lower – and one, Diet Snapple Green Tea, came in as low as 3.5 mg. The home-brewed teas that were tested ranged up to 86 mg., although some were as low as 25 mg.

I recommend you get 50 mg. of EGCG a day. But you should get the antioxidant from supplements rather than tea. You can find these supplements online or at your local health food store.

I say this for two reasons. One, it’s hard to know if your tea will deliver enough of the antioxidant.

Two, many green tea leaves have been contaminated with lead. The most contaminated leaves come from China. The least contaminated come from Japan.

If you do brew your own tea, then use a tea bag or tea leaves and a strainer to reduce the chances of lead leeching into your drink.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD, CNS

Our Scripture Verse Today Thinking Backwards We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) Many years ago, I worked for a photographer. One of my jobs was to prepare the negatives for the process of developing the photographs. What is dark in the negatives is actually light on the true photo; what is light on the negative is, in reality, dark. So I became accustomed to thinking “backwards” to evaluate the negatives.

In the part of the world where I live, we have another kind of backwards thinking: possessions are too highly

valued. Many people feel they must have new cars, the latest phones, the biggest televisions, and the best homes — whether or not they can afford them. We so often trade our eternal possessions for these fleeting luxuries.

May God forgive us and teach us to use earthly possessions only as a means of glorifying God — providing hospitality to others, providing for others’ needs, and acting with compassion when we have opportunities. May God train us to reverse our thinking as we remember that “what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Teri Moffitt (Arkansas, USA)

Friday, June 26, 2015

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Rev. Cecil Weekes, Methodist dies and buried in Anguilla O n t h e s a m e d a y, Wednesday, June 10, 2015, that Fr. Larry Finnegan was memorialized in a Mass in Montserrat another former pastor born in Montserrat, Reverend Cecil Weekes, a Minister of the Methodist Church was laid to rest at the Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery in Anguilla, following a Service of Thanksgiving, held 11.00 a.m. at the Church in South Hill.

Reverend Cecil Osmond Anderson Weekes died at 84 years old born on May 15, 2015. Born November 27, 1930. He was born on Montserrat but grew up in Anguilla, attended the St. Wood Theological College in Jamaica in 1954, graduated in 1958 and was stationed in Nevis.

Reverend weeks of whom it was said, was a son, a husband, a father, a brother, a leader, a friend, a confidant, but first and foremost he was a minister, a man of God, was, ordained in October 1960 in Antigua and was appointed superintendent of the Nevis Circuit 1961. He had a long ministry in the Jamaica where he served as superintendent in several circuits from 1963 to 1981. In1981 he returned to the Leeward Island district and served as Superintendent in Montserrat until 1988 after which he was elected Chairman of the Methodist Church in Guyana for four years. He served as superintendent of the south Trinidad circuit from 1992 to 1994, St. Kitts Circuit from 1994 to 1995 and the Antigua Circuit from 1995 to 1996.

Married twice losing his first wife after his second son was born, and then to Leontine Thompson in Jamaica, who were both blessed with a daughter Carolyn who lives in Montserrat.

Reverend weeks retired in August 1996 but in September that year accepted an invitation from the British Virgin Island Circuit it serve as an active Super Numerary Minister, in 1998 he returned to active Ministry and was appointed to Superintendent of the BVI Circuit. In August 2000 having completed 48 years of active Ministry he retired in Anguilla with his wife who later took up employment at the National

Bank Anguilla.

For the late Reverend Cecil Weekes his retirement at Forest in Anguilla was both spiritual and mental, he had come from a background of much demanding stress and commitment, in a Ministry where he …with compassion and sacrificial service, the burdens of the people in the Caribbean re-

gion to whom he long ministered, yet for him it was a great privilege having served in a job that brought much satisfaction to him after which in his own words he undertook to come apart and rest a while, yet despite his retirement he remained a willing servant as s spiritual leader in the Methodist Church.

The officiating ministers at his Thanksgiving service were: Rev. Otto O. Wade, Connexional President, Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, Rev. Franklyn E. Manners, President, Leeward Islands District Conference, MCCA, Rev. Dr. Delsol Meade, Secretary of Conference, Leeward Islands Distrit, MCCA, Rev. Dr. Wycherley V. Gumbs, Superintendent Minister, Anguilla circuit and Rev. Joseph R. Lloyd, Supernumerary Minister, Anguilla Circuit.

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Friday, June 26, 2015

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Friday, June 26, 2015

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Pressure mounts on government to stop payment to CLICO former directors

Montserrat interests and individuals continue to ask questions as to the standing of their monies Trinidad, CMC – The main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has called on the government to prevent the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) from paying nearly TT$50 million (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) to the former directors of the cashstrapped Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO).

Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley said payment to the former directors would “facilitate and encourage the wrongdoing” that almost caused the collapse of this country’s economy.

CBTT Governor Jwala Rambarran said he would “not be commenting on the dealings between an insurance company and its customer”.

President of the CLICO Policyholder’s Group, Peter Permell, has also raised objections to plans to pay TT$48.5 million to 10 former directors and their companies.

Permell, responding to media reports that CLICO had allocated the funds to pay the former directors and their CBTT Governor Jwala Rambarran

companies, said the minority shareholder group is “not only flabbergasted, we are appalled as this has to be the height of insanity.

“For it begs the question: how in good Heaven’s name could anyone, in their right mind, particularly the Central Bank Governor and the Minister of Finance, allow 10 individuals, comprising former CLICO directors and senior management along [with] their private companies, to be paid any money, let alone $48.5 million ahead of the 15,000 bona fide ‘assenting’ third-party policyholders who were promised but are yet to be made whole?” he added.

The Sunday Express newspaper reported that the money will be paid without interest from 2009. The newspaper said that the only director who will not be paid will be CL Financial (CLF) corporate secretary Gita Sakal because the Central Bank has instructed CLICO to withhold payment because of an ongoing civil matter.

Rowley has described the proposed payment as “improper.

“I have noticed that it has been put in the media, apparently from the Central Bank with the authority of the Government, that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago either is taking or has taken steps to have CLICO directors paid sums of money with respect to CLICO’s liability to these directors,” Rowley said.

“I want to go on record as saying that when the CLICO collapse took place, the saving of that company and its holding company was done by taxpayers’ money through the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. Since then the Parliament has had virtually no involvement in the management of the affairs of this portfolio and this Government has made a career of misleading the public on this matter.

“A few weeks ago we were told that one of the government’s achievements was the settling of the CLICO matter...we will come to that in the election campaign when we have more time to discuss that,” he said.

Rowley said the announcement of the payment to the CLICO directors while taxpayers’ are “still exposed” was unexpected.

“What we did not expect is that part of this settlement of the CLICO matter was the payment of monies to the directors of CLICO while taxpayers’ monies are still exposed at CLICO,” Rowley said, adding “that being so, it is the position of the PNM, the country’s opposition, that it is improper, it is unwarranted, it is unexpected that the government of Trinidad and Tobago will make payments to CLICO directors who are persons, many of whom up to this day have not answered for their involvement in the collapse...that this Government on its way out of office will seek to make payments to CLICO directors while taxpayers’ monies are exposed.”

President of the CLICO Policyholder’s Group, Peter Permell

T&T Opposition Leader, Dr. Keith Rowley

The former directors of the company had opted to pay a TT$2,000 fine instead of testifying before Sir Anthony Colman’s commission of enquiry into CLICO. Meanwhile, Rambarran said that six years after the collapse of CLICO, the company’s creditors and policy holders will finally have relief from their “traumatic experience”.

He said CLICO had made its first payment of just over four billion TT dollars to its single largest creditor—the Trinidad and Tobago Government—and is currently processing around TT$950 million to some 1,500 policy holders who have endured “unimaginable hurt and pain”.

He said both creditors are receiving an equal 85 per cent payout in the first distribution, while the remaining 15 per cent will be paid in two subsequent distributions, pending the sale of certain CLICO assets.

The CBTT governor said that during this year government stands to receive some TT$10 billion from CLICO which can be used to reduce public debt, over half of which was incurred due to the CLICO bailout.

Governor’s last words cont’d. from page 1 Constitution to be installed. “Your name will also be associated with the establishment of the Commissions required by the Montserrat Constitution Order 2010…resulting from your integration in our community and through your networking and consultation, you were able to agree on outstanding persons for appointment to serve on the various commissions.”

THE DG noted that, e.g., two members of the Complaints Commission reside overseas, “but through the use of technology, the chairman and his members were able to pursue their mandate regularly and with effectiveness.”

He praised the Governor for his passion seeing for seeing through the passage of the Public Administration Bill debated and approved by the Legislative Assembly, but he commented, “the regulations are still in the developmental stages.”

The Dep Gov thanked Governor Davis for his contribution as head of the Montserrat public service. “We will endeavour to build on the legacy you are leaving behind.

We will continue to drive to build a service-oriented culture through training and capacity building,” Taylor told the Governor as he challenged the public servants, that they must, “lead by example and place great emphasis on delivering high-quality customer service.“ “We will continue to promote continuous learning and seek to better align the performance development agreements with the annual training needs, creating efficient, effective links that will deliver value for money,” he said.

He thanked the Governor and his very popular wife

Sujue. “We see your departure from our shores, not as an end to your association with Montserrat but rather as a new beginning for you to serve as a goodwill ambassador for us,” thanking them both, “for your commitment to Montserrat as evident by your full integration (especially the outstanding Sujue) into the life and community of our people.”

“We wish you every success in all of your future endeavours,” Taylor ended.

The Governor in response and bidding his own farewell, thanked the deputy Governor for his kind remarks as he went on to basically speak to the relationship between Her Majesty’s Government, and DFID with the GoM. The Governor noted that while DFID provides 60% of recurrent budget, and all of the capital budget, (about $120 million plus per year) funds will always be tight. He said that in current economic circumstances, the potential to limit expenditure, when the vast proportion comprises wages and essential maintenance is limited; the same is largely true of revenue raising potential “although I think more could be done to pursue those people who have arrears of taxes,“ he observed.

Noting: “A population of 5,000 means that Montserrat suffers acute diseconomies of scale. An economically active population of 9,000 as set out in the Sustainable Development Plan.”

He spoke to and observed, “There has recently been much talk in the press and on social media about DFID “moving the goalposts”. He said the UK is very proud cont’d. on page 12

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Friday, June 26, 2015

Health problems linked to excessive caffeine consumption Caffeine is found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks and soda, among other foods and drinks.

LONDON, England, – Consuming too much caffeine on a regular basis may be damaging to your health, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Elevated blood pressure, heart problems, insomnia and panic attacks are among the health issues linked to excess caffeine consumption.

According to the EFSA, many people were exceeding the safe limit because they were unaware of all the different sources of caffeine.

Coffee; tea; energy drinks; soft drinks, especially cola, and chocolate are all popular sources of the drug, which is often used as a stimulant to help us get through the day while remaining alert.

The EFSA was tasked with assessing all the evidence to determine safe consumption levels and

found that 400mg a day, in healthy adults, has no ill health consequences.

This tied in with guidelines in many countries, but the EFSA warned that many people are still consuming too much.

Around 33 per cent of Danes, 17 per cent of people living in the Netherlands and 14 per cent in Germany consume more than the 400mg safe limit.

Safe limits for pregnant women and children are much lower, moreover.

The limit is 200mg a day in pregnant women due to the impact on the growing foetus.

And while the report acknowledged that there was a limited amount of data on safe levels for children, the EFSA recommended 3mg per day for every kilogram the child weighs.

The main health issues linked to exceeding the safe daily limit for caffeine were: elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, tremors, nervousness, panic attacks and insomnia.

Approximate caffeine content of commonly consumed items: Cup of filtered coffee – 90mg Standard energy drink – 80mg Espresso – 80mg Cup of tea – 50mg Can of cola – 40mg Bar of dark chocolate – 25mg Bar of milk chocolate – 10mg

ECCB releases jingle as part of withdrawal of coins commumication campaign

As planned and promised, the East Caribbean Central Bank has produced and released a Jingle as part of its Withdrawal of Coins communication campaign.

The Campaign Theme is “Fewer Cents Make More Sense�

The message for the withdrawal of the EC onecent and two-cent coins from

circulation is creatively captured in a jingle composed and sung by veteran calypsonian and soca artiste Fantastic Tunda of St Kitts and Nevis.

The jingle, which samples the tune from his 2013 hit: ‘Roun Up’, informs the public about the withdrawal process and the rounding rules applicable to cash transactions.

Effective 1 July, the ECCB will no longer issue the one and two-cent coins to commercial bank in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. As such, the banks will cease to issue the coins to consumers during transactions at any of their branches and businesses should not give the coins as change.

The ECCB meantimeis reminding the public that the coins can still be used to purchase goods and services as they remain legal tender up to 30 June 2020. The coins can also be deposited or exchanged for face value at any of the commercial banks within the ECCU during the five- year period ending 30 June 2020.

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Friday, June 26, 2015

Christians decline The number of Americans who identify as Christian has fallen nearly eight percentage points in only seven years, according to a new survey.

Pew Research Center found that 71% of Americans identified as Christian in 2014 - down from

78% in 2007.

In the same period, Americans identifying as having no religion grew from 16% to 23%.

Fifty-six million Americans do not observe any religion, the second largest community after Evangelicals.

The United States still remains home to more Christians than any other nation, with roughly seven-in-ten continuing to identify with some branch of Christianity.

In 2007 and then again in 2014, Pew conducted the

“Religious Landscape Study”, interviewing 35,000 people each time.

Pew researchers say the losses they discovered were driven mainly by a decrease among liberal Protestants and Catholics and occurred in all regions of the US and among all ages and demographics.

About 5 million less Americans now identify as Christian compared to when the study was conducted in 2007.

In the South, those notaffiliated with religion - or as the researchers call them, “nones” - rose to 19% of the population, while in the Northeast they climbed to 25%.

In the West “nones” are a larger group than any religion, making up 28% of the public.

Greg Smith, Pew’s associate

Page g 9

research director, said the findings “point to substantive changes” among the religiously unaffiliated, not just a shift in how people describe themselves.

Non-religious Americans have become increasingly organised since 2007, forming political groups designed to keep religion out of public life.

Kelly Damerow with the Secular Coalition for America tells BBC News that the Pew findings “lend credence to the growth we’ve witnessed within

our community and that we have the potential to hold a lot of political clout”.

Christians in the US

Americans who identify as Christian: 70.6% Protestant faiths: 46.5% Evangelical: 25.4% Catholic: 20.8% Mainline or liberal: 14.7% Mormon: 1.6% Jehovah’s Witness: 0.8% Identify as Other Christians: 0.4% Source: Pew Research Center

VACANCY NOTICE MONTSERRAT UTILITIES LIMITED, an electric and water company, is seeking to recruit a dynamic, results-oriented Financial Controller to join its management team.

Requirements: The successful candidate will be responsible for providing leadership and coordination of company financial planning, debt financing, and budget management functions and ensuring that company accounting procedures conform to international financial reporting standards; in addition to managing the operation of the finance department and its associated functions and supporting the Managing Director and assisting in business processes to ensure the smooth operation of the financial operations and to liaise closely with other stakeholders.

Candidates should possess: • A Masters Degree in Finance or Accounting • Five (5) to ten (10) years of experience at a senior-level finance or accounting position • A professional accounting designation would be an asset.

The successful candidate should have: • Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control principles including international financial reporting standards.

• Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems.

• Knowledge of the financial regulations, including income tax and social security.

• The ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and projections.

• Demonstrable knowledge of short and long term budgeting and forecasting, rolling budgets, and product-line profitability analysis.

A detailed job description can be viewed on website www.gov.ms Compensation and Benefits: Compensation and terms for this position is as follows; Term of Engagement: 2 years Basic Salary: EC $91,428 per annum Travel Allowance: EC $9,600 Telephone Allowance: EC $1,200 per annum Housing Allowance: EC $30,000 per annum Contract gratuity of 12.5% payable on satisfactory performance of term of employment.

Market Premium to be offered commensurate with qualifications and experience Salary and Allowances are all subject to income tax as applicable in accordance with the laws of Montserrat.

Written applications together with current curriculum vitae should be submitted to the address below by 17th July 2015.

The Managing Director Montserrat Utilities Limited P O Box 16 St John’s, MSR 1110 MONTSERRAT OR: via e-mail to: jobs@mul.ms

Caribbean officials are bracing for a bone-dry summer, as the worst drought in five years sweeps through the region While in Montserrat sprinkling showers wet the grass for more than brief moments and mostly on the southern part of the habited Montserrat, the drought is withering crops, drying reservoirs and killing cattle from Puerto Rico to St. Lucia, and officials are worried the situation is only going to get worse.

A quieter than nor-

mal hurricane season due to El Nino, warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, was forecasted, which means shorter periods of rains.

With less rain, Puerto Rico’s Carraizo and La Plata reservoirs, as well as Naranjito’s La Plata river will struggle to refill. Puerto Rican officials expected a tropical disturbance, which hit the region Monday, to fix the situation, but their hopes

were quickly dashed.

As a report report says, “The Caribbean’s last severe drought was in 2010.

The current one could grow worse if the hurricane season ending in November produces scant rainfall and the region enters the dry season with parched reservoirs, said Cedric Van Meerbeeck, a climatologist with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology.

Report from Montserrat says water levels remain high, while others in the Caribbean report: “We might have serious water shortages ... for irrigation of crops, firefighting, domestic consumption or consumption by the hotel sector,” Cedric Van Meerbeeck said.

The report goes on to say that the Caribbean isn’t the only area in the Western Hemisphere dealing with

extreme water shortages.

Brazil has been struggling with its own severe drought that has drained reservoirs serving the metropolis of Sao Paulo.

In the Caribbean, the farm sector has lost more than $1 million in crops as well as tens of thousands of dollars in livestock, said Norman Gibson, scientific officer at the Trinidad-based Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute.

On St. Lucia, which has been especially hard hit, farmers say crops, including coconuts, cashews and oranges, are withering.

“The outlook is very, very bad,” said Anthony Herman, who oversees a local farm cooperative. “The trees are dying, the plants are dying ... It’s stripping the very life of rivers.”

Page 10

Friday, June 26, 2015

Central Bank launches third tranche of Savings Bonds BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) Tuesday said it would launch its third tranche of savings bonds on Wednesday after the first two totaling BDS$20 million (One BDS dollar = US$0.50 cents) had been sold out within days of being issued.

The CBB said that the new tranche would have a nominal value of BDS$25 million and is the third series issued since it re-launched its savings bonds programme two weeks ago.

“We’ve increased the size of the tranche to ensure that everyone who is interested in investing in savings bonds is able to get them,” said Linel Franklin, Senior Operations Officer at the Central Bank.

“We have gotten many calls from people who want bonds but haven’t been able to get them. We don’t want them to be turned away again.”

Franklin confirmed that the pricing and rate will remain the same for the new series.

The East Caribbean Central Bank is announcing “the establishment of a Credit Bureau in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU)”, moving closer to reality as the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) collaborate to finalise the draft Harmonised Credit Reporting Bill and Regulations.

According to the IFC’s Credit Bureau Knowledge Guide (2006), “a credit bureau is an institution that collects information from

the ECCU will therefore improve citizens’ access to loans from financial institutions and will help to reduce the cost of borrowing.”

The ECCB is receiving technical assistance and advisory services from the IFC, with financing from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, for the ECCU Credit Bureau Project. The objective of the project is for the IFC and the ECCB to collaborate on the establishment of the regulatory and supervisory framework to support

“The savings bonds going on sale tomorrow will still cost BDS$76.24 per BDS$100, which represents a yield to maturity of 5.5 per cent. People can still purchase from BDS$50 to BDS$100,000.”

She also revealed that Barbadians who bought bonds from previous series are eligible to invest in this new tranche.

“If you’ve already bought savings bonds from series 75 or 76, even if you purchased the maximum, you can still buy from this one.”

ECCB and International Finance Corporation advance efforts to establish ECCU Credit Bureau creditors and available public sources on a borrower’s credit history. The bureau compiles information on individuals and/or small firms, such as information on credit repayment records, court judgments, and bankruptcies, and then creates a comprehensive credit report that is sold to creditors.”

Credit bureaus are crucial building blocks that enable greater access to financing for both individuals and small businesses.

The Central Bank says, “A credit bureau in

Montserrat travel - ferry or airplane, or both

World Bank proposing regional ferry service as a solution to intra-regional travel Under the above caption we posted on our (TMR) Facebook page with the note: “For travel? For freight! Islands, drop the airline and travel tax, more people travel, integration and tourism will flourish.”

Since 2012, the Reuben T. Meade government of Montserrat (GoM) opted to pursue Ferry travel as the main mode of travel into Montserrat, ignoring pursuance of the development of an airport. Her Majesty’s

Government (through DFID (Department for International Development) accepted and meanwhile we wait for updated information on the acquisition of a ‘purpose built ferry’ for Montserrat.

See more on this in other articles.

Written by Andre Huie St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): How does the Caribbean resolve issues of intraregional trade when the cost to ship items is expensive and intra-regional travel

remains a challenge? That was the question posed to World Bank officials during a press conference at the recently concluded Caribbean Growth Forum in St. Lucia. Daniel Lederman, the World Bank’s Deputy Chief Economist Latin America and the Caribbean said the World Bank is focusing more on coming up with solutions to the problems plaguing intra-regional travel. Mr. Lederman said that the sugcont’d. on page 11

an advanced credit reporting system in the ECCU. Further information on the matter informs that once the draft legislation is ap-

proved, the next step in the process of the establishment of a credit bureau in the region is the issuance of a Request for Proposal to al-

low potential credit bureau operators to submit bids indicating their interest in operating a regional credit bureau.

Joke Cor ner LATE NIGHT LECTURE

On New Year’s Eve, Daniel was in no shape to drive, so he sensibly left his van in the car park and walked home. As he was wobbling along, he was stopped by a policeman. ‘What are you doing out here at four o’clock in the morning?’ asked the police officer.

‘I’m on my way to a lecture,’ answered Daniel.

‘And who on earth, in their right mind, is going to give a lecture at this time on New Year’s Eve?’ enquired the constable sarcastically.

‘My wife,’ slurred Daniel grimly.

SEND TO A FRIEND Man goes to a dentist A man went to his dentist because he feels something wrong in his mouth. The dentist examines him and says, “that new upper plate I put in for you six months ago is eroding. What have you been eating?”

The man replies, “all I can think of is that about four months ago my wife made some asparagus and put some stuff on it that was delicious...Hollandaise sauce.

I loved it so much I now put it on everything --- meat, toast, fish, vegetables, everything.”

“Well,” says the dentist, “that’s probably the problem. Hollandaise sauce is made with lots of lemon juice, which is highly corrosive. It’s eaten away your upper plate. I’ll make you a new plate, and this time use chrome.” “Why chrome?” asks the patient.

To which the dentist replies, “It’s simple. Everyone knows that there’s no plate like chrome for the Hollandaise!”

Secret For Staying Together A couple had been married for 45 years and had raised a brood of 11 children and were blessed with 22 grandchildren.

When asked the secret for staying together all that time, the wife replies, “Many years ago we made a promise to each other: the first one to pack up and leave has to take all the kids.”

ROAST BEEF AND PEA SOUP What’s the difference between roast beef and pea soup?

Anyone can roast beef.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Page g 11

Increase use of marijuana among school children in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – A survey has found there has been “a clear increase” in marijuana use among school children but that more than of the secondary students have not used illegal drugs or smoked cigarettes.

The survey showed that recent trends indicate that more children are using marijuana now than they did in 2006, and alcohol continues to be the most frequently used substance.

The third Secondary Schools Survey conducted by the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), was done in 2013 on children between the ages of 11 and 17 in 15 public secondary schools and three private secondary schools across the island.

The survey received technical and financial assistance from the Inter-American Commission on Drug Abuse (CI-

CAD) of the Organisation of American States.

NCSA research assistant, Laura Foster, said results of the survey showed that 62.6 per cent of students never used illegal drugs, while 81.9 per cent never smoked cigarettes.

Furthermore, 61.2 per cent of students said they would not use illegal drugs if given the opportunity, while 20.3 per cent said they would. At least 18.5 per cent of students said they were uncertain.

In contrast however, studies indicated that there was a “clear increase” in marijuana use accounting for a four to five per cent rise.

The figures show that in 2006, 17.7 per cent of those surveyed indicated that they had used marijuana; compared with a 22 per cent average in 2013.

Noting that more needed to be done to address the island’s drug problem, Foster said that students indicated that marijuana was the easiest drug to obtain, while the majority said they did not know how to obtain other drugs such as cocaine, crack and ecstasy.

Only 26.3 per cent of those surveyed said that they did not know how to obtain marijuana.

The main source of marijuana was friends, followed by other unidentified sources, street pushers, relatives, parents and siblings. Marijuana is commonly smoked by students at social events, at home, on the block, and at a friend’s house.

However, 5.6 per cent of students smoke it at school, while 3.6 per cent do so at sporting events.

NCSA, acting manager Betty Hunte said the survey helps the organisation to gain necessary information needed

to craft appropriate and proactive responses to the challenge of drug abuse on the island.

“It is important to have continuous data gathering exercises such as this, not only to be able to assess the perceived risk of harm from drug involvement, but also in addressing public health issues arising out of adolescent substance abuse disorders,” she said.

Hunte said it was important for all to take responsibility and ensure that the system worked to prevent or delay the onset of substance use.

Acting Manager of the NCSA, Betty Hunte.(Photo compliments ncsa.org.

Ferry travel around the Caribbean cont’d. from page 10

gestion of a regional ferry to carry passengers and cargo, though an expensive venture requires the leadership in the Caribbean for this to become a reality.

The World Bank said that given their small market size, trade is essential for Caribbean countries’ development and poverty reduction.

But while trade makes an essential contribution to increasing employment and reducing poverty by supporting growth, the high dependence on trade also makes Caribbean economies vulnerable is the global financial crisis to external shocks.

A good example of this which imposed substantial job losses in sectors such as tourism that the poor rely on for employment.

Meanwhile, the World Bank officials were asked about trade imbalances within the region and how these issues

REGIONAL JUDICIAL AND LEGAL SERVICES COMMISSION

VACANCIES

CARICOM Competition Commission The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission invites applications for the position of Network Administrator at the Caribbean Court of Justice. Further information about this position can be accessed via the Careers page at www.caribbeancourtoϐjustice.org Deadline for receipt of Applications is Friday 10th July 2015

can be addressed. In recent times, there have been complaints from some CARICOM member states that the trade imbalances with some of its regional partners are threatening attempts at intraregional trade. Mr. Lederman spoke to this issue.

New Association cont’d. from page 3 body rather than have the government police itself.

Local Focal Point Albrun Semper said that in order for Montserrat to benefit from the support which is available under the project, the association would need to be revived. He added that the Ministry of Trade is

looking at space where the association can have an office, which is a key factor in the delivery of the service as well as accessing available assistance from CARICOM. The Consultancy to Strengthen the CSME Regulatory and Market Regimes is funded under the 10th EDF.

Page 12

Friday, June 26, 2015

www.themontserratreporter.com

Governor to Public Servants cont’d. from page 7 that it spends 0.7% of its national income on international aid. This means, he said, that DFID’s budget has increased from £7 to £12 billion over the last five years – this at a time when other departments have suffered significant budget cuts.

“But the quid pro quo for the budget increase is that DFID are under intense public and parliamentary scrutiny,” and they are under Ministerial instruction that they can only spend if they are absolutely sure money is being spent for purposes intended. “There is zero tolerance of fraud and corruption. So to that extent they have indeed moved the goalposts,” the Governor declared. Our question will DFID admit the same.

The Governor spoke to Public sector reform which has been going on for more years than we can remember, but which he says, has to proceed within an overall vision i.e. greater financial independence for Montserrat. So, he said, the public sector needs to do anything possible to enable the private sector to flourish and to provide a welcoming environment for foreign investment.

With all of this the Governor said and lamented how he wished he had a magic wand. He noted that public servants did not like to share information. “It was crucial that we share information with each other, that we were part of one operation that we saw ourselves as teams… with such a small community and we all know one another and we work and live very close to one another but we seem to be reluctant to share

information. “…So let’s work in teams, let’s share information. I’d like to see more communication by talking to one another … I’ve seen endless streams of emails.

I’d like much less…red tape and less protocol and more flexibility,” he complained.

“The possession of knowledge should not be treated as a source of individual power.” He continued his desire. “If I had a magic wand: - Everyone would share information and work effectively in teams. Ironic and paradoxical that this situation exists in Montserrat given the explosion of information available on the internet.

- More effective performance management – and, hopefully as a consequence, better paid, more effective and smaller public service – Have to find jobs outside of the public service The Governor had more to say speaking about the needs to be improve Strategic planning - performance management; Better financial oversight – the ability to account for funding in a transparent way; A policy framework that sets direction for programmes to follow; An explicit recognition that Government is continuous and represents the wishes of the electorate, “of which you as public servants formed a significant part,” he warned.

It stuck out when he said: “I just think we should be more relaxed. My next magicians trick would that everyone be properly trained and where they are in professional positions; would

have the appropriate professional qualifications for the job,” praising meantime, “the Performance Management System we brought in is great, it’s not perfect. It is still a bit laborious, but I think it is a great improvement.

Speaking kindly of Montserrat as a whole, he noted a very sore point of complaint among many and not a surprising observation from the Governor. “You’re all very hospitable and all very friendly, and need to be the same in your dealings in work as well as outside of work. You need to be friendly with one another; you need to help one another, he almost sighed.” Then he noted generally of Montserrat and earlier had pointed out what all visitors say. “Of course the other thing that people liked is that there is a low crime rate in Montserrat and I think that’s absolutely enviable and we must try and keep that.”

On that note he closed by speaking on behalf of himself and his wife. “My wife and I really enjoyed being in Montserrat, in spite being told on arrival that it can be very difficult being Governor, that it is a gold fish bowl…we haven’t found it intrusive…, enjoyed being part of the community, commenting on his wife’s deep involvement in the community activities. Montserrat is a good place to be…when we got to Montserrat we felt it was a good place to be.”

The Governor concluded as he spoke to the public servants, inviting, not so much questions, but comments and suggestions for his successor.

He repeated how both he and his wife thoroughly enjoyed serving on Montserrat and will miss Montserrat, com-

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin column is compiled from contributions by readers and from de community. Please send by email or letter, or by calling.

A Re-run - Jus Wonderin – June 25 in 2010 Jus wonderin if the edita no me say so who would a notice this is not current jus wondern Jus wonderin where the CM was when GIS said only 250 people could hear Radio Montserrat at any given time.

Jus wonderin who he fooling or who fool him in the diaspora to tell him they buying computer just to listen to ZJB, Jus wonderin about the shortage of expertise in Montserrat to serve on boards.

Jus wonderin why he don’t reach out to people who don’t claim MCAP subservience to serve the country.

Jus wonderin if the Government min-

isters going to diaspora don’t see that all them doing is instead of begging the outside haves they begging just de same in diaspora rather than telling them to organize to help the needy and jobseekers right where they are.

Jus wonderin really all the things he saying he discuss with the diaspora, how that really will impact the economy growth in Montserrat.

Jus wonderin who no see that all the begging people to come and serve/work in Montserrat is just not a trick to bring close family and friends to work above those who qualify to work in the job.

Deputy Governor Jim Taylor accounts for the Governor mitted to being ambassadors for Montserrat keeping it in their hearts. “Thank you for your help, thank you for your support, it’s been a privilege to work with you, it’s been a privilege to live among you and we wish you all the best for a happy, successful and prosperous future,” he concluded.

This part might have been not surprising but yet disappointing as only two senior public servants came forward. Miss Deborah Lewis from the Deputy Governor’s office told the Governor: “…I am going to miss you personally and professionally. Having worked closely with you…and yes despite protocol, ceremonial events nationality matters. I have been a beneficiary of your humour that the others have seen a little bit of today. I like your style, I enjoyed working with you, your pursuit and your drive for excellence and performance across the

service. It has encouraged me to always work to a very high standard.

“You always had an open door policy. …I had many disagreements with Her Majesties Passport Office in the UK and you’ve always supported us. So I just want to thank you for all your support and encouragement.

You have sent me return commendations and I will always treasure those, thank you.”

Miss Camille Gerald Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office: “…I just wanted to say on behalf of all Public Servants, thanks to H.E for leading the charge of the Public Service for the last four years. My advice to the new Governor is just as he said he recognized his role in being able to advise both the Montserrat Government and also the British Government in a sort of positive way, I’m anticipating that his successor would be able to understand the roles in that she would

have to play in terms of liaising with Government of Montserrat and also the British Government, spreading the truth about Montserrat.

“And also, that the successor would advance the areas as outlined. We recognize coming up in a few days we’ll have some discussions with DFID on main schematic areas and that I anticipate that the new Governor will continue to provide that support to the Government and people of Montserrat in advancing that work so that we will be able to fulfill the vision that we would have laid out in our Sustainable Development Plan.”

Governor Davis successor Miss Elizabeth Carriere is expected to take her appointment in early August.

The Premier’s office is hosting a Farewell Ceremony and cocktail on Tuesday in honour of His Excellency and Mrs. Davis at the Cultural Centre.