The Montserrat Reporter- 19 July, 2013

Friday, July 19, 2013

W H Bramble airport after it was abandoned

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Today’s Scripture

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I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. John 17:4 (NIV)

UK, DFID, Montser rat, Vol. XXVIII No. 23

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ICAI confusion?

by Bennette Roach Backgroud

In February this year, The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI),

visited Montserrat, their mission, “to review the aid that the Department for International Development (DFID) provides to Montserrat.”

They said their review of the Initially, mention was DFID aid to Montserrat, will made of five, but followlook, “particularly around ing are the six that they did some of the recent and on- review: going capital projects.”

■ Gerald’s Park air-

port (£8.8 million): a development to replace the airport. ■ Water supply development (£3.1 million across two phases): a proj-

ect to improve the capacity and reliability of water storage and distribution systems.

■ Education infrastructure

cont’d. on page 7

l-r: Davy Hill, Market, town area, Potato Hill, entire Little Bay & port

More

Headlines...

Anniversary of Sourfriere Hills volcano eruption...pg 2

Honoring Ms. Geraldine Mason...pg 4

A Poem - by Sir Howard Fergus...pg 3

Vacancy Notice - Governor’s Office...pg 6

Clean hands and a pure heart...pg 3

ICAI report findings...pg 7

Bank of Montserrat Your Bank. Your Future.

LAND LOANS Enquire about interest rates from our Loans Department (664) 491 -3843

www.bankofmontserrat.ms

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Friday, July 19, 2013

July 18, 2013 th 18 anniversary of Sourfriere Hills volcano eruption Yesterday, Thursday, July 18 is a date that Montserratians all over the world and especially those old enough to remember, the day when volcanic activity was announced. It was a Thursday night, and the next day people reported they heard the rumbling sounds in the mountains, “like a jet plane passing.” It was 18 years ago, in 1995, when Soufriere Hills volcano began erupting.

But no one, not even after months when the scientists might have convinced all that this was a volcano that had been quiet for hundreds of years had come to life, believed or thought that this would be spoken of 18 years later, as being still alive and active.

On Thursday, of those who remembered and thought about it, the wonder is, “will Montserrat ever face a disaster, like this again?”

Everyone will remember something of significance from this eruption that they will remember individually.

But it is likely that the one

event that would never be forgotten, when on June 25, 1997, pyroclastic flows, (a word that had already become well known) swept northwards from a dome collapse, resulting in the tragic deaths of 19 Montserratians.

Another five persons received serious burn injuries, from the flows and the associated surge clouds.

Montserrat has certainly not recovered from near extinction, and today it is still not known that there are those among the authorities (powers that be) who do not believe that this is still not a possibility. That thought or belief has been the hindrance of any honest and serious effort to develop the north of Montserrat into normal lives for the residents.

It certainly has been the cause of much ‘confusion’ since that belief had never been admitted until 2008, when it was revealed that the time had come to move forward. Today a report of an investigation of the major British support department,

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shows that efforts have been misguided. It decided, while, “DFID has worked closely and successfully with the Government of Montserrat to help the island make the transition from the immediate post-disaster emergency to a stable normality, albeit with significant financial support; While a range of strategic documents has been produced, DFID has not yet developed a coherent strategic view of self-sufficiency.”

But according to one report, 18 years on the MVO is reminding residents and visitors alike that even though the volcano has been quiet for more than three years now major activity can still occur at anytime without warning.

The records show that the last activity of any significance according to the MVO occurred in February 2010, where there was a dome collapse to the North East of the volcano. Montserrat Volcano Observatory, scientist Rod Stewart spoke to ZJB radio and gave his report.

OVERSEAS TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A. D. 2013 LEGAL NOTICE In the estate of JOHN ALFRED KIRNON, also known as ARTHUR KIRNON, deceased 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 with Will attached in the Estate of JOHN ALFRED KIRNON also known as ARTHUR KIRNON late of St. Peter’s, Montserrat, who died on the 6th day of April, 2000 at the Margetson Memorial Home, Glendon Hospital, St. John’s, Montserrat be granted to CHIVONE GERALD of Allen Markham & Associates, Banks, Montserrat, the Lawful Attorney of MARY KATHLEEN KIRNON and SARAH ROSALIND KIRNON the Personal Representatives of the deceased and two of the persons entitled to share in the Estate.

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

FURTHER, any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicants should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice no later than fourteen (14) days from the date of the notice.

DATED the 11th day of July 2013 Chivone Gerald ALLEN MARKHAM & ASSOCIATES

Picture of the Soufriere Hills volcano taken from Olveston

“I first came to Montserrat in 1996, and if you’d ask me then would this eruption last for 18 years, I think I would have laughed. I think any volcanologist would have laughed, because most eruptions in the Eastern Caribbean do not last for this length of time . We’re in uncharted territory. We re-

ally didn’t expect it to last 18 years but I think Montserrat is now the 4th longest eruption of its kind in sort of the history of known volcanic eruptions, so even then it’s been very difficult to compare it to data from other places.”

He continued and reported on the state of the

volcano. “The volcano is still swelling, there is still some moving upwards and even though this is the longest pause by far, it may well end in another period of lava extrusion, so we have to be watching out for that, hopefully it doesn’t happen, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it does happen.

Sagicor Life Inc. EMANUEL GALLOWAY of Sweeney’s, Montserrat, having made sworn deposition that Policy no. F00083648 issued by Sagicor Life Inc. on the life of EMANUEL GALLOWAY has been lost, and having made application to the Directors to grant a duplicate of the same, notice is hereby given that unless objection is raised within one month of the date hereof, the duplicate policy asked for will be issued.

Dated 08 July, 2013

By Order: Sandra Osborne, Corporate Secretary LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of MARY HENRIETTA J. PONTEEN, deceased NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice, an application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration in the Estate of MARY HENRIETTA J. PONTEEN who died on the 11th day of June, 2013 be granted to JOYCELYN PONTEEN, one of the persons entitled to share in the estate of the deceased.

ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this Notice.

ANY person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court not later than 14 days from the date of this Notice.

Dated this 27th day of June, 2013 BRANDT & ASSOCIATES Attorneys-at-Law

Friday, July 19, 2013

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Letters/Opinion

Lives on the Line

EDITORIAL

Clean hands and a pure heart

If you get it wrong at the beginning, there will hardly be be a right conclusion. That is an old saying heard in Montserrat often. We heard it used at a recent high court case hearing by the defense who said who referred to the old saying, “Whagan bad a-marnin, can’t come good a-evenin.” What gone bad in the morning, cannot come good in the evening.”

This was borne out in the recent ICAI report on DFID’s aid (projects) to Montserrat covering the last seven or eight years.

The ICAI investigation was announced and ‘confused’ invitation and messages were responded to by the somewhat dis-functioning Montserrat Chamber of Commerce (MCCI) to meet with the investigating team members same first name David, Sharif and Parish.

How accurate and complete can this report be, speaking only to public servants, GoM officials, FCO and DFiD officials and small business owners and their staff.The media cannot verify any of this. Our information that their visit was for some reason curtailed, and there was even a promise that someone would return. Did they? As much as there are differences of opinion and questions as to the accuracy to some of the information they reported, the question will always remain, how credible is the report?

One conscientious senior public official said that one thing that jumps out at them is the “seemingly obvious disconnect public servants and ministers, particularly in the UK, where the ministers say one thing, but the servants try hard to do something else.”

We do not know for the UK but in Montserrat, the ministers have a different story as they claim public servants do not act on directives or even policy but on perception.

What is justifiable and what is reasonable with DFID’s approach that for a great part has come in for strong criticism, good and bad, for the most part fair.

We believe we understand why these KPMG members did not meet with the media on a whole. It may well has to do with what they put in one of their recommendations that DFID and GoM need to be much more engaging with the people of Montserrat, Civil Society. We have been talking about this for some time now.

In the report might observe clues as to why Montserratians at home and abroad do not believe in the Strategic Growth Plans. They do not feel a part…and who are the beneficiaries? They were not as involved as they ought to be in the investigation. Not speaking to the media was critical to the shortcomings we find in the report.

If they had spoken to others who were interested in makingimformative presentations, the truth would have been clear and some conclusions would have been different. E.g. the airport project. DFID admitted in 2008,the mistakesthey had made. It is ridiculous to consider whether it was needed or not. Any consideration at that point to take Montserrat back in time was ridiculous and wicked and shows a terrible attitude.It is wrong to think that Montserrat needed anything less than an airport to take it forward. Not an airstrip, but the fact is at the time it was merely and emergency strip. We had warned what they were doing at the time would be a ‘black’ (the tar on the strip) elephant. Now ICAI calls it more appropriately a white elephant.

This issue however is very significant to the future of Montserrat.

Today, it is causing much discussion, rumours, and could very well be a big talking campaign point for the elections due by September, next year.

Ultimately both GoM and UK were to blame. The order for an airport came from PM Tony Blair himself. There is one area that the public servants messed up. The facts are there, the records are there. It is interesting, to now learn of DFID’s planned results. However, looking cont’d. on next column

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

Trayvon Martin has passed into the main stream of black history.

Zimmerman has made the grade cum laude into the ivory record written blood-red.

The stream flooded in a Florida palace of justice with a muddy overflow onto the streets and painful reverberations in Brixton Montgomery and Montserrat.

Trayvon is declared dead. Full stop.

We will cancel the stop, change the tenor of the song, a bar at a time change the audit of wrong. So many lives on the line.

Howard A. Fergus at the report’s “Summary of DFID’s planned and actual results by project” with regards to the airport, the whole matter is seems somehow skewed, based on misinformation or the lack of it.

The Finding that says: “The impact on beneficiaries of the projects we reviewed is mixed,” would have been more accurate or different.

One of the deliveries of the investigation was supposed to deal with the following: “Is there good governance at all levels in Montserrat, with sound financial management and adequate steps being taken to avoid corruption in the management and delivery of capital development?”

Given our most recent attention to this very matter, if there was any reference at all to this we missed it.

Indeed, while we believe we can now look forward to a change of approach, required are more sincerity and forthrightnessfrom the UK and GoM and the engagement both DFID themselves and ICAI reports. To be fair, having listened and recorded what Allan Duncan told us in 2011, doubtful if he was to be honestly briefed he would be disappointed. In all of this, while Montserrat or ICAI, any other donor, or international agency may influence outcomes, Montserrat stands inposition to be an outstanding success, an example for the UK and the region to be proud.

However, letsnote well the hymn that prays, ‘O Lord who may enter into your Sanctuary to give your praise. The man with clean hands, and a pure heart, who is not vain and knows how to love.’Taken on board, we find light and the answers to progress and success.

Our Scripture Verse Today The Work I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. - John 17:4 (NIV) Visiting Africa on a recent mission trip was an incredible experience, while at the same time very disheartening. Starvation, sickness, and general poverty abound; and the needs of the people are overwhelming.

Our team offered aid in various ways, but I despaired of making a difference.

One morning, while preparing to work in a very poor village, I read John 17:1-5. As I read JesusÊ prayer about the work he had been given to do, I was flooded with a sense of his love for the Father and his love for the world. Jesus

embraced the work he was given to do on earth, leaving its outcome in his FatherÊs hands · an outcome that turned out to be more wonderful than any of us could have imagined.

The work God has given each of us to do will be difficult at times. But we can share Jesus ChristÊs goal · to bring God glory on earth. God can and will make all the difference. To work with all our might „as though you were serving the Lord‰ (Eph. 6:7, ceb) is the way to glorify the Father. The outcome is completely in GodÊs hands, and it will be more wonderful than any of us can imagine.

Karin Hust (California, USA)

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Friday, July 19, 2013

Guides and Brownies honour Gerodine Mason

“We are gathered here this evening to pay tribute to Miss Gerodine (Geraldine) Mason for her contribution to the promotion of Guiding to Montserrat.”

Those were the words of Guides Commissioner Mrs. Oslyn Jemmotte as she introduced Miss Mason to invitees at a reception in her honour at Government House on June 27, 2013.

The reception was part of an event to honour Miss Mason, hosted by Montserrat’s Guides Patron, Mrs. Sujue Davis, wife of H E Governor Davis, at their home (Government House) in Woodlands.

From the tribute read

by Mrs. Jemmotte and the several impromptu tributes by guides officials, guiders and guides, past and present, Miss Mason’s is one Montserratian who stayed throughout the crisis and whose name has become synonymous with guiding

in Montserrat.

According to the main tribute, “Miss Mason’s connection with guiding began at an early age when she was enrolled as a brownie.”

Her association with brownies and guides spans over 30 years. It was in 1982 when she answered the call for a volunteer to assist Mrs. Verna Brandt with the 7th to split the pack.

Miss Mason was called cont’d on next page

Friday, July 19, 2013

upon to be leader of the new pack, which later became the 1st Monsterrat Brownie Pack.

It said in her tribute, “Ms Mason enjoyed working with the children and she along with her assistants over the years which included Mrs. Delores Placide, Mrs. Cynthia Dyett, Mrs. Marcia Jeffers, trained the girls to do their best, to do their duty to God, to serve the Queen and help other people and to keep the Brownie Guide Law.” Over 30 years and with the kind of involvement and dedication Gerodine delivered, she had participated in many camps, international and local, accompanying guides to the World Camp at Foxlease England in 1999, Explore 2000 International Camp in Canada, and Centenary International Camp in Bersksire England.

She was appointed deputy Guide Commissioner late in the crisis, and in that capacity kept the movement alive as it had been facing extinction just then. She received the good service broach for excellent service within Girlguiding UK in 2006; and just recently, She on Volunteers day 2013, received a Letter of Commendation from the chief guide, thanking her for all the time, energy and dedication she has put into guiding.

At the ceremony where she was being honoured, she

was showered with tributes and good wishes. They came from Mrs. Eileen Edwards, Miss Tiffannie Skerritt, Lady Eudora Fergus, Miss Celeste O’Garro, Mrs. Lorraine Francois and Mr. Eugene Skerritt.

They were Guides Commissioners, Guiders, Parent of guides, Guides, officials, scout and guides leaders, (rangers too), all who shared and spoke to a common theme, thanking Gerodine’s for her unfailing love and commitment to the service she gave to brownies and guides, the movement, and as a consequence Montserrat.

Miss Skerritt called her one of the favourite nicknames given to her, Brown Owl, speaking “on behalf of all the young ladies who passed through your hands…I’m sure there are hundreds maybe thousands,” with expressions of thanks, she added, “I would like to say thank you for not only being Brown Owl but taking on the role of mommy and daddy and aunty to all of us who pass through your hands, for encouraging us to respect ourselves as young ladies…”

Mr. Skerritt in is offering of words said it was a pleasure, “for me to be here on behalf of the Montserrat Scouts Associations to say thank you and to really celebrate with all of you, with this special person in our lives…”

Many other obviously fitting words were showered on her. cont’d on page 6

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION In the estate of JOHN CHARLES THOMAS JOHN, deceased NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice, an application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration with Will annexed in the Estate of JOHN CHARLES THOMAS JOHN who died on the 23rd day of June, 2013 be granted to DENZIL ALISTAIR JOHN WEST the sole Executor of his will and one of the persons entitled to share in the estate of the deceased.

ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this Notice.

ANY person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court not later than 14 days from the date of this Notice.

Dated this 18th day of July, 2013 BRANDT & ASSOCIATES Attorneys-at-Law

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Friday, July 19, 2013

Honouring Gerodine Mason cont’d. from page 5

“Stick-to-itiveness, keeping guiding alive,” along with the best of blessings and wishes, “May God bless you.”

One parent/guider said, “…our children love you and they miss you… hope that we see you as part of the brownie movement still as we go forward.”

Some came, even being sick but could not miss the occasion to share her

honour. “…she was a very good guide , dependable, honest, and as I see her move around I want to know what she’s eating, she has so much energy,” she said, adding that Gerodine was not just there for the movement, but, “ if our church have a function Gerodine is there she’s helping, just go anywhere and there is Gerodine.”

The main tribute revealed, “Age does not permit Miss Mason to continue

in active guiding.” However the report also noted that she is still involved in the movement as a member of the Council, shouldering the post of equipment secretary. “We also hope that with her training she will continue to promote guiding in Montserrat by helping the girls in the various brownie packs to develop their skills and have amazing adventures for many years to come,” concluding the tribute.

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: DUTY STATION – BARBADOS (i)

Technical Advisor, Investment and Private Sector, Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) DUTY STATION – GUYANA

(ii)

Programme Manager, Crime and Security, Human and Social Development

(iii) Project Officer, Donor Resources, Finance 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

VACANCY Executive Assistant The Governor’s Office is seeking to recruit an Executive Assistant for the period 19th August 2013 – 31st January 2014 to manage the office’s account and estates and provide administrative support to the office. He/she will also work closely with all members of the team to ensure smooth running of everyday administrative operations.

The key responsibilities of this job will include:  Maintaining the office’s manual accounting system, paying bills and managing both the local and the residence budget  Providing executive support to the Governor  Lead on the day to day running of the estates which includes arranging and overseeing major improvement projects and minor maintenance as necessary  Arrange events at Government House, with the help of its staff  Provide management and guidance to junior staff members.

The successful applicant should possess the following: 

Ability to communicate with co-workers, management, clients, and others in a courteous and professional manner.



Ability to work independently as well as a member of a team.



Strong analytical skills and attention to detail



Initiative and judgement



Have good time management and prioritisation skills



Proven computer skills (including Excel, Word, Power Point, etc) are required.

Requirements  Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree, preferably in a Social Science  1- 2 years of Accounting experience  6 O levels (or equivalent), including Mathematics and English Benefits

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.

 Monthly Salary depending on experience, likely to be in the region of EC$4200 gross per month, from which medical, income tax and social security contributions will be deducted.

How to Apply 1.

OVERSEAS TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE

If you fulfil the requirements and relevant criteria for this position, please send your CV with a short covering letter explaining why you think you would be an excellent candidate for this job, to the following email address: Lyandra.hobson@fco.gov.uk at the Governor’s Office

2.

Applications should be sent in an electronic format.

A. D. 2013

3.

A receipt will be sent upon successful receipt of your application. Your application should have in the subject line APPLICATION FOR POST OF EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

4.

Deadline for submission of applications is midnight 31st July. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

The deadline for the submission of applications is 26 July 2013.

LEGAL NOTICE In the estate of RICHARD HENRY KIERNAN, deceased 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 RICHARD HENRY KIERNAN late of Baychester Avenue, Bronx, New York, United States of America formerly of Dyer Piece, Montserrat, who died on the 21st day of October 1985 at the Manhattan Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, United States of America be granted to CHIVONE GERALD of Allen Markham & Associates, Banks, Montserrat, the Lawful Attorney of KATHLEEN KIRNON and SARAH KIRNON the grand daughters and Personal Representatives of the deceased and two of the persons entitled to share in the Estate.

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

FURTHER, any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicants should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice no later than fourteen (14) days from the date of the notice.

DATED the 11th day of July 2013 Chivone Gerald ALLEN MARKHAM & ASSOCIATES

Only those candidates who are short-listed will be contacted and called for interview. The successful applicant will need to be available to start on Monday 19th August 2013.

Applications that do not comply with the instructions above will not be taken into consideration.

The Governor’s Office, Montserrat, is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.

Friday, July 19, 2013

ICAI findings

Page g 7

ICAI - Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations The Findings (Headings) DFID has taken a pragmatic approach to meeting Montserrat’s reasonable assistance needs.

DFID has not adequately thought through its approach to helping Montserrat improve self-sufficiency.

DFID’s engagement on the power sector has been pragmatic but should be more long term.

DFID’s strategic plans do not adequately address cross-sector issues such as access to the internet.

DFID has planned minor projects well but major projects have shown planning weaknesses Beneficiary engagement has improved for recent, larger projects.

Projects are locally owned, monitored and controlled but often delayed.

DFID’s programme on Montserrat had a clear positive impact in the aftermath of the natural disasters but less progress has been made on improving self-sufficiency.

The impact on beneficiaries of the projects we reviewed is mixed.

DFID has not properly evaluated all projects.

DFID has sought appropriate expertise in many cases and will need to continue to draw on external advice in the future.

John A. Osborne Airport - aerial view

DFID continues to find effective knowledge management a challenge.

There is scope for further shared and sustained learning between DFID and the Government of Montserrat.

cont’d. from page 3 (£2.5 million): the construction of two additional buildings for one of the two government primary schools. ■ Road reinstatement (£5.8 million): rehabilitation of the island’s main road with improved drainage. ■ Geothermal energy development (£8.6 million): exploratory drilling to establish whether there is a potential source of geothermal energy on Montserrat. ■ Diesel power station (£5.3 million):24 the purchase of a new diesel power plant with associated civil works.

They also explained, “We focus on maximising the effectiveness of the UK aid budget for intended beneficiaries and on delivering value for money for UK taxpayers. We carry out independent reviews of aid programmes and of issues affecting the delivery of UK aid.”

Following this, they said further, that at the end of their investigation, they issue, “a transparent, impartial and objective report provides evidence and clear recommendations to support UK Government decision-making and to strengthen the accountability of the aid programme.”

See: http://www.themontserratreporter.com/dfid-aid-impact-review-onmontserrat/ and http://www.themontserratreporter.com/aid-impact-review-canteach-plenty-and-should-benefit/

The Visit At the time the media (with TMR in the lead) sought to meet with the investigators David Sharif and David Parish from UK KMPG particularly when plans,”to talk with senior staff from the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the impact of aid on Montserrat,” had failed.

The efforts to meet with the team, even after discourse with Manager John Lester in the UK, proved futile. Then, on Tuesday this week, my mail inbox became crowded with the ICAI’s report on DFID’s aid programme to Montserrat.

We discovered then, how they carried out their work.

Their report stated: “Interviews were conducted in London with Government of Montserrat officials, the FCO and DFID staff. Further consultations were carried out in Montserrat with officials of the Government of Montserrat, the FCO, DFID, technical advisers and other development partners; and intended beneficiaries including small business owners, police officers, airport staff, staff at the volcano observatory, restaurant and shop owners and employees and winter residents.”

In the report, one of the recommendations tells a recurring story of DFID and GoM for lack of communication with the people of Montserrat. “DFID cont’d. on page 8

A whole of Whitehall approach to the OTs is an opportunity that DFID must seize.

Conclusions – (truncated) 3.1 The economy of Montserrat has deteriorated significantly since 1997. A territory which was formerly self-sufficient is now financially dependent on budget support.

3.2 Over the longer term, the UK Government has a clear willingness, in principle, to provide capital investment through DFID to reduce Montserrat’s dependence on the UK and achieve selfsufficiency if possible.

3.3 DFID has established neither a sufficiently robust planning framework nor timescales for improving self-sufficiency. Equally, DFID has neither determined the likely costs associated with improving self-sufficiency nor set out how this will be financed or shared among development budgets and Government of Montserrat sources.

3.4 As a result, DFID and the Government of Montserrat have spent too long developing plans that cannot be evaluated properly against the goal of self-sufficiency. We have not been able to identify a clear set of plans appropriately prioritized and with a realistic assessment of their financial impact on self-sufficiency and sustainability.

3.5 DFID’s programme on Montserrat had a clear positive impact in the aftermath of the natural disasters but the impact on beneficiaries of the projects we reviewed is mixed. Out of four capital projects we reviewed, the roads and water projects are having a positive impact on intended beneficiaries. DFID has, however, made some poor assessments on individual capital projects. As a result, for example, the airport has had less beneficiary impact than expected and the first new school building is not yet functioning.

3.6 In short, although we saw evidence of good and necessary assistance to fund basic investment on the island, we found that DFID has not adequately undertaken long-term strategic planning with the Government of Montserrat for improving self-sufficiency. In our view, DFID should do more to engage other resources to support its work with the Government of Montserrat, either from other development partners such as the EU and CDB or from other UK government departments.

Recommendations Whilst our conclusions are drawn from the scope of work undertaken, we believe that this report identifies issues which may have wider relevance than DFID’s approach to Montserrat.

1: DFID should develop a more detailed understanding of self-sufficiency for Montserrat.

DFID should use this understanding with the Government of Montserrat to determine a realistic set of expectations over the medium term to improve economic, financially justifiable selfsufficiency.

2: DFID should support the Government of Montserrat to develop a longer term plan for the island based on an agreed understanding of self-sufficiency. This needs to show how the different projects add up to a coherent impact on livelihoods and economic progress. It should set out the level and composition of financial and technical assistance and a projection of capital costs and necessary revenue support.

A1 road works resumption - just passed Runaway Ghaut - showing diversion through lower Woodlands, while road resurfacing takes place to Gros Michel Road

3: DFID should work with the Government of Montserrat to increase the engagement of the people of Montserrat in its projects. This is both to understand their perspective and to manage their expectations.

4: DFID, working with the FCO, should bring together the required actions and commitments from across Whitehall to achieve the aims of the 2012 White Paper for Montserrat and the other OTs so that best practice is built into future projects, programmes and policies.

Page 8

Friday, July 19, 2013

www.themontserratreporter.com

I C A I f i n d i n g s ...cont’d. should work with the Government of Montserrat to increase the engagement of the people of Montserrat in its projects. This is both to understand their perspective and to manage their expectations.”

The Report The report said at the outset, rating DFID’s as performing “relatively poorly overall”. It said that, “While continuing to meet basic needs, DFID’s approach in Montserrat has changed to include a greater focus on -economic development.

Positive impact on beneficiaries has been achieved.”

Then, “DFID does not yet, however, have a firm view on what Montserrat’s reasonable needs are nor what self-sufficiency means for the island; how best to improve it strategically over the longterm and what is affordable to the taxpayers of the UK and Montserrat.”

This did not bode to well with DFID who immediately issued a press release locally claiming that the report was inconsistent. While they also applaud at the beginning, they then expressed disappointment. “We welcome the report’s endorsement of our case-by-case approach to their (Montserrat) reasonable assistance needs,” they stated in the release, noting also that the report also says, “we should establish a clearer sense of reasonable assistance in a strategic plan.”

DFID then said: “We find these two statements inconsistent,” expressing further their “disappointment that ICAI has failed to recognise the steps the UK Government has taken to develop a long-term plan to help Montserrat move towards selfsufficiency.”

ICAI recognises that Montserrat has been devastated by volcanic erup-

tions since 1995, following devastation of 90% of its houses in 1989 by Hurricane Hugo and said that DFID and the island’s citizens had “achieved much” to avert the need for a complete evacuation. However it goes on that even officials here say that the background information in some cases are “inaccurate,” and seem misunderstood in some instances, asking, “where did they get their information?”

They cited as an example the comments about the airport and the strategic growth plans for the new town, Little Bay and the port. DFID for their part also in their release referred to the Strategic Plan they have for Montserrat.

The report sets out the findings on the programme DFID has for Montserrat but says it does not deliver a “firm view” of the island’s needs and decisions on funding were made on a “piecemeal”

Carr’s Bay as viewed from Davy Hill

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin column is compiled from contributions by readers and from de community. Send yours in.

Jus wonderin why after so many years we are still “JUST WONDERING”. Change is the child of action not of just wondering.

Jus wonderin if any o dem travelin minista ha anything fu do wid dem missin papas fan St. Martin and de increase in de costs.

Jus wonderin if the A G’s Chambers is in any way compromising its honourable head.

Jus wonderin if the DfID Montserrat Representative could just acknowledge the mistakes and continue his brilliant here-to-fore efforts to help on the path to sustainability - progress Jus wonderin why HMG DfID punish the people it claims it wants to help.

Jus wonderin why people who want help get help when people who need help don’t get help.

Jus wonderin if GoM, DfiD and FCO ain’t working ass backwards.

Jus wonderin if I ain’t a hypocrite too.

Jus wonderin who dem old golf farts be and wha dem in a de restaurant a talk bout getting it strait and up now.

Jus wonderin if a CEDEMA and DMCA A hurricane is a severe tropical storm consisting of dangerous high winds and storm surges that form in the warm, humid ocean climates of the southern Atlantic, the eastern Pacific, the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico. Be prepared.

Jus wonderin I should not think ahead if a disaster is pending, and take videos or photos of your property.

These will later help with any insurance claims.

Jus wonderin if Cedema and DMCA say we should organize and secure important papers and special photos waterproof bags. That a person’s identification is difficult and time-consuming to replace. That every list of important papers may include social security cards, birth certificates, education certificates, titles or deeds

to property, as well as your insurance policy. Photos of special occasions or loved ones cannot be replaced, so including these is important as well.

Jus wonderin if when a hurricane is pending, and staying with relatives is not an option, if hurricane shelters are available I should remember to take into consideration that pets are not allowed in shelters.

Jus wonderin if it is not wise since my pets will not have a place in a hurricane shelter, to keep this in mind, and arrange shelter for pets before a storm.

Jus wonderin say, be prepared - designate an appropriate spot or space in your home to store a packed bag of clothing for each person in your household; make sure to include sleepwear if you plan on going to a shelter.

Jus wonderin if DFID stand fa Don›t Fiddle, Its Dollars.

Jus wonderin if PIU really stan fu Premier’s Implementation Unit.

Jus wonderin why they don’t have armed aviation security.

Jus wonderin what is protocol already established.

Jus wonderin how the bar and the bench is less 500 times the size of John public and dem uccupy more than half of the court dem in Montserrat.

Jus wonderin how we paying so much attention to a calf that can’t even stand up yet and ignore the cow to death that’s giving us milk.

Jus wonderin if is not long time ago the British say they gon build port for Montserrat.

Jus wonderin where in the world private sector build port and government run it.

Jus wonderin wha mek dem me really stap the road project if a because of ‘boyishness’.

Jus wonderin if a true the premier throw the minister them under the bus and cause all kind of rumour.

from page 7

Halcrow 90% design of port - Carrs Bay

basis, as written by The Daily Telegraph in the UK. ICAI says: “We found that DFID has worked closely and successfully with the Government of Montserrat to help the island make the transition from the immediate post-disaster emergency to a stable normality…DFID has not yet developed a coherent strategic view of self-sufficiency…”

According to the Belfast Daily Telegraph, it quotes Graham Ward, ICAI chief commissioner as saying: “Although we saw evidence of good and necessary assistance to fund basic investment on Montserrat, we found that DfID needs to support the government of Montserrat to develop a longer-term plan for the island to move towards economic, financially justifiable selfsufficiency.”

This represents close to what DFID ministers tell Montserrat, but local government officials while not acknowledging arguments that GoM does not put up the right arguments, say that the word ‘reasonable’ is not clear.

GoM has not commented

publicly on the report, but a leading public official while agreeing that some DFID’s actions are reasonable, says he is confused that he saw the report the same time as everyone else, and that it was not even communicated directly, the fact that this was not a Government study, but an independent one not withstanding. GoM of Montserrat did not get an opportunity to see or comment on the report.

Other officials find favour in many ways with the report while still others say it exposes not only DFID’s attitude to Montserrat’s development but also GoM’s indifference, still others say, ”unfairly,” suggesting confusion.

The Findings The findings continued to be critical of DFID as though sympathetic to the Montserrat’s cause, the Premier having expressed his frustration with the many requirements and delays. Gom must find favour with the following: “As a result, DfID has not managed the expectations of beneficiaries regarding what is realistic and achievable. We found also that DfID reacts in a piecemeal fashion to the

A1 Road Project - Woodlands

government of Montserrat’s bids for DfID’s funding.”

On the airport issue the report said: “DfID decided to invest in a new airport and to end ferry and helicopter subsidies. Instead of improving access, this led to a further decline in tourism: the ferry subsidies had to be reinstated and the airline services are also now subsidised. In addition, the airport makes a loss each year.”

The conclusions Following is one the general conclusions put forward

by ICAI: “Over the longer term, the UK Government has a clear willingness, in principle, to provide capital investment through DFID to reduce Montserrat’s dependence on the UK and achieve self-sufficiency if possible. We found, however, that DFID does not have a detailed view on what selfsufficiency for Montserrat means. For example, we would expect DFID to have economic targets for Montserrat that take into account the attributes and resources of Montserrat when compared to neighbouring Caribbean islands.”