Friday, August 16, 2013
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Today’s Scripture
www.themontserratreporter.com Week Ending Friday, August 16, 2013
The psalmist wrote, “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?” - Psalm 139:7 (NRSV)
General improvement CSEC Examinations Vol. XXVIII No. 26
Price $3.00
The Caribbean Examination Council has reported at the beginning this week that the regions’ “Overall performance in the 2013 May/June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination improved when compared with that of 2012. Sixty-five per cent of subject entries achieved acceptable grades – Grades I – III, compared with 62 per cent in 2012. Additional Mathematics, which was offered for the first time last year saw improved performance at its second sitting this year – 70 per cent of the entries achieved Grades I-III, compared with 58 per cent at the first sitting. While there was a slight improvement on Mathematics over last year, performance remained below average with 35 per cent of entries achieving acceptable grades, compared with 33 per cent last year. “The work produced by the majority of the candidates on Paper 02 was unsatisfactory,” the Subject Awards Committee reported. The Committee noted that more than 13, 000 candidates were
MSS compound
MSS shares in the improved CXC results in 2013 cont’d. on page 6
The Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) is sharing in the improved reports on the regional CSEC EXAMINATIONS results that were released at the beginning of this week. The Montserrat Secondary School wrote regarding the results from exams in May/June 2013: Sixty six (66) students entered to write CXC exams this year. This represents 94.3% of the final year cohort which is the largest proportion in recent memory. The students wrote a total of 353 subject entries in the 2013 CSEC Examinations at General and Technical Proficiency Levels. The provisional results show Grades I – III passes were obtained in 264 of them yielding a pass rate
cont’d. on page 6
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Headlines... Bank Bank of of Montserrat Montserrat Your Your Bank. Bank. Your Your Future. Future.
Gunhill removal begins next week...pg 3
Calypsonians speak out...pg 7
Repeal Procurement Act...pg 4
Kids Korner...pg 8
ECCB takes over Anguillian banks...pg 5
Transgender teen murdered...pg 11
MONEY TRANSFER SERVICES Speed Safety Convenience
Sending money anywhere just got so much easier! www.bankofmontserrat.ms (664) 491-3843 Bank rules and regulations apply.
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Friday, August 16, 2013
HMS Lancaster makes £100 cocaine haul
A most happy threeyear old triplets During a recent visit to Antigua, these three beautiful girls, a triplet three years old, born on October 5, who could not escape my attention and the camera. The shy young woman, Shenneth is the moth-
er of these children. She was standing with them, where she waited for a friend, just outside the Medical Surgical Associates (clinic) in the Carib World Travel compound (near Woods) located in Gambles, St. John’s,
Antigua. The children with a last name Ali, are Nadeira, Nathalia and Naemia and all spelt their names and there was nothing shy about them. Their mom said they had a natural birth and there was nothing unusual in her experience of giving birth to triplets. It was not her first trip at childbirth and she knew that she was giving birth to triplets. “It was a happy experience,” she said. Shenneth says she feels a connection to Montserrat as she has a sister who is Montserratian. Her last name is Daley and she is living in the U.K. Photo: Meet the triplets: (l-r) Nadeira, Nathalia and Naemia Ali.
HMS Lancaster on a recent visit to Montserrat
Royal Navy sailors have seized a stash of cocaine worth £100m after they boarded a speedboat near Puerto Rico. Personnel on the Portsmouthbased HMS Lancaster intercepted smugglers during a Caribbean patrol targeting South America-to-UK traffickers. Men onboard the 30ft (9.1m) speedboat threw drugs overboard which were later retrieved by divers. In all, 22 bales (680kg – 1499 lbs) of pure cocaine were seized. Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond MP called it “extraordinary”. “[It] has been stopped from reaching the streets by the swift actions of the Royal Navy, working closely with the US Coastguard,” he said. “This is HMS Lancaster’s second counter narcotics patrol in the Caribbean to tackle the drugs trade and the entire ship’s company should be proud of this remarkable achievement. “This is another example of the skills and capability that mean our Armed Forces are held in high regard by our partners around the world.” ‘Great feeling’ The speedboat, which was covered in tarpaulin, was initially spotted by US Customs and Border Agency aircraft.
The Royal Navy frigate launched its Lynx helicopter and high-speed pursuit boat to intercept the boat which had three suspected smugglers on board. The men, along with drug haul, were handed over to the Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo, and then to authorities in Puerto Rico. The empty boat was then sunk by HMS Lancaster’s guns to “prevent its use in future smuggling operations”. HMS Lancaster’s commanding officer, Cdr Steve Moorhouse, called it a “great result”. Able Seaman James Duffy, coxswain of the sea boat, said: “We have all trained really hard to get where we are and have a fantastic relationship with the US coast guard guys. “It is an amazing feeling to get such a great bust and stop millions of pounds worth of cocaine hitting the streets.” The frigate is on patrol with the US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment as part of a multi-national effort to combat drug smuggling. It will continue its involvement with the initiative until the end of the year. In a report coming out of SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, it states that U.S. officials said Wednesday that cont’d. on page 6
SALE BY CHARGEE Notice is hereby given that the immovable property hereinafter described will be put up for Sale by Public Auction , by the Bank of Montserrat Limited, on the 2nd. day of September 2013 between the hours of ten and eleven o’clock in the forenoon. The Public Auction will take place on the said site. The purchase money shall be payable as follows: 1.
The Officer conducting the Sale shall require from the Bidder a deposit of a certified banker’s cheque in the sum of $10,000.00, payable to the Bank of Montserrat Limited.
2.
The Purchaser shall pay to the Bank the Purchase price less the deposit within six months of the date of Sale. In default of such payment the deposit paid by the Purchaser shall be forfeited and shall be applied towards the Judgment Debt.
SCHEDULE BLOCK 12/4 PARCEL # 176 Approximately one acre of land situated in Beachettes and registered in the Land Registry of Montserrat as Block 12/4 Parcel # 176 and bounded as follows:On the North by developed residential property On the west by undeveloped residential property On the East and South by a public road known as Olveston Estate Drive, or howsoever otherwise the same may be bounded. The whole containing one acre of land and shown on the plan of survey dated 26th. November 1985 by B.B. Burke, Chief Surveyor of the Colony of Montserrat as sheet #11/4 TITLE: Noel Fenton and Frances Fenton as joint owners UPSET PRICE: $88,000.00 Bank of Montserrat Limited Brades Montserrat.
Friday, August 16, 2013
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Gun Hill removal to begin next week seen as commencement of port project As the government of Montserrat (GoM) proceeds in anticipation of the funding necessary to propel the development of its Growth Development Plan (GDP), the latest report is that work is due to commence on the removal of Gun Hill on the edge of Carrs Bay next week. In a ZJB news broadcast
Estate Manager. Charlesworth Phillip of the Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC) was making a case for the marine village within the overall Little Bay Development, part of the GDP, which includes the new town centre, the port and marina. Phillip reported: “the
government of Montserrat is currently expending in excess of two million dollars to build facilities to ensure that the entertainment and other going concerns on our water front is maintained,” while putting a plug the marketing of the facilities. “The facilities that are being constructed are high quality,
high-end and the price, for which they are being offered, is at or below the current levels that are paid on the Little Bay beach,” he added. That $2 million expenditure or a part of it has been a subject of issue regarding procurement and has come in for much criticism and questions in the Legislative
Assembly and may even end in the high courts. Further report regarding the developmental projects confirmed the start of the removal Gun Hill next week. The contractor has been assigned are they workers are on sight conducting topographical sighting of the area.
The Government radio station announced that this, “will signal the start of the US $ 96 million dollar port development project in the Carrs Bay area – which, when completed is expected to stimulate economic growth for the island especially through the cruise tourism industry.”
New HIV initiative coming
BEDEVILLED by the crippling effects of HIV/AIDS on national development, the Government of Jamaica has implemented a ‘One Authority for Sexual Reproductive Health’ to help stymie the pandemic. The disclosure was made by Health Minister Fenton Ferguson who described the body as a synergy between the National Family Planning Board (NFPB)
and the National HIV Programme (NHP). “This initiative addresses the issue of the absence of one clearly identifiable AIDS Authority,” said Ferguson. “We see this as a synergistic integration. The Authority will have a broad based multi-sector mandate to continue ensuring efficient and effective country-level response to HIV.
The National Family Planning Board will now have legal status and a legal mandate to manage and co-ordinate the national programme,” he continued. Ferguson said that the policies of both the NFPB and the NHP are compatible as both focus on the safe and responsible sexual practices with HIV prevention and family planning as components of
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT DIRECTOR Economic Affairs Division (EAD) ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is a regional grouping of nine member states established by the Treaty of Basseterre. The OECS Authority has commenced the search for a highly motivated, committed and dynamic individual to provide inspired leadership to the operations of the OECS Secretariat and advance its strategic interests regionally and internationally while deepening the scope of OECS integration through the Economic Union. Duties & Responsibilities The Director General is the chief executive of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Organisation. The Director General is responsible to the OECS Authority and its various Organs and is guided by the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and the OECS Chairman in the execution of the functions of the post. Qualifications, Competencies & Skills Post graduate degree in economics, social sciences, development or related fields of discipline with at least 12 years’ experience in a senior leadership and supervisory position. The OECS Secretariat is headquartered in ST LUCIA. The position of Director General is open to nationals of OECS member states and is tenable as of 01 January, 2014. Interested persons are asked to visit the OECS website at: www.oecs.org for further details of this position, and to forward a curriculum vitae and any other supporting documentation to the Office of the Director General as follows: directorgeneral@oecs.org. The deadline for submission is 26 August, 2013.
reproductive health. He said that the formation of the new entity will promote one of the key strategies outlined in Jamaica’s Vision 2030 national development plan. Ferguson was speaking last Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the Global Validation and Lessons Learned Workshop of Support for Gender Equality in the context of HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, Dr Arun Kashyap, UN resident co-ordinator/ UNDP resident representative to Jamaica, said that effectively battling HIV/AIDS will take much effort from people in leadership. “Leadership takes many forms. It is not unique to political leaders,” he said, noting that all citizens have a part to play in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Jamaica’s Minister of Health, Dr. Fenton Ferguson Caribbean-American HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day: HIV in the Caribbean Region Note: In the United States, Caribbean-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is June 8. For this observance, Caribbean-American leaders sponsor diverse activities to create awareness of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic and the health status of Caribbean-Americans within their specific communities. The observance also draws attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean. For more information, go to http://www.ncahaad. com .
Across the globe, countries are making historic gains towards ending the AIDS epidemic and ushering in an AIDS-free generation. They are doing so by using science, innovation, and evidencebased strategies to help save lives. According to the UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report 2012 [PDF 1.13MB], the Caribbean region has the sharpest declines in the number of new HIV infections worldwide since 2001, with a drop of more than 42%. For example, in Suriname, the rate of new HIV infections fell by an cont’d. on page 9
TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2013 PROBATE In the Estate RONALD EDWARDSON DALEY deceased LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that on the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date hereof Application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for Grant of Probate to the estate of RONALD EDWARDSON DALEY who died on 5th of November 2012 be granted to KINGSLEY HOWE the Executor named in the Will of the said RONALD EDWARDSON DALEY. ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested therein are requested forthwith to send particulars thereof to the undersigned. FURTHER any person objecting to the Grant of Probate to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court, Brades, Montserrat not later than fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice. Dated this 22nd day of July, 2013. Oral Martin Solicitor for the Applicant
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Friday, August 16, 2013
Letters/Opinion
EDITORIAL The Longer We Lack an Airport, It is Hard to Explain Why We Stay” We go way back and present a re-run of this Editorial, untouched. There are those who were somewhere between six and ten years old. They may be best ones to read this and express an opinion. For the rest, who would have lived the woes and the failures since, maybe it is time they seriously think of honestly face some realities. The date is deliberately left out, let’s see how many will figure out when it was written. It is getting to be somewhat difficult and even embarrassing to answer the question asked of those of us living here in Montserrat, “Why don’t you all just give up this island and take the options of going away and carrying on with your lives?” Just over five years ago, Sir Nicholas Bonsor of the British Conservative Party, then the government in Britain, accepted and committed that the British will provide the necessary assistance for life to continue in Montserrat and to develop the north of the island. To this day we haven’t quite grasped what that would have entailed. Sir Nicholas warned at the time that we lacked the personnel and technical skill to carry out what would be required. But who did we expect to know what would be required and what it was that we needed and wanted? We have just discovered that right up to now, with a Labour government going into a second term since the Conservatives lost power, the confidence to truly develop the north of Montserrat is still very lacking. Indeed we are aware that their idea of the best option for Montserrat is still total evacuation. Yes, there is the denial, but the reverse is obvious when the aid is directed to anything but of a developmental nature, as DFID’s Mr. Kavanagh revealed to us last week. We contribute to the idea ourselves by not coming up with united positions about what we need to bring life back to where it can be conducive for our people to return home and to make things attractive to investors or simply businesses. In June 1997, 15 months after that commitment by Britain, our Chief Minister of the day revealed why so little had been done in terms of serious planning for development of the north. He admitted that the government had always been looking forward to returning to the south (Plymouth). But even though the volcano proved the scientists right, we seem not yet to have focused our attention in the right direction. We have allowed others to take control of our destiny in a slow but chillingly realistic way. All we have now is our so-called ‘resilience’ and it is slowly fading. If this view seems boring and monotonous, and that we are simply belaboring the point, then it is time for reality to set in and for action to be taken one way or the other. This idea of “patting the lion when one hand is in its mouth” will not work. The lion will simply take the other hand in. Moreover, if it does let the hand go, what will you do? Run away? Turn around and fight? Do we even know what we will do or even want to do? Everyone concerned believes and agrees that the island has no future whatsoever, economic or otherwise, without a reasonable means of transport of people and goods in and out of Montserrat. At least there are claims of sort of some study going on for the seaport. But in the meantime, millions of dollars are being spent figuring out how NOT to put an airport/airstrip at Thatch Valley, the accepted permanent solution, and how to implement a temporary solution at Gerald’s. In the next couple weeks we hope to show, with some help from the various reports, how the matter is being twisted up and down, in and out. For now, so many limitations exist, as the consultants of the Project Identification and Preliminary Design of Airport Options in Montserrat have said in their terms of reference, which follow: “The need to guarantee safe operations, need for limited investment, need for a quick implementation of the works, need to limit social and environmental impact related to the works, need to limit modifications to the existing Development Plans of the area under examination,” and more. Right down to a home for the birds that frequent the existing pond at the Gerald’s site. The problem, what to do with those birds that can become hazardous when an airstrip is there and there is no more pond. Sadly, despite all of the reports to date in respect of all the options, an aeronautical wind study is required before a single shovel of soil is turned. We have been hearing this for three years now and yet nothing has been done. Mr. Michiel Vreedenburgh, International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAIO) Regional Officer Aerodromes and Ground Aids, said in a most recent report following his four-day visit to Montserrat last month that he hopes that the recommendations in his report will be taken into consideration in the implementation of the proposed development of a new aerodrome in North Montserrat.
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
R.I.P. The Procurement ACT SRO 11
Says Sam Rhys-Williams The “repeal” of SRO 11/2012 is a very serious matter and one which requires public debate. Now that “Cabinet,” with the agreement of the Governor, have effectively removed any form of control on how and to whom contracts are awarded must be examined in great detail. The document may require some modifications BUT having read and re-read the Procurement Act there is nothing in it which prevents it being utilised for the protection of Montserrat and its citizens until a revised version can be drawn up. Modifications ARE necessary but only to enable the public at large to be able to see what goes on (transparency). The existing rules should have been retained while a new, more stringent Act is born. ( The AG’s chambers were sent a list of suggested possible amendments in August 2012 ) Should it be that those re-
sponsible for issuing tender documents are not skilled enough to understand the regulations then it is the responsibility of Management to remedy the matter and give them training, not repeal the act. Previous experience indicates that time and time again the members of the Procurement Board did not understand their duties and responsibilities. Litigation, threats of litigation and discrepancies prove that. SRO 11 is clear on how things must be done and at what level certain conditions come into force. To remove the whole act calls into question the judgement of “Cabinet” and its reasons for acting in this highhanded way. There is also another very serious aspect, recent business cases including the A1 road project, the geothermal drilling package and the MoU signed last May indicated that the provision of a Procurement Act was an absolute necessity for the provision and release of the
necessary funds. Now that the act is no more HMG and DFID must consider if more funds should be provided to existing and future projects. (We must assume that the Governor (FCO) and Dr Kimbugue (DFID) communicate since they reside in the same office.) We are now told that a large sum is to be spent to rewrite the said document. This is to be welcomed as long as the result is acceptable to our international donor partners and will not be modified with a clause “ For the good of Montserrat” which negates the whole ideal of good governance, accountability and transparency. Any tampering with the new act, which must be drawn up to meet International standards, to remove controls put in place to ensure fair treatment for all those who bid must be avoided at all costs. If not, this island, will be seen as a “Failed State” and will then be treated as such.
“patently unacceptable” that Prime Minister Denzil Douglas was taking action to present a Boundaries Commission report to parliament at a time when he does not have majority of elected parliamentarians backing him. The Vincentian opposition leader said it is of no mean significance that of the eleven elected representatives in the parliament in Basseterre, that six now constitute the opposition and therefore the arithmetical and constitutional majority for the purposes of a vote of no confidence. Prior to penning his concerns in the letter to Gonsalves, Eustace
told Winn FM in late July that the loud silence from OECS and CARICOM heads of government on the St Kitts and Nevis political crisis was not serving democracy well.
St. Vincent PM asked to intervene in St. Kitts-Nevis political crisis By Ken Richards BASSETERRE, St Kitts (WINN) -- The opposition leader in St Vincent and the Grenadines has written formally to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves asking him to intervene in the no motion confidence stalemate in St Kitts and Nevis. Opposition leader Arnhim Eustace made reference to what he described as the refusal of the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the government in Basseterre to table for debate the motion filed by the parliamentary opposition last year December. Eustace said that it was
Photo: St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves
Our Scripture Verse Today Trustworthy God The psalmist wrote, “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?” - Psalm 139:7 (NRSV) A few days ago I had a conversation with a friend about the tangible presence of God in our lives. My friend said that although he believed completely in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, he didnÊt really experience God in his daily life. After we parted, I couldnÊt get his words out of my mind. Do I sense GodÊs presence with me each day? I asked myself. I felt that I always could count on the Holy SpiritÊs comfort when I was stressed and that I could ask for help. My spirit would always rejoice during the worship service in my church. And I
always had a sense of GodÊs presence when I was engaged in Christian service such as missions or teaching Sunday school. But I had to admit that I really did not feel GodÊs presence during my normal everyday routine. Scripture teaches us that God is always with us. I also knew that the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. I finally realized that guidance was available for me every second of every day if I would just open my eyes and look for it. Now I experience GodÊs presence every day by noticing opportunities to help others at every turn. I can do this at home and everywhere that my day-to-day activities take me. William E. Sears, III (Georgia, USA)
Friday, August 16, 2013
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The ECCB assumes control of indigenous banks of Anguilla National Bank of Anguilla
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), after due consultation with the Monetary Council, has been directed to exercise the powers conferred on it by Part IIA, Article 5B of the ECCB Agreement Act 1983, and on
12 August 2013, assumed control of the two indigenous banks which operate in Anguilla - the Caribbean Commercial Bank (Anguilla) Ltd. (CCB) and the National Bank of Anguilla Ltd. (NBA). In a statement by Sir
HE Governor Christina Scott, Hon Sir K Dwight Venner, Chief Minister and Minister of Finance Hon.Hubert Hughes and Antigua’s Minister of Finance Hon Harold Lowel
Dwight Venner he stated and explained the circumstances under which control of the operations of the banks were taken over specifically “The circumstances under which this action has been taken are as follows: 1. The economies of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) are mainly dependent for their growth on two sectors, tourism and construction; 2. The global crisis has had a major impact on these sectors; 3. Growth in Anguilla has virtually collapsed, falling from an average of 15.8 per cent between 2005 and 2007 to an average contraction of 5.5 per cent for the period 2008-2012; and 4. The banks have seen their non-performing loans escalate to levels beyond the guidelines set by the Central Bank and this in turn has resulted in the banks not meeting their capital requirements. He explained, “Over
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT DIRECTOR GENERAL ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is a regional grouping of nine member states established by the Treaty of Basseterre. The OECS Authority has commenced the search for a highly motivated, committed and dynamic individual to provide inspired leadership to the operations of the OECS Secretariat and advance its strategic interests regionally and internationally while deepening the scope of OECS integration through the Economic Union. Duties & Responsibilities The Director General is the chief executive of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Organisation. The Director General is responsible to the OECS Authority and its various Organs and is guided by the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and the OECS Chairman in the execution of the functions of the post. Qualifications, Competencies & Skills Post graduate degree in economics, social sciences, development or related fields of discipline with at least 12 years’ experience in a senior leadership and supervisory position. The OECS Secretariat is headquartered in ST LUCIA. The position of Director General is open to nationals of OECS member states and is tenable as of 01 January, 2014. Interested persons are asked to visit the OECS website at: www.oecs.org for further details of this position, and to forward a curriculum vitae and any other supporting documentation to the Office of the Director General as follows: directorgeneral@oecs.org. The deadline for submission is 26 August, 2013.
loan performance. The takeover, for six months in the first instance, has the support of the Anguilla Government, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the British Government, the IMF and the World Bank. Both international financial institutions are working with the ECCB team of nineteen officials now involved in the operations of CCB and NBA. St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, Chairman of the Monetary Council Ministerial subcommitttee on banking called for Anguilla to become a full ECCU member. In a statement he said, “It is important that the Government of Anguilla, in the spirit of cooperation and on behalf of the people of Anguilla, moves in a timely manner to become a full member of the OECS Economic Union in order to complement its membership in the Currency Union. The Governor of Anguilla Ms Christina Scott after outlining the UK’s position on the issue said, also in a statement: “…We therefore stand with the ECCB and the Currency Union’s member states in their efforts to continue to ensure the stability of Hon Jerome Roberts (Anguilla’s Minister of Home Affairs), the Anguillan banking Hon Haydn Hughes (Parlimentary Secretary) and Premier cont’d. on page 9 Hon Reuben Meade (Montserrat)
the last two years, the banks have been under very close supervision by the ECCB. The Central Bank has had several onsite inspections of the two institutions and their Directors and Managements have visited the headquarters of the ECCB for consultations. A major diagnosis of the banking sector, including these two banks, was conducted in 2011 by the Task Force on the ECCU Financial System chaired by the ECCB with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), The World Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and ECCU government representatives as members. The results heightened concerns over the operations of the banks. The Monetary Council, in response to the results of the diagnosis, directed the Central Bank to prepare a comprehensive resolution strategy which was subse-
quently approved by the Council. Sir Dwight further explained that the objective of taking control of the banks was intended to stabilise and restructure both banks and return them to a state of normalcy; to protect depositors and creditors; and to ensure the stability of the banking system in Anguilla and, by extension, the entire Currency Union. Chief Minister Hubert Hughes stated that in recent times there had been great unease about the operations of both banks. The Anguilla Government had become concerned, bearing in mind, that they were the largest financial institutions on the island and together accounted for 76.7% of the total assets of the banking sector. He reasoned that the global economic crisis has had a big impact on local
Saffir-Simpson Scale - Category: Hurricane Force Winds Category: Category One - Minimal Winds: 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 km/hr) Damage: No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage. Category Two - Moderate Winds: 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 km/hr) Damage: Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings. Category Three - Extensive Winds: 111-129 mph (96-112 kt or 178-208 km/hr) Damage: Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Category Four - Extreme Winds: 130-156 mph (113-136 kt or 209-251 km/hr) Damage: More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km). Category Five - Catastrophic Winds: Greater than 157 mph (137 kt or 252 km/hr) Damage: Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required. Read More at: http://local15tv.com/weather/features/hurricane-center/index.shtml#photo Read More at: http://local15tv.com/weather/features/hurricane-center/index.shtml#photo
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Friday, August 16, 2013
CSEC improvements cont’d. from page 1 unable to measure and state the length of a given line and determine the measure of an angle on one question. This year, performance improved on 21 of the 35 subjects offered, including the two English and two Mathematics subjects. English A saw a 10 per cent improvement in performance with 57 per cent of entries achieving Grades I – III compared with 47 per cent last year; while for English B there was a five per cent improvement with 73 per cent achieving acceptable grades compared with 68 per cent last year. The reported on the various headings as follows, in brief: Sciences Of the three natural science subjects, performance improved on Biology and Chemistry and declined on Physics. For Biology, there was a marginal improvement – 73 per cent of acceptable grades this year compared with 72 per cent last year. For Physics there was a 10-per cent decline – 66 per cent of entries achieved acceptable grades this year compared with 76 per cent last year. There was a seven-per cent improvement in performance on Human and Social Biology with 63 per cent of entries achieving acceptable grades compared with 56 per cent last year. Performance on Agricultural Science (Double Award) improved from 91 per cent last year to 96 per cent this year; while Agricultural Science (Single Award) remained fairly steady. This year 93 per cent
Yasmin White
There was with 2012 when 98 per the largest subject entry of Business– 35,430; and a marginal one cent of the entries achieved with 102,124 entries this Human and Social Biolyear, this is down from ogy–32,280. per cent im- similar grades. Additional Mathemat105,849 entries last year. Entries provement on English A is the sec- ics was the subject with the Both candidate entries Caribbean History with 71 per and subject entries de- ond largest subject with largest increase of entries; cent of entries clined this year when com- 98,063 entries, down from this year, 3,151 subject achieving ac- pared with 2012. This year 101,022 entries last year; entries were submitted, up ceptable grades 149,311 candidates regis- it is followed by Social from 1,861 when the subject compared with tered for CSEC examina- Studies–52,772; Principles was first offered last year. 70 per cent in tions, com2012. For Sopared with cial Studies 156,970 there was a marcandidates ginal decline in performance with 66 per in 2012, or cent of entries achieving ac- just under a ceptable grades compared five per cent drop. with 70 per cent last year. 7News - Belize S i x Expressive Arts The Caribbean Examinations Council has released the overall results The subjects in the ex- h u n d r e d for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the pressive arts cluster per- and sixteen Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), commonly known formed very well overall. t h o u s a n d , as the CXC. Ninety-three per cent of three hunThe good news is the CSEC examination results improved compared entries for Theatre Arts d r e d a n d to last year. Sixty-five per cent of subject entries achieved acceptable achieved acceptable grades f o r t y - s i x grades – Grades I – III, compared with 62 per cent in 2012. compared with 90 per cent ( 6 1 6 , 3 4 6 ) Overall performance improved on 21 of the 35 subjects offered, inin 2012. Visual Arts saw an subject encluding English and Math. But we should note that in math performance eight-per cent improvement tries were remained below average with 35 per cent of entries achieving acceptable in performance with 76 per s u b m i t grades, compared with 33 per cent last year. The Committee noted that cent achieving acceptable t e d t h i s more than 13, 000 candidates were unable to measure and state the length grades compared with 68 year, comof a given line and determine the measure of an angle on one question. pared with per cent last year. And in the CAPE, for the first time in six years, overall performance Performance on Music 635,498 last has reached the 90 per cent mark – meaning 90.15 per cent of the Unit improved with 70 per cent year. entries achieved Grades I – V. Matheof entries for Music achievPerformance improved on 19 subjects, remained steady on 10 and ing acceptable grades this matics condeclined on 17. tinues to be year compared with 65 per cent last year. Physical Education and Sport returned the highest percentage of CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK acceptable grades – 96 JOB OPPORTUNITY per cent, even though The Caribbean Development Bank is seeking to recruit an experienced professional to fill the following performance position at its headquarters located in Barbados: was down
of entries achieved acceptable grades compared with 92 per cent last year. Business Principles of Accounts was the most outstanding performer in the business subjects cluster, showing the most significantly improved performance. Seventy-five per cent of the 23, 000 entries who took POA achieved acceptable grades compared with 56 per cent last year. Performance on Economics also improved significantly this year, with 81 per cent of entries achieving acceptable grades compared with 65 per cent last year. On the other hand, performance on Principles of Business, Office Administration and Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) declined. Performance on EDPM declined marginally, with 86 per cent of entries achieving acceptable grades, compared with 89 per cent last year. Humanities Performance on both foreign languages, French and Spanish improved by three percentage points this year when compared slight when with 2012. compared
£100m drug bust cont’d. from page 2 they recently seized the drugs with help from British authorities from a speedboat several hundred miles south of Puerto Rico. U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia RodríguezVélez said the drugs came from South America and were bound for Puerto Rico. She said the suspects were from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Rear Adm. Jake Korn, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District, said interdictions have more than tripled in the past year with a total of $690 million worth of seizures.
“Our collective aggressive efforts involving international, federal and local enforcement authorities continue to yield positive results,” said Korn. “We stand united in our unwavering commitment to protect the citizens of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from the threats that come from the sea by interdicting these major drug shipments as far from shore as possible and bringing those responsible to justice.” Since Sept. 2012, the Coast Guard said it has seized 20,500 kilograms of cocaine and 8,500 pounds of marijuana during 22 law enforcement interdictions under Operation Unified Resolve, in partnership with regional
CSEC Results Improving, But Could Be Better
PROJECTS DEPARTMENT Coordinator, Environmental Sustainability Unit Candidates must be nationals of one of CDB’s Member Countries. The Bank’s member countries are the Commonwealth Caribbean countries together with Canada, Colombia, Germany, Haiti, Italy, Mexico, the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom and Venezuela. CDB is a multilateral development bank that collaborates with its Borrowing Member Countries to promote sustainable social and economic development, economic cooperation and regional integration. APPLICATIONS Full details of the job opportunity, guidelines for the submission of applications and general information about the Caribbean Development Bank may be obtained from the Bank’s website at http://www.caribank.org. The closing date for applications is August 30, 2013. CDB is a multilateral development bank that collaborates with its Borrowing Member Countries to promote sustainable social and economic development, economic cooperation and regional integration.
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Montserrat veteran calypsonians ‘Cupid’ and ‘DeBear’ speak out A calypso veteran for more than 20 years, Keithroy ‘De Bear’ Morson and veteran Herman ‘Cupid’ Francis, have both been speaking out on calypso competitions in the sub region, following firstly, the Antigua Carnival calypso competition and the more recent Leeward Islands
calypso competition held annually in Anguilla. ‘Cupid’ is the Cupid is a fourth time calypso monarch winning last time at the heralded Festival 50 celebrations in Montserrat singing ‘Just after take-off’ at Festival City last December. However the one other competition he participates in each time he wins the crown is the Leeward Islands calypso competition in Anguilla, and this keeps eluding him, he has never won even though he has placed in the top three. Following the recent competition only last week in Anguilla Cupid is speak-
Reigning calypsonian King Herman ‘Cupid’ Francis
ing out as he told reporters on his return, while he accepts the results as final he has decided to reconsider his future participation in the competition. He said that he is confident that he represented Montserrat well at the 2013 Leeward Island Calypso competition last Saturday. “It’s something I have to think about, I would like Montserrat to be represented again. I once thought if Montserrat is going to have an impact on that show that it would have to be me. I’m reviewing that thinking now and I’m wondering who we have on Montserrat that could do it,” he told reporters. “I mean Candi been there, Silk been there, Cepeki been there, Tabu been there and somehow we don’t seem to create the impact,” he lamented. Commenting that he has placed in the top three on two occasions, Cupid said also. “I just missed the top three, but this year was a disaster and I’m not sure why.” He commented on the judging which seems to come in for criticism year after year in that competiton. “Quite a number of
the calypsonians sang about their own country,” he said. “A calypsonian has to be careful with that but if they are satisfied that the issue that they are singing about is sufficiently widespread…then I think the judges should accept that.” Cupid noted there is a focus in Anguilla, “and I realise that if I’m going to go there and win, I have to do some research about what is going on in Anguilla and either sing about that or weave it into my song one way or the other,” he said finally, assuring that he plans to defend his local crown. “I’m thinking about the right topic and how I’m going to go forward in making sure that I win that crown now - but Keithroy ‘De Bear’ Morson, former Monarch of Antigua I think just to be the Montserrat harder,” he warned. with 10 crowns under his belt, calypso monarch is a privilege Keithroy ‘DeBear’ Morson from Montserrat, Antigua and in itself and I’ll be competing On the other hand DeBear, cont’d. on page 10
MSS CXC scores improve cont’d. from page 1
CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK JOB OPPORTUNITIES The Caribbean Development Bank is seeking to recruit experienced professionals to fill the following positions at its headquarters located in Barbados: ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT Deputy Director OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT Risk Management Officer Candidates must be nationals of one of CDB’s Member Countries. The Bank’s Member Countries are the Commonwealth Caribbean countries together with Canada, Colombia, Germany, Haiti, Italy, Mexico, the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom and Venezuela. CDB is a multilateral development bank that collaborates with its clients to promote sustainable social and economic development, economic cooperation and regional integration. APPLICATIONS Full details of the job opportunities, guidelines for the submission of applications and general information about the Caribbean Development Bank may be obtained from the Bank’s website at http://www.caribank.org. The closing date for applications is August 20, 2013.
of 74.8 % down from 76.1% in 2012. Of the 21 subject proficiencies taken at the CXC 100% passes were recorded in ten of them namely: Biology, Caribbean History, Chemistry, EDPM, Food and Nutrition, Principles of Business, Technical Drawing, French, Physics and Information Technology. (2) Pass rates ranging from 90 to 97% were recorded in three subject proficiencies, namely: Geography, Integrated Science and Electrical and Electronic Technology. (3) Spanish recorded an 87.5% pass rate. A 46% pass rate was recorded for English A. Math recorded a 49% pass rate. The school sets out the notable student performances in the examinations beginning with Nadia Browne’s achievement with passes in ten subject areas, 9 Grade 1s and 1 Grade 2. Following are: Darion Darroux, Sovanye’ White, Maria Fiueroa, with – 5Grade 1s, 3 Grade 2s; Darius Lewis – 5 Grade 1s, 2Grade 2s, 1Grade 3, and Ora Buffonge, Korey Lee, with 4 Grade 1, 4 Grade 2s; and Sharese Allen – 7Grade 2s, 1Grade 3; The following other students also passed eight subjects:
Kahleah Holloran, Kendel, Hercules, John Jeffers, Clarencia Piper, Samisha Samuel and Vanice Tuitt 13 students recorded passes in 8 or more subjects representing 19% of the cohort, the largest number in recent times. Two students, Brian Fenton and Craig Ryan, passed 7 subjects, while 8 students passed 6 subjects while 7 students passed 5 subjects. Overall, 31 students passed with 5 or more subjects, which is almost 45% of the cohort. There is a closing of the gender performance gap this year. In 2012 the pass rate for boys was 77% and for girls it was 72%. This year the results show a 74% pass rate for boys and a 75% pass rate for girls. Additionally a key indicator for education is the percentage of students obtaining 5 CSEC passes including English and Math. 26% of the year five cohort obtained 5+ CSEC passes including Math and English which represent a 3.5% point increase over last year. Principal Cherlyn Hogan at the end of the report, “extends congratulations to the students who were successful, the teachers for their hard work and dedication and the parents for their support.” She had encouraging words for those who were not as successful as they would have liked. “The school encourages them to
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Kids time - In your own korner Hello everyone – It is kid’s time with Auntie Lyka “In Your Own Korner”. We are in the middle of the summer vacation. I hope you are enjoying it. Enjoy yourselves. Just remember to also read a book. It can take you anyway around the world, it all depends on the book you choose to read. I almost lost my life on a go-cart. Well, sort of. Andy and I were thrown off of one. I don’t know what was worse – almost dying or my mom yelling at me and making me promise never to ride one again. She didn’t have to go through all that trouble, though; after that episode I didn’t want to go near one of those things again, anyway. A go-cart is a homemade contraption made out of old pieces of wood or board, some wheels made out of scrap iron, and a steering wheel made out of a rope. The rope is connected to the front axle. You steer the go-cart by pulling it this way or that so that you can control the direction the cart turns. Of course, usually you are going down a hill of some sort, since that is the easiest way for the cart to pick up speed and for you to get a thrill ride. Andy’s dad is a mechanic, so he was able to get the little iron pieces to make the wheels. The rope I found underneath my house. It was left over from my dog Colby, who had died and gone to dog heaven. The wood was a little bit trickier to get. There’s an old abandoned house at the end of our street. Andy’s big brother Anton says it’s haunted, but we don’t believe him. We had to wait until late at night and sneak out, jump the wall, knock off some pieces from the back door of the house and hide them. Anton couldn’t believe his eyes the next day, when we told him what we had done. Andy added a few details to the story, just to show off. “So how alyuh goin’ to test this cart out?” Anton asked. “We going up Filmore street,” Andy said without hesitation. “Hm, Killmore street, alyuh brave oui,” Anton said worriedly. “If I was alyuh I woulda just go up Burton street up and down a few times.” Andy sucked his teeth. “After we went through all this trouble, I want to go up the biggest hill I could. I wish I could carry it up Mount Everest.” That was Andy – he loved to exaggerate. Even in school, when the principal made a rule about no designs shaved into our heads, Andy went to the barber shop and got his head shaven clean. It caused quite a stir and some kids started calling him ‘Cue Ball.’ He didn’t care, though.
The Go-Cart by Josh Hem Lee
Andy was different from me. He and Anton lived alone with their father. Their mom had died when they were little. Their dad worked long hours at the car repair place. Anton was almost like a second father to Andy. Sometimes I think Andy did the things he did just to get attention. My mom felt sorry for him. “That poor chile have to face this world without a mother,” she would say, and made sure she invited him over for lunch often. After a lot of hard work, busted fingers (we were both clumsy with the hammer) and splinters we managed to finish the go-cart. The day came and we slowly trekked up Filmore street. It was around noon and my mother was inside watching her favorite soap opera. The sun beat down on us. I was thinking about how many penny cools I was going to buy later. I planned to go to Mr. Sookhoo’s store, because he had the big ones and not the tiny ones sold in most places. He also had milk bags, but I wasn’t feeling for one of those today. The last time I had one it gave me the squirts. Pulling the cart was hard work. This gocart was heavy, unlike some others I had seen. Andy had insisted we build a double support so it wouldn’t fall apart like those made by Ralph and the guys who lived across the river. We sat down, Andy in front on the controls and me in the back. Andy turned around slowly. “Yuh ready?” he asked.
“Of course man,” I said impatiently. “Push the cart, let’s go.” Andy leaned forward and crouched slightly. He wheeled the cart for a few steps so it built up a slight momentum and then, with a whish, we were off! The cart made a loud, strange noise that I had never heard before, but strangely it felt pretty comfy. Andy had the same thought, because he turned around and yelled, “The ride smooth, boy!” A little baby was at its gate. When it saw us coming down the hill, it ran inside, bawling. A little further down the hill we saw a big black dog. The commotion had awakened it from its slumber and as it saw us coming it started barking. Then, somehow, it managed to scamper out the gate and rushed towards us. Andy veered sharply to avoid it and we plunged into a drain with a terrible crash. The dog approached us, barking in its deep, husky voice. Andy bent over as if he was about to pick up a stone and the dog scampered off. “Go on from here you mutt,” Andy said. Then he turned towards me, “You alright boy?” There was a little bit of blood on my arm. It hurt a lot. “I’m OK, man,” I said, wincing. “Let me call Anton to help us carry this thing home. We need to go and see about your arm.” We shuffled out of the ditch and looked around warily at the dog that had retreated to its yard, still barking menacingly. Still shaken up by the experience we were both quiet as we walked home. In the days that followed Andy didn’t talk about the go-cart and he never asked about making another one. Even though he had conquered Filmore hill, he had almost put me, his best friend, in grave danger. “You know what,” he said to me one day at school, “Some things are more important than go-carts. About the author... Josh Hem Lee is originally from Trinidad but now lives and works as a teacher and writer in South Carolina. He enjoys reading and sports (in particular soccer) and is the proud father of two young sons aged 4 and 2.
Pre-School Corner Hello to you my preschool friends. Today we will colour the clown and colour the balls in the correct colour. Enjoy.
See you next week right here
Where we will have fun Kids write your stories, tell us about yourselves. Email or post - Write to Aunty Lyka, at P.O. Box 306, Davy Hill, or send email to: kidstime@themontserratreporter.com
Brain Teasers 1. If it takes six men one hour to dig six holes, how long does it take one man to dig half a hole? 2. Two men play five complete games of checkers. Each man wins the same number of games. There are no ties. How? Ans:1. There is no such thing as half a hole. 2. The two men were not playing against each other.
In Your Own Korner.
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HIV initiative coming The Montserrat Development Corporation is leading an ambitious economic regeneration programme for Montserrat, aiming to build a prosperous and self-sustaining economy. Crucial to this is the attraction of private sector investment. We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Director to drive our investment promotion campaign and to help create a thriving local business sector. The Director will play a central role in Montserrat’s economic future, and the job is a unique opportunity for a creative and influential leader to make a major, lasting impact on the island’s future. Job Title: Director, Trade & Investment Promotion Reporting to: Chief Executive, Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC) Location: MDC Offices, Little Bay, Montserrat Job Purpose: To make a measurable impact on the Montserrat economy through attracting new private sector investment to Little Bay/Carr’s Bay and other parts of the island; ensuring that potential investors receive advice and information in an efficient manner; providing local businesses with the support necessary to grow, primarily through exporting and import substitution; assisting in the development of improved tourism services and attractions; identifying and appraising new business opportunities. Key Objectives: 1. To identify and approach investors in the key target sectors identified in Montserrat’s Sustainable Growth Plan. 2. To create and continuously improve a suite of investment promotion material to assist in informing and attracting investors. 3. To ensure that the investment enquiries are provided with the information required to confirm and implement their investments. 4. To work with the Montserrat Tourist Board in improving tourism services and attractions. 5. To identify and support local businesses with export and import substitution potential. 6. To provide business development services accessible to all local enterprises. 7. To identify and appraise potential new business opportunities. 8. To lead and motivate the divisional team of permanent staff and TC support. 9. To ensure that own professional competences are up-to-date and fit for purpose. PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS Education and qualifications: Essential: Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline such as Business Management, Marketing, Accountancy, Banking or Economics. Desirable: Post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline. Experience: Essential: At least five years’ experience in a management role in a business or economic development organisation. Experience in investment policy and promotion. Management of technical consultants. Working closely with government departments and agencies. Desirable: Working in small states or islands. Experience of starting up and running a business, ideally with export revenues. Knowledge: Essential: Investment Promotion techniques. Business Development requirements. Export marketing. Management of a lending portfolio. Desirable: Knowledge of the Montserrat market and business community. Financial management and control systems. Leadership: setting a vision and getting performance from people. Skills: Essential: Business Analysis. Willingness to take hands-on role. Make personal contact with businesses. Analytical and writing skills. Communication and interpersonal skills. Undertaking staff reviews and appraisals. Use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook Desirable: Monitoring and evaluation Making presentations to large and small groups Personal Qualities: Essential: Ability to work effectively and innovatively in a resource constrained environment. Honesty, integrity and a set of values that encourages productive work in others. Willingness to understand the values associated with small communities. Persistence and personal resilience.
cont’d from page 3 estimated 86%, the rate in the Dominican Republic declined by 73%, and in Haiti the rate fell by 50%. From 2009–2011, the number of children acquiring HIV infection has declined significantly (32%). Apart from high-income countries, the Caribbean is the only region with high coverage levels for effective antiretroviral treatment to prevent motherto-child transmission, though coverage varies from country to country, with some countries exceeding the regional coverage level of 79%. Not surprisingly, the countries of the Caribbean also experienced a 48% decline in AIDSrelated deaths. The Dominican Republic had 61% fewer people
dying from AIDS-related causes, while Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Suriname saw a greater than 40% reduction. Although tremendous progress has been achieved in the Caribbean region, and we have the tools needed to achieve an AIDS-free generation, many challenges remain. The Caribbean has higher HIV rates than any region outside of sub-Saharan Africa [PDF 270KB], though the epidemic is relatively small – in 2011, 230,000 people were living with HIV [PDF 270KB]. AIDS is the leading cause of death among people between the ages of 20 and 59 [PDF 9MB]. The HIV epidemic varies across the region but is mostly concentrated in key groups
[PDF 270KB], such as men who have sex with men and sex workers. Studies have shown that men who have sex with men account for an estimated 30% of new HIV infections in Jamaica [PDF 270KB], making this the group at the highest risk of HIV infection. Prevalence rates in the general population range [PDF 3.73MB] from a low of 1% in Suriname to a high of 2.8% in the Bahamas. HIV affects young women 1.2 to 3 times more than young males in the Bahamas and Barbados, while in Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago the reverse is true. The gains we’ve made are impressive, but our work is not done. A historic opportunity is before us – achieving an AIDS-free
ECCB assumes control
taking place over a period of time involving several system. I therefore enparties.” courage the people of AnHe said further that the guilla to be supportive of decision was made following these actions which are being discussions which, “have undertaken in the best intertaken place with the two ests of all parties…” banks which have been subMeanwhile the ECCB ject to both onsite and offsite Monetary Council Chairinspections. The ECCB has man, Denzil Douglas, Prime also met with the Anguilla Minister of St. Kitts-Nevis Financial Services Commisfor his part, said, “This desion, which has responsibilcision was taken after very ity for supervision of the off careful reflection and conshore financial sector.” Keith Bell (Director Anguilsultations which have been la Financial Services Commission) In Anguilla, the Anguillan newspaper in reporting on the matter, cited the main quotes from three officials as follows: Chief Minister Hughes: Move “To Protect Depositors and Creditors” ECCB Governor, Sir K. Dwight Venner: “To Stabilise, Restructure Banks…”; and Governor Scott: “UK L-R Kennedy Byron, (Director of Banks Supervision) Dr Aidan Supports Efforts To AdHarrigan, Richard Holmwood (Overseas Territories Directordress Impact on Banking ate), Steve McCready (Governor’s Office) System” cont’d on page 6
Willingness to personally deliver quality to business clients.
Desirable: Willingness to understand different cultures, lifestyles and associated points of view Other special requirements: Fluent English Willingness and ability to travel by air and sea. Salary and Allowances:
Negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
Applications should be addressed to: The Chief Executive Montserrat Development Corporation Little Bay MONTSERRAT Email: ibrowne@mdc.ms And should reach him no later than 6th September 2013
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Friday, August 16, 2013
Calypsonians speak out The Montserrat Development Corporation is leading an ambitious infrastructure programme for Montserrat, aiming to build a new capital town in the north of the island. We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Director to drive our Infrastructure Division and to help create a thriving new community. The Director will play a central role in the creation of Montserrat’s capital, and the job is a unique opportunity for a creative and influential leader to make a major, lasting impact on the island’s future. JOB TITLE: Director, Infrastructure REPORTING TO: Chief Executive, Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC) LOCATION: MDC Offices, Little Bay, Montserrat JOB PURPOSE: To make a measurable impact on the Montserrat economy through: implementing the master plan for the Little Bay/Carr’s Bay site (New Capital Town); managing the Little Bay Estate; working with the Government of Montserrat (GoM) to improve access to Montserrat, in particular through a new port; identifying potential sites for development elsewhere in Montserrat; supporting the Trade and Investment Promotion Division in identifying and securing new investment in Montserrat. KEY OBJECTIVES:
cont’d. from page 7 Anguilla, was demolished in his defense of firstly his crown in Antigua, according to him and many supporters and pundits, not by his competitors but by the calypso judges in the Antigua carnival competition. In defending his crown, he did not place in the top three, like some of his main contenders. This is what he had to say. “I went there to do what I do best and that’s compete and compete at the highest standard that I’m capable of doing. I think I did that the night of the show,” adding, “I think there were elements there, more than just calypso judging that cause me to not place, but as they say, ‘the judge’s decision is final’.” After the stunning results which dethroned him in the Antigua competition, he is again calling for a change in the judging system to ensure fairness in calypso and other competitions. He says, “There should be two head judges there to look at disparities and deal with them before it comes to the public because you know when you have judges come there with their bias, they can
come there and just do what they want to do. And, because they know what they do is final, they can always punish the calypsonian for some reason or another.” Saying it needs to be like is done in the Supreme Court, “… just like you have the supreme court that looks over judgment from a judge,” His take on it, “they analyze and look at the disparities and deal with them before it’s given out to the public and I think we’ll have a fairer understanding about how to judge calypso,” he concluded as a means to minimizing any disparities in the judges’ decisions. De Bear made some suggestions on what can possibly be done to minimize any disparities in the judge’s decisions. Questioning the young veteran, about changing his approach especially, with comments that he should not be as outspoken as he is and how he plans to proceed, he had this to say: “No you just bide your time,” he says, “you can’t be there forever, you can’t change, if you change you change the whole game, you change the whole purpose, the purpose of
what you were called to do so sometimes you have to just take a different direction.” DeBear said, directly quoting various politicians as to what they said finally: “You don’t know what they are going to come after you, so you have to just change the way you do it.” He explains, “when I say different, I mean technique. Instead of forcing it at them you ease up you let them feel that you’ve given up. You don’t keep pushing, just relax and let them get careless, and when they get careless now, then you can know when to strike…” On the say DeBear commented: “…people up here want you to hide what you know. It is a country of hiding. Them love to hide truth, they don’t love to say what it is, because they are hoping that at the end of the day they could get setup…I am not looking for no set up from nobody. If I see something wrong I’m going to say it’s wrong, I am not going compromise my honesty and my character…I know and I’m not afraid to tell what they did. I am open enough to tell them what they did.”
1.
To lead the implementation of the Master Plan, reviewing development applications, making recommendations to the MDC CEO, Board and GoM on land use and development priorities, ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place.
2.
To ensure that the Little Bay Estate is managed to the standards required to preserve the Master Plan
3.
To coordinate with GoM, DFID, and other stakeholders in the design, funding and construction work required to improve access to Montserrat.
4.
To identify and secure where possible sites elsewhere on Montserrat required to accommodate new investment and business opportunities.
5.
To support the Trade and Investment Promotion Division in targeting and handling investor enquiries.
6.
To lead and motivate the divisional team of permanent staff and TC support.
TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2013
7.
To ensure that own professional competences are up-to-date and fit for purpose.
PROBATE
PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS: ESSENTIAL: Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline such as Geography, Town Planning DESIRABLE: Post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline. EXPERIENCE: ESSENTIAL: At least ten years’ experience in a senior management role in real estate development and/or planning. Management of technical consultants. Working closely with government departments and agencies. DESIRABLE: Working in small states or islands. Working on waterfront development. KNOWLEDGE: ESSENTIAL: Best practice in land and property developments, ideally on waterfront sites. DESIRABLE: Understanding of investment promotion and enquiry handling. Financial management and control systems. Leadership: setting a vision and getting performance from people. SKILLS: ESSENTIAL: Master planning (strategic, operational) and budgeting. Managing real estate and engineering specialists. Analytical and writing skills. Communication and interpersonal skills. Chairing and contributing to meetings. Staff recruitment and induction. Undertaking staff reviews and appraisals. Use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
LEGAL NOTICE In the Estate of ANN CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH FROSTON, 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 Letters of Administration in the estate of ANN CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH FROSTON deceased who died on the 04th April, 2011 be granted to SARAH E SILCOTT of Sweeney’s Montserrat lawful Attorney for LOUIS E FROSTON of 86 Munroe Street, Roxbury, Mass. U.S.A. son of the deceased. ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested therein are requested forthwith to send particulars thereof to the undersigned. FURTHER, any person objecting to the issuance of Letters of Administration to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court, Brades, Montserrat not later than fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice. DATED this 03rd day of May 2013 Hogarth Sergeant Solicitor for the Applicant ESSENTIAL: Ability to work effectively and innovatively in a resource constrained environment. Honesty, integrity and a set of values that encourages productive work in others. Willingness to understand the values associated with small communities. Persistence and personal resilience. Desirable: Willingness to understand different cultures, lifestyles and associated points of view Other special requirements: Fluent English Willingness and ability to travel by air and sea. Salary, Allowances and Benefits: Negotiable based on qualifications and experience.
DESIRABLE: Monitoring and evaluation Making presentations to small and large groups.
Applications should be addressed to: The Chief Executive Montserrat Development Corporation Little Bay MONTSERRAT Email: ibrowne@mdc.ms
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
And should reach him no later than 6th September 2013.
Friday, August 16, 2013
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In Jamaica transgender teen murdered by mob M O N T E G O B AY, Jamaica (AP) — Dwayne Jones was relentlessly teased in high school for being effeminate until he dropped out. His father not only kicked him out of the house at the age of 14 but also helped jeering neighbors push the youngster from the rough Jamaican slum where he grew up. By age 16, the teenager was dead — beaten, stabbed, shot and run over by a car when he showed up at a street party dressed as a woman. His mistake: confiding to a friend that he was attending a “straight” party as a girl for the first time in his life. “When I saw Dwayne’s body, I started shaking and
crying,” said Khloe, one of three transgender friends who shared a derelict house with the teenager in the hills above the north coast city of Montego Bay. Like many transgender and gay people in Jamaica, Khloe wouldn’t give a full name out of fear. “It was horrible. It was so, so painful to see him like that.” International advocacy groups often portray this Caribbean island as the most hostile country in
the Western Hemisphere for gay and transgender people. After two prominent gay rights activists were murdered, a researcher with the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch in 2006 called the environment in Jamaica for such groups “the worst any of us has ever seen.” Local activists have since disputed that label, but still say homophobia is pervasive. Dwayne’s horrific July 22 murder has made head-
lines in newspapers on the island and stirred calls in some quarters for doing more to protect Jamaica’s gay community, especially those who live on the streets and resort to sex work. Advocates say much of the homophobia is fueled by a nearly 150-yearold anti-sodomy law that bans anal sex as well as by dancehall reggae performers who flaunt anti-gay themes. The island’s main gay rights group estimated that two homosexual men were killed for their sexual orientation last year, and 36 were the victims of mob violence. For years, Jamaica’s gay community has lived so far underground that their parties and church services were held in secret locations. Many gays have stuck to a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy of keeping their sexual orientation hidden to avoid scrutiny or protect loved ones. “Judging by comments made on social media, most Jamaicans think Dwayne Jones brought his death on himself for wearing a dress and dancing in a society that has made it abundantly clear that homosexuals are neither to be seen nor heard,” said Annie Paul, a blogger and publications officer at Jamaica’s campus of the University of the West Indies. Some say the hostility partly stems from the legacy of slavery when black men were sometimes sodomized as punishment or humiliation. Some historians believe that practice carried over into a general dread of homosexuality. But in recent years, emboldened young people such as Dwayne have helped bring the island’s gay and transgender community out of the shadows. A small group of gay runaways now rowdily congregates on the streets of Kingston’s financial district. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller’s government has also vowed to put the anti-sodomy law to a “conscience vote” in Parliament, and she said during her 2011 campaign that only merit would decide who got a Cabinet position in her government. By contrast, former Prime Minister
Bruce Golding said in 2008 that he would never allow homosexuals in his Cabinet. Dane Lewis, executive director of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, AllSexuals & Gays, said there were increasing “pockets of tolerance” on the island. “We can say that we are becoming more tolerant. And thankfully that’s because of people like Dwayne who have helped push the envelope,” said Lewis, one of the few Jamaican gays who will publicly disclose his full name. Yet rights groups still complain of the slow pace of the investigation into Jones’ murder, despite the justice minister calling for a full probe. Police spokesman Steve Brown said detectives working the case are struggling to overcome a chronic problem: a strong anti-informant culture that makes eyewitnesses to murders and other crimes too afraid or simply unwilling to come forward. Even though some 300 people were at the dance party in the small riverside community of Irwin, police have yet to make a single arrest in Dwayne’s murder. Police say witnesses have said they couldn’t see the attackers’ faces. Dwayne was the center of attraction shortly after arriving in a taxi at 2 a.m. with his two 23-year-old housemates, Khloe and Keke. Dwayne’s expert dance moves, long legs and high cheekbones quickly made him the one that the guys were trying to get next to. Like many Jamaican homosexuals, Dwayne was careful about confiding in others about his sexual orientation. But when he saw a girl he had known from church, he told her he was attending the party in drag. Minutes later, according to Khloe and Keke, the girl’s male friends gathered around Dwayne in the dimly-lit street asking: “Are you a woman or a man?” One man waved a lighter’s flame near Dwayne’s sneakers, asking whether a girl could have such big feet Then, his
friends said, another man grabbed a lantern from an outdoor bar and walked over to Dwayne, shining the bright light over him from head to toe. “It’s a man,” he concluded, while the others hissed “batty boy” and other anti-gay epithets. Khloe says she tried to steer him away from the crowd, whispering in Dwayne’s ear: “Walk with me, walk with me.” But Dwayne pulled away, loudly insisting to partygoers that he was a girl. When someone behind him snapped his bra strap, the teen panicked and raced down the street. But he couldn’t run fast enough to escape the mob. The teenager was viciously assaulted and apparently half-conscious for some two hours before another sustained attack finished him off, according to Khloe, who was also beaten and nearly raped. She hid in a nearby church and then the surrounding woods, unable to call for help because she didn’t have her cellphone. Dwayne’s father in the Montego Bay slum of North Gully didn’t want to talk about his son’s life or death. The teen’s family wouldn’t even claim the body, according to Dwayne’s friends. They remembered him as a spirited boy with a contagious laugh who dreamt of becoming a performer like Lady Gaga. He was also a street-smart hustler who resorted to sleeping in the bushes or on beaches when he became homeless. He won a local dancing competition during his time on the streets and was affectionately nicknamed “Gully Queen.” “He was the youngest of us but he was a diva,” Khloe said. “He was always very feisty and joking around.” Inside their squatter house, Khloe and Keke said, they still talk to their dead friend. “I’ll be cooking in the kitchen and I’ll say, ‘Dwayne, you hungry?’ or something like that,” said Keke while sitting on the old mattress in her bedroom, flinching as neighborhood dogs barked outside. “We just miss him all the time. Sometimes I think I see him.” But down the hall, Dwayne’s room is empty except for pink window curtains decorated with roses, his favorite flower.
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Friday, August 16, 2013
One phase of the A1 road project nears the end by Bennette Roach Last night, that section, forming part of the A1 Road project described as, “The crossing referred to as Lawyers River near the turnoff to Woodland Beach,” was closed off to normal traffic between the advertised hours 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. In announcing the closure which had culvert was placed been aborted from Sunday night because of at Lawyers River expected down pours of rain (which never happened), a police notice had notified: “However, the public need not be alarmed, as additional police, fire, and medical resources will be deployed to Salem as a contingency. In addition, the road can be Unpaved road to the corner where culvert was placed at Lawyers river below: unpaved road after made passable within 10 minutes time for surfacing ends on the corner (bottom)going north before the Woodlands beach road. any critical emergencies. If urgent, persons can walk across the construction zone and be picked up by waiting emergency vehicles. Therefore, the public is urged to plan ahead and avoid travel in this area during these hours.” The closure was done to facilitate facilitate the completion of work on parts of the A1 Road by the construction of a culvert at the location. According to the contractors and as below: the corner going north before the Woodlands beach road evidenced in the photos here, the works were completed satisfactory. According to official sources, that laying of the culvert and the paving to follow ends that phase of the road project. It is observed that the asphalting of the section from Lawyers River back to the section past the Woodlands Beach road is still to be completed. The laying of ducts on the road is expected to continue. On May 3, 2013 DFID effected the suspension of the funding of the A1 Road Rehabilitation project (the road from Salem to St. John’s) from April 30, 2013. DFID said that the management and implementation of the project by the Ministry of Communications and Works, was less than desired. But a release dated July 5, 2013, issued on the 8th, DFID informed of, “the conditional lifting of the suspension order on the Motorists and pedestrians alike are joyed at the road surfacing from project and a time extension (4 months to Runaway Ghaut almost to the Woodlands Beach road and are hoping that 31stOctober 2013) to facilitate the comple- the rest will be done in quick order. tion of the emergency works and fulfill Below: last portion of road surfacing from outside Alford Dyetts office to existing contractual obligations.” corner before Woodlands Beach road, from which remains unpaved...
Above: A last picture of Gun Hill bluff at the south end of Carrs Bay beach, before work begins for its demolition next week