Friday, September 12, 2014
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Today’s Scripture
www.themontserratreporter.com
Come near to God and he will come near to you. - James 4:8 (NIV)
People’s Democratic Movement Vol. XXIX No. 27
Week Ending Friday, September 12, 2014 Price $3.00
Wins the poll Photo credit: Jeevan Robinson (FB)
‘Putting people first’, Promising transparency . Equality . Accountability. Integrity Story starts on page 2
More
Headlines...
Beyond Election 2014...pg 3
Alarming violence against children...pg 8
Overpaid representatives?...pg 4
2 Caribbean countries in world’s top 10...pg 10
Carib views:Scottish independence...pg 5
Making a case for amends...pg 10
24 HOUR ATM SERVICE Bank of Montserrat Your Bank. Your Future.
www.bankofmontserrat.ms (664) 491-3843
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Friday, September 12, 2014
PDM takes 7 seats Photo credit: Jeevan Robinson (FB)
cont’d from page 1
Behind a theme of newness, “Putting People First - A Fresh Start” and against the background of failed promises, where the now Premier as party leader in his party’s introductory message refers to the preceding government, “a clear F, for failure…” the electorate of Montserrat’s spoke very clearly on Thursday September 11, 2014 when they elected seven of People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and two of the outgoing Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP) candidates to a new Legislative Assembly. By 6 a.m. Friday, September 12, 2014, the following persons were declared as winners with their respective vote counts in descending order: Donaldson Romeo -1695, Dr. Ingrid Buffonge - 1,615, Paul Lewis - 1,507, David Osborne - 1,356, Joseph Farrell - 1,314 (MCAP), Delmaude Ryan 1,185, Reuben T. Meade -1,140 (MCAP), Claude Hogan 1,112, and Gregory Willock - 1,098. It was then clear that out of the 3,866 Registered Voters the 2,747 persons who turned out to vote bought into the “Putting People First” campaign employed by the Donaldson Romeo led PDM. The top 17 positions were held by members of either PDM or MCAP making it pellucid that the electorate voted along party lines. This can be seen where PDM candidates held the top four positions, while MCAP candidates Jermaine Wade (876 votes), Colin Riley (866 Votes), Samuel Joseph (858 votes), Leroy Greaves (802) and Brenda Daley (742) took positions 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. By 2:30 am when just over 50% of the votes were counted, the leader for MCAP Reuben T. Meade conceded defeat and in speaking at the panel covering the election results said, “Based on the trend it seems as if the PDM is all set to take victory in this elections. …The people have clearly spoken and we will have to accept what they are saying.” He also said that “based on the campaign from the PDM the people seemed to have bought into what they are selling…”. He continued: “Both parties have worked hard. I would like to thank all the persons who supported both PDM and MCAP and also the independents. It was an interesting election campaign and clearly one team had to win and PDM won and again my heartiest congratulations to the entire team.” Support for the Alliance of Independent Candidates dwindled compared with last elections as they took positions 22, 24 and 25 being Dr. Lewis - 468 votes, Claude Gerald - 275 votes and David Tuitt - 222 Votes respectively. Last election Dr. Lewis received 1000 votes while David Tuitt garnered 808. The top five independent candidates were Victor James who held the position of 18 with 657 votes, Crenston Buffonge 19 with 533, Geraldine Cabey 20 with 528 votes. Joel Osborne, Norman Cassell, Alaric Lynch, Wilford
PDM members Claude Hogan and David Duberry celebrate in the early morning with supporters Meade, Catherine Tuitt and Winston Pond, held the bottom 5 places. Other candidates who were unsuccessful were Independent Candidate Hylroy Bramble (105 Votes) and MCAP candidate Justin Cassell (525 votes). (see election results table) The full results and their analysis may be viewed at www.elections.ms . The tv and radio broadcast panel covering the results of the elections included TMR’s editor and political analyst Bennette Roach, Rose Willock and media consultant Chelston Lee, anchored; Peter White and former Financial Secretary John Skerritt, Clarice Barnes, and Eugene Skerritt. Deone Semple, Astley Henry led by Angela Estwick provided statistical data and reports of the activities with counting of the ballots, while Chelston at one time with Kafu Cabey reported on the activities and scenes in and around the
Cultural Centre where the post elections activities took place. Later during that coverage the Premier apparent appeared and made a brief statement, where he said he was calm and just trying to take in the moment. He said the trend was pointing to “a clear and convincing victory” for the PDM and appealed for a united Montserrat as the new government undertakes the task of rebuilding the island battered by a volcano. “There is nothing in that manifesto that we cannot do. I expect us to do even more,” he told radio listeners. Shortly after the party chair Shirley Osborne also appeared and told the panel that the PDM which began as a community organization will remain that way which will provide the caucus of the PDM party.
At about midday on Friday, Premier-elect Mr. Donaldson Romeo appeared live on the Warren Cassell Show where he delivered his very first formal speech as the incoming Premier of Montserrat. In his speech the
was an exciting experience but PDM is determine to deliver on our promised for all of the people of Montserrat at home and abroad.”
Premier elect makes his first declaration, then goes to be sworn-in
ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2014 [PROBATE] In the Estate of QUILTON HORATIO TUITT, deceased. LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that after expiration of (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 Quilton Horatio Tuitt late of Palm Loop, Woodlands, Montserrat who died on the 11th of August 2014 at the University Hospital, Guadeloupe be granted to Gweneth Tuitt of Palm Loop, Woodlands, Montserrat, the wife of the deceased and one of the persons entitled to a share in his 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 Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice whose address is: Office of the Registrar General, Brades, Montserrat, not later than fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice. Dated this 4th day of September, 2014 GWENETH TUITT Applicant
Premier elect said: “Beyond personal joy, collective gladness and sincere gratitude, I am humbled by the peoples support. The confidence that the people of Montserrat has given to the People’s Democratic Movement is a statement of mutual accountability. I am more fully persuaded that to achieve all that we have set out to do, our only hope is to stand with and for each other in both good and bad times. Winning the elections
He went on to ensure that they intend to, “create new jobs, build decent housing establish high quality health care and emergency cont’d on page 7
Sagicor Life Insurance Inc. WE, COLLIN AND CARNIE MEADE of Barzey’s Montserrat, having made sworn deposition that Policy No. BMT328424 issued by British American Insurance Company Limited prior to transfer of such policy to Sagicor Life Inc on the life of Deceased, Joseph Meade has been lost, and having made application to the Directors to grant a duplicate of 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: 1st September, 2014 By Order Althea Hazzard Corporate Secretary
Friday, September 12, 2014
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Beyond election 2014 - a declaration by TMR
Although the Montserrat Reporter celebrates no election victory, it will not hesitate to say… Congratulations are in order for the victorious. But in the meantime, to set the records straight, the Montserrat Reporter declares its intention for 2014 and beyond. The Montserrat Reporter will use no platform from which to appeal to the voters. It will use no manifesto to list or explain the plans for Montserrat. And it shall cower neither to DFID nor to the local elected representatives. The Montserrat Reporter merely seeks to level its concern on issues that are relevant to the good governance and development of Montserrat. And, lest the newly elected legislators get carried away with the victory of the moment, the Montserrat Reporter will quickly steer the political ship to get on course and issue the following warning. Be aware! It is DFID; it will be DFID that control the purse which agrees the course for Montserrat. And hence, below is a direct extract from the Aide Memoir between DFID and the past, present or future Government of Montserrat. Be guided! Here is what DFID wrote. Limited progress in collecting tax arrears and little sign of an improvement in tax efficiency and compliance. Overall domestic revenues in 2013/14 are around $EC1½ million lower than assumed in the budget set at the beginning of the fiscal year. Legal action by GoM to pursue tax arrears is anticipated in the next six months. GoM has confirmed that there are now no legislative constraints to taking forward prosecutions, and that holding places can be made available for confiscated property. This would help send a
strong message about GoM’s intention to pursue defaulters and improve tax compliance more generally. The DFID team would welcome further detail on the analysis underpinning GoM’s tax arrears write-off and collection strategy. We agreed that further analysis would be undertaken by the time of the mid-year budget review to assess the impact of pipeline capital investment projects on economic growth and tax revenues in the medium-term. GoM has no plan to significantly change the tax framework next year. More marked progress in pursuing tax arrears is expected which should improve tax compliance. The mid-year budget review will also include an assessment of progress in this area. Montserratians, please be aware, the journey with DFID must obviously and unavoidably continue no matter which road we take; or
who is steering the bus. And remember their promise to get us out from under their wings by 2020. That was confirmed since 2011, three years later we are not one step closer because of our failure to understand that every penny (cent) they donate must be to grow the economy and not make a select few wealthy.
So, the agenda begins with taxation and tax compliance, all spheres. As soon as the newly elected GoM restarts the journey, Montserrat will have to provide to DFID the list of those persons who benefited from the so called tax forgiveness. Recall, if you can, the Montserrat Reporter requested that list a couple years ago. Another matter already on the agenda, is to discuss and agree whether Montserrat should pay monthly $1,000.00 social welfare cheques unless we want to send home 250 civil servants. In consideration for the next agenda item, is the matter of outsourcing. And The Montserrat Reporter will share its views on this subject matter in future publications. (We invite you as a beginning to the article and in particular the section dealing with that previous paragraph: September 7, 2014, “Proposals to Reduce Public Expenditure,
Improve Effectiveness & Efficiency and Increase Public Revenue”.
Nevertheless, having said all of the foregoing, the Montserrat Reporter and the Man from Baker Hill congratulate the nine victorious candidates in the 2014 elections. We continue to extend the hands of cooperation just as before, now to the People Democratic Movement (PDM) government. We ask that you please understand and respect the Montserrat Reporter as a vital partner for the good governance and development of Montserrat. And in good faith ‘The Montserrat Reporter’ assures all its partners in the democratic process for good governance and development of Montserrat that it will continue to make valuable political contributions beyond election 2014.
Geother mal results disappointing
CRM reveals – a failure at best, disappointing CRM Far from impressed with the geothermal production results. They will hold a press conference this week where they will speak to a Statement they have prepared to provide information to the public. They will seek to show that the development in which they have brought about through much initiative and been involved with and encouraged for many years, is not the success it should have or could have been. The following is a summary of what the public can expect to hear much more about. The Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat (CRM) is a registered non-government organisation established to promote and facilitate the reconstruction
of Montserrat after the volcanic eruption that began in July of 1995. At this point in time, CRM is putting on record its considered opinion that the results of the project funded by the British Government in the amount of 8.5 million pounds to drill 2 geothermal production wells on island, have been at best disappointing if not bordering on failure. It is necessary to summarise critical events preceding the British Government’s release of the project funds as well as CRM’s connection with the entire geothermal enterprise. The Summary begins: After the CRM led demonstration in March 2006 which caused the
John Osborne led administration to change its decision to give away control of Montserrat’s geothermal resource to a foreign owned company for a mere 4% royalty, CRM met with the coalition government headed by Dr Lowell Lewis to discuss the future of geothermal development. The Hon. Reuben Meade and his colleague the Hon. Charles Kirnon were members of that coalition administration. At that meeting, the government decided to establish an Energy Committee charged with the task of taking forward geothermal development. Represented on that Committee were two CRM members (initially Jim Bass and Ray Tyson or their alternates). Other mem-
OVERSEAS TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2014 (PROBATE) In the estate of PETER SYLVESTER RYNER, deceased LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date hereof, application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration with Will attached in the Estate of PETER SYLVESTER RYNER late of Banks, Montserrat, who died on the 29th day of July, 2013 at the Glendon Hospital, St. John’s, Montserrat, be granted to JENNIFER RYNER of Manjack, Montserrat, the Lawful Attorney of PHILBERT WILLIAM RYNER the Personal Representative of the deceased and one 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 1st day of September 2014 Chivone Gerald ALLEN MARKHAM & ASSOCIATES
bers were the Director of Public Works (Chairman), the Managing Director of Montserrat Utilities, a representative of the Department of Environment, and a DFID representative (at that time the engineer Mr. Steve Price). An Energy Committee was formed by Government, members of CRM served on this committee which took the resource search for geothermal energy to fruition. ‘Production Well Drilling Production wells whether they are drilled for exploration reasons or as a part of a development program, are larger diameter wells designed for producing steam and / or hot water on a continuous basis to supply a power plant. Advantages of Production Wells For any geothermal development these are the only wells that can produce fluids to a power plant. With the proper drilling rig they can handle any adverse drilling conditions such as high temperature and pressure as well as bad drilling formation. With directional drilling more production wells can be drilled from a single drilling pad. In addition directional drilling allows second and third wells to be completed from the same well which can significantly reduce the resource risk. Proposed Rig Type ThermaSource recommends using an Atlas Copco Predator Drilling System or C1000. There are many truck mounted rigs throughout the world but only a few can handle the weight of the
casing that will be run. A truck mounted rig is ideal for an island location because there is no need for a large 100+ ton crane. The production well rig should have a lifting capacity of 200,000 lbs or greater. ‘ That DFID’s Dr Kimbugwe, DFID Adviser Michael Allen and Energy Committee Chairman Beardsley were preparing the contract to drill the production wells was revealed when in June 2012 Chairman Beardsley emailed CRM representative Ray Tyson a draft tender document for a drilling contract. Given the very precise procedures for tender preparation and the technical imperatives inclusive of directional drilling, drill rig power and other specifications set out in the EGS final report, CRM representatives considered the draft tender contract to be severely inadequate. CRM representatives on the Energy Committee were never allowed to see the final tender document. They subsequently understood that only a 750 horse power drill rig was tendered for instead of the EGS recommended Atlas Copco Predator Drilling System or C1000 which approximates to 1000 horse power. ( Note: Many persons within the island community are of the view that it is a 520 horse power drill rig that has been used to drill the production wells in Montserrat. Messrs Kimbugwe and Allen should confirm whether or not this is so). Most shocking however, is that a copy of the tender document obtained after the contract was signed and drilling was well
under way, clearly shows that no directional drilling capability was requested. The CRM concludes: 11. CRM has provided the factual information above to support its contention that after the preparation of the Business Plan and the British Government’s provision of the 8.5 million pounds to drill the production wells, CRM representatives and other members of the Energy Committee were effectively excluded from meaningful participation in the procedures leading up to the actual drilling process by Chairman Ron Beardsley, the Head of the DFID office on Montserrat, Dr Kato Kimbugwe and Mr Michael Allen, who prepared the Business Plan. The disappointing if not failed results from the production wells drilled to date are their responsibility alone. Presently, at the end of June 2014, the 8.5 million pounds have provided to the people of Montserrat, production wells Nos. 1 and 2 demonstrating clearly limited or in our view disappointing performance. Well No 1 at the entrance to the road leading to Foxes Bay has had to be stimulated with pumped water. At well No 2 situated on the Corkhill road across from the former Seventh Day Adventist School, as stated by the Ministry of Communications and Works engineer monitoring the drilling exercise, the internal diameter of the drill pipe at the bottom of the well is only 4 inches. This diameter, as pointed out above within the EGS feasibility study is inadequate for conventional commercial operation.
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Friday, September 12, 2014
Letters/Opinion
Proposal to reduce public expenditure, EDITORIAL PDM comes to Government improve effectiveness & efficiency and increase public revenue on a high from the electorate No one thought of it then, but if there is any similarity between the outcome of this just concluded General Elections is the close result where the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) raked in seven out of nine in this election and Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP) grabbed six in 2009 leaving the Independents who numbered nine to get the other three. From an analyst point of view there are many differences in this election where there were two parties. The result showed that the electorate responded to firstly, a desire for change of those things had become unbearable, jobs, high prices and generally cost of living and no effort or sign of relief in the near future. Then there is what the opposition led by the now Premier Donaldson Romeo harped on all the time the lack consultation and information for the benefit of the people. It didn’t help that this newspaper kept complaining on the issue and more so Premier Reuben T. Meade posturing that he doesn’t have to consult with ‘anyone’ to include his ministers, who will in cabinet validate his decisions. Meade, who served as Chief Minister from 1991 to 1996, is expected to be sworn in as the country’s leader later today and may select his Cabinet as well. The other successful MCAP candidates he can draw from are Easton Taylor-Farrell, Charles Kirnon, David Osborne, Colin Riley and Jermaine Wade. It was really easy while PDM mounted one of the best campaigns, if not for all time, certainly in the last 30 years, where in the last month the confidence of victory was so high they began referring to the MCAP government as the ‘outgoing’ government; and at their last rally the entry of the candidates was one of pomp. The swearing ceremony of the Premier was attended by a crowd of well-wishers and supporters, difficult to remember. Easy because the campaign was built on a theme which said: “Putting People First – A Fresh Start” that will reflect, Transparency, Equality, Accountability and Integrity. These are ideals that this newspaper has been preaching since 1994 and particularly the last 14 years. Easy because of the failure of MCAP to honour its Premiers commitment from 2009: “Our commitment to you is that we will: build a new prosperity in which all would share. Restore the dignity and self-confidence of our people…” As well as: 1. “We pledge a new approach to leadership, with a team of strong, competent and compassionate leaders who reject ‘one-manism’ and embrace the concept of team spirit and shared responsibilities.” 2. “We will restore the public trust in government through the passage of integrity legislation and the institution of procedures and mechanisms for ensuring transparency and accountability in policymaking, planning and programme management. We will protect no interest except the public good.” With the failure to produce anything positive in these and others of the 12 commitments and 11 pledges, PDM, following the Premier’s near admission of one-manism and a motion of no confidence in that regard, had little difficulty in launching their platform against MCAP. Of the outgoing Ministers there is at least one among them who should have left the MCAP government, if not sooner when David Osborne did so, later and more recently, when he was encouraged to do so after suffering at the obvious attempts to make him irrelevant. His performance at the polls was the worst of the four ministers, in fact placing last of the five remaining for MCAP.
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
Here are some suggestions for the next government to consider 1. Repeal the GOVERNOR’S SALARY AND ALLOWANCES ACT. This will save at least $133,584 per year. After all, why should anyone, much less a public servant, receive two salaries for one job? 2. Review and rationalize all legislators’ salaries and allowances, eliminating immediately the undeserved housing allowance paid to each minister as well as the unjustifiable duty allowance paid to all legislators and the Speaker. $390,000 will be realized immediately by eliminating housing and duty allowances. Extra savings should also be achieved if, as suspected, legislators are unable to prove they legitimately spend the amounts they receive in allowances for entertainment, travel and telephone, now totalling an additional $163,200 each year. Leading by example will make MCAP’s public exhortations about the need to tighten our belts a lot more credible. Last but not least, there’ll be savings from the reduction of legislators’ pensions which is currently based on salary plus all taxable allowances. 3. Dismiss all non-performing public servants immediately. If as the Premier says, it’s unfair to increase the amount paid to social welfare beneficiaries when civil servants have not increased a pay increase for 8 years, it is inexplicable why they are still on government’s payroll especially when HMG is pressuring government to reduce the nominal roll. However, if the terminated
employees are unable to find alternative employment and so as not to reduce our population through further emigration, amend the Social Welfare Act so they’ll qualify for benefits. Let’s assume, conservatively, that the median annual civil service salary is $36,000 ($3,000 a month) and that 192 (20% per governor’s estimate) employees on the nominal roll of 960 fulltime-equivalents (number approved per DFID 2014-15 Aid Memoire) are performing below expectations or are ‘non-performing’ as the premier minister puts it. If we multiply 192 by $36,000, this translates to an annual waste of $6,912,000. If all 192 so-called indolent persons join the social welfare roll with each head of household receiving $900 each month ($10,800 a year), it will only cost $2,073,600 resulting in a savings of $4,838,400 which could then be invested in improving education, healthcare services, performance increments, etc. 4. Rather than asking civil servants to cut back expenditure so they can benefit from the savings in the form of bonuses, instead encourage them to use all the money to improve and increase the delivery of high-quality and timely services to intended beneficiaries. 5. Means-test all persons requesting grants and income tax/customs duty exemptions (including those granted to MPs and senior civil servants. It is fiscally irresponsible to give across-the-board grants and tax emptions without regard to actual need. cont’d. on page 9
Are our elected representatives overpaid?
Based on their performance, does anyone think that any of our elected legislators deserve the amount of money they receive as pay each year from the public purse? And, could someone please explain to the public why combined, all elected legislators receive $234,000 a year for something called a duty allowance (which so far, no one can define for me) plus another $144,000 a year for living in their own houses. Each month, the Premier alone receives $5000
a month as duty allowance plus $3000 for housing, amounting to $96,000 a year and this does not include his other allowances or salary! If you check the figures below, every Minister gets more in total allowances than his salary, collectively receiving $451,800 in allowances in addition to $392,952 as salary. This is supplemented by the additional income most of them make from other sources. No wonder so many people are contesting the election this year. cont’d. on page 9
Our Scripture Verse Today In God’s Presence
Come near to God and he will come near to you. - James 4:8 (NIV) As my parents age, they are becoming more and more dependent on my help. I do what I can, but it is not easy since I work and have responsibilities in my own immediate family as well. Because life has become such a struggle for Mom and Dad, our every visit or phone conversation has become focused on the next list of requests they have for me. Sometimes I feel I have become merely a facilitator of all their needs. I’m happy to help as much as I can, but I miss just chatting and laughing and doing things together
the way we used to. This may be how God feels when I pray only when I have a list of requests. I know that God cares about my needs, and I often mention them in prayer. But I very seldom pray just to worship and be near God. I regret looking to God merely as a facilitator of requests. More and more I am realizing that God wants more than my requests; God wants my heart. Julie Gilleand (Indiana) Prayer: Dear Lord, reignite our hearts with love for you. Remind us that our times of communion together can be not only about our needs but about spending time with you. Amen.
Friday, September 12, 2014
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Capitalism with a conscience - awakening the Social Investment Giant
By: Warren Cassell, Jr. Can wealth be created by investing in making the world a better place? The sole reason people invest is to create wealth. Everyday money is put into the real estate, stock, bond and commodities market with the hope of it growing . Investing allows us to live in the manner we please. It also ensures that our loved ones are protected in the event of a crisis. But what if it was possible to achieve good financial returns while creating positive social outcomes? Social Impact Investing is a form of socially responsible investing. The idea is simple: There are countless social issues plaguing the world. Some of these issues include, lack of waste removal services and lack of access to education. With
Warren Cassell Jr. social impact investing, capital is deployed in companies, organizations and funds with the intent to create beneficial social and environmental impact. Socially focused entrepreneurs in the Caribbean have been faced with a number of problems.
These problems include; the lack of flexibility that revolves around the use of grant money, the lack of an easy access to strong capital markets, and a lack of effective funding models. This results in roadblocks for innovation and growth. Added to that, many entrepreneurs are dissuaded from their venture due to donors refusing to cover any bit of overhead which makes scaling up virtually impossible as most social ventures are perennially underfunded. Impact investors tend to focus on investing in these eight sectors: (1) alternative energy, (2) agriculture and agribusiness, (3) transportation including ports, island roads, and inter-island
transport, (4) tourism, (5) cultural industries, (6) microfinance, (7) SME development, (8) ‘base of pyramid’ basic needs. All of these eight sectors are large contributors to the development of the Caribbean. This suggests that our region stands to make enormous gains, both economic and social, from impact investing. Social investors have flocked to deploy capital in the same sectors in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We can certainly offer these same investment opportunities to them. Although the size of impact investing in the region is relatively low compared to other regions, it
would be misleading to say that social impact investing is not happening in the Caribbean. A number of private investors have begun to actively pursue opportunities within the region. These investors include Leopard Capital and Portland Private Equity which was founded by Jamaican-billionaire, Michael Lee-Chin. Haiti has received the majority of global media attention, and thus it has enjoyed most of the social investments that have been directed towards the region. However, a lot more work still needs to be done. Caribbean governments must actively seek to work with investors to increase the level of investment in the Caribbean. Private capital is needed in order to grow a sustainable Caribbean
economy. Our region cannot compete on a global stage if we focus on the government to be the largest investor. Fortunately, we live in a world awash in capital. There is no shortage of money. The United States alone has $700B in foundation assets. The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) is the oldest and largest multilateral lender in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB group is the primary partner for private sector ventures and projects that seek to combine financial and social returns to reduce poverty and contribute to sustainable development. They offer a variety of grants and programs that can help a vying entrepreneur get started. cont’d. on page 9
Caribbean view: Scotland’s September Disappointing, after an encouraging 18 Referendum: Its consequences call for ‘Action’ of “some really good decision-making - 5 years ago
By Sir Ronald Sanders If the people of Scotland vote for independence from the United Kingdom on September 18, they will be buying a one-way ticket to their own misfortune, and with consequences that will go beyond their borders affecting Commonwealth countries. Notwithstanding the arguments of the Scottish National Party, the Scottish economy cannot sustain an independent Scotland that can deliver the welfare system the country now enjoys and pay for all the apparatus required for defense, security and participation in international affairs. Scottish nationalists do the people of Scotland no favour by glibly urging them to go it alone. If the Scottish voters opt for independence, they will quickly learn what many independent Caribbean countries understand well -– being small has very few and limited advantages in a world where military or economic power reigns supreme. Of course, Scotland’s economy is bigger than all of the Caribbean economies, and its wealth and human resources are much greater. In this context, it would have a better chance of survival as an independent State than many Caribbean countries. That argument is true, but even with its greater resources, Scotland will still be a small country with little bargaining power and even less coercive muscle in the international community. It will quickly learn the disadvantages and marginalization of being small and ignored. Scotland’s reality is that it has a population of 5 million people as against the present 63 million in the UK who share the cost of Scotland’s pension payments, unemployment benefits and free heath care. Scotland would be far better-off by securing
greater devolution from the British government and legislature of authority over the key matters that most deeply concern the Scottish people. They have virtually achieved much of this by the fear that separation has engendered in the political establishment in Britain. The leadership of the Conservative and Labour Parties in a desperate effort to avert Scotland’s separation has pledged greater authority to the Scottish Parliament and administration. The political leadership of Britain has good cause for wanting to keep Scotland in the UK. As I have argued before, it is not only Scotland that will be diminished and made vulnerable by a vote for independence, the rump United Kingdom (UK) will also be reduced in stature as an economic and military power. In turn, a shrunken UK will have a less legitimate claim to its current occupancy of a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, and as an influential member of the Executive Organs of international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Even with the European Union and the Commonwealth of Nations, the UK’s position will be undermined. For instance, in the Commonwealth, the UK, without Scotland, will become a smaller economy than India. The financial sector in Britain has already reacted badly to the possibility of Scotland’s independence - re-enforced by recent opinion polls that indicate a sharp rise in pro-independence sentiment. The value of the British pound fell sharply against the US dollar and international investors have been warned to pull their cash out of Britain to protect themselves against the impact of Scotland’s independence.
Undoubtedly, leaders of the UK’s main political parties have been very worried for some time about the impact of a positive vote for independence by Scotland. But, while the vote against such a possibility appeared unlikely, none of the principal political leaders sounded any alarm for fear of creating precisely what is now happening -– anxiety that the UK will fragment with a cataclysmic effect on its economy. John Major, a former Conservative Prime Minister, articulated the deep concerns of British political leaders by saying: “The vote next week is about far more than the future of Scotland. It is about the future of every part of the United Kingdom”. As polls show a distinct swing toward a vote for independence, both the British Conservative and Labour Parties have pulled out all the stops to reverse the trend. The Labour Party has called into actively campaigning in Scotland its former leader and Prime Minister, Gordon Brown -– himself a Scot. It has to be hoped that, in the end, the push of narrow Scottish nationalism will be tempered and trumped by the pull of benefits within a wider union. The rest of the world should be very concerned about a UK that is smaller in economic and military terms and as an influential voice in the world. The UK still has an important role to play in contributing to peace and security in Europe and in the world’s most troubled spots. It will not be able to do so unless it has the means. For countries in the Caribbean, a shrunken UK has several consequences. One of them is as basic as contributions to the Commonwealth Secretariat and its Fund for Technical Cooperation. At present, the UK pays the cont’d. on page 9
The following ‘Open letter to the Chief Minister of Montserrat’ appeared in this newspaper, one week after Reuben T Meade, incumbent for over a year was elected to head the MCAP (Movement for Change and Prosperity) government. It was written by one, who having held discussions on, made observations, suggestions and recommendations on the way forward for Montserrat and its people, found it necessary at the end of four and a half years to become involved in the formation of a party to ask The People to reject the Chief Minister (now Premier) along with his cohort from office. It is well known that her brother successfully campaigned with the MCAP party, but, primarily as a result of his (now deceased) father’s encouragement and endorsement, with near 45 years’ experience, many of those as Chief Minister himself. He soon after confided his regret and his son left the party a good while after his death in disgust and dissatisfied with the actions and direction of the party. Most Montserratians and residents alike will recall that the new CM had been rejected for leadership and that in unreported untoward circumstances regained that leadership while the MCAP’s popular leader relinquished her position to him. Open letter to the Chief Minister of Montserrat’ – (September 18, 2009) A little less than a year ago, I had the rare pleasure of a brief, very brief, discussion with you, and with your permission I’d like to pick it up again for a little bit, if you don’t mind. It was begun in public, so I hope you will have no objection to my continuing it in that same space. You might remember, I was
sitting in the studio at Radio Montserrat, a guest on Rose’s (Willock) Saturday morning show, and you called in to respond to a member of points being made about the administration and development of, and the quality of life in, Montserrat, by me and others of Rose’s guests. We were all, including you, of the very strong opinion that all was definitely not well with Montserrat. You and I, both, agreed, as I recall, that a number of matters of great import are in urgent need of redress. You said that the effective handling of these would require the making of some “tough decisions.” You were saying that the people in the Government would have to make these decisions, and I happen to believe that this has to be undertaken by both Government and People. Well, Sir, you are now in the position in which you get to make these decisions both as “government” and as “people”, and while I do, of course write to congratulate you on your victory in the last elections, I also, muchmore importantly write to remind you that you did, during the discussions , declare publicly, that you would, indeed, make those “tough decisions”. Active democracy, and my commitment to my island, requires that I hold you to your word. My understanding of democracy suggests that I have the right to, and my management of my personal relationships requires that I do. I do so despite the fact, too that I have been informed, and by a very close friend of mine, no less, that I have no right to demand good governance, accountability and the consistent exercise of good principles. I could not, she declared, take issue with any incompetence, poor administration, or lack of commitment, or exercise any right to doubt, question or interrogate the
Government or people of Montserrat, “from outside.” I was unsettled by this attitude, to put it mildly, no least because I am, unchangeably and forever, one of The People of Montserrat. Moreover, I remember having been relieved of my job at the Department of Tourism because I once dared to express displeasure at some of the workings (or lack thereof) of the Ministry of Education, Health, and Social Services. And that, at a time when I was a full-time resident of Montserrat! I think I don’t need to tell you that those of us on the “outside” are willing and fully able to contribute meaningfully and consistently, and are all too aware of the blocks, hurdles, and stonewalls that are, almost invariably thrown up whenever we offer our services and support. It is not my imagination that the general attitude is to resist our advances, to oppose our positions to thwart our contributing, to assert that we do not have the right, to insist that we ask permission and then deny it when we do. I have experienced it, personally, too many times to count, and too recently to have forgotten. I believe this is a dangerous standpoint. It is a shortsighted and insidious purview. It is deeply offensive, unjust, and, in this age of instant communications and real-time news, also altogether groundless. It smacks of parochialism and unawareness. And it is only one of the many frustrations faced by Montserratians who are deeply committed to the development of our island, and who are also fully capable and highly competent. So, C.M. Meade, how this pervasive and generally-accepted sentiment will jibe with your governcont’d. on page 9
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Friday, September 12, 2014
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Friday, September 12, 2014
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Premier-elect Romeo is sworn in...cont’d. from page 2
Photo credit: Merle Tracey-Galloway (FB)
Hon. Premier Donaldson Romeo shares day with family , friends and supporters as he is sworn in. right: Governor Adrian Davis services resolve our access problem, revitalize our economy ….and use sports as an avenue for our young people to soar to build life skills.” Other PDM candidates also spoke on the WCS thanking their supporters and ensuring the public that they will in fact be putting people first. Shortly after cont’d. on page 12
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Friday, September 12, 2014
Mountain chicken Report finds alarming violence frogs offspring return towards children to Caribbean home in Latin America and Caribbean
Caption: A 6-year-old Nicaraguan rape survivor jumps rope at the Nidia White Women’s Centre which provides shelter for children and women who have experienced sexual exploitation or other forms of abuse (Photo: UNICEF) tor, in the press release. Homicide is largest cause of daylight” report. Most worryingly, homicide death for 10-19 year old boys in In addition, 33 percent of is the “leading cause of death many Latin American and Carrib- Salvadorean female teenagers among males between 10 and 19 bean countries. ages 15 to 19 have suffered years old in Panama, Venezuela, A UNICEF report released physical, emotional, or sexual vioEl Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, Thursday has shone a light on lence from their partners, while at Brazil, Guatemala and Colombia.” the ongoing violence, including least 43 percent of Salvadorean The study gathered data homicide, towards children world- school children have suffered about violence against children wide, with shocking findings for bullying in the form of robbery, and teenagers -anyone under 20 Latin America and the Caribbean. insults, threats, or physical agyears oldfrom 190 countries, At least 27 children and gression before finishing primary highlighting the immense impact teenagers are killed for every school. that it has on their lives. The 100,000 people in El Salva“This is uncomfortable data, report forms part of UNICEF child dor, making it the most violent which no government nor parent country for children in the world would like to see.” said Anthony violence awareness initiative according to the “Hidden in broad Lake, UNICEF’s Executive Direc- #ENDviolence.
The Guardian, Dozens of frogs reared in UK zoos have been returned to their Caribbean home in a painstaking operation, five years after their parents were airflifted out to escape a deadly fungus. A total of 51 Leptodactylus fallax, known as mountain chicken frogs because they reportedly taste like chicken and make a clucking-like noise, were released on the Jersey-sized island of Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory. In 2009, conservationists rescued a population of the critically endangered frogs from the island to avoid them being wiped out by a chytrid fungus which has devastated amphibian numbers worldwide. The mountain chicken frog population has also dwindled due to people eating them – the species is the national dish in Montserrat and nearby Dominica. Following a breeding programme with the rescued frogs by London Zoo and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which produced 76 frogs from just two females, 51 frogs in July were put in custom-built shipping contain-
ers, flown to Antigua and then by a smaller plane to Montserrat. On arrival at their remote forest home on the volcanically active island, they were kept in tents for several days to avoid being stressed by their new environment, before being released into the wild. Ben Tapley, head of herpetology at the Zoological Society of London, said the demanding logistics showed the dedication of the conservation efforts. “As the frogs were being held in the run-up to release [on Montserrat], they had to be fed. We ordered a massive load of insects, and to avoid introducing an invasive pest to the Caribbean, someone had to sort through the crickets, throwing out the females so we only sent males. We checked it three times, and sent 5,000 male crickets.” While not the first ever reintroduction of the frogs to the island, Tapley said it was the first during the wet season, when he hoped frogs would be more dispersed than in the dry season, and therefore less likely to contract the disease caused by the fungus, Chytridiomycosis, which infects
the skin through which many amphibians drink and breathe. In the dry season, the frogs are thought to congregate around scarcer water sources and thus come into closer contact with one another. “The fungus hasn’t gone away,” warned Tapley. “But frogs are surviving [the fungus]. It could be because they’re tiny populations. It could be because they are living in microclimates that are not ideal for the fungus. Or they could be developing immunity.” The freed frogs will be tracked by radio tags to map their movements, with batteries that will last a few months, as well as a team of conservationists in the field. Jeff Dawson, Durrell’s amphibian programme officer, said: “The data collected will help our understanding around the dynamics of this disease in the wild which will be vital in guiding our future conservation actions for this amazing species.” In July, scientists reported that they had discovered that a certain type of toad could acquire immunity through contact with dead fungi.
The Caribbean is reaffirming that it can offer so much more than being a leading beach destination, with culture, heritage and sustainable travel becoming key components in holidaymakers choosing it. Alongside our members, we have led the way in offering travellers the opportunity to have authentic experiences that also benefit the destination. Nevis, for example, is developing a geothermal project that will make the country one of the greenest
in the world, while the eco-luxury retreat Rosalie Bay offers guests a chance to take part in sea turtle conservation efforts in Dominica. There has also been substantial investment in a host of openings and refurbishments. This year alone has seen more than 10 luxury resorts open, including Malliouhana in Anguilla and St Kitts’ Kittitian Hill, with Baha Mar in Bahamas set to open at the end of the year. The cruise industry is also helping to boost tourism in the Caribbean and creating opportuni-
ties for employment and economic advancement across the region. With so much choice and so many exciting new developments, there should be plenty to recommend and sell in the Caribbean this year. Help is on hand at our website, caribbean.co.uk, through our training programmes and newsletters, as well as events within the CTO’s UK chapter. Carol Hay is director of marketing UK and Europe at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
It’s great to see the Caribbean on the rise
Adapted: TMR – How can we read stories like these and not believe that we have completely “missed the boat” with ‘ambitious’ plans that are nothing more than fantasy. Our government through its MCAP leader, covered up what will turn out to have been the better of two plans, the modified A plan, put on the table when the near infamous Charette took place here in 2011. That plan provided for a resort hotel in Rendezvous Bay. See Editorial (Sept. 5, 2014) With APD reformed and visitor numbers up, this has been a strong year for the region, says the Carribean Tourism Organisation’s Carol Hay This year has been a remarkable one for the Caribbean so
far. Starting with the news of a two-band Air Passenger Duty, the growing number of cruise passengers and flights to the region - it’s great to see the Caribbean on the rise. We have maintained our popularity and position as the world’s premier year-round warmweather destination, and figures suggest arrivals from the UK in the first quarter rose by more than 6%. There have been some challenges along the way, but we have seen a growing demand for the Caribbean, especially from Italy, Russia and Scandinavia, and a 5.5% increase from Europe as a whole. This can be attributed to the confidence in economic stability in the eurozone and com-
petitively priced deals across the Caribbean. At the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, we work with more than 30 Caribbean destinations, plus hoteliers, airlines, cruise companies and operators in the UK. We want to ensure that there is better knowledge-sharing among members and continually offer opportunities to network, take part in workshops, roundtables, and awareness and risk preparation training related to the region. The Caribbean Travel Guru programme has been a fantastic resource: designed to boost knowledge of the region, it is integral to our campaign and this knowledge can aid travel agents to generate more Caribbean sales.
Friday, September 12, 2014
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Proposals for new government Capitalism with a conscience cont’d. from page 4
For instance, the Premier’s recent announcement about granting $40,000 in the form of customs duty exemptions/rebates to persons constructing homes who had not previously received grant assistance from government. 6. MPs’ and government officials’) actions should always be above reproach, leading by example. They must be seen as persons of high integrity who respect, abide by and enforce our laws rather than bending or breaking them. They must also treat the people they serve and each other with respect, keeping us informed of their decisions along with forthright explanations for those decisions. This would go a long way to restore confidence and public satisfaction while reducing the time and effort wasted debating speculations. 7. Create employment and reduce potential liability by restoring all government-owned and recently sold dilapidated properties to a state of good repair, not just the Force-10 buildings, starting with those housing vulnerable persons like the warden-supported apartment complex. 8. Supplementing the above suggestions, and in the spirit of openness, for those who didn’t get an opportunity to read DFID’s 2013-14 Budget Aid Memoire, here are their recommended budget enhancing measures (paragraphs 32-33): “GoM should intensify efforts to maximise revenues and minimise expenditures. DFID has identified a number of areas in
support of this, including (but not limited to): Stepping up efforts to boost tax compliance and reduce tax arrears, which DFID views as priority areas in need of urgent attention. Use of bailiffs and prosecution should be made where appropriate. Tangible progress in recent years has been disappointingly slow and less than EC$0.5m of tax arrears has been collected since the last Budget. [MCRS advise that the level of outstanding arrears up to 31 March 2012 is EC$21.3m. However not all of this is collectable and GoM plans to produce a revised total by 31 March 2013.]
GoM anticipates that the trial case currently going through the courts will be a springboard to delivering in these areas. Reducing FTE headcount from 959 to 952 in January 2013 by deleting 7 of the 18 unfunded vacancies. Beyond this, the continuing rationalisation of public services, including through the planned GoM organisational review and outsourcing, [ Areas currently under consideration include Elderly Care, Cleaning Services (Phase 2), Security, Ministry of Agriculture Nursery Operations, and Laundry Services.]
should produce significant reductions in headcount. DFID remains willing in principle to provide financial support to allow GoM to reduce the public sector. Implementing recommendations from the actuarial review of the Civil Service Pension scheme to ensure affordability in the short and long-term. Consideration should include the introduction of staff contributions. Completing the rationalisation of membership and payments to regional bodies to ensure they are essential and represent value for money. Improving economic and statistical capacity, particularly at a senior level (through the recruitment of a Chief
Economist and Director of Statistics), so that more robust and timely budget analysis and forecasts feed through to departmental settlements and other policy decisions. Ensuring that 3-year budget plans include settling arrears and realistic provisioning for increasing costs due to, amongst other things, pensions, maintenance and inflation. Ministries should not be allowed to carry over invoices and payments into the following financial year. Considering whether to make further changes to tax policy should domestic revenues remain below expectations. In particular, GoM appears to have underestimated the negative impact on revenue of the Income Tax re-banding that took effect in 2012: this also underlines the need for enhancing analytical capacity. Building on the successful implementation of the Online Visa application system and the Geographic Information System, by expanding online services to other areas of Government such as property and income taxes. This will improve both the efficiency of delivering services and the enabling environment for business. Formalising with UWI the payment position on the EC$5.6m of arrears to UWI, including any agreed write-down. Pursuing potential for cost recovery in health through a revised medical fee structure. Delivering against commitments to maximise revenues and minimise expenditures is important not only to improve public sector efficiency, but also to demonstrate to UK Ministers that GoM is serious about getting value for money, a key component of DFID decisions on any investments.” Rubbish Questioner
Overpaid reps? ...cont’d. from page 4 ELECTED LEGISLATORS ANNUAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE Elected Legisla- Total Pay Package tors Ministers Reuben Meade Charles Kirnon Easton TaylorFarrell Colin Riley Total Ministers Non-Ministers Donaldson Romeo David Osborne Jermaine Wade Victor James Lowell Lewis (pension)
Salary
233,004 103,404 203,916 96,516
Housing
Entertainment
Allowances Duty
Travel
TeleTotal phone Allowance
60,000 42,000
19,200 16,800
3,600 1,800
129,600 107,400
203,916 96,516 36,000 10,800 42,000 203,916 96,516 36,000 10,800 42,000 844,752 392,952 144,000 43,200 186,000
16,800 16,800 69,600
1,800 1,800 9,000
107,400 107,400 451,800
9,600 9,600 9,600 9,600 -
1,800 1,800 1,800 1,800 -
23,400 23,400 23,400 23,400 -
83,880 83,880 83,880 83,880 -
60,480 60,480 60,480 60,480 -
36,000 10,800 36,000 10,800
-
-
12,000 12,000 12,000 12,000 -
Total non-Min335,520 241,920 48,000 38,400 7,200 isters GRAND TO1,180,272 634,872 144,000 43,200 234,000 108,000 16,200 TALS
93,600 545,400
It is my humble opinion that based on actual performance. be fired immediately (not returned like public servants, elected of- Furthermore, if they are not per- to office), particularly since their ficials’ remuneration should be forming satisfactorily, they should pension is based not just on sal-
cont’d. from page 5 They actively will work to open lines of credit so that a person may get a start on their dream of making a social impact via owning or investing in a business. The IDB group alone has aided in awarding over US$27299.25 million in the social investment sector alone. In Haiti, IDB has provided US$14 million for the modernization of Agricultural Health Public Services, and in Barbados US$35 million has been awarded for enhanced access to credit for productivity project. Although it would be ideal to have locals invest in the local community, we cannot limit ourselves just to local and regional investors. It is absolutely vital to search for international investors as well. Some governments around the world have begun exploring the potential for social impact bonds. These will be financial instruments that will pay an investor if the cost or incidence of something is reduced, literacy or foster care for example, with comparable or better results than a government program. Social Impact mutual funds could also be created to pool capital from Caribbean residents and members of the Caribbean Diaspora to deploy in viable sectors. This will alleviate the large amount of taxpayers dollars that are being spent in sectors that can be run by private persons. In recent years, social impact investments funds have been generating decent returns to investors. The Haas Socially Responsible Investment Fund is one success
story. From 2011-2014, the fund beat the market by almost 5%. It has achieved over 50% return on investment since its inception. It is my emphatic belief that wealth can be created while trying to make the world a better place. The key here is to encourage more investors to pool their money with others to invest in socially focused funds and investments. This will allow more capital to be put in a larger number of deals, and therefore risk can be spread. If the amount of capital placed into impact investment funds increases, returns would typically be higher as well. This is because investments can be higher and better diversified. A common trait among persons in the Caribbean is that they are stuck with a handout mentality. Yes, the role of any government is to provide public goods to its citizens. However, a government cannot be the largest investor in the majority of a country’s sectors. This will only drain resources and create market failure. One way to change this mentality is to establish educational programs that share a series of success stories or narratives. Case studies on countries that are successfully using capital from impact investing can be used to show policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors and residents of the Caribbean what can be done. Education is a huge part of the impact investment sector and can be easily broken into. By education I do not mean to imply school houses,
although that is needed in some areas, but in some cases all there needs to be is a non-governmental organization, or a not-for profit that educates locals on good financial habits or finds them good lines of credit so they can open businesses. Education is a very broad and easily applicable title for a section and it can readily be remade under the umbrella of another sector. For example; if you educated people on issues concerning agriculture or agribusiness then that could potentially fall under two sectors and may have more potential grants or loans available. Overall, it is vital that Caribbean countries begin to look more at the private sector to solve their social and economic issues. Countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa have been benefiting from impact investing and it is about time we look to benefit from it as well. There is a limit to how much capital the government can deploy in the economy without increasing taxes, however the amount of capital that private investors have to offer is almost limitless. About Warren Cassell, Jr. Like most adolescents, Warren balances his time between schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but that’s probably the most he has in common with his peers. At fifteen years old, Warren is the author of ‘The Farm of Wisdom’ and holds investments in a number of globally diverse sectors including the asset management and financial services industry.
Overpaid reps? ...cont’d. from page 4 ment’s intentions for the office of “the Diaspora: becomes then a quite intriguing question, to wit, will your administration be speaking with this “Diaspora” just for the sake of talking, to give the appearance of engagement while effectively denying actual involvement on the part of the said “Diaspora”, or will your administration be taking full advantage of the resources that these people command, engaging with purpose, shared vision, a division of competencies, and an equitable distribution of tasks: Will this “Diaspora” be a full and recognized partner in the development of our island, or is this an office of appeasement and pacification? In other words, will this be a lime or some serious work; Acton or just ol’ talk: But, I am jumping ahead…Let me come back to the matter of our radio exchange. At the time, we did not exactly exhaust the entire list of maters that would require studied attention, and I could not do here either, but allow me, please, to share with you of the issues that ary but also on all their taxable allowances. (The only non-taxable allowances they receive are travel and entertainment.) This will provide significant relief from future pressures on the public purse. A’so Me-see’um
I and many others, (although) I speak now only for myself) believe should be at the very top of your administration’s agenda and should receive immediate and decisive attention. We can compare notes… see if it matches your list. I am making no prescriptions or even suggestions about how they might be best handled. I only note them, and in no particular order. Migration – emi- and immigration, and ease of travel to and from Montserrat, or the lack thereof. Violence – domestic, against women, in school; intimate partner and child abuse; community violence and statutory rape. Education – order and safety in schools, socialization and social behavior, academic exploration, cultural investigation, and intellectual expression. Health – medicine and medicines, doctors and nurses, diet and nutrition, stress relief, mental health, solid waste disposal. And tilapia. Recreation – public spaces, socializing activities, creative exchange, and cultural expression. Communications, tele-communications. Youth – mind-stretching activities, mentors and role models, and safety and security. Suffrage – for those Montserratians who had to leave and those
who chose to come. Agriculture. Fisheries (Tilapia is not really fish, is it!!) Women (All I want to say about this particular topic, at this point, is that the Government of Montserrat needs some.) I know that you don’t need me to tell you about the systemic corruption, kickbacks, illegal back-rubbing, and untoward handwashing that, in the personal view of some, is by the Government of Great Britain and its Dependent Territories, considered valid and ample cause for re-colonialisation. And quite understandably so too. In our radio exchange, we also agreed, I seem to remember, that the handling of these issues would require clarity, commitment, truthfulness, decisiveness, resolve, courage, honesty and integrity. I, however, do not necessarily agree that they require any “tough” decision-making. I believe that they require, quite simply, the making of good decisions, or perhaps the good making of decisions. There is no “tough” part to being good. Good is easy. It is not hard to do. To be good is to do the right fair, and just thing, For the good of all Montserratians, including you, of course, C.M., I look forward to some really very good decision-making. Respectfully, Shirley Osborne.
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Friday, September 12, 2014
Doc: no Ebola in Obama renews US Embargo on Cuba Caribbean but urges no complacency Trinidad Express By Michelle Loubon There have not been any cases of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Caribbean, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) executive director Dr James Hospedales said yesterday. He made the statement during a news conference at CARPHA headquarters at Jamaica Boulevard, Federation Park, Port of Spain, where he was accompanied by Dr Babatunde Olowokure, director Surveillance Disease Prevention and Control. Hospedales added that it was important to continue to monitor the situation. CARPHA is responsible for providing strategic direction, analysing, defining and responding to public health priorities of Caricom, in order to prevent disease, promote health and respond to public health emergencies. Giving an update on Ebola, Dr Hospedales said: “The current outbreaks of ebola are limited to West and Central Africa. The animals (monkeys, chimpanzees) which carry the disease are not found in the forests of the Caribbean islands and there have not been any cases of Ebola in the Caribbean.” He said: “The overall risk assessment of ‘low risk’ for the Caribbean region remains unchanged at this time. Be that as it may be, this is not the time for complacency, because the consequence of an imported case, though unlikely, could be serious for both population health and the tourism industry in the Caribbean.” Hospedales also said, “There is currently no vaccine to prevent the transmission of Ebola, but developmental work is ongoing and some trials in monkeys show promise, with protection from the virus being generated for months after vaccination. Prevention consists of avoiding all contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids, objects or surfaces”. He said: “The virus, however, is not tough. It is easily inactivated by common disinfectants. Surfaces and reusable objects that have been contaminated with infectious bodily fluids may be cleaned by appropriate concentrations of diluted bleach to prevent transmission.” CARPHA will continue to monitor the situation and advise its member states to continue their efforts to attain a level of preparedness. Hospedales said, “The level of risk may change as new information becomes available.” Dr. Hospedales said Africa was “grappling with the largest outbreak in history” since the discovery of ebola. He said: “There is an outbreak in western Africa affecting five countries including Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal to varying extents. This outbreak is the largest since the discovery of the Ebola virus in 1976, with 42,293 cases and 2, 296 deaths as at September 6, 2014. There is also an unrelated outbreak of a different strain of EVD in the Congo where 24 people have been affected and 13 have died, as at the last available update, on August 27.” CMC reporting out of Trinidad adds the following reporting on the same press conference adds the following: Dr Hospdales said that while the risk level remains low “it is important that each member state takes the opportunity to ensure that several mechanisms are in place to mitigate the potential impact of its arrival.” He said these measures are included in the international health regulations (IAHR) that came into force in 2005 and include appropriate communication messages to be disseminated to the general population, to travellers and to health workers ensuring that people know how to reduce their risks. “This is key, we will have other problems beyond Ebola in the future, achieving compliance with the international health regulations is the way to be able to be prepared,” he said. Dr Hospedales said that while the Trinidad-based organisation will not be able to carry out tests to determine whether a person had contracted the deadly virus, international arrangements have been made with the United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the Public Health agency in Canada for such testing. He said CARPHA is also bolstering regional preparedness by establishing an incident management team here “to facilitate coordination of the regional response.
Jack Lew, Obama approved of extending the 64-year old embargo saying “I believe that the extension of the embargo against Cuba for one year [is] for the national interests of the United States.” The ban limits U.S. companies from doing business with Cuba, which critics argue is an interventionist measure that has been detrimental to both countries.
teleSUR
ficials published a letter from U.S. The 54-year old com- President Barack Obama extending mercial ban on the island the commercial blockade on the caribbean nation of Cuba. will be extended for at In the memorandum directed least one more year. to U.S. Secretaries of State John On Friday, White House of- Kerry and Secretary of Treasury
Two Caribbean countries in world’s top ten suicide list
KINGSTON, Jamaica –Two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries headed by Guyana have featured in the highest suicide in the world, according to figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO). Guyana has the highest estimated suicide rate for 2012 globally, and close by Suriname is the sixth highest on the WHO’s list. However in the WHO Region of the Americas, estimated suicide rates are generally lower than in other regions, the organisation said. It added that in low-income countries, elderly women have higher rates of suicide than their counterparts in high-income countries. In richer countries, three times as many men die by suicide than women. Suicide by intentional pesticide ingestion is among the most common methods of suicide globally. Countries with the highest suicide rates include Guyana, China, Republic of Korea, India, Suriname and Lithuania.
Regional postal administrators to meet in Bermuda HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC - Postal administrators from the Caribbean will examine the sustainability. Bermuda’s Postmaster General, Wayne Smith, said the annual Caribbean Postal Union conference could also kick-start major changes in the island’s postal service, which has been struggling to make ends
Scottish Independence cont’d. from page 5 single largest share of these costs. If its economy is reduced in size, contributions will have to be recalculated placing a heavier burden on all member states including those in the Caribbean for which the Commonwealth is an important instrument in pursuing their foreign policy objectives. The 12 Commonwealth Caribbean countries also need a strong UK in the European Community and in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as an advocate for Caribbean interests. Belize and Guyana in the Caribbean community also have a vested interest in the UK remaining a robust voice on the UN Security Council because of their border controversies with Guate-
mala and Venezuela respectively. Beyond the international political role that a strong UK plays for the Commonwealth Caribbean, there are a host of economic linkages including tourism, investment and development assistance that a less well-off UK will certainly be forced to curtail. And, then there is the contention of reparations for slavery. If Scotland were to choose independence in the referendum, Caribbean countries would have to add Scotland to the list of possible litigants. There were many Scottish plantation and slave owners in the Caribbean and they too benefited from huge ‘compensations’ paid to them at slavery’s formal abolition. Hopefully, good sense will prevail in Scotland on September 18.
Economic sanctions by the United States on Cuba are enforced by several U.S. laws, including the 1992 “Torricelli Act” that banned food shipments to Cuba. Since 1992, the United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution opposing the embargo every year. The only two countries to consistently oppose the resolution are the United States and Israel.
Making a case for amends
By Bert Wilkinson At least four Caribbean heads of governments, legal representatives from Europe, academics from around the world and civil society activists are to attend a key preparatory meeting in Antigua next month to prepare the region’s case to make European nations pay compensation for the Trans Atlantic slave trade officials said this week. Caribbean governments in July, through Barbadian Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, formally wrote to countries like Britain, Spain, France and The Netherlands demanding a high level summit to set the stage for compensation payments with Europe before the end of this year or early next year to discuss its collective push for reparations. Stuart is the lead regional prime minister on reparations. Regional reparations activist Eric Phillips said that details about such the Caribbean-Europe conference are to be announced at the Antigua three day meeting starting on Oct. 12. The meeting is being billed as an experts conference and already representatives from Britain, Den-
meet as more people turn to electronic means of correspondence. Three of Bermuda’s sub-post offices - St David’s, Harrington Sound and Somerset Bridge - are due to close on November 1. The theme of the conference is “Sustainability in the 21st century” and delegates will “examine the global challenges emanating from the electronic age in which Bermuda and Caribbean postal administrations operate, consider potential solutions to mitigate these challenges and provide options for repositioning Bermuda and Caribbean postal administrations for sustained future growth. “It is anticipated that the 17th annual Caribbean Postal Union conference will not only generate visitor revenue for the island, it will help be the catalyst for substantive change in the postal sector in Bermuda, throughout the Caribbean region and globally. “The decision to host this conference demonstrates that the Bermuda Post Office is thinking strategically and introducing initiatives with benefits to Bermuda far
mark, France and other countries have indicated plans to attend, signalling some interest in hearing what the Caribbean has to say about its claim. In July, British legislators invited, Sir Hilary Beckles, the principal of the University of the West Indies’ Barbados Campus and head of the regional reparations commission to make the case before the British House of Commons on the reparations issue. His presentation was reportedly well received and ended with a standing ovation among MP’s. Phillips dubbed the invitation from Britain “as an indication” that the case is being taken seriously and that a resolution could be found starting with the high level summit whenever it is held. He said the leaders who have already hired the British law firm of Leigh Day law firm to push their case. The firm has become famous ever since winning a court ruling that forced Britain to compensate Kenyan tribesmen for genocide against them in the colonial era. Its representatives have attended several high level meetings with CARICOM and other leaders and thinks there is a case to win here. The mini mid October summit will refine a 10-point to challenge to Europe including arguments that European planters were compensated for losing slaves after emancipation in the 1830s but not a cent was paid to those enslaved and have also refused to acknowledge that slavery was a crime among other complaints. He also said that the meeting will refine plans to grow the reparations effort into a global movement that would include Americans Blacks and others living outside the region, saying that there would be no turning back to win compensation for the slave trade. beyond mail delivery,” Smith said. He added although the conference presents professional development opportunities for post office staff, “it will also provide an influx of business travellers at a time when visitor arrivals traditionally decline, as well as a huge cash injection that our economy so desperately needs.”
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Suresh Sookoo to retire as CEO, Caribbean Banking, RBC; Kirk Dudtschak named Head, Caribbean Banking across the region, especially in Trinidad and Tobago. We will miss his experience and expertise, and wish him all the best in his retirement.” Tory added: “Kirk is a proven, respected and experienced executive with a deep knowledge of our business. He understands the Caribbean markets and the needs of our clients in the region, and I am confident that he will drive our business towards sustainable, long-term Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, – RBC Wednesday, Sept. 3, announced that Suresh B. Sookoo, CEO, RBC Caribbean BankSuresh B. Sookoo, CEO, RBC Caribbean Banking ing, has decided to retire, effective Kirk Dudtschak, currently President, risk management. In his new role, October 31, 2014. Sookoo, a career banker for Caribbean Banking will assume the he will be responsible for driving more than 35 years, has led RBC’s role of Executive Vice-President and the overall strategic direction and business performance of Caribbean Caribbean operations since 2008, Head, Caribbean Banking. Dudtschak joined RBC in Banking, while also ensuring close when RBC acquired the RBTT Group, creating one of the most 1986 and has held a variety of se- and effective collaboration between expansive banking operations in the nior and executive roles since then. the Caribbean business and the rest Caribbean, from The Bahamas in As President, Caribbean Banking, he of RBC. “Suresh is a trusted leader the North to Suriname in the South. has worked alongside Sookoo over Sookoo will continue to sit on the the last 18 months to strengthen who dedicated his career to servBoard of RBC Financial (Caribbean) the performance of the business and ing our clients, developing our Limited, the holding company for position it for sustainable growth. employees and supporting our RBC’s Caribbean business, and Previously, Dudtschak held a variety communities,” said Jennifer Tory, has agreed to remain available as of senior positions within RBC’s Head of Personal & Commercial branch network and head office, Banking, RBC. “He has also conan advisor to its leadership team. With Sookoo’s retirement, with experience in strategy, human tributed greatly to the growth and resources, sales, operations and development of the banking sector
success.” Sookoo and Dudtschak will continue to work together in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth leadership transition. “As I prepare to retire, I’m confident we have turned a corner in our company,” said Sookoo. “We now have strong regional and local leadership in place across all of our markets to take this business for-
ward, supported by RBC’s strength and risk management discipline. I have had a tremendous experience with RBC and have worked with some of the best talent in the industry. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of the Caribbean in other capacities.” Dudtschak said: “This is a great privilege and honour for me. We have a great and diverse
Caribbean increased influx of tourists in first half of 2014
Prensa Latina Bridgetown, (Prensa Latina) Nearly 14 million tourists visited the Caribbean in the first half of 2014, which according to experts, today represents a strong growth of that industry in the region. Arrivals of tourists in the Caribbean region increased 4.3 percent in the first six months of this year, compared with the same period of 2013, according to data released by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), whose headquarters are in this capital.
According to Winfield Griffith, CTO director of technology research and information, six million 870 thousand visitors came from the United States, the strongest market for the region. European and Canadian visitors also showed improvement, with an increase of six percent and 4.3 percent, respectively. The Caribbean cruise industry also showed an eight percent increase in the arrivals of passengers in the same period. About 25 million people visited the region in 2013.
Between 17 and 19 September, leaders of tourism in the Caribbean will meet in St. Thomas, the US Virgin Islands, to discuss and design strategies that allow to position tourism of the area at an international level. The Conference on the State of the Industry, of CTO, will summon renowned international speakers and of the area to analyze problems, identify solutions, and, in general, develop courses of action that will benefit the so-called smokeless industry in the region. See related: It’s great to see the Caribbean on the rise (pg 8) Learnit tablet is the brain child of Caribbean teachers, parents, businesses, technologists and others who are committed to find solutions that will help our children from Kindergarten through Primary learn the basics of: reading, writing and arithmetic. It is at this stage that children must to learn to read so that they will be able to read to learn. MISSION: The mission of Caribbean eBook Ltd and Unicomer, its regional distribution partner for the Learnit tablets, is to bridge the digital divide by providing every child between 2 and 12 years of age, interactive digital education without Internet connection. For those who have not heard about the Digital Divide, it is briefly the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not. Learnit is specifically designed to get Caribbean youngsters from two to twelve years old involved with hands-on technologybased learning.
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www.themontserratreporter.com
Premier Romeo’s first activity one of looking after the vulnerable cont’d. from page 7 the Honorable Romeo attended a swearing in ceremony at 2 p.m. at Government House in Palm Loop, Woodlands. A large number of supporters and well-wishers and PDM were in attendance where the atmosphere was gleeful and threatening with immense hope as Montserrat’s ‘first’ elected Premier addressed the more than 200 persons gathered. Shortly after being sworn in as Montserrat’s Premier, the honourable Donaldson Romeo demonstrated that he was serious about
the People’s Democratic Movement’s theme of ‘putting people first’. In what seemed like an unplanned move, the Premier invited ZJB’s Viona AlexanderSmith, MNI Alive’s Editor in Chief Jeevan Robinson and Montserrat Reporter’s Warren Cassell to witness the presentation of a wheel chair to James ‘Slabbery’ Hogan in St. Peter’s. James who has been housed in a temporary housing unit in St. Peter’s since 1997 is unable to walk as a
result of an accident in the early 1960’s. In a statement to the media, at James Hogan’s residence, the newly appointed Premier said all houses that are not hurricane worthy must be declared as shelters. He states that it is time for Montserrat to empty such shelters. In answering the question whether this was the part of “Put-
James ‘Slabbry’ Hogan
Election Results 2014
JUS WONDERIN
19 people died on June 25, 1997 or the fatal and near fatal accidents involving Fly Montserrat, while the rest of their promises wither away slowly into nothingness. Jus wonderin column is will compiled from by readers and from de Jus wonderin…. Will HMG punish only me forcontributions making the above comment in spitePlease of my plea to please leave the community. send by email or letter, or by calling. of our population out ofand it because unlike they are Jusrest wonderin wha happen who won theme,ability to dispose of valuable government metallic assets most for HMG’s assistance? battle, the Pullgrateful Down Montserrat party dubbed by the even more efficiently and effectively, without the consent a we Corruption a go ha fu live More CrimeJus andwonderin Poverty how party,long Malice andwidofdethetemLegislative Assembly. porary evacuation docks at LittleCombined Bay and Heritage Quay? Pomposity (Psychopathic)and All Idiots Jus wonderin why none of the newly created scrap Jus wonderin Exodus still in active Just wonderin if afterifallOperation anyone else couldisfactmetal firms obtained a license to operate as required under operation. check this. the Old Metals and Marine Stores Ordinance. Jus wonderin is onknow the $150,000 MDC Jus wonderin who dewhat duncethebestatus dat don’t that Jus wonderin if it’s easier to avoid criminal conviction invested in Fly Montserrat, $500,000 MDC and de Minister is responsible for settingthe policy as to what if youGoM are government minister. ($250,000 each) invested Twin Islands Ferry Service, produce should be unda licence, when de voter challenge Jusand wonderin if HMG wanted to abolish the right the unknown amount our Socialmore Security Fund invested he for saying that farmers are producing and more to trial inby jury in the Montserrat constitution because Davy Hill housing project. when de the statistics show differently. they observed that jurors have delivered (as they put Jus wonderin de saying bout ‘grabbing at straws’ it) ‘perverse judgements’ in cases involving ministers of the colourincite thing (yellow, I even when there’s overwhelming evidence sayin effigy Jus boutwonderin premier atwho rally started holding breadfruit government, think).de children. of their guilt. violence mong Jus wonder if GoM will try to recruit Reuben for the Jus wonderin…. Should we help spread the wealth by voting in the new scamps in order to get rid of the vital post of Chief Economist or if he should be left to spend his retirement engaging in his favourite hobby, old ones? Jus wonderin if all nominated candidates should be construction work. Jus wonderin…. Is it true that the most important natuprofessionally certified to ensure they meet all the qualiral resource for development is what lies between our ears fications required to stand for elections. Jus wonderin if we have at least a hundred thousand and that it’s foolish to neglect it or take it for granted? Jus wonderin if it’s true that rhetoric is about making (100,000) reasons to disbelieve certain candidates. Jus wonderin…. Did Reuben resign as Director of De- what is worst appear to be the better. Jus wonderin if a true wha sweet nanny goat hear velopment to run for elected office or was his resignation due to the accusations arising from his effectiveness and poison e mind. Jus wonderin if HMG dispenses aid based on the riskefficiency in disposing of the sea-island cotton as well as his failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for being of-embarrassment model, only rushing to partially fulfil the least-costly one from amongst their raft of strategically found in possession of a car he knew was stolen? Jus wonderin if holding high office enhanced Reuben’s delayed promises when faced with shame like when the
ting People First”, the Premier said “absolutely, the man at the bottom must have hope.” James Hogan was thankful for the wheel chair but stated that he won’t be able to use it outside of his home because of the slope of the land on which his house was built. Nonetheless, he informed the media that when he is relocated to a new home in Salem, as promised by Premier Romeo, he will
Candidate Party Votes 1. Donaldson Romeo PDM 1,695 2. Dr. Ingrid Buffonge PDM 1,615 3. Paul Lewis PDM 1,507 4. David Osborne PDM 1,356 5. Joseph Farrell MCAP 1,314 6. Delmaude Ryan PDM 1,185 7. Reuben T. Meade MCAP 1,140 8. Claude Hogan PDM 1,112 9. Gregory Willock PDM 1,098 10. Charles Kirnon MCAP 1,070 11. David Duberry PDM 1,045 12. Emile Duberry PDM 978 13. Jermaine Wade MCAP 876 14. Colin Riley MCAP 866 15. Samuel Joseph MCAP 858 16. Leroy Greaves MCAP 802 17. Brenda Daley MCAP 42 18. Victor James I Independent 657 19. Crenston Buffonge Independent 533 20. Geraldine Cabey Independent 528 21. Justin 'Hero' Cassell MCAP 525 22. Dr. Lowell Lewis AIC 468 23. Joel Osborne Independent 320 24. Claude Gerald AIC 275 25. David Tuitt AIC 222 26. Hylroy Bramble Independent 105 27. Norman Cassell Independent 79 28. Alaric Lynch Independent 77 29. Wilford Meade Independent 67 30. Catherine Tuitt Independent 31 31. Winston Pond Independent 25 be able to make use of the wheel chair. While grateful for the assistance, James contended that he was not seeking hand outs, as he tries his best to remain self sufficient through his fishing trade and carpentry.
Jus wonderin how come when MCAP vilifies PDM it is considered to be positive and true but when PDM attacks MCAP’s record it is considered to be negative, divisive and character assassination. Jus wonderin if we’ll ever receive balanced news reporting from the media so we hear what every party and independent candidate ha fu say. Jus wonderin.... Considering all the divisiveness, abysmal performance, flagrant lies, unrealistic promises, and unsubstantiated slandering being delivered by most of our current crop of politicians and some want-to-be politicians, should all those who cast a vote for any of them on September 11th be struck off the electoral roll on the ground of unsound mind! Jus wondering if some politicians are praying to win their seats and then stamp their authority for leadership. Jus wondering if they are playing dead to catch cobo. Jus wondering if it is memory lost, being under the influ-
ence, maybe, home problems, job, election pressure or is he just a DAMN liar! Jus wondering if they can take another five years of being trampled on by the man they all complain about. Jus wondering if he was afraid of the truth about him or the lies that his partner in crime is capable of telling. Jus wondering why are there so much lying and fabrication in the 2014 elections. Jus wondering who is the main culprit. Jus wondering who is sleeping with who, not sleeping with who and who beating up who, who putting up with and who leaving who, in that soap-like at the top behavior. Jus wondering when the book will be published, or re-enactment put on screen. Jus wondering if, the Primier knowing he is a liar, but, pretends he is not a liar, knowing full well that he is a liar, is a damn fool.