The Montserrat Reporter - September 26 2014

Friday, September 26, 2014

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Today’s Scripture

www.themontserratreporter.com

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSV)

PDM team takes office “united and ready to work” Vol. XXIX No. 28

Week Ending Friday, September 26, 2014 Price $3.00

But with surprise slight distraction Story starts on page 2

Montserratians at home and abroad honoured at MPS 100th Anniversary Story starts on page 12

Dr. Sheron Burns

More

Headlines...

Premier visits HM Prison...pg 3

Child safeguarding in spotlight...pg 8

Montserratian earns Md. Degree...pg 5

Chikungunya death toll reaches 113...pg 10

New Law Year begins...pg 6-7

Carib Round Up...pg 11

LOANS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE COMFORTABLE!

Consumer Loans Bank of Montserrat Your Bank. Your Future.

Enquire about interest rates from our Loans Department. www.bankofmontserrat.ms (664) 491-3843

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Friday, September 26, 2014

PDM team sworn in

by Warren Cassell Following what some call a landslide victory, the People’s Democratic Moveomeoment (PDM) joined with their supporters an well-wishers in a motorcade throughout the island of Montserrat. More than 100 cars participated in this celebratory event which started from Salem through, St. Peter’s, Brades, Davy Hill, Lookout, Judy Piece and ending at the Little Bay Beach.

Amidst several supporters and well wishers all of PDM members (both elected and non-elected) spoke and addressed the gathering thanking them for their support and pledging to fulfill the promises they made. The new Premier rang a bell declaring the end of an election campaign which resulted in a 7-2 majority on polling Day – September 11. “Change is not coming, change has come,” he said.

in particular to get Health & Education…,” she said.

She also said that she felt “a bit cheated by Delmaude in particular,” while during the campaign she did give way to David Duberry who also addressed the Education matter seriously.

Cabinet sworn in Later at a brief ceremony at the Governor’s office in Brades, three ministers were sworn in to complete the PDM cabinet of Premier, the Honourable Donaldson Romeo. The three other ministers were sworn in by His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis. Deputy

and all members of PDM with the exception of David Osborne and Dr. Ingrid Buffonge.

Meantime, following the swearing in Ceremony, the new PDM cabinet took to the airwaves to reassure Montserratians at home and in the Diaspora that they are united and are prepared to work to advance Montserrat’s development.

Using the campaign mantra of “putting people first”, Premier, the Honourable Donaldson Romeo spoke of the strategic thinking he used to appoint his cabinet.

Mr. Romeo says the time has come to make the transition from campaigning to governing, stating that everyone must accept that the business of the people comes first. The Premier took the opportunity to address the surprising development when

Dr. Ingrid Buffonge appeared on the Breakfast Show to voice her displeasure at being left out of the Cabinet.

Premier Romeo reported that efforts were made to ensure that Dr. Buffonge’s skills and passion were being utilized in

the health sector. He said that several options were given to Dr. Buffonge including the freedom to focus specifically on key issues and initiatives within health care, the opportunity to serve as a Member of the Legislative Assembly

and still be in a position to practice medicine. “Dr. Buffonge’s commitment has always been a rare passion for taking emergency health and overall healthcare services to high levels of efficiency...One cont’d. on page 12

Near political casualty On Tuesday, September 16, 2014 before the ministers were to swear in the Honourable Dr. Ingrid Buffonge took to the ZJB airwaves to express her disappointment Elected member of the rulat not being assigned a min- ing government Dr. Ingrid istry. Appearing on ZJB’s Buffonge Breakfast Show, the medical practitioner, who ran on the Premier Delmaude Ryan PDM winning ticket, said was sworn in as Minister of she was hoping to have been Education, Health and Social offered the Health and Educa- Services, the Honourable tion ministry.

Paul Lewis as the Minister of Later, while dismissing Communications, works and reports that she has resigned Labour, and the Honourable from the PDM party Dr. Buf- Claude Hogan as the Minister fonge said she was apologiz- of Agriculture, Lands, Housing to those voters who said ing and the Environment. they voted for her to get a The new PDM Cabinet is ministry. She stated: “I feel expected to function for the as if I’ve let them [the people] next five years. down. I really did fight to get The oaths of office were a ministry. I really did fight witness by family, friends,

Six of the PDM team with the sworn Ministers, Premier and Governor Davis (Emile and David Duberry (right)

Friday, September 26, 2014

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Happy 100th Birthday...What’s Next?

Recorded speech of Hon. Premier Donaldson Romeo, delivered at the Award Banquet of The Montserrat Progressive Society, New York With protocols established, I am delighted to share this moment with all of you. This is an incredible and well deserving celebration! 100 years of community service, 100 years of thriving and overcoming, 100 years of leadership and achievements is a very long time!!!! This organization has a lot to be thankful for and much praise to offer both to God, its founders and current leaders, whose vision still rings true today as when you first began. It must have taken every ounce of sight, insight, hindsight and foresight to keep this organization growing from strength to strength.

I want to say a special thanks to those who invited me, and many thanks to others who supported the PDM’s mission of a prosperous and self-sufficient Montserrat. Having won our recent national elections with a landslide victory, we are now working intelligently and innovatively to rebuild our homeland. I want to address three parallel priorities that our new government is pursuing. These are: A shift in Mindset, Collective Engagement and Repopulation.

I believe that although Montserrat is small in size it is big in aspiration. If we think big, we will achieve extraordinary outcomes.

If we believe that excellence is within us, then we will begin to value each other and search for homegrown solutions. The truth is this: Our collective gifts and talents are amazingly available for positive nation building. But each of us must be united around a common goal. This goal is captured by the question, what am I willing to do to make Montserrat one of the most wholesome, healthy, prosperous, peaceful and vibrant places on earth, in which to live?

If every one of us asks and answers this question, we will discover that by pooling our intellectual might and by joining our professional forces and by integrating our practical experiences into a collective engagement process, we will advance more than we could ever imagine. I know that we don’t have gold and oil but we have each other. Yes, I agree that all that glitters is not gold but I have lived long enough to realize that all gold glitters.

That is why our new government is clear that to achieve greatness, we must be passionate, aim high, work wisely and hard.

We can never allow square mileage to determine the scope of our possibility or the significance of our ambition. I am encouraged that organizations like yours, and opportunities that living in Diaspora can afford, could very well lead to excited open doors. All of you gathered here tonight can organize yourselves into pressure groups, investment hunters, networking associations and powerful lobbyists for the purpose of advancing Montserrat. By that I mean that YOU ARE a source of resources. Think for a moment how you are indeed a source of resources. Think how through a simple conversation, a simple act of networking, a single commitment to doing something marvelous for your homeland, how an army of ideas and creative

Hon. Premier Donaldson Romeo initiatives can be released and resurrected—so that Montserrat can rise again.

In addition to working together for the improvement of our own lives and the betterment of our beloved Emerald Isle, I envision that we use our goodwill and willpower to rebuild and to repopulate Montserrat. I agree that we are living amidst the information

wave and that trading and finances can be done through the push of a button. But small populations have grave economic and social challenges. In this case, Montserrat needs more Montserratians and friends of Montserrat working together to build a modern and vibrant economy to which many can return to happily live and work in our homeland. We have a shortage of potential wives and husbands.

We need more children running around and energizing the place. We need more hands on deck.

It is for this reason that the PDM government has decided to engage Britain on new negotiation terms—we intend, where reasonable, to be treated as citizens of England with the rights and privileges that are accorded those that live on mainland England.

This strategy is both powerful and sensible. It will help us better identify funding streams from DifD to support a national redevelopment plan where our ecological, social, moral, economic and human capital can be integrated around the practice of good governance.

Although good governance where fairness, transparency and accountability are necessary as leadership functions, we need a flourishing economy. This can only be driven by a private sector-led agenda that cares for the vulnerable, that provides opportunities for wealth creation from one generation to the next, and that inspires the quest for responsible nation building.

The United Negro College Fund’s motto rings true, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” I submit that a nation is an awful thing to squander but a bold and adventurous people are a powerful force to contend with. Let’s change our mindset, work together to build a prosperous nation, repopulate Montserrat and celebrate tonight this wonderful tribute of 100 Birthday with an aim of making the good better, and the better, best. May God bless each of you, may God bless Montserrat and may each of you have a safe journey to your homes, with a renewed commitment for Montserrat to rise again.

Premier Romeo visits HM Prison on day 1

By Warren Cassell When you strengthen the weakest link, you strengthen whole chain Premier the Honourable Donaldson Romeo has expressed concern for the welfare of prison-

ers, incarcerated at Her Majesty’s Prison in Brades.

Mr. Romeo, who toured the prison on his first working day since taking the oath of Premier on Friday last, met and interacted with the inmates during his hour long stay.

This was the second humanitarian act, since assuming the premiership on Friday. The first took place on the same day he was sworn in, Mr. Romeo, delivered a

wheel chair to paraplegic, James Slabbery Hogan in Cheapend in St. Peters.

During the tour the Honourable Premier was taken to the workshop where two inmates convicted of very serious crimes were working on crafts and other woodwork amidst dangerous tools. The Premiere took time to inquire about the adequacy of tools in the workshop. Acting Deputy Superintendent Mr. Rupert

Harris informed the Premier that the workshop is still in need of some tools and that the public is open to volunteering their services to teach inmate thereby assisting in the prison’s rehabilitating efforts.

He also told the Premier revenue generated from items made by the prisoners was split between the Prison and the Prisoner 60/40 in favor of the prison cont’d. on page 4

DELTA PETROLEUM MONTSERRAT LTD is seeking qualified applicants for the following position:

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE

TRUCK DRIVER

In the Estate of JOSEPH SWEENEY deceased

A qualified truck driver with the knowledge, skills and abilities to transport various types of petroleum products to customer sites, handle customer orders, maintain safety at all times, while ensuring that vehicles are maintained on a regular basis. The successful applicant must have at least 2-3 years of documented Over the Road Truck experience.

At least high school diploma is required along with some college/training experience. Minimum age is 25 years old, with a Class A driver license as well as CDL Endorsements: Hazmat and Tanker preferred. Competitive salary and benefit package provided. Qualified candidates please send resume to Delta Petroleum Montserrat Ltd, Carrs Bay, Montserrat.

PROBATE DIVISION NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice, an application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration in the Estate of JOSEPH SWEENEY who died on the 6th day of March, 2004 be granted to VINCIA IRMA SWEENEY his daughter and one of the persons entitled to share in the estate of the deceased.

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

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

Dated the 17th day of September, 2014 BRANDT & ASSOCIATES Attorneys-at-Law

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Letters/Opinion

EDITORIAL Willing the PDM team to fail is the dream of hate of country The day this newspaper appears for sale it would be fourteen days since the People’s Democratic Movement had its political leader Donaldson Romeo sworn in as the first Constitutional Premier. (That may for some require a little explanation, but, another time).

Still however, the mill rolls with those who are just excited and grateful, and who do not bother or do not see the need to analyse just how that came about. Each one of these just happy that there were so many others who felt exactly the way they felt, buying into the hope for something better as the message of PDM portrayed.

As we said in our last Editorial victory for the PDM was relatively easy because the campaign was built on a theme which said: “Putting People First – A Fresh Start”. With that platform the PDM experts rolled out the best organised seen in the past fifty years, while if according to unconfirmed and smelly reports, the other party management hoarded sizable campaign funds along with some unusual tactics which supported the many claims of falsehoods and simply not caring for ‘people’.

It is therefore difficult to explain that while the complaints float and the accusations fly as to who was lazy and who propped to their detriment in the end, not heading the call to alight from the sinking ship, there are those who show clearly their desire that the new government fails. Really fail to bring their fellowmen to a level of not feeling helpless and hopeless never having none or enough.

Several people have noted that these people are the ones who lived according to the phrase, hanging their mouths for the soup, or drinking the soup from the provided table. Not surprisingly there are those have become so accustomed to hanging their mouths, that whereas they had hoped that nothing changed and that the same government continued, immediately position themselves for that purpose. These people would claim it’s the way to survival.

So too there are those who for whatever reason either have no confidence, okay if it is well founded, who say they will not work with the new government. And there are those who fear that they will somehow lose their position. These can only have these fears of make those decisions if they, in the first instance did not deserve whatever the positions they hold. Did they not swear to show allegiance to their work and to perform honestly?

Indeed if that is not done, they should save the embarrassment, since they will only be displaced if they show clearly an undesirable disposition of a willingness not to serve the people.

There are those who say they do not trust former Premier’s words of cooperation and desire to see development continue.

Deceptive or otherwise, if you stand by him, stand by his word, he will fail only by his actions or inactions. Negative thoughts will see negative actions. This is a people who claim to believe in good. That is what the people voted for, believing they would always be first, in the hearts of those they elected to lead. We have no doubt that those who voted for the dream to continue, hoped it would be a good dream, should it reach reality. Why not put the dream in action?

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Premier visits HM Prison and 70/30 in favor of the prisoner if the customer provides materials.

The Deputy further outlined that the revenue a prisoner generates is deposited into an account belonging to the prison and is used by him for his use and benefit. It could also serve as readily available cash when he is released.

Speaking to the media following the tour of the prison on Monday, Mr. Romeo stated that his visit demonstrates that he is responsible for all persons on Montserrat no matter where they are. “My intention is to use my office to represent those who I notice have needs that have been ignored for many, many years,” he said.

The Premier also indicated his concern about the status of one particular prisoner who is “on Queen’s pleasure” for 17 years or so. “I know him well, he’s a great musician, composer and singer…It really hurts me to know that that he needs help and in 14 years that I’ve known him there’s

been nothing to help him improve and I am hoping that somebody is going to do something about this,” Romeo said.

“It’s not to address it for him just for him but for the prison officers as well who are not trained to deal with people who are mentally challenged. …It’s going to be costly to address the needs of just a few but no matter how few we should not allow a man to rot or deteriorate and suffer because we cant find sufficient funds to treat him in a humane way,” he continued.

The new Premier concluded, “That’s one of the main reasons I’ve come today because I think that when you bring hope to a man in the most hopeless situation, you bring hope to the whole country.

When you strengthen the weakest link, you strengthen whole chain.”

TMR learnt that the inmate who is there “at the Queen’s pleasure” has been there for over 15 years despite a Privy Council’s ruling in the case of Brown v. R

(1999) 54 WIR where the Privy Council held that the detention during the “Queen’s Pleasure” was not a life sentence but rather a wholly discretionary sentence.

The kind of punishment selected the court held was an integral part of the administration of justice and should not be committed to the hands of the executive of which the Governor General or Governor is a part but rather, punishment should be a matter solely for the courts. Countries such as Antigua & Barbuda has taken steps to amend their legislation to read “... at the Court’s pleasure”.

While the Premier did not say so, his immediate action to visit the prison seemed to have echoed the sentiments of the late Nelson Mandela who said, “…no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside the jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.”

If that is the case, the Premier’s intentions bode well for Montserrat.

More innovative strategy required to rescue the Caribbean tourism industry from its decline

By Staff Writer · Dear Editor, In an article published on Sept 7 in KN, Guyanese born Sir Ronald Sanders who lives and works in the Caribbean seems to be out of touch with reality as he is of the opinion that in order to stem the decline of the tourism industry in the Englishspeaking Caribbean, there is a new opportunity for growth which lies in attracting large numbers of visitors from what he considers a lucrative Chinese tourism market, particularly at the higher end, that is just waiting to be tapped.

Therefore in consideration of this promising bonanza for Carib-

bean tourism, governments of the region should start mobilizing and pooling their scarce resources to make fundamental development changes to their infrastructure and facilities which he considers necessary to attract Chinese visitors, who would like to see the place spruced up before considering the region a worthwhile tourist destination.

The tourist industry in the English-speaking Caribbean is in a slow downward spiral because of the lack of investment, high operating costs, limited attractions and indifferent service. In addition, most of the tourists coming to the region are from Europe and North America, and in

recent years they have suffered from loss in their discretionary incomes, high air fares and burdensome taxes on overseas travel which together have put a damper on their dreams for a Caribbean holiday. Therefore it is unlikely that the golden years of Caribbean tourism will bounce back any time soon with or without an influx of Chinese tourists.

The Chinese have no historic or cultural affiliation with the Caribbean, nor is there anything unique in the region that will particularly attract them. The 2013 World Tourism Cities Federation Report gives some useful information which indicates

cont’d. on page 10

Our Scripture Verse Today In God’s Presence

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSV) During late September and early October in North America, the change in seasons requires different kinds of activity.

There are bulbs to plant, and preparations must be made for winter. This is a transition time marked by unique beauty.

Changing seasons can be a metaphor for life itself. Life is filled with change and transitions. Perhaps these are natural processes of growing up and growing older. We welcome many changes with eager anticipation: self-discoveries, new relationships, finding a satisfying career, a new home, spiritual awakenings. But some

changes are unwelcome intrusions: loss of relationships, changes in home life and personal life, work or financial setbacks, health challenges. All are a part of our normal life journey. How we handle them can make all the difference in life.

We need our transition times so that we won’t get stuck in the past. We may not welcome every transition in life, but we do have a choice in how we will respond. In my experience, those who look ahead with hope to the new season are happier people and are always able to find some good in every situation. We behold the unique beauty of every transition when we take the time to see how God is moving us toward a new future with meaning and purpose.

F. Richard Garland (Rhode Island)

Friday, September 26, 2014

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Letter of thanks from Dr. Lowell Lewis to the people of Montserrat Mr. David Tuitt, who worked with me for the brief campaign, to raise the level of debate and help to bring about what we expect to be a desirable change in the political leadership of Montserrat.

During the campaign, I made contact with a new generation of Montserratians, both nationals and nonnationals, who I did not know, and who did not know me, and it was interesting to meet many of my old patients who were still alive, although not fit to go to the polling stations.

I am grateful for the encouraging comments made about the 2014 Manifesto of the Alliance of Independent Candidates which is published on the websites of The Montserrat Reporter and MNI -ALIVE and grateful to Dr. Roy Lee for his support of our group and other candidates in the general elections.

Once again, many thanks to all supporters and advisors and to all those who voted for me.

May God bless us all and Montserrat, our homeland that has a very bright future.

Yours Sincerely.

Dr Lowell Lewis

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Montserrat, Now that the election excitement is over, I wish to thank all those who wished me well and share our visions for a new Montserrat.

It has been an Honour and a privilege to be in politics for 23 years, from 1991 to 2014. Thirteen as a legislator.

Would have been nice to end with a better result, but understand the nature of politics in Montserrat.

After withdrawing from the PDM group and losing the party support that I was privileged to have since 2001, I decided to participate, so as to share with all, the policies and plans which I tried to implement during my brief time as Chief Minister.

I endured four (4) years of hard work in Antigua, so as to remain eligible for government, but never got the time to maintain the level of contact and service to the people of Montserrat that I hoped to have.

Campaigning, though not enough to see more than 20 percent of voters, was a rewarding experience.

I am very grateful for the support and company of colleagues of the Alliance of Independent Candidates, especially candidates Mr. Claude Gerald and

Montserratian son earns Md. Degree in the UK

Another son of the soil has achieved notable academic excellence in the United Kingdom.

Dorian Cooper, who is the second son of Dr. Ron-

nie and Paulette Cooper graduated as a medical doctor from Barts and The London School of Medicine.

Dorian attended both

primary and secondary school in Montserrat before migrating to the UK in 2001.

He completed his secondary education in the UK and pursued a degree in Biomedical Science from Queen Mary University London before going on to medical school.

His graduation was witnessed by family and friends including his popular grandmother Nurse Mary Cooper.

Dorian’s dad Dr. Ronnie Cooper has been in practice for over 35 years and is pleased to see his son take up the mantle.

Dorian is now doing his internship before going on to specialise.

The Montserrat Reporter offers congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Dorian Cooper as he embarks on a very promising medical career and carries on the family tradition.

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Friday, September 26, 2014

The 2014-15 Law Year of the It was the third time Her Ladyship, the Hon. Dame Janice Pereira presiding over the Opening of the New Law Year of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, as she delivered the feature address as she ased the question, “Who has an interest in receiving this address?

Is it for the members of the legal profession, the Executive Branch of our Member States and Territories, the civil societies of our region or to a lesser or greater extent, all of these groups?”

The address under title “Fulfilling our Strategic Vision in Challenging Times” continued as Dame Pereira stressed on “: “Is this much ado about nothing, or is this really fundamental to everything?”

Her address which the Hon Chief Justice said was, especially wonderful to address you live via simulcast from the Territory of Anguilla.”

It came after a special church service to commemorate the opening which was held at the Roman Catholic Church in Look Out, conducted by pastors of the Montserrat Christian Council where R C priest Fr. Mark Schramm facilitated with members of the law fraternity attended and participated in the service along with the ministers

of religion.

Amidst hymns, Readings by David S. Brandt, (later congratulated to the rank of QC), Justice Albert Redhead and new Attorney General Keith Friday.

Rev. Ruth Allen, Pastor Peter Buffonge, Rev. Rosalind Morgan, Father Carlisle Vyphius led prayers for Administration of Justice, Law and Order, Leaders of the Nation and National Unity. Following the hymn Immortal Invisible Bishop Abraham Riley delivered the homily on Justice, Peace, respect and more in keeping with those general principles. The benediction was given by Rev Joan Meade closing with the hymn Glorious Things of

Thee are Spoken.

A guard of honour was inspected by Justice Redhead at Government Headquarters followed by the special court sitting where Dame Justice Pereira delivered her address which was followed by brief addresses by the local bar.

Justice redhead presided over the special sitting at the court room here in Montserrat. Kenneth Allen QC at the end of a lengthy address spoke on the occasion, representing the Inner Bar welcoming His lordship as he said on behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat, “with the same enthusiasm and sincerity as I did last year.”

He addressed the judge and said, “my faith in the Justice system was strengthened, (referring to the last sentence he witnessed the judge handing down) you are indeed a just and merciful Judge…”

The Hon. Attorney General in his address described as his first appearance in his new post.

After congratulating “ “the Hon Premier (present at the sitting with His Excellency the Governor and

Opposition members, Meade and Farrell) and his team on their victory at the polls and to wish them a successful term in Government.” He later also offered congratulations to Mr. David Brandt on receiving

Friday, September 26, 2014

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court opens the honour of Silk. (QC) “My Lord, it is indeed a pleasure making my maiden appearance as Attorney General before you.” (his first on the job).

He expressed his desire and belief for the justice system. “It is my belief that the whole administration of Justice is a collaborative one. We as the Ministers of Justice must work together for the system to work,” he said.

The AG said he had inherited a Department staffed by very competent professionals and referred to it as “the establishment of a Department with career-building and retention capacity and staffed by highly experienced and motivated officers with a conviction for, and commitment to excellence in their legal service delivery to the Government and the people of Montserrat.”

He expressed a current need.

“It is my view also that we need to continually engage senior public officers on their responsibilities regarding their administrative decisions,“ concluding, “ it is my belief that on a whole, we as the Legal Department can (continue to_ provide high quality, timely and comprehensive legal service to the Government of Montserrat and related satellites.”

The Chief Justice in her address had addressed some of the challenges in some detail, but she concluded: “Having highlighted the

foregoing challenges, I assure you that the court has remained undaunted in carrying out its mission. Indeed, times of adversity should be viewed as great opportunities for imagination, and innovation. We have been striving to make the best use of the limited resources provided. The reformation in structures and internal processes and methodologies highlighted earlier, attest to this.”

Mr. Hogarth Sergeant addressed on behalf of the ‘Utter Bar’. He began by congratulating QC Allen for the OECS bar asso-

ciaition’s honour for his 30 years’ service; and to David Brandt “on his elevation to the Inner Bar.” He addressed the new law affecting the Legal Profession which he said will come into effect on October 1, 2014. The amendment of Legislation ‘for the betterment of a more structured and ordered society...areas in ‘family law, fathers who maintain their children access to their children and visitation rights…”

“Legal Aid Services should not be regarded as a form of social welfare…but as an integral part of the Rule of Law.” On the Rule of Law he said “…sentencing especially for young and first time offenders. Some sort of reform is badly needed.

He concluded that”…as members of the legal profession we are committed above all to justice, integrity and the rule of law…”

Miss Chivone Gerald addressed in her capacity as president of the local bar association.

She said, “The Montserrat Bar Association has been active for over 16 months, happy to report the following: Law Week: where Members of the Bar would be engaged in, inter alia, community outreach activities and continued professional development.

Bench Bar Committee: We are in the process of forming a Bench Bar Committee, which would comprise Judges, the Magistracy, Police, DPP, a representative of the Legal Department, and the Supreme Court Registry: the purpose for which would be to take forward concerns and develop recommendations that will lead to the improvement of communications and working relationships among the three key stakeholders.

Concerns by members of the Bar are being acknowledged, and where applicable referred to the relevant parties of the legal profession.

OECS Participation and 5. to actively campaign with the new government to move forward the halls of Justice programme, where it is time for suitable Court facilities to be established.

Miss Gerald reported on the MBA’s motto “Serving Community and Law”, and our mission statement; to be a transformative force in the delivery of legal services to all applicable stakeholders – local and otherwise.

In her speech, Dame Periera reminded, ”You, the people of our region, individually and collectively, will over time, be the judge of that.”

That we say may be true for all that followed her speech.

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Child safe guarding again in the Caribbean turtle found in Outer Hebrides spotlight between UK and OECS Montserrat and other UK Overseas Territories will be getting some much needed assistance in enhancing strategies for detecting and reporting child sexual abuse cases, the help is coming from the OECS Commission.

This assistance comes through a sub-regional workshop in Antigua and Barbuda from today Monday 22 through to Thursday September 25.

The sub-regional workshop is responding to and managing child sexual abuse in the UK overseas territories is critical to shaping policy on protecting child rights.

Head of the OECS Social Policy Unit David Popo says the seminar hopes to achieve several benefits from the participating states including enhanced child abuse information systems.

In an OECS Commission release on Sunday, it says: “the seminar hopes to achieve several benefits for the participating states, including enhanced child abuse information systems. Among other benefits, it is expected that the participants will refine communication strategies with key and strategic messages and interventions to address barriers to non-reporting;

produce a child abuse system map, and agree on the production of child protection information digests that will inform national planning, management and response.”

The sub-regional workshop on responding to and managing child sexual abuse in the UK Overseas Territories will secure agreement on a core set of child abuse indicators, additionally it will explore issues such as the flow and consistency of information from data collection to calculation and information use for policy and programming, it will also strengthen capacity to develop strategies to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse more efficiently.

The anticipated intense four day activity at the Grand Royal Antiguan Beach Resort will target mid-level professionals who specialize in the management of child abuse cases; as well as Government Officials from Social Development and Child Protection Ministries from Montserrat and the other UK Overseas Territories consistent with the revise treaty of Basseterre and the deepening of the integration process in the OECS sub region.

The release also added that the workshop is being conducted to facilitate greater harmonization

of approaches toward reporting and reducing the rate of child sexual abuse across Montserrat and other OECS member states, this is in an effort to either start or enhance and sustain a national child abuse information collection process which will lead to the establishment of agreed indicators.

The results and recommendations of the workshop with the UK territories will be ultimately rolled out to OECS member states including Montserrat.

The workshop is organized by the OECS Commission through financial support of the UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Office and its Department for International Development DFID safeguarding project.

By Warren Cassell* Upon the death of an author or songwriter the copyright laws affords protection of creations for a limited time – 50 years after death or in some countries 75.

The Estates of Elvis Presley, Bob Marley and Michael Jackson have all exploited this limited time with Michael Jackson’s Estate amassing nearly a billion dollars within one year of his death.

While these three King’s (King of Rock ‘n Roll, King of Reggae and King of Pop) music remained alive and became increasingly popular after their death, it seems as if the executors of Arrow’s estate are determined to do to his music what cancer did to him.

This past Monday, September 15, 2014 was the fourth anniversary of the Soca king’s death and the day went by almost unnoticed. Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell was big and his music is international. Arrow paved the way for numerous soca artistes in the region. He also put Montserrat on the map in a way he was always happy to inform his audience that he was from the less than 40 square mile island.

Arrow rose to prominence when he recorded the internationally acclaimed “Hot, Hot,

Hot” which became the anthem of soca. Even after his death in 2009, his music continued to receive international recognition.

A remake of his global hit single was recognized at an awards ceremony in the United States earlier this year. The cover version of “Hot Hot Hot” which was recorded in 2013 by reggaeton artistes Don Omar was honored at the annual Latin Music Awards organized by The American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP). The remake version, which is titled “Feeling Hot”, was singled out as one of the top urban

singles songs in ASCAPS’s Latin repertoire in 2013 after peaking at No.22 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart.

Prior to his death the hit “Hot Hot Hot” and Arrow received other accolades. He was the first Soca Artiste to ever perform at the Reggae Sunsplash in both England and Jamaica and to have sold over four million records. Prior to Don Omar’s version, the song, which has sold over 10,000,000 copies worldwide was covered by numerous artistes including Buster Poindexter (whose version peaked at #45 on the Billboard

A rare leatherback turtle has been spotted in Scottish waters after travelling thousands of miles from the Caribbean.

Ironically the turtle was recorded between St Kilda and the Isle of Harris by anglers fishing for tuna!

They did not land any tuna but instead saw the 8-ft long turtle swim alongside their boat operated by Kilda Cruises on Friday.

“It just appeared in front of us,” said skipper Angus Campbell.

“We were on a tuna trip heading out to St Kilda when it just swam ahead.

It is the first time in 25 years I have seen one. It was a big one too. But as soon as we got reasonably close it just took off. It was some sight. We may not have had any tuna but we caught sight of another exotic species beginning with t instead!”

Leatherback turtles are the largest of all the marine turtles and recognisable from the black, leathery skin that covers

its shell.

Only a handful of leatherback turtles are seen in Scottish waters each year - and rarely alive.

Plastic bag and balloon ingestion have also been found as the cause of death in a number of cases.

Turtles swallow plastics after mistaking them for jellyfish, one of their staple foods.

Four species of turtle - Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, loggerhead and green - have all been recorded in Scottish waters.

Pic - The leatherback turtle was recorded in waters between St. Kilda and the Isle of Harris. Picture: Getty

Every year that passes Arrow dies again Hot 100 charts).

The potential for revenue in the entertainment business is amazing. In particular, music has the potential to take us out of our financial stupor and become a sustaining factor in our economy.

As an entertainer Arrow knew this and took the necessary steps to secure revenues from his creation.

He established a music publishing company, in the ‘70’s, at a time when other artists were oblivious to its importance. In addition, he engaged the services of a subpublishing company in the United States. As a result, his music was

re-recorded by numerous artistes in every genre you could imagine.

Hence, in his lifetime Arrow collected millions in royalties. Why then aren’t the executors doing a similar thing after his death? And do they have forever to do so?

Copyright Acts of each country gives to creators of artistic, musical and literary works a bundle of rights. These rights are exclusive to the owner. These are the rights that they alone are permitted to exercise. However, these rights are not granted forever. They are granted for a limited time.

You may ask the question: “Can an Artiste really make money after death?” It has been seen that after an Artiste dies there’s an immediate increase in sales because demand for their albums increase drastically. Immediately, after her death Amy Winehouse’s albums shot to the first and third spots on both the U.S. and U.K. iTunes sales charts.

In addition, her 2006 album “Back to Black” has stayed in the top 25 bestsellers. Nonetheless Arrow is no ordinary artiste. He was a Monarch – the King of Soca. So let’s briefly examine the three Kings. King of Rock & Roll – Elvis Presley, King of Pop – Michael Jackson and King of Reggae –

Bob Marley.

The late Elvis Presley probably topped the charts with an estimated 2.5 billion copies of albums sold to date worldwide.

Right after he died his estate went into full swing in securing record and merchandising deals generating millions in revenue each year (bear in mind that Elvis died August 16, 1977). In 2010, Elvis made 55 Million dollars. Michael Jackson left this world in June 2009 and has sold over 13 million albums since his death. According to Neilson Soundscan’s data he sold a combined total of 3.9 million which is less than 30% of his sales since his death. The King of Reggae Robert Nesta Marley is yet another monarch who enjoyed success posthumously. Between 1991 and 2010 Marley sold over twenty-five million records. This even though he was, by 1991, deceased for 10 years.

It’s been 5 years since Arrow’s death and I am yet to see a box set or special commemorative collection of Arrow’s music. With each passing year it’s as if Arrow dies yet again. To the persons responsible for keeping Arrow alive by producing such box sets and who seems to be killing him time and time again, I make one request: Please STOP!

Friday, September 26, 2014

Page g 9

Caribbean tourism conference set for this week on St. Thomas Virgin islands

By ALDETH LEWIN (Daily News Staff) ST. THOMAS - This week hundreds of tourism industry experts, government officials and members of the media will gather on St. Thomas for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2014 State of the Industry Conference.

Thirty flags representing the organization’s member countries

line the waterfront from Windward Passage Hotel to Fort Christian to welcome the territory’s Caribbean neighbors.

While the conference itself will be Thursday and Friday at the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef, the executive committee and about 40 members of the media will begin to arrive in the territory today.

V.I. Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty is the organization’s outgoing chairman,

which is why the conference is on St. Thomas. On Wednesday, a new chairman will be elected to replace her.

About 200 people will be coming from outside the territory to attend the conference, but locals are invited to register and attend as well. Nicholson-Doty said while registration costs $1,295, locals will only pay $250. The registration includes three meals a day for the two-day conference.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK, AND THE DE LA RUE GROUP PLC

“The conference is for any tourism stakeholder, any business, the hoteliers, certainly various government officials,” Nicholson-Doty said. “There will be everything on the agenda, it crosses over many, many, disciplines.”

The conference agenda includes panels with industry experts that will cover topics like maintaining appeal in the wake of a crisis, using technology and data to predict tourist behavior, the implications of private-public relationships, medical tourism, and others.

“There’s so many opportunities and we encourage many of our partners at our local level to find out best practices from across the region and around the world,” Nicholson-Doty said.

She said it is very likely things the territory is dealing with - like medical marijuana and the spread of chikungunya - will be discussed, as other Caribbean nations are dealing with the same things.

“Some countries are debating

people will take tours, discuss topics, and chose a junior minister for the Caribbean region.

The visitors coming for the conference will have opportunities to tour the island and experience the destination, Nicholson-Doty said.

The 40 members of the media coming for the conference are from the Caribbean, the U.S. mainland and Canada, she said.

“There’s a slew of activities that are going to feature the territory,” Nicholson-Doty said. “They will be doing everything from kayaking, to tours and sails. About 10 of the media are taking a post tour to St. Croix next week.”

On Tuesday, the organization, along with the International Air Transport Association and several other aviation organizations, will celebrate Caribbean Aviation Day with a one-day conference. The aviation conference also will be at Frenchman’s Reef and many of the same people will attend both conferences.

right now the same issues that we are,” she said. “I think there are a lot of issues that cross boarders. As a Caribbean tourism organization, we want to be at the forefront of dialogue that affects the region. Not pro of con, but to ensure members have all the information they need to make their own decisions for their own destinations.”

The keynote speaker Thursday will be Apple Leisure Group Chief Executive Officer Alex Zozaya, who will talk about conceiving and realizing a vision.

The Philadelphia-based Apple Leisure Group’s subsidiary AMResorts took over management of Sugar Bay resort in July.

On Friday, the featured speaker will be Mexico’s former Tourism Secretary Gloria Guevara Manzo, who will talk about steering a mature brand toward a major change.

As part of the conference, youth delegates from about half of the member countries will meet in the Youth Congress. The young

MONTSERRAT REGISTERED LAND ACT, 1978

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to pursue a Masters degree in Economics through The Thomas De La Rue Currency Scholarship Award

Number of Awards:

TERMS OF AWARD One (1) scholarship every two (2) years.

Value of Scholarship: £9,300 per annum.

Eligibility:

a. Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines) nationals accepted to pursue full-time studies leading to the M.Sc. Economics Degree in the Department of Economics at any U.W.I Campus. b. Applicants should have, as a minimum, an Upper Second Class Honours Degree, preferably in Economics. c. Although all areas of Economics would be considered, preference will be given to candidates who chose a programme of study that emphasises macroeconomic policy. d. Candidates must be committed to working in the Caribbean after completion of postgraduate studies.

SECTION 34 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO REPLACE LOST LAND CERTIFICATES TAKE NOTICE that an application was filed in the Land Registry by William Fenton on behalf of the following persons, for the replacement of a Land Certificate, which has been reported lost: NAME William Fenton and Michelle Fenton

REG. SECTION/ REFERENCE Elberton 7/01/032

DATE ISSUED 1st March 1993

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that anyone who objects to the issuance of a new Land Certificate or who has knowledge of the lost Land Certificate must within the period of fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice in the newspaper inform the Registrar of Lands in writing.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in the absence of any objection or information as to the existence of the lost Land Certificate within the time specified, the Registrar of Lands may proceed to cancel the original Land Certificate and issue a new Land Certificate in its place without further notice.

Method of Selection: The award will be made on the recommendation of a selection panel compromising representatives of the U.W.I, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank on behalf of the De La Rue Group plc. and the Economic Society, St Kitts and Nevis. Applicants will be required to attend an interview.

Dated this 16th day of September 2014.

Conditions of Renewal: Satisfactory academic performance and general conduct as certified by the U.W.I.

REGISTERED LAND ACT, 1978

How to Apply:

Deadline Date:

Each applicant is expected to submit a detailed resume (including career objective, extra curricular activities) and a two-page statement outlining (a) how the M.Sc. Economics degree will contribute to the applicant’s career plans; (b) how the M.Sc. Economics degree will contribute to the region; and (c) reasons why the applicant should be awarded the scholarship.

Applications should be submitted by 30 January 2015 to The De La Rue Currency Scholarship Committee Attention: Director, Human Resource Department Eastern Caribbean Central Bank P.O. Box 89, Basseterre, St Kitts All applications should be mailed to the above address or emailed to SEC_HRD@eccb-centralbank.org

For further information please contact the Director, Human Resource Department, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank at the address above or via Email: SEC_HRD@eccbcentralbank.org, Telephone: 869-465-2537/ext 261, 267 or 269 or Fax: 869-466-2475.

Information is also available at the Scholarship Offices on each U.W.I campus.

Sgd. Jamiel M. Greenaway REGISTRAR OF LANDS MONTSERRAT SECTION 34 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO REPLACE LOST LAND CERTIFICATES TAKE NOTICE that an application was filed in the Land Registry by the following person, for the replacement of a Land Certificate, which has been reported lost: NAME Henry Pitman Greenaway

REG. SECTION/REFERENCE

DATE ISSUED

St. John’s 14/04/063

2nd February 1988

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that anyone who objects to the issuance of a new Land Certificate or who has knowledge of the lost Land Certificate must within the period of fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice in the newspaper inform the Registrar of Lands in writing.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in the absence of any objection or information as to the existence of the lost Land Certificate within the time specified, the Registrar of Lands may proceed to cancel the original Land Certificate and issue a new Land Certificate in its place without further notice.

Dated this 18th day of September 2014 Sdg. Jamiel M. Greenaway REGISTRAR OF LANDS

Page 10

Friday, September 26, 2014

Latin America and Death toll from Chikungunya hits Caribbean substantially reduce hunger 113 in the Caribbean, PAHO says

Fox News (EFE) At least 113 people have died in the Americas, with all the fatalities reported in the Caribbean region, after becoming infected with the Chikungunya virus, the Pan American Health Organization, or PAHO, said, adding that it was not yet clear if these deaths were directly attributable to the virus.

In its latest report, which includes figures as of Sept. 12, the PAHO confirmed 55 deaths linked to the virus in Martinique since last December, when the disease was first detected in the Americas.

Forty-nine deaths were re-

ported in Guadeloupe, six in the Dominican Republic and three in St. Martin, where the virus was first found in the Americas.

Although all the victims were infected with the virus, health authorities said Chikungunya may not have been the main cause of death.

The Puerto Rican Health Department is investigating whether or not two recent deaths were related to the virus, and officials plan to provide more details on the results of medical tests in the next few days.

A total of 644,686 suspected and 9,640 confirmed

Chikungunya cases have been reported in the region as of Sept. 8, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, or CARPHA, said.

Chikungunya’s symptoms include acute fever, followed by a longer period of joint pains in the extremities that may persist for years in some cases.

The disease is transmitted to humans by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes like dengue fever and while no specific treatment is known, medications can be used to reduce symptoms.

The regional organizations emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures to control the breeding locations of the mosquitoes that transmit the two viruses, especially at this time of year, the peak transmission season in the Caribbean due to increased rainfall.

Some 850,000 people in the Americas have contracted dengue and 470 others have died from the virus in 2014, the PAHO said. EFE

Pope Francis: world’s many conflicts amount to WW III Pope Francis said on Saturday the spate of conflicts around the globe today were effectively a “piecemeal” Third World War, condemning the arms trade and “plotters of terrorism” sowing death and destruction.

“Humanity needs to weep and this is the time to weep,” Francis said in the homily of a Mass during a visit to Italy’s largest war memorial, a large, Fascist-era monument where more than 100,000 soldiers who died in World War One are buried.

The pope began his brief visit to northern Italy by first praying in a nearby, separate cemetery for some 15,000 soldiers from five nations of the Austro-Hungarian empire which were on the losing side of the

Great War that broke out 100 years ago.

“War is madness,” he said in his homily before the massive, sloping granite memorial, made of 22 steps on the side of hill with three crosses at the top.

“Even today, after the second failure of another world war, perhaps one can speak of a third war, one fought piecemeal, with crimes, massacres, destruction,” he said.

In the past few months, Francis has made repeated appeals for an end to conflicts in Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, Gaza and parts of Africa.

“War is irrational; its only plan is to bring destruction: it seeks to grow by destroying,” he said. “Greed, intolerance, the

By Fausto Triana Santiago de Chile, (Prensa Latina) The political will became a key factor in the substantial reduction of hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a report presented today in this capital.

Raul Benítez, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), praised the determination of conciliations in the area to progress in this important sector.

In fact, Benítez said in FAO headquarters here that the region achieved the first goal of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a year before the

deadline set by the international community.

Responding to questions from Prensa Latina in a meeting held this morning, the senior offical commended the Latian American and Caribbean progress in family agriculture which has the healthiest production.

Likewise, Benítez referred that other problem facing the region is poor nutrition, with an index above 30 percent of overweight people without good food, which can lead to a dramatic future in which parents bury their children.

FAO main figure in the region appreciated the commitment of political leaders in the last summits of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), as well as those of PetroCaribe-Alba, Mercosur, Caricom, Unasur and Sica, among others.

According to

the report of the State of Food Insecurity in the World 2014 (SOFI), the proportion of people suffering from malnutrition in the region fell from 15.3 in 1990-1992 to 6.1 percent in 2012-2014.

The number of people living with hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean decreased from 68.5 million in 1990-92 to 37 million in 2012, which means that in just over two decades, 31.5 million men, women and children overcame undernourishment.

He highlighted in particular Brazil’s results with the program of President Dilma Rousseff, and Bolivia’s and Venezuela’s.

Today 21 countries in the region are implementing conditional income transfer programmes, which support more than 120 million vulnerable people, he said.

Meanwhile, he commended the idea of many governments to create virtuous circles by supplying their school feeding programs with input from family farming, strengthening child nutrition, rural development and small farmers.

Saving our tourism the spending habits of Chinese tourists at the lower to mid-income levels, although it is reasonable to assume that the upper-end Chinese tourists will have more sophisticated tastes and needs and therefore their expectations and spending will differ somewhat. Nevertheless the statistics show that the most important spending by Chinese tourists was on things they love to have at reasonable prices to take back home – 58% on shopping. Accommodation takes about 18% of their spending while 13% was devoted to food and entertainment. Air travel accounts for only 11%.

New York, London, Paris, Zurich, among other cities in Europe and North America, have been popular destinations for well-to-do Chinese because they have excellent infrastructure, diverse state-of-the-art shopping malls, and unique and historic artifacts they want to see and

explore. What does the Caribbean have to attract and entice Chinese to travel half way round the world to visit and spend their holiday when there are other popular and cheaper destinations such as Hawaii, Phuket, Bali and Korea nearer home? Caribbean duty free outlets usually have limited and over-priced merchandise to offer tourists, and even such locally produced products as Mount Gay and Appleton rums sold at their airports are more expensive than at some retail liquor stores in New York.

The Chinese tourist is a savvy traveler, and it will take more than cheap air lifts to entice large numbers of them to spend their leisure time on Caribbean shores. Therefore Caribbean governments should not be led to believe that Chinese tourists are only waiting to fill regional hotels if such fundamental facilities as the beefing-up of security to protect their electronic devices,

lust for power. These motives underlie the decision to go to war and they are too often justified by an ideology ...,” he said.

Last month the pope, who has often condemned the concept of war in God’s name, said it would be legitimate for the © 2014 Thomson/Reuters. front/Pope-Francis-WWIII/201 international community to use All rights reserved.

4/09/13/d/594457/#ixzz3DJ0 force to stop “unjust aggresNewsmax.com http:// Rk31W sion” by Islamic State militants www.Newsmax.com/Newswho have killed or displaced thousands of people in Iraq and Syria, many of them Christians.

In his homily, read at a sombre service to thousands of people braving the rain and which included the hauntingly funereal sound of a solitary bugle, Francis condemned “plotters of terrorism” but did not elaborate.

...cont’d. from page 4

enhanced Chinese cuisine and the elimination of visa requirements are not met by hoteliers/governments.

To save the Caribbean tourism industry from decline, governments will have to make it attractive for investors to come to the region and build 5-star hotels with good facilities, provide services at affordable prices and put in place an aggressive marketing strategy to attract those tourists only waiting to explore the sand and sunshine of the once glorious Caribbean which is showing signs of tiredness everywhere.

To get some insight into what could be done to achieve the desired objectives, a visit should be made to the Persian Gulf to see how the desert countries there have transformed their barren lands into attractive and interesting destinations for tourists from all over the world, including Guyana.

Guyana as part of the Caribbean community has attracted large inflows of Chinese who have been coming to the country, not as visitors to Kaieteur Falls nor as guests to the Pegasus Hotel, but as traders and workers in the construction, extractive and catering industries.

Therefore Sir Ronald Sanders has to be more constructive and innovative in his suggested strategy to rescue the tourism industry in the region where he lives and works from its slow decline before it’s too late.

Yours faithfully, Charles Sohan

Friday, September 26, 2014

Caribbean Round Up ANTIGUA Tax officials say they are extending an amnesty under which businesses in the country are allowed to clear their arrears owed under the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) without a penalty.

Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Ralph Warner said the program which began in July, would be extended until December.

He said at least 60 businesses are expected to take advantage of the initiative in the first instance and believes more will do so given the extended period.

“It looks as if persons that are owing large sums will take part in the initiative and we hope

they do because this is basically to help the tax payer regularize their status with the department,” Warner said.

The “Fresh Start” initiative is part of the new government’s campaign program to help delinquent tax payers to regularize their status.”

Antigua & Barbudans pay a 25 percent sale tax.

BARBADOS Barbados has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the People’s Republic of China resulting in the donation of 25,000 LED lights and 100 air-condition units to support the island’s climate change efforts.

A government statement said that Energy Minister Darcy Boyce, who signed the agreement with Chinese Ambassador, Wang Ke noted that electricity accounted for a significant percentage

“is not aware of the document and has not provided any such document as referred to in the reports in respect of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.”

SECL said that while it would remain committed to the Specialty Hospital Project, it would be considering legal action against the government.

HAITI Antigua-based regional airline LIAT recently announced the launch of its inaugural service to the French-speaking Caribbean nation, Haiti, as part of a major

initiative to restructure its commercial activities to improve the performance of the cash-strapped airline.

LIAT said effective Dec. 5, this year, it will launch services to Port-au-Prince every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and that “the new route will meet customer demand and provide connections for customers to travel within the Caribbean to and from this growing market.”

It said new winter schedule will come into effect on Oct. 26 and run until March 28, 2015.

LIAT said the new schedule has been designed to allow customers to connect with other carriers, such as British Airways, Virgin and Air France.

Regional airline LIAT

against Bicknell. She then argued it would be difficult to mount a successful case against him.

However, Forbes was convicted and fined J$800,000 for his role in the conspiracy.

Vaz, who is the opposition Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) Member of Parliament for the constituency of Portland, appeared in court recently when the trial date was set.

ST. LUCIA Cannabis Movement of St. Lucia is advocating marijuana tourism as a way out of the current economic crisis facing the island, but Chairman of the movement, Andre De Caires, says that St. Lucia may be took late in jumping on the bandwagon.

De Caries made the call as preparations are being made for to discuss marijuana tourism during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Industry Conference this week in the United States Virgin Islands.

JAMAICA He said St. Lucia seized the Former Jamaican Tourism economic opportunities offered by Minister Daryl Vaz is due to go on marijuana, it would have proved to trial early next year on corruptionrelated charges.

Vaz, who will now appear in court on Feb. 16, had been charged in April 2012, following allegations that he conspired with former senior superintendent James Forbes and businessman Bruce Bicknell to quash a bribery charge against Bicknell.

Prosecutors alleged that Vaz approached the arresting officer, be a “profitable option.”

Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn, and The CRO said the debate Former Jamai- surrounding marijuana tourism has can Tourism taken a sharper focus in recent Minister Daryl months, following its legislation Vaz for recreational use by two US Andre De Caires, Chairman of Cannabis Movement of St. Lucia

Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Ralph Warner

Energy Minister Darcy Boyce of government’s operating costs estimated at more than Bds$100 million.

He said that lighting and aircondition accounted for the majority of electricity usage and costs.

In an effort to reduce these recurring expenses, the Energy Minister said government intended to retrofit 75 state-owned buildings with energy efficiency lighting. It is also planned to replace aging and inefficient air-condition units, which have been identified through energy audits.

He said the saving as a result of the new Chinese donation is estimated at Bds $1.4 million.

Boyce said that government’s original goal was to attain 29 percent of electricity generation from renewable energy resources and a 22 percent reduction in the use of electricity consumption by 2019.

GUYANA The Indian construction firm, Surendra Engineering Corporation (SECL) has denied that it had submitted false documents to the Guyana government in order to secure a multi-million dollar contract to construct a hospital in the South American country.

The government said the firm had submitted a document purporting to come from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago in accordance with the provisions of the contract that required certain securities to be provided by the contractor in relation to advanced payment guarantees, as well as security, which would guarantee

performance of a particularly quality.

But Attorney General Anil Nandlall said that when the document was “produced to my chambers for examination we requested some form of authentication for this company in terms of its existence and standing as a result of that request purporting to come from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, a notary public seal affixed to that document in my limited experience, a document coming from a bank will not ordinarily have affixed a notary seal.”

The AG said formal enquiries from the Central Bank in Trinidad confirmed first by phone that the document did not come from them, and a signature on the document was made by someone who does not seem to exist.

He said the Central Bank of Trinidad has since launched its own investigation and the authorities in Guyana are assisting.

But SECL managing director Brijen Praikah said his company Attorney General Anil Nandlall

promised him “gold bars,” a code word for a promotion, if he withdrew the charge against Bicknell.

In July, the Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn withdrew the bribery charge

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT STAFF VACANCY Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified nationals of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States and Associate Members of the Caribbean Community to fill the following position with assigned duty station in Guyana: Procurement Specialist, Procurement Unit

Applications in English Language with full curriculum vitae details, including nationality, work experience, educational qualifications and/or expertise, language proficiency, coordinates (including email addresses) of three referees (at least two of whom must be familiar with the applicant’s work), and other relevant information, should be addressed to the Executive Director, Human Resource Management, Caribbean Community Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana and sent by email to applnhrm@caricom.org.

states, including Colorado.

Uruguay has also become the first country in the world to make it legal to grow, sell and consume cannabis.

Since it became legal in Colorado at the start of the year, there have bene several reports of a boom in arrivals from both within and outside the United States.

ST. VINCENT St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has called on the subregional organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to develop measures that would allow the countries to adapt and strengthen their resilience to climate change.

Addressing the Fourth Climate Change seminar recently Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

Full details of these positions may be obtained by accessing the following web sites-www.caricom. org; www.caribank.org; www.oecs.org; www.crnm.org and www.caribbeanjobsonline.com

The deadline for the submission of applications is 19 October 2014.

Page g 11

organized by the St Lucia-based OECS Commission, Gonsalves said the region needed to take “more seriously” the impact of climate change on its socio-economic development.

He described St Vincent and the Grenadines as a “disaster prone”, adding “we need to adapt, strengthen our resilience to mitigate, we need to reduce risk human and natural assets resulting from climate change”.

Gonsalves said there were existing studies done by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as they relate to the impact of climate change as well as seeking funds and accessing technologies required to undertake “needed mitigation actions and to adapt to adverse impacts of climate change”.

TRINIDAD A Catholic priest has expressed alarm at the 38 police killings for the year in Trinidad and Tobago, labeling them as “extrajudicial killings” he delivered the homily at the inter-faith service at the ceremonial opening of the 2014/2015 law.

Speaking to a packed Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port of Spain of members of the legal fraternity, which included President Anthony Carmona, Prime Minister Kala Persad-Bissessar, SC, and Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, SC, Fr. Clyde Harvey said :“over 30 of our citizens have been killed by police officers”.

These killings, he said, have been extra-judicial killings. “Let’s name it for what it is. I think all of us have to feel something.” He said.

“Is there are a few police officers who are responsible for thirty-something deaths, which means that some of them are carrying three, four of five ghost.

If that is so, we have a problem, a serious problem and all of us are responsible and that affects the law because people on the ground know what is going on,” Fr. Harvey added.

JAMAICA The Jamaica government has announced an immediate ban on the importation of electronic cigarettes.

It said that the Jamaica Customs Agency should not allow clearance for liquid cartridges or replacements.

An e-cigarette is battery-powered vaporizer which stimulates tobacco smoking by producing an aerosol that resembles smoke.

It generally uses a heating vaporize liquid solution known as e-liquid.

The Health Ministry said that the cigarettes have not been fully investigated and the nicotine is not yet known.

In a brief statement the Health Ministry said that smokers were not aware of the health risks that they are exposed to, or the benefits associated with the use of e–cigarettes.

Page 12

Friday, September 26, 2014

www.themontserratreporter.com

PDM set to star t wor king thing is sure, Every member of my team will play a vital role in contributing meaningful to the development of Montserrat.”

He also warned the public not to play into the hands of those who want to see the government fail.

The Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Health and Social Services, the Honourable Delmaude Ryan joined the Premier in “affirming the marvellous opportunity and exciting challenges and the amazing jump start that the new government and newly formed Cabinet have embraced.” The Deputy Premier further assured that “We are ready to work”.

Minister of Agriculture, Lands Housing and the Environment, the Honourable Claude Hogan meantime, took the opportunity to say thanks and to call for corporate and individual support for the government from the public while the Honourable Paul Lewis, who has responsibilities for Communications, Works and Labour, was very reflective and humble in saying

...cont’d from pg 2

thanks for all the support received. Despite the challenges the Premier assured that the PDM team is “united”.

In the meantime, leading Montserratian Luminary Dr. George Irish has been giving feedback on the outcome of the recent general elections here on island.

He said he was impressed by the way in which the poll was conducted stating that the people have spoken in a definitive way. In congratulating Premier Romeo and his team on their victory at the polls, the Dean of Liberal Arts and Education at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York, admonishes the incoming administration that tough times lie ahead.

He however posits that with a united effort success can be achieved. The Montserratian who has excelled in academia also thanked former Premier Reuben T. Meade for his exemplary work while at the helm. Dr. Irish spoke of Mr. Meade’s faithfulness and loyalty in his service to Montserrat.

Montserrat Progressive Society of New York celebrates 100th Anniversary cont’d. from page 1

A number of Montserratians both living in the New York, and in the Diaspora, along with Dr. Sheron Burns, Bruce Farara and Bennette Roach were among the persons recognized by the Montserrat Progressive Society New York (MPSNY) at their gala 100th anniversary dinner in New York on Saturday, September 20, 2014.

Premier Romeo delivers speech

The first elected and new Premier of Montserrat, the Hon. Donaldson Romeo was scheduled as Premier of Montserrat to deliver the feature address at the gala celebrations awards banquet.

The Premier was sworn in to office only a week before Sept 12 and told TMR that even with the greatest desire even up to the last minute he was unable to keep the obligation. Instead he offered to send a video of him delivering the

speech, but the Society opted for a recording instead, although at worst he was willing to have Dr. George Irish who also received an award, read the speech.

In the speech (publicized in this issue) the Premier xxx Dr. Burns, who heads the Early Child Unit, Mr. Farara, a prominent businessman on Montserrat and Mr. Roach, Editor of the Montserrat Reporter, received awards for their contributions to early childhood education, business and journalism respectively.

The Montserrat Progressive Society, which was started by a group of enterprising Montserratians in 1914, also handed out awards to several other persons who had achieved in a several areas.

Apart from Dr. Burns, Dr. George Irish received an award for his contribution to education, James West and Louville Carty for

community services, Esco Henry in Law; and Dr. Ingrid Buffonge and Dr. Icilma Fergus-Rowe for their achievements in the field of medicine.

Other awardees were Gary Morton, business and Jeevan Robinson, media.

The centenarian celebrations for the Montserrat Progressive Society of New York got well on the way since Saturday and will continue throughout this week.

The MPSNY was established in 1914 as a charitable organization committed to dealing with issues of mutual concerns to Montserratians and the Caribbean American Community at large.

Celebrations Committee chairman Victor Puma Lewis, while speaking of the very humble beginnings of the MPS-NY and its progress and maturity over the 100 years of its existence said activities to commemorate the

JUS WONDERIN

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

Jus wonderin if we can work as a team.

Jus wonderin if people who buy dem new Jus wonderin if soon there’ll be a by-election house in a Davy Hill know dem might a pay at least to replace the two disenchanted elected MPs, an de 20 per cent more than dem should cost.

Jus wonderin, Who a try fu use who and who rest who neva do nutten as opposition.

Jus wonderin, if will we see more intelligent a out-manoeuvre who?

Jus wonderin, who dem powerbrokers be wa voting during the next election.

Jus wonderin how much the most recent gift dem a plan fu do now?

Jus wonderin, if governance would improve if to Montobacco cost and who benefit.

Jus wonderin a true de first minister no share everybody (especially MPs, civil servants, and board de latest ill-gotten gain wid de others. members) take Civics lessons.

Jus wonderin if the last Speaker will come Jus wonderin, who evaluates the governor’s again. performance and where we can find the results.

Jus wonderin if me a go get one of dem new Jus wonderin if me send mines to the Edita jobs from China. he will publish um.

Jus wonderin why some people stap talk when Jus wonderin if the new Cabinet’s first decision will be to hurry up and pass the Public me appear within hearing distance.

Jus wonderin if the Bishop supports our basic Administration Regulations to allow part-time MPs and former public officer contestants resume their human right to freedom of expression.

Jus wonderin, Why does that Bishop think he government jobs.

Jus wonderin wa happen to all DE PEOPLE has the right to condemn people’s behaviour which FIRST and ALL A’WE HA FU WUK TOGETHER FU he disapproves but those he condemns don’t have a similar right to express their dissatisfaction of DE GREATER GOOD talk.

Jus wonderin if lying has become the norm. misbehaviour, especially, by authority figures like the former Premier, and others of his ilk.

Jus wonderin if leaders can be led.

Jus wonderin if I was only dreaming that Jus wonderin, Is success more or less likely if a reconciliation service was held at the Cultural we agree to make it happen?

Niki and Vernette Roach receive on behalf of dad Bennette

ZJB radio report said, “It’s a rich history…the organization began out of the apartment of one of the Montserratians who was just helping out different Montserratians getting their feet sorted out when they came to the States. The organization grew into a major important beacon for other Montserratian to come over here whether it’s being able to get scholarship to go to school, to be able to get health benefits... Now it’s grown to where we’re now rekindling and making it be known of more things to come and hopefully we’ll be there for another 100 years and the generation that’s coming up to understand it’s all about to be able to support each other.”

The MPSNY He said that for the most Lewis said speaking in a part it’s been positive. “I think Dr. George Irish

year celebrations for the 100th anniversary included a spring dance coming up, which would be Friends of Montserrat Gala and then towards the end of it, a special Friends of Montserrat benefit concert to be held at the Apollo theater on September 24, 2015. These were two of the major events along with the annual mother’s day celebration, as well as various other meetings and connections where we are connecting the Diaspora in connection with what the organization has been doing over the 100 years and what they have done to support all Montserratians here in the United States.

Dr. Icilma Fergus-Rowe Center following the 2009 general elections in an attempt, come to think of it, to heal some of the raw wounds suffered in the political arena and to help engender a modicum of cordiality.

Jus wonderin where in the Bible it teach us to be hypocrites, considerin it always condemin them?

Jus wonderin if Dr Kimbugwe could be persuaded to take up the Chief Economist position?

Jus wonderin if they will they advertise for

there could be a lot more activities, active members…one of the goals for this year celebration is to be able to interact more with Montserratians and the professional Montserratians who are doing allot of positive things here in the United States and around the country itself to be able to get involved and celebrate with us and also be able to give their professional services to the different Montserratians that are here,” he continued, citing there are a lot of doctors, lawyers, mechanics, construction workers, carpenters.

“They are all here. Montserratians that actually have very strong businesses throughout the boroughs of New York for,” he said, citing that they are not necessarily within the Montserratian

Mr. Jeevan Robinson

Mrs. Esco Henry

Financial Secretary and Cabinet Secretary, and where?

Jus wonderin if Advantage never done will change, why life so unfair dat no matter how hard me wuk fu yum, me can’t get de big-pay job I deserve as compensation fu me superb accomplishments!

Jus wonderin if dem, specially who lose who dragged voters unfit to go to the polling stations feel any shame.