Friday, September 13, 2013
September 17
Remember and Be Prepared Flood, Hurricane, Volcano
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Today’s Scripture
www.themontserratreporter.com
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NRSV)
CARICOM Vol. XXVIII No. 29
Week Ending Friday, September 13, 2013 Price $3.00
Seeks Change
talks with the people
“a rich time” in Montser rat
by Bennette Roach
How can Montserrat better support the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and how can the community support us? This was one of the questions among others that was posed at the Consultation between a Change Team and a wide cross section of government and the rest of the Montserrat public. Dr. Gwendoline Williams of Trinidad & Tobago
cont’d. on page 12
left: Youth delegation and leader Below: Facilitation team members including with Change Driver Claude Hogan and Ben Meade, moderator rt. left group co-ordinators
l-r: Youth Ambassadors - Ian Gerald and Claris Yearwood; and Helena Dorsette
Change Driver support team
Ben Meade
Claude Hogan
More
Headlines...
Six at OECS workshop in Antigua...pg 2
Donation to Glendon Hospital...pg 7
MCC offers Digital Media CAPE...pg 3
African dust worries scientists...pg 8
Mighty Sparrow not dead...pg 5
BAICO update...pgs 10-11
HOME LOANS Enquire about interest rates from our Loans Department. Bank of Montserrat Your Bank. Your Future.
www.bankofmontserrat.ms (664) 491-3843
Interest rates and terms on Home Loans may vary so come in and talk with us today. Bank rules and regulations apply.
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Friday, September 13, 2013
Electoral Commission begins Elections education and preparations The Montserrat Electoral Commission is one of five commissions established under the new Montserrat Constitution Order 2010. The other Commissions are the Integrity, Complaints, Public Service and Mercy. Four of these Commissions have been installed and the latest report is that the Integrity Commission will soon be in place. This Electoral Commission having been duly installed, its members are:- Dr. Sir Howard Fergus, Mrs. Claudette Weekes, Mrs. Josephine Lee and Mr. Bennette Roach. This Commission is regulated under the as follows: (a) have the functions conferred on it by sections 52(3), 79, 96(2) and 114(1); (b) supervise elections in Montserrat in accordance with any law regulating the conduct of elections; and (c) have such other functions as may be prescribed by Act of the Legislature. (8) An Act of the Legislature may make further provision, subject to this Constitution, for
l-r: Mrs. Claudette Weekes listens intently to Hon. AG Esco Henry on the radio program
the functions and procedures of the Electoral Commission, and for the protection, privileges and remuneration of members of the Commission. (9) In the exercise of its functions, the Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. On Tuesday, July 23, 2013, the Commission set about preparing for the next general elections in Montserrat constitutionally due
in September, 2014. The commission hosted a radio programme on the government radio station, ZJB Radio where three of the members hosted a guest in the Hon. Attorney General General, Esco Henry. Bennette Roach moderated the programme which the Commission Chairman Sir Howard Fergus explained was presented with the intention of educating and preparing the public for any upcoming elections.
“The reason we are here really is to educate people on aspects of election,” the chairman rationalized. He said elections are constitutionally due next year but no one knows in fact when the election
will happen, “and in any case it’s not too early to begin to educate persons and help them with an orientation in matters pertaining to election.” He advised as he welcomed Miss Henry as the guest for the evening, “like you (the moderator) I’m pleased that we have the Hon. Attorney General as our guest tonight,” adding, “this will not preempt the sort of educational process the intensive educational process that we engage in before elections.” The chairman said that there are some important issues and, “the two important issues we are raising tonight, who can be elected, what are the qualifications of the members of the assembly and a companion idea who can elect them, who are the electors…” Miss Henry quite ably out-
lined the law dealing with the mentioned issues as they related especially to the Montserrat Constitution Order 2010 Sections 50 & 51, and other Elections Act. Following, the panel discussed matters of the presentation, that they thought would be of interest to voters and public generally, inviting callers, and online via text over the internet, with questions and comments from listeners both in Montserrat and overseas. The Commission panel for the evening comprised, Dr. Fergus, Mrs. Claudette Weekes and Bennette Roach. They informed that there would be further such programs and education material will be publicised for the benefit of the people and especially voters, while requesting ZJB to air that and any other such program repeatedly.
Moderator and Electoral Commission member Bennette Roach along side Chairman of the Electoral Commission Sir Howard Fergus
OECS Spokespersons workshop in Antigua - six member Montserrat delegation participates OECS Spokes Persons workshop in Antigua – sixmember Montserrat delegation participates A delegation comprising multi-media editor at Radio Montserrat Shirlian Queely, Business Manager
at The Montserrat Development Corporation Rochelle Lee, Director of Information Nerissa Golden, Doreen Chambers from the Office of the Premier, video, photography, web management production,
Milykhia McKenzie from The Montserrat Reporter, and freelance journalist Hazel Riley. The theme for the three-day workshop - September 9 to 11 at the Verandah Resort Antigua Spa was “One People, One Region Committed to Success.” It opened on Monday with remarks from Antigua and Barbuda’s Commissioner to the OECS His Excellency Collin Murdock and Coordinator of the Regional Integration Unit OECS Secretariat Elma Jean Isaac. Meanwhile Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister and OECS Baldwin Spencer delivered the feature address during the opening. In highlighting the important role of the media and other key stakeholders play in the OECS integration movement, Prime Minister Spencer called on the sub regional grouping to spread the message about the OECS integration movement, he
Photo: l-r: D. Chambers, M. McKenzie, N. Golden, H. Riley, R. Lee and S. Queeley
urged the promoting of the OECS Economic Union to the youth of the region. “I’m here to give you the charge to reach out to our populations by all means available and to persuade them that critical issues such as free movement are there for their benefit,” the Prime Minister said. He continued, “I’m here to call on you to dialogue with the private sector and with our business communities, show them how economic union initiatives such as free movement or free circulation of goods will enhance and streamline doing business in our region.” The Antigua Barbuda P M said further, “I call on you to reach out by all means available, we are here in a workshop setting and I am sure that you will be briefed and armed with all the facts and arguments to go out into our communities with the banner of the OECS flying high.”
Friday, September 13, 2013
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MCC to offer CAPE level subject in Digicel Media next year Principal of the Montserrat Community College (MCC) Paul Payne says the college is hoping to offer a Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CAPE level subject in Digital Media next year. Mr. Payne says, “Digital Media is one of the most exciting subjects to be offered by CXC.”
It is on the cutting edge of global technology trends, and will provide Caribbean post-secondary candidates with the opportunity to become critical players in he digital media industry. The CAPE Digital Media course will facilitate the development of important learning and problem-solving skills, foster creativity,
encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and inculcate a sense of value in students for their own work, respect and regard for the work of others. The launch of this syllabus therefore takes on significant importance and compels the institution to leverage use of the various Social Media and ICT tools.
Students are being afforded the opportunity to acquire a variety of experiences and skills in the areas of digital media conceptualization, design and development.
Digital Media also fosters interest and enjoyment in the practical application, production and consumption of digital media, and seeks to develop informed citizens, competent practitio-
BNTF firming up on BNTF 6 projects following launch of BNTF 7 Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) officials have confirmed reports that the much talked about new abattoir for Montserrat is one step closer to becoming a reality. Other reports said that another BNTF long-awaited project on a St. John’s Community Centre has been approved. These projects are coming out of the BNTF 6, while
in April this year, the Caribbean Development Bank, through the Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme, launched the Seventh BNTF Programme, themed “Adding Value and Strength to our Communities”. The Programme Launch took place on April 25 followed by a training session for various stake holders,
Principal Paul Payne
BANK OF MONTSERRAT LIMITED ASSISTANT MANAGER – CREDIT and INVESTMENT The leading Commercial Bank in Montserrat, is seeking to fill the position of Assistant Manager Credit and Investment. The successful applicant will provide strong support to the Investment and Credit Committees and The General Manager in the areas of Loan Underwriting and Investments. Candidates should have at least 10 years’ banking experience with a minimum 5 years’ experience at a senior management level in Investment Banking and Credit. They should have a good understanding of financial markets, financial instruments and risk management policies, procedures and practices.
ners, and raise the standard of digital media production among students and across industry. Digital Media competencies are of great relevance and practical value.
Mrs. Darran Newman Belgrave
which continued the following day at the Montserrat Cultural Centre. Mervin M. Browne, the BNTF Project Manager, Montserrat, said that the BNTF 7 was expected to extend support to community development initiated in BNTF 6, and will place particular emphasis on subproject interventions in three core priority sectors: education and human resource development (including microenterprise development and youth and citizen security funded through the Regional Component), water and sanitation, and basic community access and drainage. At the opening, Mrs. Darran Newman Belgrave, CDB portfolio Manager, on hand and representing the CDB, listened to pleasantries, words of appreciation and a forceful message from Premier Meade and local BNTF staff and related government officials about the lengthy processes and a complex approval process, experienced, “not just by Montserrat,” as they acknowledged, “it’s nine other territories that they deal with.” cont’d. on page 7
ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT A.D.2013 [PROBATE DIVISION] LEGAL NOTICE In the Estate of ELVA MIRELYN SWEENEY, deceased
The Candidate should also be very computer literate.
NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of 14 days from the date of this notice, an application will be filed at the Registry, High Court of Justice for a Grant of Letters of Administration of the Estate of ELVA MIRELYN SWEENEY deceased, late of LookOut, Montserrat who died on the 11th day of August 2013 be issued to LAUREN IRISH of Davy Hill, the lawful attorney of MARGARET SWEENEY, mother and personal representative of the deceased and one of the persons entitled to a share in the Estate.
Applications from suitably qualified candidates should be addressed to:
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.
Candidates must also have a proven track record of analytical and investigative skills. A University Degree, preferably an MBA is required.
The General Manager Bank of Montserrat Limited P.O. Box 10 Brades MONTSERRAT Deadline for Submission: September 30, 2013.
FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant of Letters of Administration to the said 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 publication of this notice. Dated the 11th day of September 2013 Marcelle E.M. Watts Attorney at law for the Applicant
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Friday, September 13, 2013
Regional
EDITORIAL Be concerned about the general creation of employment now The grandiose plans for Little Bay and Carrs Bay will not help the situation between now and 2016, being modest since recently that date keeps going further into the future, like 2020. One thing seems luminous, HMG is not enamored by those plans we have by the conditions that have been created and agreed, complicated by our own unwillingness to stick to good rules. The stage was set in 2011 with nothing significant prepared when Minister of State Duncan visited. The foregoing is the last paragraph of our last issue’s Editorial, we promised to continue our conversation about the apparent lack of concern, or the lack of haste to seriously create new jobs or to support areas where these can be recreated, as well as general doubts as to future development. This will sound wrong but it is real. Despite the several queries by DFID in reports and otherwise, there doesn’t seem to be concern that the message of the Strategic Growth Plan and generally the plans of what HMG and Government particularly through the Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC), is not reaching the people. We have mentioned this so many times before, that Montserrat may not have made good use of the UK Overseas Territories 1999 White Paper or indeed any White Paper since then. It is possible to even feel that it has prevented the best from our politicians, in that telling the territories that, “we will not tell you what to do…” but will practice partnership, did not turn out well. As we said earlier, little or nothing was done to advance sustainability much more development, since the White Paper, and the set back in 2001 when Montserrat publicised readiness to stand on its own two feet. When told so again in February, 2011 by UK Secretary of State Andrew Mitchel, that came with commitment strengthened by Minister Alan Duncan, December, 2011. Since then we here about plans for developmental growth, but the truth is there is nothing on which to develop, so that has to be done. There has to be the little things done to create employment and distribute what is there equally, because any development is going to depend on that and people. And above people understanding or at least aware of what is happening. When Duncan spoke about our economy after he had committed to do whatever was necessary, justifiable and otherwise, he noted, “You can’t have a sustainable economy without good communications, transport or information - if you’re going to have a bigger ferry then you need investment in the port… Do you go straight to making it big enough for larger ships; is there a private sector aspect to it where someone outside government might invest? So, we’re exploring all that with the Premier.” Did we go wrong again? It is over 20 months ago this discourse took place confirming Mitchel’s promise of 32 months. Another important factor in this struggle, Mitchel had warned: “It’s extremely important that the private sector is encouraged to come and to build up in Montserrat. And, part and parcel with that is to have an absolute zero tolerance approach to corruption. In, for example, the exploitation of geothermal power, it is very important that the principles of transparency apply throughout the process, from exploitation right the way through to when the profits from that process accrue to the finance ministry into the treasury in Montserrat.” Is Montserrat holding up its end on those suggestions, the UK is, and they will argue that for a long time. Its not like nothing has been done, but it seems the time is right to take stock, again. All it takes is for every action taken to answer the question, is that in the interest of Montserrat now and later? There are things that can be done now to begin to change the stagnation. A tobacco factory that will bring no revenue to Montserrat, which almost seems to exist in mystery will not ‘cut it.’ The CARICOM consultations concluded here with a theme communicate, communicate. There are lessons there.
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
Dominican police find 1st underground drug lab NGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Authorities in the Dominican Republic have discovered an underground lab for processing cocaine, the first ever found in a Caribbean country that has been experiencing a surge in drug seizures, officials said Monday. The clandestine lab was found beneath a grove of fruit trees on a ranch near the village of Sabana Toro, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Santo Domingo. Police were searching the property a week after two Colombians were arrested there
on suspicion of drug charges, the attorney general’s office said in a statement. Inside the lab, authorities seized about 225 kilograms of the base ingredient in cocaine in what Police Chief Manuel Castro Castillo called “an unprecedented strike against organized crime” in the country. This is the first time that police have found a significant cocaine processing lab in the Dominican Republic, the attorney general’s office said. Police identified the two de-
tained Colombians as Johan Jairon Roldan Estrada y Angel Fernandez Vargas. The Dominican Republic has reported record seizures of cocaine for each of the last three years and the country has become a transit zone for drugs destined for Europe and the United States. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said earlier this year that an estimated six percent of the cocaine bound for the United States would pass through the Dominican Republic.
Coast Guard: 4 St. Vincent men adrift for 12 days WestportNews SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says four men from St. Vincent & the Grenadines have been rescued at sea after drifting for as long as 12 days on a disabled powerboat. The four men had apparently been traveling in late August from a tiny Grenadines island to the small Caribbean country’s main island of
St. Vincent when the outboard engine died on their 30-foot (9-meter) boat. The Coast Guard and a St. Vincent-flagged freighter rescued them in rough waters south of Puerto Rico. A Monday statement from the Coast Guard says the boaters appeared to be in good health. Guard spokesman Ricardo Castrodad says it is not immediately clear
how they survived during their ordeal. This Monday, Sept. 9, 2013 photo made available by the U.S. Coast Guard shows four men the U.S. Coast Guard said they rescued after 12 days adrift in the Caribbean Sea. The four men were apparently traveling from a tiny Grenadines island to the St. Vincent mainland when the outboard engine died on their 30-foot (9-meter) boat.
Island of Dominica makes strides on geothermal enegy
Policy intended to address growing climate change concerns, high electricity costs By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM) Catholic Online (www.catholic.org) Dominica, heralded as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica, is pushing to become completely reliant on geothermal energy. Government officials say that this policy addresses growing climate change concerns, high electricity costs along with an ambitious goal to become carbon “negative” by 2020. The project at hand will require the construction of a small power plant for domestic consumption. A much larger plant of up to 100 megawatts of electricity will be built for export to the neighboring French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told Parliament in July that his government had invested $11.2 million in test drilling and would spend an additional $13.3 million to develop geothermal power in the island’s Roseau Valley.
The Roseau Valley is one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers, with lush rainforests, rivers, waterfalls and hiking trails. The valley is also home to the world’s second largest boiling lake and accounts for 65 percent of tourism revenue in Dominica. Test drilling confirmed that the valley’s geothermal resource was of excellent quality and sufficient to generate more than 120 megawatts of electricity. Energy costs in Dominica continue to affect “the quality of life of families, individuals and the competitiveness of businesses,” and this project could reduce the price of electricity by 40 percent, Skerrit said. The project has the potential to transform the island’s economy and ensure commitments to the environment are met, harnessing alternative, renewable sources of energy is seen as crucial for Dominica, Vince Henderson, chairman of
the government’s geothermal negotiating team says. “Dominica has tremendous geothermal capacity. This project will not only bring us energy security and independence, but geothermal energy will reduce our contribution to climate change and demonstrate leadership in switching from over-reliance on expensive, dirty, fossil fuel generation,” he said. Some fear potential negative impacts. “I believe the level of secrecy surrounding the project is troubling,” one valley resident says. “We should have been brought to the table to discuss what is about to happen in our area, with our land and with our health . We know of the dangerous gases down there and we fear possible contamination of our streams and water supply. We just want our questions answered.” © 2013, Distributed by THE NEWS CONSORTIUM.
Our Scripture Verse Today Your Will Be Done Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2 (NRSV) As I prayed the familiar lines with the congregation, „Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,‰ my mind was drawn to all of the crime, bigotry, and violence in the world. How wonderful it would be if everyone submitted to the will of God! This time, a small voice within me asked, What about you? Indignant, I thought, I donÊt do those terrible things! I love the Lord and pray for the end of the wickedness that is so prevalent in this world. What about you? came the question again. Slowly, I realized that I, too, am a part
of „on earth.‰ While I have no control over the actions of others, I do have a say about my own actions. I am ashamed to admit that my will does not always conform to GodÊs. While it does not result in crime, hatred, or physical injury, my sin can make life on earth less „heavenly‰ for me and for others. Now when I pray the LordÊs Prayer, I add, „Your will be done on earth · especially in my life · as it is in heaven.‰ Lisa Stackpole (Wisconsin, USA) Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be sensitive and obedient to your will as we pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”* Amen.
Friday, September 13, 2013
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Climate change threatens Caribbean’s water supply SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Experts are sounding a new alarm about the effects of climate change for parts of the Caribbean — the depletion of already strained drinking water throughout much of the region. Rising sea levels could contaminate supplies of fresh water and changing climate patterns could result in less rain to supply reservoirs in the coming decades, scientists and officials warned at a conference in St. Lucia this week. “Inaction is not an option,” said Lystra Fletcher-Paul, Caribbean land and water officer for the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. “The water resources will not be available.” Some of the possible solutions include limits on development, increased use of desalination plants and better management of existing water supplies, but all face challenges in a region where many governments carry heavy debts and have few new sources of revenue. Many Caribbean nations rely exclusively on underground water for their needs, a vulnerable source that would be hit hard by climate change effects, said Jason Johnson, vice president of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association, a Trinidad-based nonprofit group. “That’s the greatest concern,” he said. “Those weather patterns may change, and there may not necessarily be the means for those water supplies to be replenished at the pace that they have historically been replenished.” Parts of the Caribbean have been experiencing an unusually dry spell that emerged last year. In August 2012, some islands reported extremely dry weather, including Grenada and Anguilla. By July of this year, those conditions had spread to Trinidad, Antigua, St. Vincent and Barbados, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology amp& Hydrology says. “We’re seeing changes in weather patterns,” said Avril Alexander, Caribbean coordinator for the nonprofit Global Water Partnership. “... When you look at the projected impact of climate change, a lot of the impact is going to be felt through water.” Intense rains have been reported in recent months in some Caribbean areas, but that doesn’t mean an increase in fresh water supply, said Bernard Ettinoffe, president of the Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association Inc., a St. Lucia-based group that represents water utilities in the region. Heavy rains mean there’s not enough time for water to soak into the ground as it quickly runs off, he said. In addition, the cost of water treatment increases, and many islands instead shut their systems to
In this Aug. 22, 2013 photo, vendors Jacline Bienheme, left, and Marie Jolerme wait for fishermen to return on the shores of Lake Azuei in Thomazeau, Haiti. Experts are sounding a new alarm about the effects of climate change for parts of the Caribbean: the depletion of already strained drinking water throughout much of the region. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery) (AP2013)
prevent contamination. The island considered most at risk is Barbados, which ranks 21st out of 168 countries in terms of water demand exceeding available surface water supplies, according to a 2012 study by British risk analysis firm Maplecroft. Other Caribbean islands high on the list are Cuba and the Dominican Republic, which ranked 45 and 48, respectively. The study did not provide data on a smattering of eastern Caribbean islands that officials say are among the driest in the region. “There are a number of indications that the total amount of rainfall in much of the Caribbean would be decreasing by the end of the century,” said Cedric Van Meerbeeck, a climatologist with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology amp& Hydrology. Van Meerbeeck said water supplies will continue to decrease if individuals as well as agriculture and tourism, the region’s key industries, do not monitor use. “Climate is maybe not the biggest factor, but it’s a drop in an already
full bucket of water,” he said. “It will have quite dramatic consequences if we keep using water the way we do right now.” Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados have ordered rationing this year, with Barbados reducing pressure and occasionally cutting off supply to some areas. The island also began to recycle water, with officials collecting treated wastewater to operate airport toilets. Overuse of wells elsewhere has caused saltwater seepage and a deterioration of potable water underground, leading to the construction of hundreds of desalination plants in the Caribbean. But the cost of desalination still remains unaffordable for many governments, said John Thompson, director of the Caribbean Desalination Association board. The biggest challenge overall is changing the mentality of water utility authorities who see their role as solely providing clean water, Johnson said. “The new reality is that it’s a national security issue if your water supplies are diminished,” Johnson said. “It becomes a health and safety issue.”
False reports of Mighty Russia willing to help Caribbean Sparrow’s death
The Mighty Sparrow, Slinger Francisco Jamaica Observer KINGSTON, Jamaica – Several reports are being circulated via social media that Calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow is dead, however the Trinidad Express and Trinidad and Tobago’s Consulate General in New York have reported that the singer is alive and showing signs of improvement. Trinidad Express reported that Mighty Sparrow’s son, Anthony Francisco, told them his father was improving slowly and also urged them to wait to hear of any changes from Sparrow’s children or his wife before making an announcement.
According to the T&T Consulate General, Francisco reported to them at 8:37 a.m. today (Thursday) that his father “is resting comfortably, and he’s alive and well”. Francisco also thanked the public for their prayers. The Express also reported that according to his wife Margaret Francisco, Sparrow started coughing yesterday. Sparrow, whose given name is Slinger Francisco, is reported to be in a New York hospital. Wednesday: CALYPSO legend The Mighty Sparrow is in a coma in a New York hospital, the Trinidad Express
newspaper reports. According to The Express, Sparrow (given name Slinger Francisco) was scheduled to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award last Thursday from the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in New York City. He did not attend the ceremony. His son, Richard Francisco, accepted the award on his behalf and read a message from his father stating that he was unable to attend the function. The Express quoted a source as saying Sparrow was “depressed” recently. Calls to Sparrow’s home and mobile phones in New York went unanswered, the newspaper reported. So, did calls to his home in Trinidad, where his wife, Margaret Francisco, spends much of her time. The Grenadaborn Sparrow is rated along with Lord Kitchener as Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest calypsonians. His career started in the 1950s when he first competed in the country’s Carnival events. He has a strong Jamaican connection, first performing here in the early 1960s. Sparrow was a close friend of Jamaican bandleader Byron Lee, performing regularly on the latter’s Jamaica
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Russia says it is willing to help the Caribbean explore for oil and gas as well as deal with the impact of the global economy. Russia’s ambassador to Guyana, Nikolay Smirnov, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that relations with the Caribbean remain strong spanning economic, tourism, communication, sports and politics. But the diplomat said that while Russia may not be able to engage in direct investment in the search for oil and gas, it was nonetheless in a position to assist in “specific projects like the seismological study of the Caribbean Sea”. He said the study “can be used
for oil and gas research, to seismic study, fisheries and especially climate changes. “All those things will be available to Caribbean countries free of charge because it will be done by Russian scientists with participation with local scientists if they will like and that data will be available without any pre conditions without any restrictions”. Ambassador Smirnov told CMC that trade with the Caribbean remains at a low level. “It is not as large as we will like to have due to the distance, maybe because of the competition from other countries in Latin America but we hope it will change...so we hope trade ties will be growing, tourism will increase because right now it’s on the rise to the Caribbean. “For example, last year from the Dominican Republic we had about 60, 000 tourist from Russia. Second to our destination is Cuba because with Cuba we have traditional ties and of course Jamaica is also on the rise, (regarding) Barbados, we also have a number of growing Russian tourist.” The diplomat said that, like the Caribbean, Russia has to deal
with issues of climate change, global warning and the economic crisis. He said a solution to the financial crisis should not be left only to the developed countries. He said while he is not a palm reader, an economist or in possession of a crystal ball, Caribbean countries should look to deal with unemployment, particularly among the youth, fight against corruption, and manage government expenditure in a bid to stimulate their economies. “…those things should be addressed and international institutions like IMF, World Bank, regional banks, (like) the Inter American Development Bank...they also should be providing some specifics assistance towards needs not for overall programmes but to improve fields in the economy like tourism.” The Russian diplomat said that his countries would continue to use its influence in fora like the G20 and G8 “because as you know, traditional times we have quite friendly relations with a number of Caribbean countries like Cuba, Jamaica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Guyana and we hope to continue”.
Carnival. The two collaborated on the 1975 album, Again!, which
contained the hit songs Dragon Dance and Obeah Wedding. In August 2001, Sparrow
received a Jamaica Independence Award during the country’s independence celebrations.
Russia’s ambassador to Guyana, Nikolay Smirnov
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Friday, September 13, 2013
Glendon Hospital gets needed defibrillator, cardiac monitor on the way In March this year, Mrs. Sujue Davis, wife of His Excellency Adrian Davis, who it is claimed falls in her shadows as she is acclaimed to be the most successful fund raiser in Montserrat, by January raised over $34,000 to purchase defibrillators under the Montserrat Red Cross branch banner. Mrs. Davis began fund raising in November last year, raising $27,000 for the automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in her capacity as Patron of the Montserrat Red Cross branch. She setup an account in the name of the branch called, ‘Patron’s Community Fund’ managed by a committee set up for the purpose. Mrs. Davis publicises that all funds in this account are to be used solely for the purchase and delivery of AEDs, to be placed at various locations on Montserrat.
Mrs. Davis acted swiftly and urgently on Thursday, September 5, 2013 when she handed over the first AED machine to the Glendon Hospital in the presence of a small gathering of staff members from the Governor’s office, members of her fund-raising organising committee and the media. Mrs. Davis explains that the defibrillator was initially to be handed over to the Lookout Community centre in service of the community there, but acted swiftly when her committee learned of the need at the hospital. “After consultation, we agreed that the hospital should have priority over the Lookout community centre which was our original choice - Since Glendon hospital needed a defibrillator urgently, I presented the one that I left at Brades police station for use as needed and eventual
A catalogue view of the AED donated to the hospital
delivery to the Lookout Community Centre,” she told witnesses to the hand-over. The Red Cross branch patron said that this was the first iPad AED machine purchased by Dr. Fred Pescatore, “who kindly purchased this for us and as a result the price is cheaper by 30% and it’s supposed to be the best on the market,” she reported. Dr. Ingrid Buffonge accepted the equipment on behalf of the hospital expressing thanks revealing that the delivery was most timely. “On behalf of the casualty department, this is a very timely donation as our AED stopped working and our manual defibrillator hasn’t worked for some time,” she said. “We are extremely grateful,” Dr. Buffonge continued. “It will come in handy, and the nice thing about an AED is that anybody can use it,” she said, explaining, “any hospital staff and lay people can use it as well, it will be put to good use.” Mrs. Davis also later reported that three more AEDs will soon arrive on island. These were ordered and purchased by Alistair Cole of Coral Cay’s. CARDIAC AED DEFIBRILLATOR MONITOR Just as this handover took place a call raised by Iris Lake Ryan an RN in the USA, pledging to raise US$6,000.00
to purchase a Cardiac AED defibrillator for the hospital in Montserrat. The nurse wrote in her social media request, “We need several Pieces of Equipment (for our hospital in Montserrat) and the most important one today is a CARDIAC AED DEFIBRILLATOR MONITOR. It is a mandatory equipment and is available in every Medical Facility across the US.” Latest report is that the initial “Total of US$6000.00 to provide two or more of these with all the accompanying supplies, Pads, electrodes, gels, power surge protectors etc.,” noted in the pledge. Dr. Ingrid Buffonge was asked to explain the difference between this last defibrillator and the ones being purchased, one which she had just accepted for the hospital. She said the current monitor is broken and malfunctions, “you really couldn’t trust what rhythm you were getting anyway, we have been asking for one for a long time,” she said. The doctor explains. “The difference is, this is using cardiac arrest as well so if your heart stops beating we can apply the pads and access your rhythm and we can decide on whether or not you need to have defibrillation based on the rhythm. From my point of view it’s a little bit quicker than the AED, so if you’re with a bunch of trained people around a patient in cardiac arrest you can make your decision in a hurry…” However she said, the present donation will work as a temporary fix. “This guy here will worked really well…” Meanwhile the Red Cross branch patron said that the AEDs to be purchased will be placed at the sea and air ports and at other key areas around the island, with ongoing training already taking place to efficiently operate the equipments. Above: Sujue Davis hands over AED to Casualty Dept at Glendon Hospital LEFT: Mrs. Davis explains the MRC project
Friday, September 13, 2013
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Visit of Royal Fleet Auxillary Wave Knight This will be an internal ship’s exercise to improve the capacity of the crew to respond in the event of an actual humanitarian situation. Local disaster managers will not be involved, although they have been invited to observe. There will be no other activities associated with this visit. During its three-day visit in early March the WAVE KNIGHT carried out and participated in a number of training exercises including the evacuation of the southern Belham Valley residents from Iles Bay and an Oil Pollution workshop at DMCA.
The RFA Wave Knight, whose last good will visit to Montserrat in March of this year, made a ‘private’ visit and anchored off the west coast of Montserrat at Foxes Bay this Wednesday. Their purpose was to carry out a practice exercise of landing emergency supplies on a beach, the setting up of a command post, and the anchoring of a pontoon to create a temporary jetty. The exercise did not involve any local personel. A release from Governor’s office said that while “no Local disaster managers will be involved although they have been invited to observe.” Top and bottom: Photos of RFA Wave Knight crew carrying out exclusive exercises at Foxes Bay
BNTF projects ready...cont’d. from page 3 …so that is where we are in terms of the BNTF 6,” Browne informed. Regarding the new abattoir, BNTF said they have contracted local Consultant Kenneth Cassell to design and fine tune the plans for the small abattoir or slaughtering house, a facility expected to be built to World Health Organization (WHO) and other internationally approved standards. The facility will be built in Brades, and it has been reported that the BNTF has also engaged the services of Barbadian consultant Gerald Proverbs who will provide advice to the BNTF and the Ministry of Agriculture on the procurement of necessary equipment for the facility. Meanwhile as the BNTF says it is hoping to advertise the tender for the construction of the project in
BNTF 7 launch in
the last quarter of this year, as the announcement come also about the approval of the St. John’s Community centre. The hope is the same following the project’s approval that isengaging a consultant to undertake the design works and for the project to subsequently go out to tender.
BNTF 7 launch and traning workshop -
Premier’ R T Meade
Darran Newman Belgrave’
Angella Greenaway PS Premier’s Office
below:Aldean Williams
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Friday, September 13, 2013
African dust clouds worry Caribbean scientists By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ Associated Press HAVANA (AP) - Each summer, microscopic dust particles kicked up by African sandstorms blow thousands of miles (kilometers) across the Atlantic to arrive in the Caribbean, limiting airplane pilots’ visibility to just a few miles and contributing to the suffering of asthmatics trying to draw breath. The phenomenon has been around as long as there’s been sand in the Sahara Desert. But it’s attracting ever more attention from regional scientists who say the clouds have grown, even if there’s no global consensus on the issue. In recent days and weeks a particularly large cloud dusted eastern Caribbean islands, made for hazy skies and intense, tangerine-tinted sunsets off Havana, drifted over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and was detected as far away as Wyoming. In satellite images provided by NASA, the enormous, smoky clouds can be seen wafting westward from Africa covering hundreds of square miles. From the ground, they can bring a faint haze. While the clouds have mostly been treated as a meteorological curiosity by TV newscasts, scientists say periodic masses of dust may have important climactic consequences, even hindering hurricane formation to some degree. NASA has been sending unmanned drones into tropical storms this year to study the phenomenon. Experts say particulate matter found in the clouds may also be cause for health concerns, and are calling for more study to understand their potential impact. “It is a matter of great magnitude, interest and importance for health,” said Braulio Jimenez-Velez, a specialist in molecular and environmental toxicology at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, who is researching the issue. African dust has prompted two health alerts this year in Puerto Rico for asthma sufferers and people with allergies, and the Dominican Republic also issued a lower-level warning. Airborne particulate matter is connected to respiratory disease worldwide, usually among people with existing problems such as asthma. Parts of the Caribbean, such as Puerto Rico, have high asthma rates. However, no direct link between African dust and higher rates of asthma or lung cancer has been established.
The phenomenon is similar to the giant dust storms that paint the skies yellow in Asian metropolises and can travel all the way to the U.S. West Coast - only the African clouds produce even more dust. A 2011 study in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics estimated that North Africa is behind more than 70 percent of global dust emissions. Charles Darwin may have suspected as much back in 1832, when he collected the grime that caked the HMS Beagle at the Cape Verde islands. “The dust falls in such quantities as to dirty everything on board. ... It has often fallen on ships when several 100, and even more than 1,000 miles from the coast of Africa,” Darwin wrote. Analysis showed microorganisms and plant silica in his sample. Since then, increasing human activity has changed the composition of the clouds. Scientists say they contain trace amounts of things like metals, microorganisms, bacteria, spores, pesticides and fecal matter, though there’s no evidence that the quantities are enough to pose a threat. Joseph M. Prospero, professor emeritus of marine and atmospheric chemistry at the University of Miami, said African dust sampled in Barbados also had elevated levels of arsenic and cadmium. “The specific impact on health is not known here or anywhere else. It has been extremely difficult to link specific particle composition to health effects,” said Prospero, lead author of a paper on the dust to be published in September by the bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. “So it cannot be said what effect all this dust has, but there is reason for some concern.” Eugenio Mojena of Cuba’s Institute of Meteorology said the particles are believed to originate in the semi-arid Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert, where farmers raise livestock and employ chemical fertilizers and pesticides. “Today’s dust is not the same as what Darwin studied,” Mojena said. Before, “it didn’t have pesticides or herbicides.” Some experts worry iron in the clouds may pose a threat to coral by feeding populations of algae and spores that damage it, though it’s still a subject of debate. The clouds can also complicate air traffic by reducing
visibility to less than 3 miles, said Jason Dunion, a researcher at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. On the flip side, the clouds may inhibit the formation of tropical cyclones in the Caribbean. Prospero said lower rainfall in West Africa presumably causes more dust, which reduces sunlight, lowers water temperatures and cuts evaporation, all factors in cyclonic formation. While experts disagree about the changes in the dust clouds over the decades, all agree this year’s cloud was remarkable. Mojena said the dust arriving in Cuba has risen 10-fold in the last 30 years after severe droughts in northern Africa, though Omar Torres, a specialist in atmospheric physics at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, said satellite studies since 1980 do not show increased Sahara dust emissions beyond normal seasonal variability. Even so, “this year’s advancement all the way to Wyoming was totally unexpected,” Torres said. “I never saw anything like that in recent years.” Science Writer Seth Borenstein in Washington and Associated Press writers Peter Orsi in Havana and Danica Coto in Puerto Rico contributed. Andrea Rodriguez on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARodriguezAP
Investors in $7B swindle by Operation Bahamas Turks and Texas tycoon R. Allen Stanford Caicos seizes 1220 pounds of start retrieving some losses marijuana in the Caribbean By Juan A. Lozano HOUSTON — Investors in a $7 billion US Ponzi scheme orchestrated by convicted ex-Texas tycoon R. Allen Stanford have begun getting back some of what they lost after a recovery process that has dragged on for more than 4 1/2 years. However, the amounts being returned to many who lost their life savings ultimately will be only a pittance of their investments — about one per cent of what they put in. The largest claim being paid out in the first distribution of funds to victims of Stanford’s scheme is about $50,000, while the smallest is $2.81. Many of the claims seemed to be in the range of $1,000 to $4,000, according to court documents filed late last month. British retiree Kate Freeman, who lost $820,000 in the scheme, said she and other investors continue to be frustrated by the slowness of the recovery process. “After nearly five years, it’s just the biggest disappointment — isn’t it? — that this is all we’re getting,” Freeman, in her late 50s, said Tuesday in a telephone interview
from her home in Antigua. David Arlington, an attorney for Ralph Janvey, the U.S. courtappointed receiver who is making the initial distribution, said he expects that most of this first allotment of funds — about $1 million — will be disbursed within the next few months. “Obviously it’s a huge milestone in this receivership to be able to begin making payments to investors. We’re pleased with the fact that we are doing that,” he said. Prosecutors said Stanford persuaded investors to buy certificates of deposit, or CDs, from his bank on the Caribbean island nation of Antigua then used the money to fund a string of failed businesses, bribe regulators and pay for his lavish lifestyle. In a Ponzi scheme, money from new investors is used to pay old ones. Stanford, 63, was convicted last year on 13 fraud-related counts and sentenced to 110 years in prison. Stanford’s financial empire once spanned from the U.S. to Latin America and the Caribbean. After its collapse, a U.S. federal judge in Dallas and an Antiguan
court both appointed people to try to recover assets. The U.S. Justice Department also undertook its own effort. Janvey’s initial distribution of funds is part of $55 million that he got approval in May to disburse. “He’s got $55 million to pay out. If he releases them in small batches like this, it’s going to take forever. It just seems so badly organized,” Freeman said. Arlington said the distributions to investors are being made as quickly as possible but are dependent on how soon investors return paperwork needed to finalize their claims. “We’re pleased with the pace we expect to achieve in sending these payments out,” he said. Janvey has said additional money that has already been collected or will be obtained through lawsuits or other efforts will also be distributed at some point. Angela Shaw, a Dallas-area woman who founded the Stanford Victims Coalition after three generations of her family lost $4.5 million in the fraud, remains critical of how long it’s taken to get money to investors and of the millions of
by Petty Officer 3rd Class JonPaul Rios MIAMI — On Wednesday, a joint task force from Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) seized 1,220 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated wholesale value of $1.1 million in the vicinity of Andros Island, Bahamas. The OPBAT task force was comprised of elements from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Bahamas Drug Enforcement Unit and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Aircrews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, FL deploy to forward operating bases and fly aboard the MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter while providing aviation support to OPBAT missions. A de-
ployed OPBAT aircrew stationed at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) spotted the narcotics stash and vectored investigators to a remote site in the mangroves of Andros Island. After the stash was located, the Jayhawk aircrew hoisted and transported the narcotics to Bahamian law enforcement authorities in the capital of Nassau on New Providence Island. A total of nine suspects were arrested by the Royal Bahamas Police Force and also transported to Nassau. “This seizure displays the teamwork of several agencies working together to discover and stop illegal contraband from being trafficked in the Caribbean,”
said Commander Mark Driver, the USCG OPBAT Director. “This Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bahamian law enforcement seizure prevented nearly $1.1 million of illegal narcotics from harming citizens of the Bahamas or crossing international borders.” OPBAT is a combined DEA, Coast Guard and Government of Bahamas partnership to combat drug smuggling to and from the Bahamas. The OPBAT Operations Center is responsible for initiating and prosecuting law enforcement cases in the Bahamian area of responsibility (AOR). In addition, OPBAT assets regularly assist with prosecuting human smuggling and search and rescue cases throughout the AOR.
dollars the receiver has spent on various fees. “Any amount (for investors) is welcome, but it’s such a minuscule amount that it’s beyond insulting. It’s really sad,” she said. While Janvey has begun distributing funds, liquidators in Antigua announced Tuesday they plan to make their initial distribu-
tion by late November or early December. Marcus Wide, with the Stanford International Bank Joint Liquidators, said because of pending lawsuits and sales of property once owned by Stanford, he could not say how much money the liquidators have collected for investors or would be initially distributed.
Janvey and the Antiguan liquidators had been at odds as they fought over many of the same assets, but they agreed earlier this year to combine their efforts. “The fact we are all working on the same team is definitely a plus and will maximize recoveries,” Wide said. The Associated Press
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A Dubai connection in the Caribbean league Channel 2 acquires stakes in St Lucia outfit EASTERN CARIBBEAN HOME MORTGAGE BANK VACANCY Applications are invited to fill the post of Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank, Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis. The Eastern Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank (ECHMB) is an privately–managed mortgage bank whose primary function is to buy and sell mortgage loans for the purpose of providing greater liquidity to the financial institutions, such as banks, insurance companies and other mortgage lending institutions where such loans originate and to increase the capacity of these institutions to make additional mortgage loans. APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE: A Professional Accounting designation A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Banking, Finance or a related discipline or A minimum of twelve (12) years’ relevant experience working in a lending environment in a financial services institution. Knowledge of investment and risk management policies and procedures Knowledge of mortgage underwriting procedures. A high level of maturity and initiative. Good communication (written and oral) and marketing skills. DUTIES Contribute to the development of the strategic direction and the formulation of policies and procedures to guide the day-to-day running of the Bank. Prepare submissions for the Board, attend Board meetings and followup on decisions and prepare progress reports as required. Implements measures to ensure the achievement of planned targets by growing the business. Enhance and strengthen the reputation of ECHMB in Eastern Caribbean Currency Union by developing and maintaining an external network of key stakeholders and prospects and spearheading business development activities. Ensures an acceptable balance between business development and the risk profile of the Bank’s lending portfolio. Manage relationships with the media and other stakeholders. Oversee the administration of the Bank’s human resource functions. Make presentations and conducts workshops with customers as required. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. SALARY Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Suitable candidates are invited to submit a resume to: The Company Secretary Eastern Caribbean Home Mortgage Bank P O Box 753 Basseterre ST KITTS Tel: 1 (869) 466-7869 Fax: 1 (869) 466-7518 E-mail. info@echmb.com To reach no later than 16th September 2013.
By K.R. Nayar Chief Cricket Writer Dubai: The Dubaibased Channel 2 Group has taken stakes in St Lucia Zouks, one of the top six teams that made the recent Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) a huge success in West Indies. This team is led by Darren Sammy, the West Indies skipper that lifted the World Twenty20 Cup in 2012. Speaking to Gulf News, Ajay Sethi, the Chairman of Channel 2 Group, who made his mark in international cricket through the successful staging of the Legends of Lord’s global Silver Jubilee celebrations of India’s 1983 World Cup victory in 2008 in Dubai, said: “I wanted a team with some of the finest players as the appeal for the LCPL is global and will attract high profile investors. The stadiums where our team’s matches were held were full with sell-out crowds. I have been investing in sports busi-
West Indies Skipper and St. Lucia Zouks Captain Darren Sammy
ness and I made this decision to invest on this team due to advice from West Indies legends Clive Lloyd and Michael Holding.” Sethi has now plans to fly down players from his team to Dubai and train them at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Global Cricket Academy facilities to groom a stronger squad for the next year’s LCPL. St Lucia team is coached by the legendary pacer Andy Roberts with Matthew Maynard as his assistant. “We had players from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Gre-
nada, Dominica, Barbados and St Lucia. From Pakistan we have their skipper Misbah Ul Haq and Bangladesh’s hard hitter Tamim Iqbal. South Africa’s finest allrounder Albie Morkel and star opener Herschelle Gibbs are the other prominent players,” said Sethi, who has plans to rope in Hollywood and Bollywood stars as the faces of the team. Channel 2 Group’s Cricket Radio holds the terrestrial TV rights for the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) in Africa and exclusive radio broadcast rights for some of the world’s leading sports properties, such as the Barclays English Premier League Football, The Dutch League, World Cup Rugby, Wimbledon and Australian Open Tennis and US Open and major Professional Golf Tours such as US PGA, The Masters and Ryders.
Miscellaneous: Serious and Light MISCELLANEOUS QUOTES “Caribbean people will argue over many things, but they are unanimous and non-partisan in their commitment to make healthy economies even more robust and profitable. This is why we need to see greater commitments from our policymakers to recognize the true value of tourism to the economy so they, in turn, can ensure national budgets reflect the need to responsibly develop our region’s major economic driver. - Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism, US Virgin Islands/ Chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization But we also believe that “conscience” is not a relativist thing that varies from individual to individual. The conscience is the seed of truth implanted in us by God when we are born and anyone who listens to it opens themselves up to the possibility of doing good and – eventually – to finding God. When we see someone in pain, our conscience tells us to help them. That is the “good” in us. If we feel nothing and do nothing for them, that is the “evil” in us. Ergo, the Pope is entirely right to advise atheists to follow their conscience, because that is the path to enlightenment. The Telegraph (UK) FINE AND TAX *A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well* LAUGHTER THREE ELDERLY SISTERS Three sisters, ages 92, 94, and 96, live in a house together. One night the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts her foot in and pauses. She yells down the stairs, “Was I getting in or out of the bath?” The 94-year-old yells back, “I don’t know. I’ll come up and see.” She starts up the stairs and pauses. “Was I going up the stairs or down?” The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful.” She knocks on wood for good measure. She then yells, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door.” WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WOMAN 1. It’s important to have a woman who helps at home, who cooks from time to time, cleans up and has a job. 2. It’s important to have a woman who can make you laugh. 3. It’s important to have a woman who you can trust and who doesn’t lie to you. 4. It’s important to have a woman who is good in bed and who likes to be with you. 5. It’s very, very important that these four women don’t know each other.
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Friday, September 13, 2013
Letter to policyholders of British-American Insurance As a policyholder or creditor of BAICO I am writing to you to provide you with a further update on the status of the Judicial Management, together with the progress that has been made in finding a solution to BAICO’s severe financial difficulties.
resulting in both the successful continuation of BAICO’s traditional life policies in the EC, and the transfer of the policies’ related liabilities from BAICO to Sagicor (assisted through funding provided by the ECCU Governments).
British-American Insurance Company Ltd (“BAICO” or “the Company”) was placed under Judicial Management in the Bahamas on 8 September 2009 and Juan M. Lopez of KPMG Restructuring Ltd. in the Bahamas was appointed the Judicial Manager (“Bahamas JM”) of the Company.
2.3.2
BAICO is incorporated in the Bahamas, although it has not written business or issued policies in the Bahamas for some time. All of BAICO’s business in the Eastern Caribbean (“EC”) was conducted through a branch network. This means that BAICO did not have separately incorporated companies in each EC territory; instead these branches were offices that were part of BAICO in the Bahamas. The appointment of the Bahamas JM was preceded by the appointment of a Court appointed Judicial Manager, Agent or Administrator (collectively “the EC JMs”) over each of the BAICO branches located in the EC. The Bahamas JM and the EC JMs (together the “Office Holders of BAICO”) have been working in close coordination to agree the most effective strategy for dealing with BAICO. This report seeks to update policyholders and creditors of BAICO on matters occurring since the last report was issued. 1
Actions taken by the Bahamas JM to date in respect of BAICO’s non-EC branches
Sagicor has prepared an operational plan, approved by the EC Insurance Regulators, to manage the transfer of the EC Traditional Business before and after the Scheme Effective Date of 15 March, 2013. Key highlights of the operational plan include a communication plan covering, amongst others, notification to policyholders, conversion of the BAICO data onto Sagicor’s system, physical amalgamation of the operations and the establishment of a new ECCU entity. As part of the transitional arrangements agreed between Sagicor and BAICO, the two parties have entered into a service level agreement with BAICO and, in addition, a service agreement with British American Insurance Company (Trinidad) Ltd (“BAT”) to continue the current policyholder administration services, until the system conversion and file transition is complete. It is anticipated that the entire conversion process will last 7 to 8 months. 2.3.3
•
BAICO operated under 19 separate jurisdictions and this has created complex issues in the implementation of a restructuring plan for BAICO’s stakeholders. At the same time, BAICO’s key management operations including its accounting systems, policy database and records were located in Trinidad & Tobago.
•
The restructuring of the Outer Branches is now virtually complete, which has resulted in the sale of the Cayman, TCI, Curacao, and Aruba branches and subsidiaries. At the same time, the agreement reached with the provisional liquidator of BAICO’s Bermuda branch, allowing the Bermuda branch to implement a Scheme of Arrangement for its Bermudian policyholders, has also been achieved. The restructuring of the Outer Branches has resulted in the removal from the BAICO estate of approximately 38,000 policies and associated liabilities of approximately EC$189 million. The only remaining Outer Branch business is in Guyana (with liabilities of less than US$150,000) and Panama, where a local liquidator has been appointed. 2
Strategy for the EC Branches
•
• • •
The failure of BAICO is a significant issue for the EC region given that the Company was one of the leading providers of financial services in the EC. The Office Holders of BAICO have therefore worked in very close cooperation with the ECCU Governments in order to find a restructuring solution for BAICO’s EC business. 2.1 Current status of strategy for the EC Branches By way of summary, the Office Holders of BAICO in conjunction with the ECCU Governments agreed on an alternative three-stage restructuring for the EC business. The plan consists of: • • •
Stage 1: Creation of a compensation fund to settle the claims of BAICO’s healthcare policyholders resident in the EC; Stage 2: The substantial recapitalisation, using ECCU Government funds, of BAICO’s traditional life insurance portfolio and sale of this portfolio to a third party; and Stage 3: The creation of a relief scheme for BAICO’s annuity and investment contract policyholders (and any other policyholders not addressed in Stages 1 & 2).
2.2 Status of the ECCU/BAICO Health Insurance Support Fund In May 2011 an ECCU Government sponsored Health Insurance Support Fund (“the Health Fund”) was established. This Fund has been used to settle the claims of BAICO’s EC resident healthcare policyholders. The Trust was funded principally by contributions from the ECCU Governments in respect of health insurance and was administered by an Independent Trustee. All health insurance policies were cancelled on 18 May, 2011 and policyholders were then able to submit claims up to 18 June, 2011. The Health Fund is now closed to applications in accordance with its terms. The bar date for all applications submitted to the EC Health Fund was 31 December 2011. A total of over 1,300 applications were received and it is estimated that over EC$2.9 million will have been paid out for admitted claims. There are a small number of outstanding claims which are being finalised, after which, the administrator, based in Antigua, and subject to approval from the ECCU Governments Ministerial Subcommittee is likely to wind up the EC Health Fund. 2.3 Update on strategy for dealing with the EC traditional life insurance portfolio 2.3.1
Completion
Following the receipt of approvals from all nine Insurance Regulators and Courts within the ECCU and The Bahamas, where BAICO is incorporated, the transfer of BAICO’s traditional insurance business in the Eastern Caribbean (the “EC Traditional Business”) to Sagicor was finalised on March 15, 2013. This has been effected via a Transfer Scheme. As a result of the transaction, over 15,700 former BAICO policyholders have had their policies recapitalised, and are once again able to rely upon their original policy terms and access their insurance benefits. As part of the terms of the sale, Sagicor will also make payments to approximately 1,700 persons in the ECCU who are owed historical claim amounts, surrender payments, maturity payments, and bonuses by BAICO. The ECCU Governments have provided funding for these amounts to be paid. The transaction represents the completion of a process that started in 2011 by the Office Holders of BAICO and the ECCU Governments for the sale of the EC Traditional Business. The outcome is a significant success for the BAICO policyholders affected, as well as BAICO’s other creditors,
Benefits to the BAICO Estate
The successful completion of the transaction has had a number of significant benefits for the policyholders of the Company:
At the date of appointment of the EC JMs, BAICO’s core business was broadly split between various non-EC Branches and subsidiaries (“the Outer Branches”), and BAICO’s EC Branches.
Since the appointment of the Bahamas JM, and Court Appointees over the Outer Branches, significant progress has been made in restructuring the Outer Branches.
Transitional Support
2.3.4
The transfer has allowed the Transferring Policies to continue with Sagicor under the same terms and benefits as their original BAICO policies; BAICO is manifestly insolvent. The assumption by Sagicor of these obligations, with no changes to the contractual terms or amounts of the Transferring Policies, has placed the transferring policyholders in a better financial position after the transfer. The alternative was to remain a policyholder of BAICO and claim in BAICO’s eventual liquidation, where the estimated liquidation dividend is anticipated to be a small percentage of the policy value; The transfer has resulted in the extinguishing of approximately EC$120 million of liabilities from the BAICO estate . As a result, policyholders that have not transferred to Sagicor and instead remain in the BAICO estate are in a better financial position. This is because the policyholder/creditor base entitled to share in the distributions from BAICO’s assets in a liquidation process is smaller, therefore effectively increasing their percentage recovery; The transfer has resulted in a net cash inflow for the BAICO estate resulting from the net proceeds from the sale of the EC Traditional Business; The transfer has resulted in the removal of over half of the number of BAICO’s remaining policyholders in the EC. This will save the JM time and expense in managing BAICO in the future, as well as allow the JM to purely focus on the remaining creditor base; and Apart from the premiums that had been paid in respect of the transferred business, which were used to support the funding of the recapitalisation, the only other assets transferred as part of BAICO’s EC Traditional Business comprised certain loans secured by the Transferring Policies. Sagicor has paid BAICO the outstanding amount of these loans as part of the purchase price for the EC Traditional Business. What should policyholders do?
Policyholders whose policies have transferred need not take any action at this point, except to continue to pay any premiums that are due via the BAICO office in order to maintain their policies. Sagicor is in the process of notifying policyholders of the transfer of the portfolio. If you have not already received this communication, you should expect to receive it soon. This notification will advise you how and where future premiums should be paid. 2.3.5
Lapsed policies
The ECCU Governments are mindful that, during the past four years, due to the uncertainty about BAICO’s future, many policyholders may have stopped paying their premiums. In many cases, this will have resulted in them allowing their policies to lapse. The ECCU Governments, Sagicor and the Office Holders of BAICO are currently considering whether it will be possible to offer a solution for policyholders whose policies have lapsed in this period, and further information regarding this issue will be communicated to affected policyholders as soon as it is available. 2.3.6
Policyholder Queries
Many policyholders may not be aware if their policy is current (for example, they may have ceased paying premiums some time ago, but the automatic loan feature of their policy may have been triggered, meaning essentially that the accumulated value of their policy was used to pay their premiums). If policyholders have queries, they should contact their local BAICO branch to find out what the status of their policy is. Once the system conversion and file transition to Sagicor is complete, policyholders will then be required to direct any queries to the Sagicor office. 2.3.7
Sagicor’s Commitments to the ECCU Region
Sagicor has demonstrated its commitment to the ECCU region by: • Agreeing to set up an ECCU Consultative Committee, whose role will be to play an oversight role (including compliance, anti-money laundering, capital adequacy and corporate governance) in relation to the performance of the Portfolio; • Placing its ECCU business into a separate ECCU-based entity within one year after completion of the transaction; and • Listing the ECCU Entity on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange. 2.4 Update on strategy for the EC Branches investment and annuity contract holders Following the disposal of the EC Traditional Business, the remaining significant BAICO liabilities in the EC consist of the annuity and investment contracts. These annuity and investment contracts were generally sold in the years leading up to BAICO’s collapse,
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Company Ltd (“BAICO”) in the Eastern Caribbean and were offered at high interest rates. There are about 10,000 annuity and investment contracts, and the liabilities associated with these contracts are expected to exceed EC$850 million of BAICO’s liabilities. The EC JMs understand that agreement has been reached with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (“GORTT”) for the provision of funding to assist these policyholders through an ECCU Policyholders Assistance Programme. In December 2012, the EC Governments initiated Phase 1 of its Relief Programme, targeting holders of BAICO’s Flexible Premium Annuity (‘FPA’) type policies with a fund balance at August 1, 2009 of less than EC$30,000. The Phase 1 FPA policyholders are estimated to comprise approximately EC$25.2 million. This Phase was largely completed over a two week period, with approximately 4,000 policyholders receiving approximately EC$18.7 million of relief payments prior to 31 December 2012. The difference between the EC$25.2 million and EC$18.7 million, represents policyholders who did not apply for a payment during the scheduled application period. Phase 1 concluded on 31 March 2013. The EC Governments commenced Phase 2 of the Relief Programme in March 2013, under which EFPA and FPA II type policyholders with a principal balance of less than EC$30,000 are expected to receive payments of up to EC$30,000. There are approximately 2,625 policy holders with an estimated value of EC$31.2 million who are able to benefit from this phase of the programme. The programme was due to close at the end of June 2013, but was extended by one month till the end of July 2013. At present some 1,825 applications have been approved with a value of nearly EC$21.8 million. The Office Holders of BAICO understand that the EC Governments are currently working towards Phase 3 of the Relief Programme, and further details as to which policy holders this applies to will be released in the near future. 3
Actions to recover assets for BAICO’s policyholders
3.1 Litigation in Trinidad and Tobago 3.1.1
Loan Note due from CL Financial Limited (“CLF”)
BAICO is owed over US$50 million by CLF under the terms of a Promissory Note dated 31 December 1998 (and amended on 1 January 2000). The Promissory Note had a maturity date of 31 December 2010, although, under the terms of the Promissory Note, the principal became due and payable in the event that CLF failed to settle the interest due on the loan. On 28 December 2010, BAICO through the Bahamas JM issued a letter before action to CLF demanding payment of the outstanding amounts due under the Promissory Note, including unpaid accrued interest. The letter was a pre-cursor to formal legal proceedings. CLF did not make payment to BAICO following this demand. As a result, BAICO’s attorneys in Trinidad and Tobago submitted a formal Claim Form in the Trinidad High Court of Justice on 17 June 2011. The Claim Form included a claim for US$39.575 million in principal and US$10.75 million in accrued unpaid interest under the CLF Promissory Note. A number of case management conferences have been conducted and at the recommendation of the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago, BAICO and CLF entered into mediation discussions, which are continuing. 3.1.2
Director’s loan
BAICO is also seeking recovery of an amount loaned by BAICO to a former Director of the Company, in the sum of TT$3.8 million (EC$1.6 million) under the terms of a promissory note signed in 2005. Following a series of unmet demands, BAICO through the Bahamas JM commenced legal proceedings against the former director for recovery of the amounts due. On 13 March 2013, BAICO obtained judgment against the former director for the said sum, together with costs and interest of 3% per annum. The former director has now filed a notice of appeal to this judgment. 3.2 Litigation in the United States of America 3.2.1
Recognition under Chapter 15, United States Bankruptcy Code (“USBC”)
On 22 March 2010, the US Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of Florida granted recognition of the Judicial Management proceedings over BAICO-St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a “foreign non-main” proceeding pursuant to Chapter 15 of the USBC. It was found that BAICO has an establishment in St. Vincent and that the Judicial Management process in St. Vincent is a foreign proceeding as defined under the USBC and therefore granted recognition of the BAICO Judicial Management in St. Vincent as a “foreign non-main” proceeding. In summary, the effects in the USA of the US Bankruptcy Court judgement include: • Staying the commencement or continuation of an individual action or proceeding concerning the Company’s assets, rights, obligations or liabilities to the extent they have not already been stayed; • Staying execution against the Company’s assets to the extent it has not already been stayed; • Suspending the right to transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of any assets of the Company to the extent this right has not already been suspended; and • Providing for the examination of witnesses, the taking of evidence or the delivery of information concerning the Company’s assets, affairs, rights, obligations or liabilities. 3.2.2
certain parties on rescission and aiding and abetting the directors to breach their fiduciary duties; Two of the parties filed a motion to have the case dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. This motion was denied and the USBC will continue to hear the case with the United States District Court having the responsibility for entering the final orders in this case; The Clerk of the USBC has issued default entries against two of the defendants, for failing to respond or file a defense to the complaint by the required due date; One of the defendants has been dismissed from the case for lack of personal jurisdiction; and BAICO has identified a number of additional claims and parties relating to the real estate transaction known as “Green Island” which resulted in BAICO incurring significant losses. As a result, in June 2013 BAICO filed a motion to amend its claims against the directors and other parties and in July 2013 this motion was granted.
• • • •
The trial in connection with this litigation is expected to take place during the final quarter of 2013 or first quarter of 2014. 3.2.3
Assets at Wells Fargo in the United States
The USBC has entrusted the JM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with all of BAICO’s assets located in the United States. The liquidator of BAICO’s Panama branch has recently asserted that the assets in the Wells Fargo accounts in Florida should be handed over to him to be administered as part of the liquidation proceedings in Panama, for BAICO’s Panamanian policyholders and creditors. Mr. Glasgow has taken the position that the assets in the Wells Fargo accounts are for the BAICO estate for the benefit of all of BAICO’s creditors, where ever located. Accordingly, BAICO, through the JM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has filed an adversary proceeding in the USBC, naming Wells Fargo and the BAICO Panama branch liquidator as defendants. This application requests that the USBC make a determination that the assets in the Wells Fargo accounts belong to the general BAICO estate, are under the control of Mr. Glasgow and instruct Wells Fargo to sell the assets and send the proceeds to a bank account designated by Brian Glasgow. The USBC has set the pre-trial conference for 12 September 2013. 3.2.4
Investigation of the Corban Fund Investments
BAICO has investments in funds known as the Corban Fund II based and incorporated in the United States. Funds transferred by BAICO to the fund were valued at approximately US$10.9 million in 2009, and these assets were confirmed to be held in the name of BAICO. On 27 January 2011 the US Bankruptcy Court ordered that the Corban funds be handed over by the fund managers to the JM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Subpoenas were also issued to other parties connected to the Corban Funds, including against the Corban Fund’s bank. The funds were not produced and information obtained via subpoenas indicated that the funds are no longer in the original Corban Funds accounts. A number of investigations and information requests have been conducted, including the issuance of further subpoenas to and depositions of, additional parties. In August 2013 BAICO filed an adversary proceeding in the USBC against the Corban Fund II and various related entities, including their management and other connected parties. This legal action includes claims against the defendants for civil theft, unjust enrichment and fraud. The pre-trial conference has been scheduled for November 13, 2013. 3.2.5
Other potential causes of action
The Office Holders of BAICO continue to work with their attorneys to identify any other potential causes of action that may be available to BAICO. 4 Ongoing communication with BAICO’s policyholders and creditors All policyholders should expect to receive further details in the next few months regarding the various restructuring initiatives set out in section 2 above. In the meantime, I appreciate that you may have a number of questions about the ongoing situation. Should you wish to discuss any aspect of this report please contact me at the following co-ordinates: The Judicial Manager British American Insurance Company Limited (under Judicial Management) C/o KPMG Eastern Caribbean The Financial Services Centre Kingstown Park, P. O. Box 561 Kingstown, St. Vincent Telephone number: 1-784-456-2669 e-Mail: brianglasgow@kpmg.vc Yours faithfully
Litigation against the Directors of BAICO
Using his powers obtained under Chapter 15, on 21 December 2011, the JM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines filed a civil law suit, on behalf of BAICO, in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida (“USBC”), demanding compensatory damages against the former Directors of the Company and certain connected parties. The Complaint sets out a number of allegations against all named parties, including breach of fiduciary duties against the former directors as they entered into substantial transactions involving the purchase of land in Florida which caused harm to BAICO including rendering it insolvent, and breach of fiduciary duty generally.
Brian A Glasgow Judicial Manager for British American Insurance Company Limited St. Vincent and the Grenadines September 11, 2013
The key developments to date are summarized below.
1.
Based on figures as at September 2012.
•
2.
Based on Eckler’s revised actuarial valuation in November 2012 and an estimate in September 2012 of the value of claims submitted in connection with the Transferring Policies.
Certain defendants have challenged the sufficiency of BAICO’s claims against them. As a result of this motion, the USBC ordered that BAICO could proceed with its claims, except for the claims against
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Friday, September 13, 2013
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CARICOM Change Consultations ... cont’d. from page 1
and her Facilita on Change team led the two-day CARICOM Consultation on the reformation and development of its five-year strategic plan. Senior Officers of Government, Department Heads, Statutory Bodies and Companies, NGO’s, Community Business Organiza ons, Private sector Representaves, Civil Society, Youth and Youth leaders, the church and the media, divided into five groups, following a halfhour opening session parcipated in the consulta on. Radio and TV personality Ben Meade moderated the consulta ons over the next two days with the organiser and resident Change Driver and Foreign Affairs Officer Claude Hogan. The full Facilita on team comprised: Dr. Gwendoline Williams, Miss Maria Mason-Roberts, Mrs. Jennifer Brathwaite, Mr. Keino Cox, Dr. Claudia Harvey and Mr. Glenn Wilson. Some areas discussed in the hopes of establishing the priori es for Montserrat in rela on to CARICOM support were agriculture,
in par cular food and nutri on security; Crime and Security; Energy security; Intra-regional transport; Environment and climate change; Economic growth and development; Youth, and ICT. At the end of the twoday sessions, group 5 (Youth and Youth leaders) being the last, the team summed up their dialogue and interaction. One team member mentioned, “some of the topics covered which came out,” especially for example transporta on as a priority, the frequency and cost of transportation between member states, equity in transportation; communication, public education, educa on as regards to cost and development CSME, development, importance of the CSME…” The summation referenced, “feedback that we were ge ng on cri cal issues around for example agriculture, intra-regional transport, education and youth development.” The team said, we heard, communicate, communicate,”
and so there was men on that, “we will be using that informa on to put forward to the regional media plan communica on, how can we get the CARICOM message out – mention made also of the sugges on of a new name, “The United States of the Caribbean.” The conclusion, “We have had a very rich me…” The team which plans to visit all the OECS territories having visited three so far, noted and promised that all pertinent matters will be included in the various country reports promised: “We have captured all the informa on, and we’re going to using our tool that will make all the things that you’ve said linked to some specific priority. We ensure that the areas that we have looked at, there were factors for concerns. We can assure that every single person would see when we send back the country report, that we would have taken everything into considera on,” assuring further that they will be using that informa on to put forward to the regional
media plan. The primary outcomes of the consulta ons are to form Montserrat’s contribuon to CARICOM’s five-year strategic and development plan of the future vision and focus for the CARICOM
Secretariat. Family and friends in the Diaspora were encouraged to view and contribute to the conversa on via Skype video chat or email. There was very li le or nothing on this front.
Meanwhile, a release from the GIU had indicated that the UK Government assisted with funds for a full review of the organiza on which celebrates 40 years of existence this year. Montserrat has been a full member since May, 1974.
Opposition member Dr. Lowell Lewis participates by email Opposition members were among those absent from group one that consisted of Ministers of Government and other members of the Legisla ve assembly. On Thursday, The Premier was away on business with the Financial Secretary, One opposi on member was off ill, another was a ending a funeral overseas and former Chief Minister and opposion member Dr. Lewis sent in his apologies and regrets, but also sent his contribuon. In a document he covered several areas as he called firstly on CARICOM to renew their support to Montserrat still trying to
climb out of catastrophe. “Government, and the people of Montserrat, require and deserve the Community’s continued sensitive and unwavering support and coopera on to mobilise both technical and financial resources, to fill the gaps that remain in key sectors such as tourism, culture, sports, agriculture, as well as the budgetary and capital aid programmes needed for our recover,” he wrote. ``He reminded of a desire for region, to take on, “an ongoing training program in Disaster Preparedness and Search and Rescue Services.” He attached a draft proposal in Disaster
Preparedness and Search and Rescue Services. He wrote of, “the introduction of an OECS/CARICOM inter island ferry and sports project.” This he said he had men oned in a presenta on to the inaugural mee ng of the OECS Assembly in March, 2013 And finally among other sugges ons, “I encourage all CARICOM member Territories to work together to retain for our peoples, the affordable techniques and approaches for essential health care, whilst at the same me restoring the confidence of the tourism interna onal insurance agencies, in our Health Care Services.”