Issuu

Friday, November 15, 2013

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Today’s Scripture

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A lawyer asked Jesus, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” - Matthew 22:36

Asbestos at MSS, Vol. XXVIII No. 37

Week Ending Friday, November 15, 2013

Price $3.00

rush to expense

by Bennette Roach As of Tuesday this week, follow-up reports of the asbestos scare at the Montserrat Secondary school compound have left government and non-government officials asking questions and expressing concern of wanton behaviour in the management of the asbestos ‘crisis’. As promised Minister Riley announced on Tuesday the results of the purported samples of suspected asbestos material taken to Miami for testing. He said the results left his Ministry better off than they thought

questions

Minister of Education, Colin Riley “before.” He said further investigations would be carried out to determine what action was necessary and that he believed full class activity should begin at the begin of the new term in January.

Top three buildings do not carry any ceiling tiles and considered for class use

Headlines...

New school buildings at Lookout school while under construction few months ago Riley said, “The two which would be in early materials tested, the one January” in the walls comes back as Following up this renot asbestos, but there is a p o r t , o n T h u r s d a y, h e residual problem in the roof thanked those who, “worked which has a positive test for hard making sure that the asbestos. The roofing tile school system function to which is in three buildings full efficiency during the has tested positive for as- current week in which we bestos and we are going to experienced a little bit of a be working aggressively to transition from our original have the asbestos from those location…” buildings removed over the He then announced, next three to four weeks… that, ”for the rest of the So we are al little bit better school term the school busoff than we thought at first ses will be free so the parents and we will be able to put and students who access to a plan together to remove bus service will not have to the asbestos before the be- pay until the beginning of ginning of the second term term two in January.”

In ending that announcement on Thursday, he said that the shift system ends tomorrow and on Monday, “we will reopen with a new system.” He said finally, “and the third thing is that at the MSS campus we already have plans in place to work on the asbestos removal and we are hopeful that we will be able to resume operation at that site from the first week of term two.” The questions began with why it is the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) carrying out the investigations and conducting works

cont’d. on page 4

Sonia Charles donates bed...pg 2

Kids’ Korner...pg 8

Five new officers for RMPS...pg 3

Jamaica decriminalises defamation...pg 9

Prison Officers honoured...pg 6

MDA observed World Diabetes Day...pg 12

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Friday, November 15, 2013

Sonia Charles continues to support hospital donates patient examination electronic table couch

by B. Roach Miss Sonia Charles Clinical Imaging Specialist continues to make her contribution to the medical services in Montserrat. She is the organiser of Annual Pink Ribbon Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness was the fourth held on November 9, 2013, the day after she donated a “patient bed” to the XRay department/ Ultrasound Department at the Glendon Hospital. The bed is more accurately described as an ‘Ultrasound of Patient examination table couch’ which is electronically operated. Miss Charles while indicating her donation, said, “It is a donation from the United kingdom I am quite honored and pleased to be able to present this,” describing the bed. “…it therefore means that patients who weighed above 100 Kilograms can actually be examine on this bed without the risk of damage to the couch or to themselves.”

ing that the present one is not adjustable. She said the adjustable one, “would help better patient management and also in terms of my scanning. It will allow me to be able to manage and get less scanning injuries that will occur.” Miss Geraldine Adams represented the Ministry of Health and also expressed gratitude. She said to Miss Charles, “by this thoughtMiss Adams (left), Mrs. Silcott (centre), said thanks

electronic patient exam couch/bed She further described Arlene Pentene, Mrs. Antoihow the bed is, “also elec- nette Silcott, Miss Crystal tronically operated, as pa- Buffonge and Miss Geraltients coming from the ward dine Adams, she said: “It is no longer have to be lifted by my hope that this Ultrasound one person or two individu- or patient examination couch als causing damage or hurt will provide great use for the to the staff member, patients people of Montserrat and can be transferred by sliding therefore further enhance them across on to the bed.” the service that we already Expressing gratitude provide with donations from to the staff present in Mrs. abroad. She concluded her

Sonia Charles gratefulness, “I’d like to say a special thanks to the Ministry of Health and to the X-Ray department for accepting this gift.” Meanwhile Mrs. Antoinette Silcott, the X-ray specialist, thanked Miss Charles on behalf of the X-Ray department, “for so gratefully securing the donation of our Ultra Sound couch,” explain-

ful donation you continue to demonstrate your love for country and your commitment to help and for this we applaud you.” She suggested, “This couch will provide great comfort to patients as they undergo their examination. Miss Adams told Charles that the Ministry of Health and Social Services “thanks you and we look forwarded to our continued good working relationship.”

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RMPS pass out five new police officers By Bennette Roach (Adapted) The Royal Montserrat Police Service welcomed five new officers to its ranks last Friday, November 8, 2013 as it completed its fifth localised training programme for recruits. Since 2009, the RMPS

has been training new recruits on island rather than sending them off to the police training school in Barbados, which was previously the case. The recruits received more than five months of training from experts in a variety of areas in policing as

well as communications, the law and social services. Acting Inspector Julian Wade completed the training after several major changes had to be made to staffing. Police Constable Sophia Bruno copped the most awards with five. She was

Montserrat hosts 58th Authority meeting next week A release from the Government Information Unit (GIU) on Thursday advises that the Government of Montserrat is preparing to welcome leaders of government from all of the members of the Organisation for Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for the 58th Meeting of the Authority scheduled to begin here next Thursday, November 21, 2013. According to the release, the leaders are set to discuss the OECS Growth and Development Strategy Action Plan, which outlines short and medium-term as well as longterm activities in the areas of tour-

ism, agriculture and the creative industries among others. OECS Funding under the 11th EDF is also on the agenda along with a review of a Japanese proposal to fund a Fisheries project in the OECS. The Ministers will also receive an update on the free movement of OECS Citizens as well as the status of efforts by each Member State to put into effect legislation and necessary processes implement the Economic Union Treaty. The implementation of the Roadmap for the Regime for the free circulation of goods, will also be tabled.

On Thursday, Nov 14, a report by Adre Huie writing for the St. Kitts and Nevis WINN quotes Ms. Elma Gene Isaac, coordinator of the regional integration movement of the OECS earlier this week as saying that, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada and Montserrat. She said that St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda are not yet ready for implementation. (See the WINN story at: http://www.winnfm.com/news/ local/6254-oecs-integrationprogressing-says-coordinator or www.themontserratreporter.com)

Plagiarism in schools likely widespread - JTA president The Gleaner Jermaine Francis, Staff Reporter President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Dr Mark Nicely, is adding his voice to those condemning plagiarism in high schools. Referring to the alleged practice of teachers and students colluding to plagiarise

Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) school-based assessments (SBAs) as a form of thievery, Nicely said: “SBA trains the child in the art of research, a skill they will take with them to the tertiary level. So if they are not allowed to go out and do the research themselves, and the child is not challenged, you are robbing them of the experience.”

He said judging from his own experience as someone who marked such assessments for CXC, plagiarism in high schools might be widespread. “As one of those persons who mark SBAs, I have seen papers that are identical with only the students’ names changed, and this is not just happening in Jamaica, but across the Carib-

OVERSEAS TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2013 LEGAL NOTICE In the estate of ANNETTE MEADE, deceased

honoured as a member of the Best Debate Team along with PC Delbert Williams; Best Pistol Marksman, Best Debate Speaker, Best at Academics, and the Baton of Honour. Police Constable Junior Turton received the Most Disciplined Officer award in honour of their former training Inspector Elva Sweeney, who passed away during the programme. PC Shamoya Grant received the Endeavour Award; PC Leon Campbell was Best at Physical Training; the Best at Drills award went to PC Williams. Deputy Commissioner of Police Bradley Siddell said in his address: “the profession of law enforcement is continually evolving and adapting to an ever changing life environment. Nevertheless, the core objective of police basic training has remained the same.” This he explained was “to inject young adults with extreme volumes of learning in a sometimes harsh environment; to equip those with the basics to adapt to any real world human intervention and simultaneously “thicken their skin” for the unfortunate abuses committed my men and women.” The top official said

the five new police officers “will be exposed to the truth behind human nature. They will not simply experience the facades that some people portray. They will encounter persons when they are at their worst. Yet they will faithfully perform their duties when and where called upon in service to this Nation. The impact of our newest constables will be deep and wide provided they never forget nor neglect the principles of their learning as a recruit. This high volume knowledge transfer was designed for a reason. It must form the foundation of their future development which will extend into the twilight years of their careers.” Siddell said this initial investment of training for the five officers comes with a continuous commitment to their development. “The RMPS Management Team will form a partnership with every Officer to ensure that each month they advance to a higher level of confidence. Our mission as a learning organization is to guarantee that any expectations do not exceed an officers competency nor confidence levels.” The guest speaker for the occasion was new Magistrate Robert Anthony Shuster

spoke on the topic, ‘The Rule of Law’ – no one is above the law, which he says is constantly evolving.

bean,” Nicely stated. COULD COMPROMISE INTEGRITY He said that as a result, CXC should now consider employing more vigorous strategies to monitor and investigate the SBA process as this could

negatively impact on the grades the council awards each year. Nicely implored teachers across the country to act with decorum and desist from the practice and refrain from condoning plagiarism. His sentiments come after

the recent disqualification of 70 Jamaica College students who sat physics in the 2013 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination. The move came after the regional examination body investigated reports of

New Magistrate/ Deputy Registrar Mr. Shuster who comes, not without taint, was eventually introduced by the substantive Ag. Registrar, as having commenced employment with the Government of Montserrat, on October 7, 2013, as the Deputy Magistrate Deputy Registrar. He has been in the legal profession for about 40 years, serving as a police officer, among several other legal positions as well as having previously served in the capacity as a Supreme Court Judge Kingdom of Tonga and as a Common wealth High Court Judge in Freetown Sierra Leone . He has also held the position of Senior Legal Advisor to the Magistrates and District Courts in Birmingham, Coventry and West Midlands Magistrate’s Courts. Mr Shuster while referring the young police officers, to what their Inspector and Deputy Commissioner had said to them and the expectations of them, noted to them, “Public servants cont’d. on page 12

cont’d. on page 9

OVERSEAS TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2013 LEGAL NOTICE In the estate of LENROY THEOPHILUS LLEWELLYN DALEY, deceased

NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date hereof, application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration to the estate of ANNETTE MEADE also known as ANN ANETTA MEADE late of Judy Piece Montserrat who died on the 15th of November 2004 at the Glendon Hospital St. Johns Montserrat be granted to CLERENCE SYLVESTER MEADE of Judy Piece Montserrat the son of the deceased and Personal Representative of the deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date hereof, application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration to the estate of LENROY THEOPHILUS LLEWELLYN DALEY late of Lookout Montserrat and 3 Edinburgh Road Upper Edmonton Enfield London who died on the 31st of August 2013 at North London Hospice 47 Woodside Avenue Finchley London England be granted to SAMUEL ARTHUR DALEY of Lookout Montserrat the brother of the deceased and Personal Representative of the deceased.

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

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

DATED this 6th day of November 2013

Kharl Markham Allen Markham & Associates

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Friday, November 15, 2013

Letters/Opinion

EDITORIAL There is obviously no intention to encourage doing the right thing It cannot be easy to believe that our administration particularly our political leaders do anything that directly disenfranchises the people of this island, politically, socially, economically or otherwise. Yet in recent times, it is uncertain how to describe the kind of attitude that seems be worse than what one can think of for a terminally ill patient. It is that bad. When our Government (local or otherwise) seeks to employ someone under the following terms, who or what are they protecting? They seek a legal adviser, “To assist the Attorney General and GOM to present evidence that will variously win cases as defendants and/or reduce awards of damages, costs and interest against Government. “As a consequence, to indirectly help GOM deter the growing practice of initiating litigation against Government in the hope of making money.” The background given is: “Over the last few years, there has been significant growth in the number and potential size (in terms of damages claimed) of legal cases initiated against GOM. These range over a number of areas including land matters, contracts and personnel issues in the public service.” Instead of protecting people from abuse and injustice, they are seeking how to prevent them from obtaining justice and fairness. And, in fact, it is difficult to figure out, the growing practice, except that they have indicated the unwillingness to do the right thing. The question should be asked why? If the answer is indeed that people are trying to make easy money, then the other question should be, why do they have the need to? That will show up another awful weakness of Montserrat, lack of work and an economy that cannot support people it now has. How can it be disadvantageous to government when anyone is wronged that he seeks to put it right. They encourage that. However, it should be noted here, that no one takes the Government to court without seeking to settle matter. It is never anyone’s first line of action. What can the Government possibly introduce, what action can the Government take to be able to get the court to go against the laws of a democratic country? Or, are they ready to take steps to be more undemocratic than we have complained about? Are they saying that the courts are not meting out justice by giving judgment in favour of complainants? This action is almost if it is not already, contemptuous. When the 2010 Constitution came into force, His Excellency Governor Davis, when we pointed out that something should be done to deter public servants carrying out actions, whether negligently or wilfully, that cause the Government to pay, he warned that the Constitution would help people become more aware of their rights to seek redress. The action of not doing the right thing as they seem to do so frequently, forces people to take action and when it reaches the courts, if they uphold the law, justice will prevail and that is their duty. The new magistrate, Mr. Robert A. Shuster gave the feature address at the recent passing out parade of five new police officers last week. He spoke on the topic, ‘The Rule of Law. He told a small cross section of people with mostly police officers, “Public servants including police officers must be committed to the principles of democracy and fairness, fairness to all people. The laws of democracy have included many sources, written Constitutions, common law statutes, regulations, religious and ethical teachings, cultural traditions and practices.” These he said, “Enshrine certain provisions to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens – equal protection of all people the law must be uniquely appied to any single individual or group of individuals.” If our leaders and legislators have difficulty understanding the foregoing, they shouldn’t even try to, but leave and show that they have a modicum of integrity and decency, as the foregoing calls for.’

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

Asbestos questions at MSS

cont’d. from front page at the MSS instead of the Ministry of Communications and Works, the Ministry who is legally responsible for the buildings and maintenance thereof in Montserrat. Further questions arose after Minister Riley announced the results of tests that no one but perhaps the PIU can verify. The Montserrat Reporter (TMR) sought to confirm without success where the samples that were taken to Miami came from and whether they were the same tiles in the roof as the ones tested back in 2000. PIU had reportedly said, rightly it would seem, they were not interested in the works done back then (in 2000), by J.E. Galloway Construction Co. Ltd. Nothing was said about the test results reported by the Galloways, which was reportedly corroborated by MC&W independent tests. The Construction Company who said there was a negative report of asbestos

in the roof tiles at MSS, presented the report of April 2000 which showed no asbestos detected with fibrous and non-fibrous, 75% and 25% respectively. TMR finally received a copy of the report referred to by Minister Riley as saying there was residual asbestos in the samples taken to Miami. TMR is seeking clarity of the statement as the report shows one of the materials tested to be: floor tile - Asbestos type: 30% Chrysotile; Other fibers: 5%; Minerals 65%. One government official provided a document, titled “When is Asbestos Dangerous?” in which the following excerpt appears. “Asbestos is most hazardous when it is friable. The term “friable” means that the asbestos is easily crumbled by hand, releasing fibers into the air. Sprayed on asbestos insulation is highly friable. Asbestos floor tile is not. “Asbestos-containing

ceiling tiles, floor tiles, undamaged laboratory cabinet tops, shingles, fire doors, siding shingles, etc. will not release asbestos fibers unless they are disturbed or damaged in some way. If an asbestos ceiling tile is drilled or broken, for example, it may release fibers into the air. If it is left alone and not disturbed, it will not.” This supports the PIU’s explanation about asbestos being only a problem “when disturbed, etc.”, but there remains the question of the concerns about the need for the expense to remove roofs, the explanation to date and visible proof of the matters being discussed. One source says there are two forms of Chrysotile (white and blue) and that the one at MSS is the good type. TMR is hoping for government cooperation to have some clarity by next publication, when more will be presented about the document referred to above.

Diabetes week, observes World Diabetes Day with the MDA by B. Roach The Montserrat Diabetes Association (MDA) always tries to hold its annual general meeting (AGM) during the week, World Diabetes Day is observed, and did so again this year. At this meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 13, President of the MDA Valarie Lewis Lynch in her report stressed the need for everyone to take urgent action to reduce and reverse the diabetes trend.

She noted, the IDA’s theme of “education, and prevention” World Diabetes Day was observed the following day, November 14, when Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO recommends: “Know your risk and warning signs, get the care you need”. A release stated, ‘Half of people who have dia-

betes don’t know it’. “An estimated 371 million people around the world suffer from diabetes, but half are unaware they have the disease, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation. In the Americas, some 10% of the adult population—nearly 63 million people—have diabetes, but an estimated 44% of them don’t know it.” continued on page 12

Our Scripture Verse Today God’s Nature Never Changes A lawyer asked Jesus, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” - Matthew 22:36 (NRSV) Recently, along with my wife and several members of our church, I committed to reading the Bible from beginning to end. As I slogged my way through the Old Testament, I grew weary of the repeated prophecies of GodÊs anger and harsh judgment. I looked with great anticipation toward the love expressed in the New Testament. Then I asked an important question, „What made God so angry in the Old Testament?‰ With that question in mind, I read the Old Testament with more interest

and soon discovered at least three major reasons for GodÊs anger: the worship of other gods; injustice to the oppressed, the poor and the aliens; and being haughty or self-righteous. I finally realized that the nature of God revealed in the Old Testament is the same nature as revealed by Christ when he stated that all of the law and the commandments are summed up in the exhortation to love God with all of our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. By placing God first, caring for the poor, and releasing our pride and self-righteousness, we can begin to live according to GodÊs commandments. Jeral Williams (Alabama, USA)

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Typhoon Haiyan: at least 10,000 reported dead in Philippine province Kate Hodal in Manila, and agencies The Observer Estimated death toll soars as path of destruction leaves many parts of Philippines inaccessible to government and aid officials

At least 10,000 people are thought to have died in the central Philippine province of Leyte after Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms ever to make landfall, lashed the area, swallowing coastal towns, a senior police official said early on Sunday morning. About 70-80% of the buildings in the area in the path of Haiyan in

Leyte province was destroyed, said chief superintendent Elmer Soria. “We had a meeting last night with the governor and the other officials. The governor said based on their estimate, 10,000 Residents search for belongdied,” he said. ings in the wreckage of TacloTacloban city administrator ban. Photograph Dennis SabanganEPA

left: A boat washed ashore sits on destroyed houses in Tacloban. Photograph Aaron Favila

Tecson Lim said that the death toll in that city alone “could go up to 10,000”. Tacloban is the provincial capital of Leyte, with a population of more than 200,000. The Philippine Red Cross said in Tacloban bodies had been found “piled up around the roads” and in churches. Between 300 and 400 bodies had been recovered, Lim said. On Samar island, which faces Tacloban, Leo Dacaynos

Residents gather salvageable materials from the ruins of houses after typhoon Haiyan battered Tacloban in central Philippines. Photograph Erik de CastroReuters cont’d. on page 12

H e r M a j e s t y ’s P r i s o n o f f i c e r s h o n o r e d fo r exe m p l a r y c o n d u c t a n d l o n g s e r v i c e Ten past and present prison officers received medals, clasps and badges in honoured of their exemplary conduct and long service, in an awards ceremony held at Government House last week Thursday, November 7, 2013.

The event, which took place in the evening to honour the officers who have served a minimum of 18 years. They will each receive the Overseas Territories Prison Officers medal for good conduct and long service.

to those officers who have served 18 years of service. O ff i c e r s s h o u l d have com pleted continuous service awarded to all rounds of during this time,” ranks of the Prison Service as he joked, “ in an in the Overseas Territories abundance of cau-

Governor Adrian Davis who hosted the awards ceremony at Government House, explains: “The medal is

CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK JOB OPPORTUNITY ECONOMIST The Caribbean Development Bank is seeking to fill vacant Economist positions in its Economics Department. The successful candidates will be based at its headquarters located in Barbados. The Economist is responsible for economic research and related activities aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Bank’s operations and interventions in its Borrowing Member Countries. The successful candidate is required to have: 1.

A first degree in Economics augmented by the appropriate masters’ degree in a field of economics relevant to development.

At least eight (8) years as a professional economist. Applications are encouraged from Economists with the following sector/area experience: Energy (conventional and renewable forms) Environment/climate change Transport Trade Public Private Partnerships

Candidates must be nationals of one of CDB’s Member Countries. The Bank’s Member Countries are the Commonwealth Caribbean countries together with Canada, Colombia, Germany, Haiti, Italy, Mexico, Suriname, the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom and Venezuela. CDB is a multilateral development bank that collaborates with its clients to promote sustainable social and economic development, economic cooperation and regional integration. APPLICATIONS Full details of the job opportunity, guidelines for the submission of applications and general information about the Caribbean Development Bank may be obtained from the Bank’s website at http://www.caribank.org. The closing date for applications is November 22, 2013.

tion I should say that these medals are only available to the Prison Offices not for prisoners who in some cases may have served even longer time.” Plaques are granted to recipients of the medal who complete 25 years service and a subsequent plaque for those completing 35 years of service. ”I know one person in this room has served 26 years we don’t have the plaques yet but we will be getting them,” the Governor told the guests and observers. The Overseas Territories Prison Service Medal was formerly known as the Colonial Prison Service Medal which when was first introduced in October 1955. The new medal and title was first minted and made in 2012. Five officers currently overseas have already received their medals, the most recent being those in England who received their medals last week in the UK during the Governor’s visit there. These were Ivan Farrell, James “John” Farrell and Ruel Hixon received their medals in England. Receiving their medals here included three who are currently serving: Theodore Woodley and Rupert Harris in Montserrat and Neville Wade who is serving in Cayman Islands. The others are all retired. Names of the recipients are: 18 years – Mary V. Allen, Rupert Harris, Theodore Woodley and Peter White. 19 Years – Dennis Silcott. 20 years – Alfred Thomas Farrell and Alfred Williams. 22 years – Neville Wade. 23 years – Veronica C. Browne. 26 years –

Friday, November 15, 2013

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Friday, November 15, 2013

Kids time - In your own korner Hello everyone – It is kid’s time with Auntie Lyka “In Your Own Korner”. How is the school term going for you. I hope you are doing your homework and attending your classes regular. Have you settled into your new school buildings. Remember to read a book as you go along. Do not get distracted with the movement of your school. One day a long time ago, that one, Anansi, called upon Big Alligator. “I’m out late, brother,” Anansi spider told him, “and I need a place to sleep the night.” Alligator says, “All right then, come into my house. Stay the night.” Anansi tells Alligator back, “I don’t want to bother you. I don’t need to sleep in your house. I can sleep in your kitchen.”. (In those days, there was a stone-built kitchen off in the yard. Anansi was thinking about getting by hmself into the kitchen outside of Big Alligator’s house.) “All right, brother,” Alligator tells Anansi. “You sleep in the kitchen.” Of course, Anansi was up to something. Big Alligator’s daughter, Ama, knew. She’d been listening behind the door. Ama heard every word between Anansi and her father. At once, Ama went out to catch many scorpions, very carefully, and then she put them in empty kitchen pots in the kitchen. Ama knew that Anansi loved looking in food pots. Big Alligator slid to the kitchen to say good night. “Well then,” he says to Anansi. “Then, too”, says Anansi “Sleep well my brother” Big Alligator tells him. “Well, brother, I will do that.” says Anansi Everything became quiet as everybody went to sleep. Even the palm trees were swaying a soft rustling. Anansi went to bed. He lay down until he thought that everybody was asleep. Then he got up, skittered across the floor, and found the pots. He put his hand into a pot, thinking that he was going to get something tasty. And he did find it. He

Pre-School Corner

Anansi and Alligator

knew which pots were the scorpion pots, and he did not dare go near those. He ate and ate, and had himself a good time. After he was full, he started hollering and yelling and msucking his hand. Big Alligator hears him and comes crawling fast. “What is the matter?” Big Alligator asked. “Brother, I am eaten alive!” yells Anansi. “The flease here are biting me so bad! Your kitchen is full of fleas! I have to go!” And with that, Anansi the trickster scurried out of there. Of course, Anansi knew that there were no fleas, but that there were scorpions.

Word Search Puzzle

Ama went into the kitchen and saw that all the eggs that were in the other pots were gone. She knew who did it. “Daddy, help!” she cried out. “Anansi has eaten all of our eggs!” So Big Alligator ran out after Anansi. Anansi was by the sea, but he could hear Big Alligator coming and shouting at him. At this time, a boatman was sailing by in his boat. Anansi told him “If you take me across the water, I will give you half of my land.” The boatman agreed, and Anansi got in the boat. Big Alligator tried to follow them by going into the water, but he could not catch the boat. When the boat reached the other side, Anansi told the boatman “I’ll go tell my father you have come for the land.” The boatman waits. Anansi found his father, and told him about Big Alligator and about the boatman. Anansi told his father that if either of them came looking for him, to say that he did not know where Anansi had gone. And with that, Anansi climbed a tree. A few minutes later, the boatman came asking for Anansi. “I don’t know where that one, Anansi, be.” After the boatman left, Anansi climbed another tree, and he saw Big Alligator coming. Big Alligator slid under the tree. Anansi called out to him asking if Big Alligator could see him. Big Alligator looked and looked, and said “If I can’t find you, I’ll never live in a house again. I’ll go live in the water.” He kept looking...did he find Anansi? (where does an Alligator live now?)

Maze

Colour the square. Enjoy.

Colouring Time

Kids write your stories, tell us about yourselves. Email or post - Write to Aunty Lyka, at P.O. Box 306, Davy Hill, or send email to: kidstime@themontserratreporter.com

The police officer was a man while the doctor and lawyer were ladies. John is a man’s name.

Where we will have fun

The husband’s name was David. So John was the police officer’s name. David’s wife was

In Your Own Korner.

Brain Teaser

A man walked in the house. He was about to hang up his coat when he heard his wife say, “No John! Don’t do it!” There was a shot and the woman was dead. There was a police officer, a doctor, and a lawyer standing next to her. The woman’s husband knew that the police officer did it. But how did the husband know? saying, “No John! Don’t do it!” to the police officer and the police officer shot her anyway.

See you next week right here

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Jamaica decriminalises defamation • london In a milestone achievement for press freedom in the Caribbean, the Jamaican Parliament has approved a bill fully abolishing the offence of criminal defamation. Following a unanimous Senate vote in July, Jamaica’s House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Defamation Bill 2013, which revamps the country’s libel legislation to better reflect international standards. The new law replaces both the 19th-century Libel and Slander Act and the 1963 Defamation Act. In addition to the repeal of criminal libel, the reforms include the elimination of the distinction between slander and libel; the reduction of the limitation period for actions from six years to two; replacement of the defence of justification with the defence of truth; the introduction of the defence of innocent dissemination; and a stipulation that damages shall be at the sole discretion of judges, not juries. “What tremendous news for press freedom in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the world over!” International Press Institute (IPI) executive director Alison Bethel McKenzie, who

has led three IPI missions to Jamaica, said yesterday. “I want to congratulate the Jamaican Parliament for staying the course and removing criminal defamation from the country’s law books.” She continued: “There was a clear consensus in Jamaica among government, media, and civil society that criminal defamation laws are an archaic holdover from colonial times and threaten the press’s ability to report freely and in the interest of the people. As we continue with our campaign to repeal criminal defamation in the Caribbean, we urge regional countries to follow Jamaica’s courageous example.” The product of a nearly seven-year debate involving representatives of the government, media, and civil society, the bill is expected to be granted royal assent by Governor-General Sir Patrick Linton Allen. Jamaica has now become the first independent Caribbean country to have no criminal defamation laws—including seditious libel—on the books. Grenada abolished criminal libel in 2012, but maintains laws criminalising seditious libel and insult of the monarch.

As part of its campaign to repeal criminal defamation in the Caribbean, IPI lobbied publicly and privately for the bill’s passage; IPI and its strategic partner, the Association of Caribbean MediaWorkers (ACM), also visited Jamaica three times to meet with government officials in support of the Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) and the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ). ACM president Clive Bacchus noted: “This move by the government of Jamaica comes after many years of work by media organisations such as the PAJ and MAJ. Special mention, however, must be made of the work of the Justice Hugh Small Commission which drew its conclusions from civil society and whose report, thankfully, was not allowed to gather dust on a shelf somewhere. The ACM is also proud to have been a part of the effort to remove criminal defamation from the island’s statute books.” In a statement, PAJ president Jenni Campbell said: “This is an important step in increasing freedom of expression and by extension press freedom in Jamaica.” She added: “It is unfortunate that a legislation as

important as this would linger for six years after the Hugh Small-chaired committee submitted its proposals to then prime minister Bruce Golding but, as the saying goes, ‘better late than never’.” The bill, tabled by Justice Minister Mark Golding last March, reflects a number of recommendations that emerged from a 2008 parliamentary committee chaired by retired high court judge Ronald Small. In Parliament, it ultimately passed with bipartisan support. The PAJ and MAJ, supported by IPI, had pressed for further reforms that were ultimately not included, such as a cap on general damages, a reduction in the limitation period to one year, and a specification that proof of “special damage” be required to recover damages in a suit. While the new law represents enormous progress, IPI believes it will be critical for the Jamaican courts to interpret its terms so as to always favour the media’s right to publish information in the public interest. Importantly, the courts should consider financial damages as just one option for the redress of defamation claims.

Printed corrections or apologies, for example, should be avenues of the first resort for restoring reputation if damage is judged to have occurred. In any case, IPI strongly urges the courts to refrain from issuing excessive damage awards, as these could severely hamper the media’s ability to do their job of properly informing the public. In 1996, the Gleaner, Jamaica’s oldest newspaper, was ordered to pay former minister of tourism Eric Anthony Abrahams J$80.7 million after it ran an Associated Press story accusing Abrahams of accept-

ing bribes from an American advertising company. The Jamaican Court of Appeal later deemed the amount excessive and reduced it to J$35 million. The legislatures of two additional countries visited by IPI as part of the campaign— Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic—are also currently considering bills that would partially decriminalise libel. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that a bill to decriminalise defamation will be introduced to Parliament in the first quarter of 2014.

Plagiarism in schools cont’d from page 3 wrongdoing with SBAs for the subject at the school. Yesterday, Jamaica College principal, Ruel Reid, said the school had learnt from the recent transgression and had devised a strategy which it expected would stamp out the practice of plagiarism from first form. Reid said the school had created an honour code, which the Ministry of Education is looking at mainstreaming. Parents, teachers, and

students will be expected to sign a certification of authorship stipulating that the student completed the assignment, fully disclosing all assistance received. “We are saying that the parents and teachers also have a part to play in this, so we are going to hold each other accountable. And then the culture is also going to change from first form that we just don’t plagiarise work, “ Reid added. jermaine.francis@gleanerjm.com

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Summary Report of Proceedings of the Legislative Summary Report of Proceedings of the Legislative Assembly held on 5th November, 2013. Assembly held on 24th September, 2013. 1.

The following papers were laid on the table:

(a) Financial Secretary

(i) Montserrat Girl Guide Association – Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2008; 3.

(ii) Montserrat Girl Guide Association - Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2009; (iii) Montserrat Girl Guide Association - Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2010;

(iv) Montserrat Girl Guide Association - Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2011;

(v) S R & O No. 44 of 2013

Customs Duties and Consumption Tax (DJ’S Variety Store & Cafe) (Exemption) Order 2013;

(vi) S R & O No. 45 of 2013

Customs Duties and Consumption Tax (Mark Douglas) (Exemption) Order 2013

(vii) S R & O No. 49 of 2013

Customs Duties and Consumption Tax (Dr Franklyn Perkins) Order 2013;

(viii)S R & O No. 50 of 2013

Customs Duties and Consumption Tax (Wall Trading Ltd.) Exemption) Order 2013;

(b) Attorney General

(i) S R & O No. 46 of 2013

Immigration (Visa Exemption) Order 2013;

(ii) S R & O No. 47 of 2013

Proclamation Proroguing the Legislative Assembly 2013;

(iii) S R & O No. 48 of 2013

Proclamation Appointing a Session of the Legislative Assembly 2013;

(b) Attorney General

21st March 2013 21st March 2013 28th March 2013

S R & O No. 55 of 2013

S R & O No. 56 of 2013

S R & O No. 58 of 2013

The First, Second and Third Readings of the following Bill took place:

The Introduction and First Reading of the following Bills took place ‘Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill 2013’ First Reading 5th November 2013

ii. ‘Registration of United Kingdom Patents (Amendments and Validation) Bill 2013’ First Reading 5th November 2013

First Reading 24th September 2013 The Bill seeks to appoint Sheldon Laverne Carty as valuation Officer retroactive to 1November 2004 and to validate the acts done by him in the performance of functions and duties as Valuation Officer Act under the Property Tax Act (CAP. 17.16).

This Bill seeks to amend the registration of United Kingdom Patents Act (Cap 15.22) and to validate the registration of United Kingdom Patents undertaken by the Financial Services Commissioner during the period 3rd January 2012 to 3rd June 2013. It also makes the Commissioner, the Registrar of United Kingdom Patents.

iii. ‘Merchant Shipping (Registration) Bill 2013’ 4.

First Reading 24th September 2013

The Second and Third Readings of the following Bills took place ii. ‘Property Tax (Validation) Bill 2013’ First Reading 24th September 2013 Second Reading 5th November 2013 Third Reading 5th November 2013

The Bill seeks to implement the registration and transfer of vessels and safety of lives at sea. The Bill is divided into 6 parts that covers different areas as follows: Part 2 - Registration of Ships, Part three – National Character and Flag, Part 4- Proprietary Interests in Registered Ships, Part 5 – Safety and Environmental Protection, Part 6 – Safety of Life at Sea. Two schedules also form part of this Bill. Schedule 1 outlines the instruments and documents for which forms are to be prescribed or approved and Schedule 2 deals with private law provisions for registered ships.

The Bill was passed with no amendment iii. Magistrate’s Court (Validation) Bill 2013 First Reading 24th September 2013 Second Reading 5th November 2013 Third Reading 5th November 2013

iv. ‘Magistrate’s Court (Validation) Bill 2013’ First Reading 24th September 2013

The Bill was passed with no amendment

The Bill seeks to validate any act done by Desiree D. Furlonge in the performance of her functions and duties as Clerk of the Court under the magistrate’s Court Act (CAP. 02.02).

The following Bill was deferred to the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly: ‘Merchant Shipping (Registration) Bill 2013’ First Reading 24th September 2013

Bills that had their first readings can be read in their entirety at any of the following places: 6.

Sgd. Judith C Baker Clerk of the Legislative Assembly

This Bill seeks to amend the principal Act to expand the functions of the Financial Services Commission in order to allow it to facilitate the registration of United Kingdom patents, companies, trademarks, business names and associated functions undertaken by

ii. ‘Property Tax (Validation) Bill 2013’

Public Library BBC Complex Brades Montserrat

S R & O No. 54 of 2013

The Bill was passed with no amendments.

Legal Department Valley View Brades Montserrat

Police (Disciplinary Tribunal) (Albert Williams) (No. 2) Order 2013; Police (Disciplinary Tribunal) (Albert Williams) Order 2013; Police (Disciplinary Tribunal) (Chantel Hussey) Order 2013; Police (Disciplinary Tribunal) (Keisha Nelson) Order 2013; Law Revision (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2013 (Commencement) Order 2013.

The Bill was passed with no amendments.

This Bill seeks to sanction certain payments from the consolidated and development funds in excess of the sums provided by law, for the services of the Government of Montserrat for the period ending on the thirty-first day of March 2014.

Legislature Department #1 Farara Plaza Brades Montserrat

S R & O No. 53 of 2013

This Bill seeks to insert (i) a definition of “Deputy Register” (ii) a new section 62A giving the Governor acting after consultation with the Chief Justice the power to appoint a Deputy Registrar. This section gives the Deputy Registrar the power to exercise the powers and duties of the Registrar. Additionally, Clause 5 repeals and replaces section 64 of the principal Act.

‘Supplementary Appropriation (No. 2) Bill 2013’ First Reading Second Reading Third Reading

‘Supreme Court (Amendment) Bill 2013’ First Reading 5th November 2013 Second Reading 5th November 2013 Third Reading 5th November 2013

The First, Second and Third Readings of the following Bills took place: i.

Montserrat Land Development Authority Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2011; S R & O No. 51 of 2013 Customs Duties and Consumption Tax (Clarence Greaves)(Exemption) Order 2013; S R & O No. 52 of 2013 Customs Duties and Consumption Tax (Engineering Design and Construction Ltd) (Exemption) Order 2013; S R & O No. 57 of 2013 Customs Duties and Consumption Tax (D R Diagnostic Services Ltd) (Exemption) Order 2013; S R & O No. 59 of 2013 Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (Amendmentof Schedule) Order 2013.

Resolution to approve the Montserrat Territorial Song This Resolution was approved by the Legislative Assembly.

Government of Montserrat Website

Bills that had their first readings can be read in their entirety at any of the following places: Legislature Department #1 Farara Plaza Brades Montserrat

Legal Department Valley View Brades Montserrat

Sgd. Judith C Baker Clerk of the Legislative Council

Public Library BBC Complex Brades Montserrat

Government of Montserrat Website

Friday, November 15, 2013

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www.themontserratreporter.com

Diabetes Assoc. Observes World Diabetes Day Mrs. Lewis Lynch said the campaign slogan for the past two years which is “Diabetes Protect Our Future”, is essentially reinforcing the need for education and prevention efforts to support children since they are the future. Mrs. Agatha Aspin was the chairman for the AGM which was held at a replacement venue at the Roman Catholic St. Patrick’s Church in Lookout. The MDA members which turned out in good numbers, still not enough as the call was

for more people to join the Association, listened to a Treasurer and President’s report along with a feature address delivered by resident surgeon Dr. Brimah Kassim who spoke on the well-received topic ‘sugar’ generally as it relates to diabetes. Entertainment by Nurse Stanley (member of the Nurse Violet Brown & Friends team) was outstanding. There followed on the agenda, an affirmation of amendments to the Associations Constitution and and

Police Graduating recruits including police officers must be committed to the principles of democracy and fairness, fairness to all people,” in an acclaimed discourse on The Rule of Law. The program included Ag. Inspector Williams, gave an overview, while in response and saying thanks to relatives, well wishers, trainers and friends, PC Sophia Bruno, saying that course five would not have been successful without them, adding: “It was no easy leaving you behind as we began our transformation into becoming immaculate, competent and knowledgeable police officers,” promising further, “ to work diligently to help build a prosperous and peaceful society for all…this training taught to be a discipline and respectful individual and how to take a zero tolerance any form of illegality.” The Deputy as he told the new officers they will transform lives by their mere presence, encouraged, “…I encourage each and every officer, not only our newest, to run towards the challenges and embrace change…Be-

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confirmation of a new Trustee. A vote of thanks by Mr. Trevor Howe followed by light refreshments rounded up the evening’s meeting. The Association holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month in a small building to the right near the entrance of the Glendon Hospital, where all are welcome. Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO), is encouraging people throughout the Americas to learn about the risks Dr. B. Kassim, Valerie Lynch and Agatha Aspin The MDA celebrated a full week of activities which began on Sunday, Nov and warning signs of diabetes, to take steps to prevent the disease, and, if 10 with a church service, radio presenation by the president, radio quiz throughout they develop diabetes, to seek the the week and ending tomorrow with a funding raising breakfast sale and free blood glucose checks. care they need.

cont’d. from page 3

come an agent for improvement. Adapt to creativity and modernisation. Do not be idle. Do not become satisfied with the status quo.” The ceremony concluded with precision drill designed by the recruits under the watchful eye of Sgt. Julian Wade, ending as they began with a salute received by His Excellency the Governor.

Robert A. Shuster

Typhoon Haiyan devastates Philippines

cont’d. from page 6 of the provincial disaster office told Associated Press on Sunday 300 people were confirmed dead in Basey town and another 2,000 were missing. He said the storm surge caused sea waters to rise 20 feet when the typhoon hit. There were still towns on Samar that had not been reached, he said, and appealed for food and water. Power was knocked out and there was no mobile signal, making communication possible only by radio.

Many corpses hung on tree branches, buildings and sidewalks, Associated Press reported. “On the way to the airport we saw many bodies along the street,” said Philippine-born Australian Mila Ward, 53, who was waiting at the Tacloban airport to catch a military flight back to Manila. “They were covered with just anything tarpaulin, roofing sheets, cardboards,” she said. Asked how many, she said, “Well over 100 where we passed.” The super-typhoon made

landfall on Samar and Leyte islands in the eastern Visayas at about 4.40am on Friday local time, with winds up to 315km/h (195mph) tearing roofs off buildings, turning roads into rivers full of debris and knocking out electricity pylons. With many provinces left without power or telecommunications, and airports in the hardesthit areas, such as Tacloban, in tatters, experts say it is impossible to know the extent of the storm’s damage – or deliver badly needed aid.

Roughly 12 hours after the 600km (370-mile)-wide Haiyan blew west towards Vietnam, where it is expected to make landfall early on Sunday, officials and aid workers are only now beginning to piece together details on the number of dead and injured. Government figures showed that more than 4 million had been directly affected. The World Food Programme has mobilised some $2m (£1.25m) in aid and aims to deliver 40 tonnes of fortified biscuits to victims within the next few days.

Dep Com Bradley Sonia Bruno - best recruit Siddell