Issuu

Friday, January 04, 2013

Page g 1 Today’s Scripture

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love. -

www.themontserratreporter.com Week Ending Friday, January 04, 2013

Psalm 107:15 (NIV)

Khadija Furlonge easy crown favourite at the festival 50 queen show 2012 Vol. XXVIII No. 01

By Staff Writer

Miss M.S Osborne, Khadija Furlonge walked proudly away with the 2012 Festival 50 Queen Show crown amidst the glitz and glamour she and her fellow contestants presented to a sizable and appreciable

audience at the festival city in Little Bay, for the Festival 50 Queen Show 2012. The five beautiful young ladies made a show to dazzle the audience at the December 29, 2012 show, as contestants, they

Price $2.00

appeared in appearance order: Miss Montserrat Utilities Limited, Maureen Madu; Miss M.S Osborne, KhadijaFurlonge; Miss St. Patricks Co-operation Credit Union, Charlene Sam; Miss MONFEST Bingo Fan,

cont’d. on page 5

Miss Pan VaniceTuitt is the new Miss Teen 2012 – Festival 50

Khadija Furlonge is crowned Miss Montserrat 2012 By Staff Writer

Miss Teen 2012 Vanice Tuitt (Miss Pan)

Headlines...

The crowd at the Montserrat festival 50 teenage pageant opening scene sensed professionalism as they ‘oohed’ and ‘awwwed’ with the Sunrise Production organizers seem to outdo themselves at this

Kenneth Scotland honoured...pg 2 ‘Poverty barons’...pg 2 Festival 50 Awards...pg 4

year’s pageant which they named ‘I am Festival!’ There were six segments that made up this year’s show, but only five were judged. The five contestants each represented a part of festival for

over the fifty years. Contestant No. 1 Stavika Rodney- Miss Pageantry, Contestant No. 2 VaniceTuit- Miss Pan, Contestant No. 3 Dwaynifa Joseph- Miss Socalypso, Contestant No. 4 Juniah Allen- Miss

cont’d. on page 5

First John Bassy Awards...pg 5 Bible flawed...pg 7 New home for CARICOM...pg 7

Page 2

Friday, January 04, 2013

‘Poverty barons’ who make a fortune from taxpayer-funded aid budget By Andrew Gilligan

The Department for International Development (DFID) paid almost £500million (in 2011) toconsultants, mostly British, many of whom earn six, even seven-figure incomes, courtesy of thetaxpayer. DFID also funds dozens of foreign consultancy firms. It is paying £6million to the University of CapeTown to investigate

mental health issues in southern Africa and millions of pounds to US-basedorganisations, including the Clinton Foundation, the International Food Policy Research Institute andFamily Health International. It is paying a Washingtonbased group, Search for Common Ground, £3.9million to “support theelectoral cycle in Sierra Leone”. Consultancy firms in India and

A Government House press release on December 30, 2012 informed that “Buckingham Palace announced that Mr Kenneth Scotland, the Director of Social Security in Montserrat has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the Com-

munity. The award was part of her Majesty The Queen’s New Years Honours List.” Mr. Scotland receives his award for his services to the elderly at Golden Years Home, and Meals on Wheels, a program that was started by Mr. James

Uganda are also receiving large sums. DFID spent more than £20million in 2011 on hotels, including many five-star ones. Next month it willopen a 40,000 sqft Indian branch office in Delhi with 18 meeting rooms and 280 desks — even thoughthe then International Development Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, said in 2011 DFID would not be inIndia

for “very much longer”. The furniture bill for the outpost comes to almost £400,000. A Sunday Telegraph investigation shows just how lucrative the aid business can be for the privatecompanies that dominate DFID’s roster. The managing director of the London-based development consultancy Adam Smith International (ASI),which gets most of its income from DFID, paid himself a salary and dividends totalling almost£1.3million in 2010. William Morrison earned £200,000 from ASI and collected

dividends worth £1.06million from itsparent company, Amphion Group, wholly owned by him and three of his fellow directors. Amphion Group’s accounts state that its purpose is to act as a holding company for ASI. Mr Morrison’s salary rose by a quarter 2011, to £253,000. He and the three fellow directors shared dividends of £7.5million, or almost £1.9million each, which they paid to Amphion Group. The directors collected salaries averaging £125,000 each. Adam Smith International — which grew out of, but is now not

related to, the Right-wing thinktank, the Adam Smith Institute — was paid £37million by DFID in 2011 to promote the free market in the Third World. Its total turnover that year was £53.6million, with profits of £5million, up 10 per cent on 2010. Its work for DFID includes tax reform in Afghanistan, school capacity building in Pakistan and a market development programme in Nepal. A director of ASI and Amphion, Peter Young, justified the payments, saying: “We have got cont’d. on page 6

Kenneth Scotland named in Queen’s New World Cancer Day Year’s Honours list

highlights disease for Montserrat

Granger deceased of Spanish Pointe. The program now serves up to 42 persons each day. According to the release, His Excellency the World Cancer Day in Governor, Mr Arian Davis this year 2013 will be on has already congratulated February 4, 2013 and the Mr Scotland on his well focus on the day will be on deserved award. Target Five of the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT damaging myths and misconHIGH COURT OF JUSTICE ceptions about cancer, under A.D. 2013 the tagline “Cancer - Did you LEGAL NOTICE know?”. In the Estate JOHN JOSEPH RYNER, deceased The World Health Organisation (WHO) is promotNOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date ing that World Cancer Day is hereof Application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for Letters a chance to raise our collecof Administration to the estate of JOHN JOSEPH RYNER late of Birmingham, th tive voices in the name of imEngland who died on the 29 October, 2001 be granted to SARAH RYNER lawful proving general knowledge widow and relict of the deceased. around cancer and dismissing ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested therein are requested forthwith to misconceptions about the send particulars thereof to the undersigned. disease. FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of Letters of Administration to the Ag. Chief Medical OfApplicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court, Brades Montserrat not later ficer Dr. Krishnamurphythan fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice. Gopal in a report is speaks th about cancer as it relates to Dated this 04 day of January, 2013 Montserrat and its people. Hogarth Sergeant The doctor suggests that Solicitor for the Applicant it is a significant disease

that Montserrat should more aware about. He says that in Montserrat alone, “there were 31 deaths in the last five years due to cancer.” He reported that over twelve of them were from prostate cancer, five of them from breast cancer, six of them from colon and glands…” From a global level, the WHO will be focusing their messaging on the four myths below. They state: “In addition to being in-line with our global advocacy goals, we believe these overarching myths leave a lot of flexibility for members, partners and supporters to adapt and expand on for their own needs.” Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide-

reaching social, economic, development, and human rights implications. Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries Truth: Cancer does not discriminate. It is a global epidemic, affecting all ages, with low- and middle-income countries bearing a disproportionate burden. Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentence Truth: Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now be cured and for many more people their cancer can now be treated effectively. Myth 4: Cancer is my fate Truth: With the right strategies, more than one in every three cancers can be prevented.

OVERSEAS TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2012

LEGAL NOTICE

In the Estate of MARY OLIVIA TUITT, deceased

In the Estate of EDWARD TOLMAN ALLEN, 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 Probate to the Estate of MARY OLIVIA TUITT also known as MARY MATILDA OLIVIA TUITT late of the Golden Years Home Brades Montserrat who died on the 19th of November 2011 be granted to CLAYTON WEEKES of Olveston Montserrat the Executor and Administrator of the Estate.

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 EDWARD TOLMAN ALLEN late of St. Peters Montserrat who died on the 14th of February 2005 be granted to DESNEE MIRANDA SHIELL of St. Peters Montserrat the Personal Representative of the deceased estate.

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

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

DATED this 27th day of December 2012

Kharl Markham Allen Markham & Associates

Friday, January 04, 2013

Page g 3

Letters/Opinion

EDITORIAL Only a holistic plan and approach will work As the New Year 2013 opens, it brings down the curtains on the celebration of another festival, only this time it was the jubilee festival talked about and planned for, perhaps in hindsight a little too late. Montserrat Festival 50, a cultural festival, supposed to have been a homecoming for many nationals now living around the world, who were forced to migrate after volcanic activity began in July 1995, as well as bringing back some of the allurement that made it an economic year end/beginning for Montserrat. It is of course early, if we would ever know whether all desires and goals were achieved, but whichever way that is, it would be unsafe to judge based on the comments and reviews that have been so far expressed. This is so because we have found that depending on who is asking and who is listening, ad even who is speaking, it will be that there were some disappointed visitors and promoters, add hopefuls (positive and negatives) to the mix. If the events and shows left anyone wanting, the winding down or climax sent everyone away believing there was good much hope for even better in the years to come. The feelings were that the parade of troupes which outnumbered previous years gave a feeling of some joy and splendour to those participating, observing and those speculating! Among the plans for the festival, because it was hoped that many of those coming back and visiting would include those interested in the future development and those planning or desiring to return to the paradise they once knew, there would be the showcasing of plans and potentials especially surrounding the Little Bay development, new town and port developments, and of course Montserrat in general. Tours were organised as well as forums for showing plans and hearing or sharing the thoughts from the Diaspora as well as the expectations of those at home. Reports from the tours were glowing, but it would appear the forums did not achieve much. In any case, as far as our exposure to the developments in that regard, many were left unclear to the point of thinking, that overall, there isn’t clarity as to exactly what the plans really are. Part of that must have been the inability to show and say exactly what the port will be like since to date the plans had to be redone and only 60% complete, that infrastructure being an absolute necessity to the island. As we listen to all that have been touted, including the economic boost of producing tobacco products that will aid in slowly annihilating those outside of Montserrat, including Montserratians who smoke out there, the development of Little Bay and its environs, with the exception of the port development which should really include the airport, given serious thought, our planners are still missing the boat. If Montserrat is serious about real economic development, for a progressive, productive future, there are a few things we very humbly suggest that should be considered and effected seriously and soon. Actively seek to construct a permanent and effective airport that can eventually take a dash-8 or its equivalent. That will open up the Silver Hills, Rendezvous, (this area is the other part of Montserrat’s ‘gold mine’); the ferry is not a viable plan into the future without numbers of regular day tours and other tourism geared events. Get the Vue Pointe Hotel, (conference services etc.) and its environs back into active service. Recapture what worked and build from there. They are already 60% in the design stage of a port (an absolute necessity), a town will evolve; the plan if it involves the US$2 million dollar properties overlooking the port and the town would be artificial, suspect and misunderstanding the wealthy and their tourist, holiday needs and what Montserrat can offer. The extravagance cannot really appeal to the local wealth, it is very small and the bids are expensive. Many so called businesses have not yet had the refunding via recovery of losses experienced from 16 years ago. Take the 5-star hotel to Rendezvous while Silver Hills is developed, airport, golf course, residential villas to support. Make our port a transshipment one, it is said to be the most ideally placed in the region, Freeport… Pay a visit to Dover in the UK. Continue to develop from Cudjoe Head down to Carrs Bay, even a mall of some kind can line the lane coming down, the market can be developed into the beginning of a mall. Let the minds of those who feel settled and comfortable think about their children, cut the selfishness and greed. We can feed ourselves, cut the imports, use the fruits. This is a rough, it is principally wrong to be concentrating so much on plans that are proving difficult to sell except that the deception continues where these plans do not honestly include the Montserrat almost non-existent private sector. And when will these materialize while geothermal comes and meet us not ready? Make holistic plans and let the vision be well known.

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

Pulses: Foods to get passionate about

Have you heard the news that eating beans and other legumes might actually make women happier? The reason isn’t clear, but I suspect that it has less to do with enjoyment of sophomoric jokes about “musical fruits” and more to do with these foods’ myriad health benefits. In fact, I’m hoping to inspire you to develop a passion for the foods known as pulses, which are the edible seeds of leguminous plants such as beans, peas and lentils. (Technically, the pulse is the seed and the legume is the pod, but for common usage the terms are interchangeable.) No matter what you call them, pulses are nutritional powerhouses packed with protein, potassium, iron, zinc, niacin, folate and fiber. According to recent research, pulses may help… • Boost emotional wellbeing. The fascinating study I alluded to earlier, published in Journal of Food Research, suggested that regular consumption of legumes was linked with lower levels of stress, emotional distress, anxiety and depression in women ages 60 to 80. • Increase longevity. In an international study of seniors, the risk for death over a seven-year period dropped by 7% to 8% for each 0.7 ounces (about one-quarter cup cooked) of beans consumed daily. • Fight cardiovascular disease. Pulses’ soluble fiber and healthful unsaturated fats help control production of artery-clogging cholesterol… and their potassium helps reduce blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. • Guard against diabetes. The complex carbohydrates that pulses provide are digested slowly, thus helping to maintain steady blood sugar levels. • Keep us slim. I heard this enticing tidbit from Donna Winham, DrPH, a public health nutritionist who has been studying the effects of pulses for years. “Pulses are very filling—so when you eat them first or as part of

your meal, you’re less likely to eat a lot of other food afterward because you feel full,” she told me. Despite these impressive benefits, pulses are not super-popular in the US. Is fear of flatulence holding you back? Stop worrying. Dr. Winham explained, “In our research, we found that the majority of people didn’t have any symptoms of flatulence after the first week of consuming one-half cup of beans on a daily basis.” If certain beans or other pulses do make you gassy and symptoms persist even after an adjustment period of several weeks, try experimenting with various types to see which suit you best. Now that your heart is beating faster in eager anticipation of adding more pulses to your meals, here are some ideas to get you started… • Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are gaining ground. Current US consumption is a whopping 58% higher than it was about a decade ago, due in part to the growing popularity of hummus, of which chickpeas are the key ingredient. If you are on a gluten-free diet, note that chickpea flour is a good alternative to wheat. Easy side dish: Chickpeas drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkled with paprika. • Black beans are firm, round pulses commonly known as frijoles negros in Latin American cuisine. As a treat, visit a Brazilian restaurant or try your hand at making the national dish called feijoada. When I lived in Sao Paulo, I simply could not get enough of this hearty stew, which combines black beans with various cuts of pork and beef. Plenty of recipes can be found online (for instance, Emeril Lagasse’s feijoada is on

FoodNetwork.com at http://bit.ly/ gFwar5). • Adzuki beans—a small, deep-red variety that is becoming easier to find—are particularly high in fiber with about 12 grams in one-half cup. As beans go, they are naturally sweet and faintly nutty…in fact, in Japan, they’re often used in desserts, including ice cream. Simple serving suggestions:Add adzuki beans to tossed salads…or combine them with brown rice. • Lentils are easy to cook from scratch because they don’t require soaking, so most types are ready in under an hour. You’re probably picturing the standard brown variety or maybe the fancy French green ones, which are both fine—but why not try the red type, too? Simmer lentils in a big pot with your favorite aromatic spices and they’ll break down into a thick soup that’ll knock your socks off. Source: Donna Winham, DrPH, is a senior research consultant at Howell Research Associates, LLC in Queen Creek, Arizona, and an adjunct faculty member in the department of health sciences at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. As a Master Certified Health Education Specialist and public health nutritionist, she investigates the role of beans in reducing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes and also evaluates consumer attitudes about beans.

Our Scripture Verse Today Clinging to Christ

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love. Psalm 107:15 (NIV) Once a week or so, my husband and I go on a date. Though we’ve been married over 30 years, we still find that a quiet meal or a walk along the river gives us the time we need to reconnect. Something similar is true in my relationship with God. If I don’t spend regular time with God, our relationship could grow cold. This is what happened to members of the church at Ephesus. In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus says to them, “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do

the things you did at first.” When my husband and I haven’t had enough time together, we find that doing what we did at first — going on a date — helps to rekindle our love. When I first came to believe in God, I remember feeling delightfully overwhelmed by love. I was full of love for God and for the people around me, and I knew that because of God’s love for me I could endure anything that came at me. God continually calls us back to our first love, to God’s unfailing love. Prayer: Dear Lord, help us make time with you a part of every day and to share your love with the people near to us. Amen.

Page 4

Friday, January 04, 2013

Festival 50 awards honour key figures in its cultural history also received awards. Miss Montserrat 1962 presented awards to the past kings who won crowns for one or two times. The former monarchs were Lorenzo “Challenger” Cassell from 1964, Winston “Young Warrior” Christopher 1968, Ishmael “Cutter” Skerritt in 1977, Kelvin “Tabu” Duberry in 1991, Lenroy “Patriot” Tuitt in 1996, Joseph “Pops” Morris in 2002, Garnett “Sylk” Thompson in 2011, Earl “Hustler” Browne in 1988 and 2001, Anderson “Andy” Kirnon in 2004 and 2005, and Keithroy “De Bear” Morson in 1992 and 1993. Upon accepting his award De Bear, who is the reigning calypso monarch for Antigua and the Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch said he was thankful for the award and promises to continue to be a thorn in the sides of others as he tells the truth through music. Receiving awards for winning the crown three or more times were: Alfred “Warrior” Christopher who won in 1963, 1966, and 1967; Roland “Kenzie” Johnson in 1994, 1995, and 1997; Herman “Cupid” Francis in 1998, 2008, and 2010; the late Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell in 1974, 1975, and 1976; Silvina “Khandie” Malone in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009; Everton “Reality” Weekes in 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, and 1984; and Cecil “Cepeke” Lake in 1987, 1990 and 1999. Most notable was Justin “Hero” Cassell who was the island’s first calypso monarch in 1962 and won the crown ten times. Hero went on to win in 1965, 1972, 1973, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1989 and 2007. Hero honoured Reality and many of the other calypsonians who helped to grow the art form and said he was retiring from active competition. Special awards were given to ZJB Radio Montserrat, Clifford Tuitt now de- Justin “Hero” Cassell who won Montserrat’s Calypso crown a record ten times accepts ceased who was the island’s his award at the Montserrat Festival 50 Awards Ceremony and Banquet on January 2, premier costume builder, 2013 at the Cultural Centre. (A Wayne Fenton Photo) Denise Phillip for her work on the festival committee, Hilton Howson who worked on the festival committee, Basil Morgan for his work in calypso and Cedric Osborne for his work as chairman of the festival committee. Awards were also given to Bruce Farara for sponsorship support and being part of the committee management team over the years; James “Titus” Frederick for his work with masquerade, M.S. Osborne Ltd for its annual sponsorship of the festival, John E. Wyke for his work on the committee, Jeweline Roberts Riley for pageantry and costume building; and Cable & Wireless who has been a continued major sponsor of Montserrat’s festival. Entertainment throughout the evening as provided by the 1963 calypso monarch Warrior, 2002 monarch Pops, local vocalist Chezline Riley, and dancers Tazia and Sharise. The evening ended with Newly crowned Miss Montserrat Khadija Furlonge presents award to King Reality at Festival 50 Miss Montserrat 1965 Rose Willock accepts her award from the reigning calypso king music from the very popular Awards Ceremony and Banquet on January 2, 2013 at the Cultural Centre. (A Wayne Fenton Herman “Cupid” Francis at the Montserrat Festival 50 Awards Ceremony and Banquet DJ Tyrone. Photo) on January 2, 2013 at the Cultural Centre. (A Wayne Fenton Photo)

GIU (adapted) – According to reports, sixty seven (67) persons were recognized during the island’s first ever festival Awards Banquet which was held at the Montserrat Cultural Centre on Wednesday night, (Jan 2). The honorees included39 former festival queens, 16 past calypso monarchs, and twelve special awardees, acknowledged for their invaluable contribution to Montserrat over the past 50 years. This was the final event on the Montserrat Festival 50 calendar. The festival committee paid tribute to past queens, calypsonians and community leaders and organisations who supported the annual celebration which turned 50 in 2012. The red carpet affair organised by Yvette-Ryan and her team was hosted by Shirley Osborne, daughter of the late Chief Minister Dr. John A. Osborne and George “JGP” Piper, radio personality on the Caribbean SuperStation. The Honourable Premier Reuben T. Meade in his remarks said the award celebration wasalso “a precursor to other things to come”tothe National Awards which is being established and should come into effect this year once it passes through the Legislative Assembly. Awards designed in the shape of Montserrat were presented to all of the past queens or the families of those now deceased. Present to accept their awards was the Montserrat’s first pageant winner in 1962 Edna Tuitt-Baptiste, Rose Willock from 1965, Ruthlyn Gerald-Wyke from 1973, 1979’s Glendena Taylor, 1983 winner Daphne Christopher-Cabey, the queens from 1999 to 2003 Jodine Meade, Estelle-FurlongeKeil, Lyandra Hobson, Maudella Daley, and Francelise WhiteMorton . Miss Montserrat 2005 Janelle Weekes and the Claris Yearwood who handed her crown over to the current queen

Friday, January 04, 2013

Page g 5

Queen show 2012...cont’d. from page 1 JovitaWhite; Miss Caribbean Cable Communications, Tiahna Howe. Khadija Furlonge was a popular choice with everyone. Under the Miss M.S Osbornesash she won four out of the six major segments of the pageant; best swimwear, best performing talent,

best eveningwear and a triple way tie along with Miss MONFEST Bingo Fan, JovitaWhite and Miss Caribbean Cable Communications, Tiahna Howe for best Introductory Speech. First runner-up went to Miss MONFEST Bingo Fan, while the

second runner up spot went to Miss St. Patricks Co-operation Credit Union, Charlene Sam. Best costume and Best question and answer went to MONFEST Bingo Fan, JovitaWhite. While a stilt walker. They were asked Miss Congeniality went to Miss to put their hand a bag and pick Montserrat Utilities Limited, Mauout their question. The first judged reen Madu. segment for the evening, was the question and answer. The contes- were able to show the taste and tants had to do research on part of style they would wear for a casual festival they represented and do a occasion. In the talent segment the presentation. Then for the casual contestants did a combination of wear segment, the contestants drama, singing and dancing. The final segment was the evening gown wear. The girls were beautifully presented in evening gowns suitable for teenagers. The segment winners were Best Interview -Miss Pan VaniceTuitt. Best Research – Miss PageantryStavika Rodney. Best Talent – Miss SocalypsoDwaynifa Joseph. Best Casual Wear – Miss Pan VaniceTuit. Best Evening Wear – Miss SocalypsoDwaynifa

Teen Pageant 2012 cont’d. from page 1 Masquerade and Contestant No. 5 Akeila Clarke- Miss Mas. The introductory dance was done by the New AlphaNew Alpha Entertainment group from Antigua, who danced to a mixture of local and international music; Arrow’s Ohh Ooh La lalaSoca and

Tabu’s TGIF made the mix. It was Scrappy’s Masquerader’sCome that saw aadditional group of dancers, the Montserrat junior masqueraders on stage. The introductory speech was not a judged segment for the contestant. The girls came out one at a time wearing a black short jumper

with a gold belt with beads, a feather head dress and accessories giving it a costume effect. As the stage open to a scene set at a juice hut where the contestants were given their interview as they were handed a glass of juice which must have helped to calm and relax them. They were escorted by

Joseph. Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic – Miss Pan VaniceTuitt. 2nd Runner Up – Miss Pageantry – Stavika Rodney – 214 pts. 1st Runner Up – Miss SocalypsoDwaynifa Joseph – 219 pts. Winner Miss Teen Pageant – Miss Pan VaniceTuitt – 233pts. The Winner was crowned by the reigning Miss Teen 2010,LoiseManzueta.

The Inaugural John Bassey Award for Commentary in Calypso The Inaugural John BasseyAward for Commentary in Calypso The 50th anniversary of Montserrat’s Annual Christmas Festivaldubbed ‘Festival 50’,will see the first Annual John Bassey Award for the Best Social/ Political Commentary in Calypso, in memory of late Chief Minister John Alfred Osborne, who was also very well-known by his nickname “JohnBassey”. The announcement came in a press release issued on December 11, 2012, by Shirley Osborne, daughter of the late Chief Minister. The release said, “The award will consist of a trophy and a financial award

which is intended to increase each year as the number and quality of submissions increase.“ Shirley announced another award saying that “the winner, and possibly some of the other artists will also have the opportunity to perform at each year’s “The Gift of The Gab” which will form part of the John Alfred Osborne Debates and Speaker Series, the inaugural event of which will take place in May 2013. She explained the decision for the annual awards: “Politics and public speaking were two of the skills at which my father excelled, and both of these require knowledge, logic, analysis,

and self-confidence among other things, she said, adding, “calypso is an art-from as well as a formidable social commentary vehicle that requires the same set of skills.” The decision was that “one of the best ways to honour our father’s memory and make an ongoing contribution to Montserrat and its people, would be to provide opportunity for Montserratians to develop some of these skills, engage in and support their development in others, and enjoy the events in which these skills will be showcased for public enjoyment, uplift and information,” she informed. She closed the release

further explaining: “We chose his nickname for the calypso award because calypsonians always use a nickname, and because that award will be conferred mostly by the public, so we wanted to ensure that the process was not excessively formal. “The Debates and Speaker Series will also be a mix of formality and fun, with serious debates on important issues, comedy and satire, as well as calypso,” Osborne also said.

Shirley Osborne delivering one of the calypso awards during the Awards ceremony on January 2, 2013.

Page 6

Friday, January 04, 2013

‘ Poverty barons’...cont’d. from page 2 paid director is on £144,000. The company earned £12.1million from DFID in 2010/11, and is currently involved in the department’s numerous programmes. It is also paid by DFID to run policy development for the governments of Malawi and Nigeria. Options Consultancy Services, a subsidiary of the abortion rights charity Marie Stopes, runs projects for DFID in India, Africa and Nepal. Its turnover in 2011 was £12.6million — about half of it from the British aid budget. Its highest-paid director earned £233,000. Sussex-based Health Partners International collected £7million from DFID in 2010/11, more than half its turnover. Consultancy salaries are up to £133,500 a year. At Oxford Policy Management, which runs DFID’s “oil sector transparency” initiative and several other programmes, the highest-paid director earned £125,000 in 2011, up 25 per cent in a year. However, the company’s annual report warns that the Government has “initiated efficiency measures that may have an impact on the profitability of the work available”.

Several of the best-paid consultants are former DFID officials who appear to have gained substantial increases in their personal wealth since leaving the department, even though they are still doing essentially the same work. While almost all other departments are cutting spending, ministers have committed to increases in DFID’s budget, which will rise by 35 per cent in real terms in the next three years, or more than £3billion a year. Because it is cutting staff it is turning to consultants to deliver programmes, prompting concerns about value for money from MPs on the international development select committee. “We question why the department was paying consultants large amounts of public money in fees for development work,” the MPs said earlier this year. Jo Johnson, a Conservative MP on the public accounts committee, said DFID was having to “shovel money out of the door” to meet its spending target. Matthew Sinclair, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “This is further evidence that the department is failing to ensure that taxpayers’ cash is being spent

wisely. Ministers have insisted that they need more money to help the world’s poorest, but taxpayers will be appalled that hundreds of millions of pounds is being channelled to pricey consultancy firms. “Spending these vast sums on consultants looks like a bad deal for the taxpayer.” A DFID spokesman said:

“Taxpayers rightly expect DFID to monitor development and humanitarian programmes. That can involve using expert organisations to help ensure delivery and close oversight of the effectiveness of aid projects on the ground, which can often take place in remote or rural areas. “Those organisations have won contracts to work for DFID

through a best value, competitive bid process.” © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2012 'Poverty barons' who make a fortune from taxpayerfunded aid budget - Te... http:// www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ politics/9545584/Poverty-baronswho-...

Sir Dennis: Press serves society best when independent of political control Abstract: by Clive Bacchus St. Kitts (WINN): President of the Caribbean Court of Justice Sir Dennis Byron describes the role of the free press in a democracy as “not to be underestimated” and identifies several similarities between the best journalists and the best judges. Sir Dennis, former Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and two –term President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda , is now leading efforts to enhance the performance of the CCJ which serves as the court of final appeal for member states of CARICOM, and original jurisdiction for disputes

arising out of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. “As we forge a democratic society the role of the press cannot be underestimated…there are several similarities between the best journalists and the best judges- they have to share qualities of fair mindedness, honesty, balance and impartiality,” Sir Dennis told close to 200 guests attending the 10th Anniversary Ball of the privately owned radio station WINN98.9 on St. Kitts. “They have to carry out their duties

diligently and without fear and favour. They demand accountability they attack injustice and the abuse of power.” Sir Dennis said like the judiciary, the press serves the society best when it is completely independent of political control or alliance.

Sir Dennis Byron

tax revenues in Afghanistan up from next to nothing to £2billion. If you want to get a good job done, you have to get people who know what they’re doing. Our profit margins are on the low side for consultancies.” Mr Young, who paid himself a dividend of £800,000 in 2010, said ASI employed “low hundreds” of staff on DFID contracts. Most earned between £300 and £850 a day. He said: “If you hire a plumber in London, you’re going to be paying £1,000 a day, if not more.” Not all the money paid by DFID stayed with ASI, Mr Young said. Much of it was passed to other suppliers. Another development consultancy firm, Maxwell Stamp, was paid £16.4million by DFID in 2011 for projects including community legal services in Bangladesh and opposing child marriage in Ethiopia. Its highest-paid director earned at least £326,000, double his salary the year before. Dozens of other staff of development consultancies substantially funded by DFID pay themselves six-figure salaries. At Hertfordshire-based HTSPE, which got about a third of its turnover from DFID in 2011, the highest-

ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES

Consultancy Services

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking to procure consultancy services for the

“Oecs Juvenile Justice Reform Project Member State Legislative Review”

“Development of Member State National Strategies Towards the Reform of the Juvenile Justice System”

The Secretariat thus wishes to invite suitable individuals or firms to indicate their interest in providing the required services. Interested applicants are directed to obtain further details from the OECS website www.oecs.org or the following URL address: www.caricom.org ; www.eccaa.aero

Friday, January 04, 2013

Page g 7

Piers Morgan tells Americans the Bible is ‘flawed’ (and he doesn’t think much of their US constitution either)

Comes after a petition to have him deported after he criticised pro gun campaigners attracts more than 84,000 signatures A second petition set up to make him stay 'as British do not want him' By Daily Mail Reporter

CNN host Piers Morgan has said he believes the Bible and the U.S. Constitution are 'inherently flawed' and that the Bible needs an amendment changing its stance on samesex marriage. The bold statements come days after the British journalist divided America with his strict stance on gun laws following the Sandy Hook massacre, even sparking e-petitions to deport him. While interviewing Pastor Rick Warren on his CNN show, he said: 'Both the Bible and the Constitution were well intentioned but they are basically, inherently flawed. Hence, the need to amend it.' Warren, who is against same-sex marriage replied: 'Not a chance. What I believe is flawed is human opinion, because it constantly changes.' Outspoken: In an inter-

view with Pastor Rick Warren, Piers Morgan called the Bible 'flawed' Opinionated: He said that the Bible should be amended to change its stance on gay rights 'But you and I know the Bible is, in many places, a flawed document,' Morgan continued. 'My point to you about gay rights for example it's time for an amendment to the Bible. You should compile a new Bible.' With Warren responding that he believes that the Bible reveals the truth - and the truth is never outdated - Morgan quipped: 'We’re going to agree to disagree on that.' His remarks sparked anger among conservatives, including Paul Kengor, the executive director of The Center for Vision and Values at Grove City College. 'It's remarkable to watch secular liberals like Piers Morgan assume unto themselves the extraordinary authority to divine what in the Bible is true and what is not, what is flawed and what is not, and where certain "amendments" supposedly need to occur,' he told Fox News. Movement: It comes af-

ter he upset Americans with his stance on guns, sparking petitions to deport him Now a second petition on the White House website now insists he must stay in the US, not only because he has a constitutional right to free speech but also 'more important' because 'no one in the UK wants him back' It is just the latest of Morgan's outspoken opinions to be spotlighted after he offended thousands of Americans with his anti-gun remarks. He has demanded tighter U.S. gun laws following the Sandy Hook massacre and last week on Piers Morgan Tonight, he interviewed a gun advocate and called him an 'unbelievably stupid man'. On December 21, a man in Texas launched a petition on the White House e-petition website demanding Morgan be deported immediately for 'exploiting his position as a national network television host to stage attacks against the rights of American citizens'. The petition accuses Morgan of engaging in a 'hostile attack against the U.S. Constitution' by targeting the Second Amendment - the right to bear arms. Anger: People took to Twitter to lambast his latest remarks, adding to the voices who want him deported It has already garnered more than 84,000 signatures far exceeding the 25,000 signature threshold required to get a White House response. But Morgan seemed unfazed by the effort to oust him.

In a series of Twitter messages, he urged his followers to sign the petition and in response to one article about the petition even said: 'Bring it on'. He wrote: 'If I do get deported from America for wanting fewer gun murders, are there any other countries that will have me?'

New home for CARICOM offices in Barbados BARBADOS - New facilities for two sections of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, as well as a Regional institution, all based in Bridgetown, Barbados, were officially opened on Monday by the Hon. Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados. The two sections of the Secretariat – the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Unit and the Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) – and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) previously were housed in different locations. They now have a permanent home in Mall Internationale, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael. Speaking at the opening of the new offices, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, CARICOM SecretaryGeneral, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Stuart, the Government and people of Barbados. “The two CARICOM Secretariat sections and the CDF have had separate homes. However, over the years, the Government of Barbados has steadfastly worked to ensure that they have been equipped with the resources necessary to undertake their tasks while at the same time bringing to bear considerable energy in helping to acquire common and more permanent premises. The provision of these modern facilities is testa-

ment to the fruits of that labour,” the Secretary-General said. He added that the development reflected not only Barbados’ lead responsibility for the realisation of the Single Market and Economy, but its firm commitment to Regional integration and development. The Secretary-General referred to staff members’ adaptation to the new environment as well as to the adaptation by the Secretariat and the Community to current challenges. He said that the opening of the new offices should signal that the Secretariat and the Community had begun to transform and that there was recognition of the sense of urgency which needed to be infused into the integration process and the Region’s development. “In these times, transformation and reform are inevitable, and necessary. Indeed, the people of the Region have demanded that the Secretariat and the Community transform the efficiency and effectiveness of our service delivery. “We have been compelled to confront the expectations of the people of the Region to make a real and meaningful impact on their lives. Whether it is through the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, the negotiation of trade agreements, or the provision of development

Ambassador Irwin LaRocque support for the Less Developed Countries (LDC) of the Community, the main focus and beneficiaries of our efforts must be the people of our Community,” he pointed out. He added that the consolidation of the offices in the shared facilities was indicative of a wider initiative “upon which we have embarked towards the improvement of the administration and governance of the Secretariat and all Community institutions. “The newly arranged proximity of these sections of the Secretariat and the CDF, physical and otherwise, is intended to improve the linkages and coordination between them and to advance efficiencies in the discharge of their critically related tasks and responsibilities within the Community,” he said.

TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2013

LEGAL NOTICE

In the Estate JAMES CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM FAGAN aka JAMES A. FAGHAN, deceased

In the Estate WILLIAM DOWDY aka WILLIAM SEMPER, 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 for a Grant of Probate to the estate of JAMES CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM FAGAN aka JAMES A. FAGHAN who died on the 25th. August 2010 be granted to MARY ELIZABETH FAGAN Executrix 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 for Letters of Administration in the estate of WILLIAM DOWDY aka WILLIAM SEMPER late of Look out, Montserrat who died on the 06th December, 2012 be granted to WILFRED DOWDY aka WILFRED SEMPER brother and personal representative of the deceased.

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

FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of Letters of Administration to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court, Brades Montserrat not later than fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice.

Dated this 02 day of January, 2013

Hogarth Sergeant Solicitor for the Applicant

Page 8

Friday, January 04, 2013

www.themontserratreporter.com

Fisc a l C lif f d eal for ged i n f l u r r y of f inal talks Associated Press

authorized to discuss the private details publicly. Obama, having cut short his Christmas vacation in Hawaii, huddled with congressional leaders Friday afternoon at the White House. Talks between the president and House Speaker John Boehner had failed, so Obama put the fate of the fiscal cliff in the hands of McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. McConnell made the first move. The Kentucky Republican proposed a plan late Friday night that would extend tax cuts expiring Jan. 1 on family income up to $750,000 a year, according to officials. He also wanted to keep tax rates on wealthy estates at 35 percent, slow the growth of Social Security cost-of-living increases, and pay for an offset of the sequester — Congress’s term for across-the-board spending cuts __ by means-testing Medicare. His offer did not include the extension of unemployment benefits Obama had demanded. Democrats balked and began preparing a counteroffer. It called for extending tax cuts for family income up to $350,000, a concession from Obama’s campaign pledge to cap the threshold at $250,000. The Democratic leader also insisted that any deal include a way to deal with the sequester, plus an extension of Senate Minority Leader Mitch the jobless benefits for 2 million McConnell (R-Ky) Americans.

WASHINGTON (AP) — They had 80 hours to finish or fail. Stuck in a “fiscal cliff” stalemate, trust nearing tatters, President Barack Obama and Senate Republicans changed the game after Christmas. It took the rekindling of an old friendship between Vice President Joe Biden and GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell, an extraordinary flurry of secret offers, a pre-dawn Senate vote on New Year’s Day and the legislative muscling that defines Washington on deadline. The House, despite Republican resistance, passed the Senate bill late Tuesday, sending the measure to Obama for his signature. How the final days of private negotiations pulled the country back from the precipice of the fiscal cliff marked a rare moment of bipartisanship for a divided government. Several officials familiar with talks requested anonymity to discuss them because they were not

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio)

agreed that Biden, a 36-year veteran of the Senate, should take the lead. And once he did, negotiations with McConnell President of the United States, Barack Obama rapidly accelerated. The negotiating teams reconvened Sunday morning — Around 8 p.m. Sunday, traded ideas back and forth on less than two days before the Obama, Biden and staffers met a wintry Saturday. Shortly be- combination of tax hikes and in the Oval Office fore 7 p.m., McConnell presented to discuss what the another offer. He dropped the tax vice president would cut threshold to $550,000, put deliver to McConnell the sequester on the table, and as the administraoffered a one-year extension of tion’s final offer. the jobless benefits as long as The president they were paid for through Social set the upper limit Security savings. for the tax cut extenRather than make a counsion at family income teroffer, the Senate Democratic of $450,000. The negotiating team said it was sequester must be going home for the night. They dealt with, he said, Vice President Joseph Biden spending cuts were due to kick and any delay must be offset in — but still had nothing new to through a combination of spendpresent to McConnell. ing cuts and revenue increases. Reid’s inaction, officials And Obama demanded that the said, was due in part to Mc- jobless benefits be extended for Jus wonderin column is compiled from contributions by readers and from de Connell’s insistence on keeping one year without a way to make community. Please send by email or letter, or by calling. the tax cut threshold above up the $30 billion cost. Jus wonderin how many people will government always need to be reminded $500,000, a level Obama reShortly after midnight, not make the effort because they do not of the requirement for EIAs of everything fused to agree to. Biden had McConnell’s consent have computer or access to computer, or that they would like to see happen or not A frustrated McConnell felt on nearly all of the outstandsimply do not take the trouble to go to happen in Montserrat. he had one last option. He called ing issues. Only the sequester Jus wandering if is hard times so hard the “Government website” to see who the Biden, his longtime Senate col- was unresolved, though both that even baby nah born. Festival 50 awardees were. league and frequent negotiating men were open to a plan that Jus wonderin if the governor’s office Jus wonderin if all those people departner, and implored him to step called for a separate vote on serve to suffer and be starved of the infor- is fronting for DFID in. Seeking to up the pressure the sequester, pending Reid’s Jus wonderin why governor office say mation because they do not have computers on the White House, McConnell consent. or cannot afford to own a computer and it close wid the door is open and no one in publicly announced that he was The president, vice presipay for the internet or smart phone access site answerin or present. reaching out to Biden during dent and senior staff met in Jus wonderIn why de returnin calypso fees to get the information government is remarks from the Senate floor the Oval Office until 2 a.m. to man made it all de way to de calypso finals obligated to provide to them. during the rare Sunday session. talk through the final details. Jus wonderin how many people will singing party song. Until this late stage, Biden Obama’s legislative director, Rob Jus wonderin why dem no say de admit that even with access to computer had played a secondary role in Nabors, then headed to Capitol they for any number of reasons including disappointing comments and only sayin de the “fiscal cliff” talks. He spent Hill to join Senate negotiators good ones and call dem ‘rave reviews’. health prefer not to use the computer. Saturday at his home in Wilm- in drafting the outlines of a bill Jus wonderin if it is true that the Jus wonderin how pure the motive or ington, Del., and was planning that could be moved on quickly the ignorance and understanding the tech- outsourcing of the school bus and feeding to travel to the Caribbean island Monday. nology of communication and dissemina- program at the schools have brought severe Nabors worked continuousof St. Croix with his family for hardships on the less unfortunates. tion of information. the New Year’s holiday. ly throughout the final stages, Jus wonderin if this is wickedness. Jus wonderin if the Governor and his O b a m a a n d R e i d b o t h stopping at home only to change

JUS WONDERIN

his shirt after leaving the Capitol and before heading to the White House before 7 a.m. Monday. By then, the White House had spoken to Reid, who rejected the notion of holding a separate sequester vote. Biden broke the news to McConnell in a pre-dawn phone call. The sequester remained the sticking point throughout Monday, with Biden trading proposals with McConnell’s office for much of the day. By early evening, discussions coalesced around delaying the automatic spending cuts by two months and paying for the move through a combination of new spending cuts and revenue increases. A hiccup over the estate tax was also resolved. Shortly before 9 p.m., with three hours until the deadline, Biden and McConnell agreed to the final deal. After Obama called Reid and Pelosi to get their sign-off, the vice president headed up to Capitol Hill to sell the bill to Senate Democrats. Lawmakers and staff rang in the new year in cramped offices in the West Wing and on Capitol Hill, surrounded by empty pizza boxes and the stray bottle of cheap champagne. Midnight also marked the moment the government technically went over the “fiscal cliff,” although financial markets were closed Tuesday for the holiday. But optimism ran high on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue that the impact would be negligible. The Senate overwhelming approved the Biden-McConnell deal in the early hours of Tuesday morning and sent the bill to the House for final approval.