Friday, February 08, 2013
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www.themontserratreporter.com Vol. XXVIII No. 04
Week Ending Friday, February 08, 2013
Price $2.00
Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)
Geothermal energy
excitement builds with suspicions as drill rig arrives As the excitement builds meanwhile, seeking to make ‘geothermal’ a more than familiar word to the people of Montserrat, Premier although not the first to make the reference, says Geothermal could be a game changer for Montserrat. He was speaking during a press briefing with the new European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Barbados and the Eastern
By Bennette Roach It’s a new milestone in the UK Government (through DFID) support for Montserrat’s move for green energy with Geothermal exploratory drilling set to begin towards the end of the month. Iceland Drilling Company (IDC) project director here on island, believes this to begin between February 20 - 25.
Caribbean, Mikael Barfod, Beardsley had announced, who in turn told of the EU’s a ship laden with ‘drilling support to Montserrat’s re- related materials’ arrived at covery effort since volcanic port Plymouth amidst some activity began in 1995, but as confusion or disagreements as to Customs and Port aufar as back as 1986. The geothermal project thority workers’ involvehas been clouded by a quiet ment in the off-loading of the chatter and accusations of a equipment. Strong winds made docklack of transparency in the procuring of the contract ing difficult, when the Iceland to Iceland Drilling Com- ship Peter Ronna arrived pany, and related works. cont’d on page 12 Last weekend however as Peter Ronna Director of Public Works, Ron
docked on Feb 8 and offloading drilling rig
Same Sex (Gay) marriage: British MP Party leaders hail vote BBC News (UK Politics) Adapted
The Church's traditional doctrine is that marriage is "between one man and one woman" MPs have backed a bill to legalise gay marriage in England and Wales, including by those religious organisations which want to offer it. But what is behind the proposal,
and why are Anglican churches excluded? What has the government announced? In its Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill - which MPs backed after its second reading in the House of Commons - the government proposes that couples who are the same sex can get married.
More
Headlines...
However, the change will not be forced on religious organisations they will have to "opt in" to holding ceremonies if they want to hold gay weddings. The bill specifies that the Church of England and Church in Wales would be banned in law from offering same-sex marriages. How does same-sex marriage
The Peter Ronna attempting to dock on Feb 1 unsuccessfully
cont’d. on page 3
EU provides 5.13 million Euros...pg 2
Police drug bust...pg 3 Hydroponics, hope for food shortage...pg 5
Beyond Relaxed published...pg 7 Kids Korner...pg 8 Lunch N’ Learn launched...pg 11
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Friday, February 08, 2013
The European Union is providing Euro 5.13 million (one Euro=US$1.35 cents) to Montserrat as part of a financial package to the Overseas British territory BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – European Union Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Mikael Barfod said the overall package of Euro 15.66 million is to help boost Montserrat’s economic growth and development. The EU support will primarily assist with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Plan of Montserrat as part of the country’s economic recovery. In addition it will assist with the country’s sustainable growth with a specific focus on public finance management, public sector reform and prudent economic management. An EU statement said that expected results include the improvement of property tax administration through the provision of online services;
Hon Premier Reuben T. Meade along with EU Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Mr. Mikael Barfod. strengthening of public fi- increased access to housing nance management through through construction of new the reduction of tax arrears; homes; improved public infrastructure through reform of the energy regulatory framework and new Port and Airport Authorities merger legislation; and promotion of private sector activity through a stronger alignment of the education sector to labour market needs. Barford recently paid a first visit to Montserrat and met with Premier Reuben Meade as well as Governor Adrian Davis. “He discussed aspects
SAGICOR LIFE INC. VERNETTE BUFFONG having made sworn deposition that Policy No. S05070194 on her life has been lost, and having made application to the Directors to grant a duplicate of the same, notice is hereby given that unless objection is raised within two (2) weeks of the date hereof the duplicate policy asked for will be issued. REGISTERED LAND ACT (Section 135) A Claim to ownership of land has been received from the following person in the Schedule below:Any objection to this claim must be lodged in writing to the Land Registry, Brades, Montserrat within six (6) weeks of the first publication of this notice. Plans relating to the claim listed below may be inspected at the Land Registry Department during normal working hours. SCHEDULE Rosetta Weekes Claim #1175
Block 14/19 Parcel 025. Land in Dick Hill. Bounded as follows: On the North East, East and South-East by Block 14/19 Parcel 023 (Ann Joseph); on the South by Block 14/19 Parcel 024 (James Weekes); and on the West and North by the Public Road.
Dated this 31st day of January, 2013 Jamiel M. Greenaway Registrar of Lands
of the Public Finance Management reforms, the macroeconomic stability outlook and implementation of the Sustainable Development Plan with officials from the Ministry of Finance and visited the Lookout Housing Project and the Little Bay Port, both of which are co-financed by the European Union,” the statement said. The EU has a long-standing history of cooperation with Montserrat. It has been providing support to the volcano ravaged island under various conventions since 1976. It said that total development cooperation under the fourth and eighth European Development Fund (EDF) has been valued at Euro 32
million. The EU said that under the ninth and 10th EDF, Montserrat is to receive another Euro 32 million of financial assistance in the form of budget support.
Hon. Financial Secretary, Mr. John Skerritt
Job Vacancy Corporate Services Manager Are you excited about the opportunity to work for the Foreign Office in Montserrat? Are you interested in supporting the UK Government in its work assisting Montserrat’s development? Are you interested in applying your corporate service experience to ensure that the Governor’s Office is well run, and provides a professional and efficient image? The Governor’s Office is seeking a Corporate Service Manager to start in April 2013. The successful candidate will lead the overall management and be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Governor’s Office. Duties include management of the Governors Office’s day-to-day financial arrangements, procurement, HR assistance and management of Government House. The successful applicant will be expected to use corporate service experience to meet tight deadlines, work under pressure, and to think creatively and imaginatively on a range of challenges. Skills and experience required: Corporate services experience, in particular accounting and financial management experience An ability to work effectively in a small team as well as own initiative with minimal supervision Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Strong customer focus and an ability to work with contacts and colleagues at all levels Effective prioritisation Experience of staff management and development Proven computer skills (including Outlook, MS Excel and Word) Applications for employment with the Governor’s Office should be sent by e-mail. When applying, please provide a short covering letter, a completed job application form and attach your current CV. The closing date for applications is midnight Friday 1 March. Full details of the vacancy can be found at the following URL address:http:// ukinmontserrat.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/working-for-us/current-vacancies/
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Full scale national emergency exercise planned for Montserrat The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has announced that a national emergency exercise is deep in the planning stages for the first quarter of this year. Director Billy Darroux said the Government of Montserrat has initiated the exercise to test the response of all national emergency
agencies including the police and fire services, health centres and the MVO; as well as non-governmental agencies, which provide support before and during disasters. Darroux added that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is still developing the exercise scenario which will be
Gay marriage differ from civil partnership? Civil partnership is a legal relationship exclusively for same-sex couples, distinct from marriage. It offers the same legal treatment as marriage across a range of matters, such as inheritance, pensions provision, life assurance, child maintenance, next of kin and immigration rights. Opposite-sex couples can opt for a religious or civil marriage ceremony, whereas a same-sex partnership is an exclusively civil procedure. Couples in civil partnerships will be able to convert their rela-
conducted over several days with the help of the DMCA and Richard Aspin in the Governor’s Office. “The goal is to test our national response and find any gaps that need to be plugged,” the official said. “Montserrat has continued to strengthen its disaster preparedness with the support of regional agencies
... cont’d. from page 1
tionships into marriages if they wish - but they will be under no obligation to do so if they would rather retain their civil partnership. Reaction: Meanwhile ZJB’s James White in an exclusive with Premier Reuben Meade asked him about Montserrat’s position should the UK impose the new law. The Premier noted that there are some things that would require a change in our Constitution. “if you’re having same sex marriage in Montserrat you’ll have to change the Constitution, because it is felt
very strongly that marriage is defined as a union between man and a woman or male and female,” He further explained, “if there are decisions which we in Montserrat do not wish to abide by then what we simply say to them, you have the power to make the legislation in the UK and hand it down to us but there are some of them which you just will not do because it isn’t part of our social fabric.” Former Minister of Education, Health, Social Services, Vernon (Auk) now lives in the United Kingdom where he has become
Change of leadership at Montserrat Customs & Revunue
GIU reports: – Frank Ferguson the Director General of the Montserrat Customs and Revenue Service (MCRS) is standing down at the end of January. Mr Ferguson, who took up the role in January, 2012, says he is very proud of the progress that the organi-
sation has made over the past year, especially in building better relationships with other departments such as the Royal Montserrat Police Service and meeting its revenue targets. Ferguson is moving on for personal and family reasons and will be succeeded in the short term by
Peter W A White. Mr White is the Current head of Customs and is the substantive Deputy Director for Law Enforcement in the MCRS. Mr White is the former head of prison services in Montserrat and in and the Turks and Caicos Islands and he joined the MCRS 10 months ago.
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE
and this is another element of that process.” Montserrat has been in recent years have been afforded a lead role in disaster preparedness planning in the region. According to the planners, there will be officials from the Caribbean
Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), and from the disaster agencies on the Dutch and French Antilles along with observers from various agencies Efforts to make resi-
dents aware of the exercise will already be in place once it has been initiated. Different players will have roles to play throughout the process to ensure realism and to provide feedback on their interactions with the relevant departments.
Montserrat Police make significant drug seizures, several arrests The Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) has expressed pride in their continuing efforts with some significant anti-smuggling drug operations and border security initiatives. Last week the RMPS reported to the media that there have been a number of suspicious marine activities, which has resulted politically involved and contested in elections there. He reacted following the above news with a post of Facebook, presented as follows:
Britain has gone mad, mad, mad
Vernon Auk Jeffers What happened in Parliament today (The government's passage of same-sex marriage legislation) is without doubt a burning shame and would go down in history as Britain’s biggest faux pas. David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband are three hereditary rich men who have never
in the recovery of two foreign registered vessels and a large seizure of suspected narcotics. Several people were detained under the authority of the Immigration Act while four others have been charged with various drug offenses and remanded in custody after appearing before the Magistrate. Deputy Commissioner
Bradley Siddell, provided a report detailing their activities over several days beginning January 24. The report said that on Thursday, January 24, the Marine Department intercepted a Dominican registered fishing vessel believed to be involved in suspicious activity. Four persons of international
done a hard day’s work in their lives have now joined together and sold the souls of Britons to the devil. How in God’s name can the Christian minded people of Britain could stand idly-by and allow such abomination to become the Law of the Land. The good people of Ladywood, Birmingham who voted for the Muslim lady, Shabana Mahmood, should march on her office and demand her recall. I am also disappointed in David Lammy and Diane Abbott, two Black Mps, for participating in the encourage-
ment of legal bulling. Black folks of Tottenham Hackney North & Stoke Newington should also march on their offices and demand their recall. 1 Corinthians; Ephesians; Genesis; Matthew; Romans; Leviticus and others have all stated: “That a man who lay with another man as they would lay with a woman, both of them would have committed an abomination” If the churches continue to sit on the fence while these three nincompoops destroy the very fabric our society, then they too
cont’d. on page 12
ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT A.D.2013 [PROBATE DIVISION] LEGAL NOTICE
PROBATE DIVISION
In the Estate of MARGARET ELIZABETH SKERRITT, deceased
IN THE ESTATE OF MIGNON BETHELEY MOSES
NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of 14 days from the date of this notice, an application will be filed at the Registry, High Court of Justice for a Grant of Letters of Administration of the Estate of MARGARET ELIZABETH SKERRITT deceased, formerly of St. John’s, Montserrat and late of 15 Celandine Drive, London, E8 who died on the 7th day of May 2012 be granted to Marcelle E. M. Watts of Chambers, Old Towne, the lawful Attorney of PAUL JOSEPH SKERRITT, the son and personal representative of the deceased and one of the persons entitled share in the Estate.
NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice, an application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration in the Estate of MIGNON BETHELEY MOSES who died on the 12th day of July, 2012 be granted to COLLEEN MOSES her sister and personal representative of the deceased and one of the persons entitled to share in the estate of the deceased. ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this Notice. ANY person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court not later than 14 days from the date of this Notice. Dated this 22nd day of January, 2013 BRANDT & ASSOCIATES Attorneys-at-Law
ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the Estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this notice. FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant of Letters of Administration to the said applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice whose address is: Office of the Registrar General, Brades, Montserrat not later than fourteen (14) days from the publication of this notice. Dated the 25th day of January 2013 Marcelle E.M. Watts Attorney at law for the Applicant
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Friday, February 08, 2013
Letters/Opinion
EDITORIAL Nationalism, economic growth must begin with a conversation, discussion It was rather surprising to hear from no other than one of our Parliamentary members, who said that people in Montserrat are more national conscious than many others would believe. In fact that senior parliamentarian was seriously of the opinion that this is very much the case and that will become more obvious in time to come. It would appear however that this opinion comes from an association with people who probably would like to see this as the case than they practice. It may well have been born out of the thrust by the Premier to reopen the quest for a national song, among other national standings, heroes, birds, flower, colour, etc. This coming against the fact he as chief minister of government had all but complete the legislative process which he now says is required. There is more evidence than he seems willing to acknowledge, since it was commendably during his first stint as head of government between 1991 and 1996, then serving as a minister for a short while after he was reelected in November 1996, he was involved in strong discussions to take the song forward to its conclusion as the national song his government had already sanctioned. By merely acknowledging that the process had indeed began since 1992 but was never concluded, when one of his cabinet member in September wrote in support of a proposal to distribute the song, “in whatever way possible,” must put government in an awkward position to proceed as he is now. “This is not only because of its acknowledged economic potential, but also because of its cultural significance…” a letter posited, while noting that the Chief Minister (R Meade) was in agreement with the matter. It was while in the Bertrand Osborne coalition government before he was dismissed, suffering the fate of one of the curses that has plagued Montserrat’s political history, that he was involved in discussions re that national song. Few would dispute the beginning of a move to make Montserratians more national conscious, but we wait the evidence of what was noted earlier this week that people in Montserrat are more national conscious than many others would believe. This we note has been so lacking since the 70s, and has been a serious concern, with only the constraint of certain circumstances that held back the thrust. When the present Premier became chief Minister in 1991, he certainly had full support to carry out his national consciousness program. One can argue it is always the right time to carry out this program, but we caution that there are many conditions that need to be evident before the move can reach a particular stage. That the move is one of the kind of deception that is becoming so pervasive, where everything while obviously not done for the benefit and good of most, postulates as otherwise. Advice given to Jamaica’s Prime Minister, encouraging that she has the power to inspire the populace and therefore her instructions should be, “Gather your families, friends and foes, this will take all our efforts combined as we prepare to rebuild a nation and seek to reenergize our economy from the foundation – up,” is the kind that must resonate with our Premier and government. When this becomes a theme and actions show no less, this call for nationalism will gather much enthusiasm to a new Montserrat, at least twelve years now languishing. There is so much to be done. We should begin to stop the hemorrhaging of our monies, and stop the depopulation that continues ever so quietly and take more positive steps to bring people home. Oh yes, patience but bring everyone on board and they will learn and understand. As Governor of the East Caribbean Central Bank, Sir Dwight Venner themed in his last Economic Review Presentation, Realism and Hope and let the Conversation begin. There is much to learn from Barbados, where Avril Gollop, former cabinet secretary and head of the civil service of the government of Barbados. She said recently that leadership is “about accepting blame and … having the capacity to listen and not be judgemental.”
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
Feedback
Long live Murphy’s, I say I vehemently agree with Ms. Osborne’s article re: Murphy’s. As an individual who has also traveled to the four corners of the earth, I too relish the “off the beaten path” locales that any country has to offer. I also relish the new and upbeat thing of it all; however there is a certain je’ne se quois to be found in the former. I haven’t been to
MNI post Soufrierre eruption but look forward to some semblance of home as I once knew at such time when I return. The familiar and nostalgic that gives so many that sense of comfort and security. Peace, Love and Blessings to all and a sincere hope that a decision (decisions) will be made for the greater good. Long live Murphy”s I say! philapoet@hotmail.com
Suicidal
Dear Sir: I'm submitting this poem in hopes that it touches the life of someone who maybe thinking of taking their own life. Suicide is an issue which is not often spoken about though it exists and I think it should be tackled/spoken about more to assist persons who may go through this phase.
Suicidal
and it shall be opened Ask and it shall be given Seek and ye shall find
By Dillon Ollivierre Struggling Falling Stressing Undressing You tear apart your mind trying to find a moment of happiness to hold on to But all you find is negativity which tries to conquer you You search for that moment of happiness But all you find is more reasons to dwell in the darkness You’re slipping You’re sinking In that pit of darkness you are Fallen like an angel cast out of heaven and into hell As the pain increases you scream, you shout You want out Life you no longer wish to live Your life you want to take Hope is gone Faith is gone The will power to survive is no more Hold on, the great book says knock
The ideas are flowing How best to end the suffering You’re contemplating Suicidal thoughts are developing You’re ready to end it No! Don’t, you’ll regret it How will you when you’ll be dead Death solves no problem Hang on, hold my hand, let’s rise together I’ll give you an ear I’ll provide inspiration Motivation I’ll do all that is needed to help you Trust me you can pull through Everyone have their moments of suicidal contemplation But trust me with God you can overcome this painful infestation Hold my hand, let’s rise together Hold my hand as we approach our heavenly father Lord we are weak but you are strong Please hold our hands…
Our Scripture Verse Today Blue Skies?
Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. — Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV) Recently I was driving home into a storm front. But rather than an increasingly overcast sky, I saw a line of dark clouds where the front began. It was as if God had scribbled a line across the sky to mark the beginning of the rain. As I drove toward the front, I could see blue sky stretching above the cloud line. For me this was a reminder that the blue sky wasn’t turning gray; it was just hidden from sight by the clouds. Similarly, circumstances sometimes cloud my view of God. I see a relationship in turmoil, a series of unexpected expenses,
a child’s rebellion. Habakkuk reminds me that behind these gray clouds is a God who is “my Savior” and “my strength” — one who can empower me to withstand hardship and assure me that all will be well in the end. All clouds dissipate eventually, revealing the blue sky that is always there beyond what we can see. Source of strength, help us today to look beyond our circumstances to your faithful character. We pray in trust, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”* Amen. *Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV).
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Hydroponics, Hope for the Governor’s Office contributes food shortage in Montserrat 10,000 pounds to new conservaHopes of a new beginning tion programme on Montserrat to revitalise Agricutture
In an environment and at a time where the Island of Montserrat, while on the one hand is talking and touting its moves towards development and economic growth, Agriculture is sinking further on the decline, almost nonexistent, as it must depend on the ‘food boat’ from Dominica and elsewhere, two French men have embarked on the development of hydroponics. These two young men have incorporated a company called Montserrat Hydroponics Ltd. un-
der which, they will operate with the aim high quality vegetables using the latest hi-tech farming technologies. Marc de Dinechin and Nicolas Tirard inform that they will, “use Nutrient Film Technique (NFT).” It consists of the use of channels in which water and nutrients recirculate, thus reducing water consumption and sewage release. Marc is a French Agronomist Engineer (M.Eng), defending a Ph.D in Genetics at the French National Centre for Scientific Research.
Alistair Cole, Chief Executive Officer and Tristan B r o w n , Head of Operations
Nicolas is also a is a French Agronomist Engineer (M.Eng) both having graduated from EcoleNationaleSuperieureAgronomique de Montpelier (France). Both have worked in neighbouring island Guadeloupe in various areas including teaching Biology. They plan a first production unit consisting of a 2,000 soft greenhouse to produce different varieties of lettuce, spinach, herbs, and other various leaf vegetables.
cont’d. on page 6
of Montserrat hope will lead to the ultimate objective of getting Montserrat out of budgetary aid and toGovernor’s Office contributes 10,000 pounds to new conservation programme on Montserrat The Coral Cay Conservation (CCC) project which is to come on stream here in May this year is receiving a contributing 10,000 pounds from His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis office. This announcement was
made on Monday, January 14, at Government House in Woodlands that the contribution was linked to the UK and the Montserrat governments focus to bring Montserrat back to pre-Hugo and volcanic financial stability. “… recall the strategic growth program is about Montserrat’s development, so it’s the specific packaging investments of both the UK government and the government
wards financial independence which was of course enjoyed in 1980’s and the 70’s before Hugo and then the volcano…” Governor Davis speaking to a gathering of more than 100 residents, said conservation does not trump growth and the two things can come together for the benefit of Montserrat. He was at the time
Gathering of more than 100 residents hosting two reprecame out to support the conservation sentatives of the programme Coral Cay Conservation, which is a charity established in 1986 to help protect the world’s coral reefs. Alistair Cole, Chief Executive Officer and Tristan Brown, Head of Operations spoke to the
CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT STAFF VACANCIES Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified nationals of CARIFORUM Member States to fill the following positions with assigned duty station in Guyana: (i) (ii)
Director, Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Unit Director, Development Cooperation, CARIFORUM Directorate
Full details of these positions may be obtained by accessing the following web sites-www.caricom.org; www.caribank.org; www.oecs. org; www.crnm.org and www.caribbeanjobsonline.com Applications in English Language with full curriculum vitae details, including nationality, work experience, educational qualifications and/or expertise, language proficiency, coordinates (including email addresses) of three referees (at least two of whom must be familiar with the applicant’s work), and other relevant information, should be addressed to the Executive Director, Human Resource Management, Caribbean Community Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana and sent by email to applnhrm@caricom.org. The deadline for the submission of applications is 21 February 2013.
cont’d. on page 11 LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of RICHARD HENRY KIERNAN deceased NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice, an application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration with Will annexed in the Estate of RICHARD HENRY KIERNAN who died on the 21st day of October, 1985 be granted to KATHLEEN KIRNON & SARAH ROSALIND KIRNON, the Administratrices of the estate of the deceased. ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this Notice. ANY person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicants should notify the Registrar of the High Court not later than 14 days from the date of this Notice. Dated this 23rd day of January, 2013 BRANDT & ASSOCIATES Attorneys-at-Law
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Friday, February 08, 2013
MSS gets table tennis board from Rotary Club The Rotary Club of Montserrat on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 handed over the donation of a table tennis board to the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS), at an Assembly session attended by all the children, teachers, print press and visiting and officiating Rotarians. Fr. George Agger after
the assembly was called to order by principal Mrs. Cherlyn Hogan led the children in prayers and gave a brief spiritual talk to them engaging them into an interaction, by asking how many were on, or rather not on Facebook. A small number of hands of the near 200 children present went up.
He engaged them, “So I kind of suspect that both of us of our generation knows either about face book or twitter or YouTube, or texting, I think everybody texts; right?” ‘Do you text during class?Don’t answer that!” The R C priest told the students he had a very short message, inviting them to repeat after him, “I can, make a, difference,” which they did reaching a crescendo after the third attempt. He told them they can make a difference if they turn to God: “so if you’re a Christian in God you connect to Jesus to God, and if you belong to another religion you connect with your God,” he said, as he invited them,“to three simple ways that you can do it.” “One Speak to God in prayer, just like you’re talking to your friend, twitter them, and face book them text them, speak to God in prayer…Second listen, listen to God in his gospel, listen to God in his scripture, and listen to God In your Holy books…third, look for Him in those in need.” “That’s the challenges that each one of us has, and
MSS children at Assembly They need a proper School
cont’d. on page 9
Hydroponics...cont’d from page 5 The venture they say, comes on the background that, “volcanic activity destroyed most of Montserrat/s arable lands over the past 17 years,” adding that, “the supply of fresh vegetables became a real challenge for the inhabitants of Montserrat.” The observation is made that fresh vegetables shortage are mostly covered by importation
from Dominica and elsewhere, often of poor quality and expensive. Also noted is that the loss of currency for the Montserrat economy makes food security one of the top priorities of the island. We visited their site where, as can be seen in photos here the day work began in preparing the lands for the hydroponics systems. There according to Mark and Nico-
las, Montserrat Hydroponics Ltd. plans to use modern agricultural technologies to provide high quality vegetables on a regular basis, leading to tomatoes and peppers. They expect also to have enough to export and hope to find markets in Antigua. “There are lots of hotels, restaurants and tourists in Antigua where we can sell our produce,” Marc pointed out.
REGISTERED LAND ACT
CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) invites suitably qualified CARICOM citizens to apply for the following position:
JUDICIAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT – 2 Positions Fixed Term Contract – 2 Years Option to Renew for a further period of 1 Year The Judicial Research Assistant reports to the Registrar and provides support to the President, Judges and staff of the Court through research and the preparation of legal opinions pertaining to matters before the Court and matters affecting the administrative structure of the Court.
SECTION 34
Minimum Experience and Training:
LOST LAND CERTIFICATES It is notified for general information thatLand Certificate in respect of the following person has been reported lost:NAME
REG. SECTION/REFERENCE
DATE ISSUED
Alvin Allen
St. John’s 14/18/054
Dec. 15 2006
Unless any objections are received within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice,a replacement certificate will be issued. Dated this 7thday of February, 2013. Sgd. Jamiel M. Greenaway (Miss) Registrar of Lands
Training as evidenced by the possession of a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree from a recognised University and admission to practice in any Court within the CARICOM region. For further information and application forms please visit the Court’s website at www.caribbeancourtofjustice.org and click on ‘Careers’. Applications may be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and other information which the candidate may consider necessary and must be submitted on or before Monday 25th February 2013, no later than 4:00 p.m. (Trinidad and Tobago time) For further information, please contact the HR Unit via email to hr@ caribbeancourtofjustice.org or via telephone number (868) 623 2225 (ext 2221)
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“Beyond Relaxed” - Montserrat, and precious times A new book capturing vacation moments on Montserrat has been published, titled, “Beyond Relaxed: Precious Time in Montserrat”. Angie Dawson and husband, Derek Jensencoauthored the book, the result of what began with their first visit to Montserrat in 2008, and over four later visitswhen theycompiled all photographs and information. Beyond Relaxed is their first book - one they say,“was inspired by the island itself.” The trip began out of the authors’ desire after “…the next step for us toward a better, more authentic vacation seemed to be renting an island villa.” That led to a search, which ended up with Derek asking, “How would you like to go to a little island in the Caribbean called Montserrat?” That information is capturedmore in the Introduction to the book in some detail. The publication captures the vacation on Montserrat in over 200 island photographs and descriptions, which in their own description of the book they found, “a ntural, un-commercialized tropical island, quietly inspiring as you learn about the effects of the famous and the
still active, Sourfriere Hills Volcano, and the power of nature that caused the unstoppable destruction of….the island’s capital city.” The writers’ desire is that residents and Montserratians in particular, “will enjoy seeing the familiar people and places within the pages.” They feel privileged to have, “come and know Montserrat,” hoping also that they have been able to show Montserrat in a “positive way.” The book which also features Montserrat’s connection to Sir George Martin producer of the Beetles, is released at a time when Sir George had not long released a book, a copy of which,was donated to the cause of an initiative by Governor Adrian Davis’ wife Sujue, on behalf of the Montserrat Red Cross branch. The book on "the History of Abbey Road Studios", is an illustrated book depicting artists from Von Karajan to Paul McCartney, who is mentioned in the book ‘Beyond Relaxed’. Readers of “… Precious Time in Montserrat”, will get an opportunity to learn about Montserrat, an important place in music history and see the risk of some of the most popular
from the pressure of living in a fast pace consumer culture.” It further describesMontserratas“a peaceful, safe, luring Caribbean island of interesting people, history and places.” The two give a hint at more books as theysay they are currently travel-working and taking lots of photographs along the way, reminding that their favorite Montserrat song is, Beloved Montserrat, by Rick Tyson. The book will be available on Island at regular book stores, and otherwise, people can find the e-book version and the softcover online by searching the book title. It is being carried by several online retailers such as Google, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle, etc. The softcover is SRP $31.99 and the e-book is SRP $7.99.
Beyond Relaxede cover artists and albums documented in the recordings of Air studios Montserrat. A copy of this book will providethose who like to,“fully relax on vacation and decompress
Boy at Rendevouz
Beautiful people of Montserrat
“Fearless Compassion” Co-authors Angie and Derek
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of ELEANOR KIRNON, deceased NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice, an application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration in the Estate of ELEANOR KIRNON who died on the 18th day of March, 1933 be granted to KATHLEEN KIRNON, the Administrator of the estate of the deceased.
A Tribute to Winston Derrick In one scoop of sadness and a profound sense of my own fragility, a combination of winter freezing sensation, bitter sadness, and raw shock hurled me between tears and recollection. Immediately, my mind raced back to the last one-on-one lunch meeting that we had together when Winston Derrick said to me: “Chelston, it’s not about the money or else I would have already closed
Observer down. It’s about educating and lifting up the people of Antigua and Barbuda and defending my country.” Then I quickly shifted to my first day on the job at Observer Radio. He was my new “Boss” and I was his News Director. I relocated to Antigua because of Julian Rogers and Winston Derrick. And little did I know that I was leaving Montserrat and going to Antigua to
ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this Notice. ANY person objecting to the issuance of a Grant to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court not later than 14 days from the date of this Notice. Dated this 23rd day of January, 2013 BRANDT & ASSOCIATES Attorneys-at-Law
Winston Derrick
work with family members. Because that’s what working at the Observer Media Group was like; working with your brothers and sisters. And the father figure “Winston’’ had an outer tough disposition burning with fearlessness, but there was an inner core of caring compassion in the man, that wouldn’t disappoint. Between an uncanny rest and an unwavering restlessness, Winston would go to war in the name of the hopeless, the wounded, and the left out. Hear his baritone voice with a stint of tenor, saturated with village pride exclaim: "I am just a fooley bwoy from Ovals." And if cultural wisdom, obscure facts, plain-clothes truth and enriching insights were far from the caller’s lips, he did not hesitate to tell the technician: “Just cut he off." As Head of Observer’s Newsroom, Winston never held back in
cont’d. on page 11
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Friday, February 08, 2013
Kids time - In your own korner Hello everyone – It is kid’s time with Auntie Lyka “In Your Own Korner”. I hope you are doing your studies and homework. let’s read....Education is most important thing in life. School is a part of life... Education is the key to success. Mango season was upon us and mango trees everywhere were laden with sweet, rosy, delicious mangoes. The envy of the neighbourhood was old Mr. Peter. He had a huge starch mango tree in his yard. Every mango lover would agree that starch mango was the best. Mr. Peter hardly ever shared his mangoes. Every day he would fill a bag of tasty, ripe, starch mangoes and take it down to the market and sell it. This seemed to bother every little boy and girl on the street. Mum did not seem fazed by it at all; she said it was his livelihood. He sold the fruits and vegetables which he grew to earn money to support himself. I still felt he needed a better reason than that not to share. I lived one house away from Mr. Peter and night after night I would hear those juicy starch mangoes falling braps, braps, hitting Mr. Peter’s roof. It was torment, a form of torture. Why did Mr. Peter own the only starch mango tree in the neighbourhood? Why? “Sonny Boy, you looking like you have something up your sleeve. Come nah; let me hear the plan you hatching.” Sonny Boy was my cousin. His father was my mother’s brother and they lived next door to us. Poor Sonny Boy, he actually lived closer to Mr. Peter than I. I’m sure that was torture times two. “Pollo why you think I’m always up to something. Can’t a man just sit and think,” Sonny Boy responded to my taunts. Yes … my nickname was Pollo. My whole family called me Pollo, it meant chicken in Spanish and yes, they called me Pollo because I loved chicken. I didn’t mind, I think it is better than being called Starch Mango. “Of course a man can think but two eleven year old boys during mango season have one thing on their mind.” “Starch mango,” we chorused. “Sonny is your daddy at home?” asked my mother as she shouted over the fence to Sonny Boy. “No Auntie but he said he’ll be back in five minutes.” “Sonny and Pollo come here.” I was already by the gate, Sonny Boy came over to find out what Mum wanted. “Fellas, I am going to the market to pick up a few things. I will be
Pre-School Corner
Hello to you my preschool friends. This week we will look at COLOURING ALPHBET PICTURES. I hope you enjoy Letter T
See you next week right here
In Your Own Korner. Where we will have fun 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
Mangoes, Mangoes by Indira Sammy
back in half an hour, please stay out of trouble.” Mum bent the corner and was out of sight. I looked across at Sonny Boy and saw him pointing. It was the nicest set of mangoes I had ever seen. There were about five or six yellow mangoes clustered closely together. My mouth began watering. “If only,” I said muttering softly to myself. “If only what. Boy Daddy gone, Auntie gone and Mr. Peter left for the market already so those mangoes are as good as ours,” insisted Sonny Boy. “You don’t find it strange that Mr. Peter hasn’t picked those mangoes. It is right there plain as day,” I observed. “I see nothing strange about it. He probably had enough and just didn’t bother with these. So I say pick them now because he might pick them to sell tomorrow.” “Sonny Boy, you heard what Mum said.” “Pollo, your name suits you. You are really acting like a chicken.” “Well then I prefer to be a live chicken than a dead one if someone catches me.” “Ha Ha the chicken has jokes. Boy jus’ come on nah, I will climb and you could stay on the bottom and catch the mangoes. I will climb back down and we will lock back the gate as though nothing ever happened. We will sit in the back of the house and eat our mangoes and after we’ll throw the skins and seeds where no one will see them,” dictated Sonny Boy. I began to make steps towards Mr. Peter’s gate. Sonny Boy was in front of me. He opened the gate and headed up the mango tree. Sonny Boy got to the beautiful mangoes he wanted and stretched out his hand
Figure It
Look at the clues below and fill all the numbers you can into the grid. Then start again and use your answers to help solve the other clues.
Across
Down
2. 121 doubled
1. Hours in a day
4. Minutes in an hour
2. 19 down minus15 across
5. Eight times eleven
3. 8524 re-arranged
7. Number of weeks in a year
4. A third of 186
8. 1234 re-arranged
6. Half of 164
10. A dozen
7. 18 across minus 172
12. Nine times nine
9. 4 across times three
13. Half of 5308
11. 793 doubled
15. 17 down plus sixteen
14. Six times eleven
16. A third of 204
15. 17 across plus 2 down
17. 15 down minus 2 down
17. Three times eighteen
18. Half of 1388
19. Half of 9 down
to pick the first one. He felt it before he saw it. I heard uncontrollable screaming and then there was a thunderous thump. I didn’t want to get into any trouble so I had returned home and let Sonny boy continue on his quest alone. The last time we tried something like that we couldn’t sit for a week. I had no intentions of reliving the experience or the week-long pain again. When I heard his screams I peered over into Mr. Peter’s yard, only to see Sonny boy frantically waving his hands in front of his face, slipping off of the mango tree branch and crashing to the ground. I flew over in Mr. Peter’s yard to see if Sonny Boy was dead. Apparently, there was a wasps’ nest behind the juicy mangoes. When Sonny Boy stretched his hand he bumped the mangoes which bumped the nest and the wasps began to tear into him. In trying to fight them off he lost his balance and fell off the tree. Sonny Boy’s arms and face were bumpy and red and he was holding his left arm as tears ran down his face. Before I could even bend to pick him up I heard, “What are you all doing in there? As though things weren’t bad enough, Uncle Reggie had returned home. “Just get out of Mr. Peter’s yard.” “Uncle, I think Sonny might have broken his arm,” I said hoping for some sympathy. “Only his arm is broken wait until I am finished with him,” responded Uncle Reggie. Clearly I failed in my attempt to gain sympathy. Uncle Reggie took Sonny Boy to the hospital. He did indeed have a broken arm. Uncle Reggie calmed down and felt that the broken arm was enough punishment for Sonny Boy’s wrongs. Sonny confirmed that I had deserted him and wasn’t even present when he took his fall, so I was spared. As predicted, Mr. Peter picked the mangoes the next day to sell knowing only that Sonny Boy broke his arm he offered him two mangoes. Sonny Boy was feeling so guilty; especially after the look Uncle Reggie gave him, he couldn’t eat the mangoes. So he gave them to me. “Ah yes! Two, lovely, starch mangoes!”
Word Play
1.Complete the chain of words by changing just one letter at a time. Example: CAT, COT, DOT, DOG. Can you find the missing words?WARM, ___, WORD,___, WOOL, COOL. 2.Look at the clues and see if you can make new words by changing just one letter in each of these words: a). Change RIVER into a jockey b). Change SHORT into something to play c). Change RUMBLE into a fall. 3.Put a different letter in front of ONE each time to make words with the following meanings: a). A dog might like one b). Finished c). Not there anymore 4.Can you rearrange the jumbled letters into an 11-letter word for an insect? GOPHER SPARS 5.Can you also use some of the letters to find three 5-letter words? a). An animal b). Footwear c). A fruit Can you find part of a plant in the words below? THE TRUMPET ALERTED THEM
Friday, February 08, 2013
BEFORE THE SUPERVISOR OF INSURANCE NOTICE OF INTENTION OF BRITISH-AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY LIMTED (IN JUDICIAL MANAGEMENT) TO TRANSFER PART OF ITS INSURANCE BUSINESS TO SAGICOR LIFE, INC PURSUANT TO SECTION 56 OF THE INSURANCE ACT CHAPTER 11.20 OF THE LAWS OF MONTSERRAT Notice is hereby given that a request was presented to the Supervisor of Insurance under Section 56 of the Insurance Act Chapter 11.20 of the laws of Montserrat for an Order confirming a scheme for the transfer of insurance business (the “Scheme”) between British-American Insurance Company Limited (In Judicial Management) (“BAICO”) and Sagicor Life, Inc. (“Sagicor”). Be further advised that the Supervisor of Insurance has ordered that the said request shall be heard on 25 February 2013 at 5pm at The Credit Union House, Brades. Under the Scheme, BAICO intends to transfer certain of its traditional life insurance business issued in Montserrat to Sagicor under the terms of a Sale and Purchase Agreement entered into with Sagicor on 29th day of June, 2012 (the “Sale and Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, certain in-force traditional life insurance policies issued by BAICO in Montserrat or with respect to which BAICO otherwise has continuing liability (collectively, the “Policies”), will be transferred to Sagicor, and Sagicor will assume the liabilities associated with the Policies (the “Transfer”). The types of policies that will transfer to Sagicor are listed below. Any person wishing to confirm the type of policy they have, and whether their policy is intended to be included in this transfer, should refer to the Schedule of Benefits section in their policy, refer to their local branches or telephone the helpline for assistance.
Home Service Ordinary Life Universal Life Group Pension Plan
The terms of the proposed Scheme are described in more detail in the legal scheme of transfer request made to the Supervisor of Insurance (the “Scheme Document”). It is proposed that the Transfer be completed on a date agreed to by the parties (the “Effective Date”), subject to the satisfaction by the parties of certain closing conditions and the receipt by the parties of all required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Supervisor of Insurance. Until the Effective Date, BAICO remains responsible for all of its insurance liabilities in Montserrat. The Transfer is part of a larger transaction whereby Sagicor will acquire the majority of BAICO’s in-force traditional life insurance policies across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (see above list for the types of policies affected). Once the Scheme is implemented on the Effective Date, Sagicor will be responsible for all liabilities under the Policies. Sagicor has advised that there will be no impact on the terms of existing Policies or the guarantees contained therein. Specifically, Sagicor has confirmed that the transaction will not impact the following:
policy rates, terms and conditions; coverage and benefits; and service and administration of the Policies.
Sagicor is a highly respected insurance provider operating across 19 countries in the Caribbean as well as in the UK and US. Sagicor’s parent, Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited, is a listed entity in both Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, Sagicor has a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from A.M. Best. Sagicor is already a regulated entity in all of the ECCU countries involved in the transaction. Sagicor has demonstrated its commitment to the ECCU region by: Agreeing to set up an ECCU Consultative Committee, whose role will be to play an oversight role (including compliance, anti-money laundering, capital adequacy and corporate governance) in relation to the performance of the business; Placing its ECCU business into a separate ECCU-based entity within 12 months of completion of the sale; and Committing to listing at least 25% of the shares of the ECCU Entity on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange within two years of its commencement of operations.
It is advised that policyholders should contact a professional for advice on this transaction, if necessary. Any person who believes that he would be adversely affected by the carrying out of the Scheme shall be entitled to be heard at the hearing of the application for the Scheme to be convened by the Supervisor of Insurance. The said Scheme will be subject to the approval of the Supervisor of Insurance. If you have any queries regarding the Transfer, you may call the BAICO branch at 1-664-491-2361 or the Judicial Manager at 1-784-456-2669, or email the Judicial Manager at brianglasgow@kpmg.vc or send inquiries to BAICO at its offices in Montserrat at PO Box 71, St Peters. Copies of the Scheme Document, the related actuarial report and other related documents will be made available for inspection by any affected policyholder at BAICO’s office at PO Box 71, St Peters, Montserrat for a period of fifteen (15) days after publication of this notice and on BAICO’s website (www.baico-intl.com). DATED this 8th day of February, 2013.
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table tennis donation cont’d. from page the Rotary Club which is teacher Mr. Morris will be 6 “Service above self…with in charge of managing it, do you can make a difference,” he said.“You can reach out to those who are in need,”reminding them to then rem e m b e r, “ f i v e words I asked you to say today, ‘I can make a difference.’” Dr. BriamahKassim, president of the Rotary Club here, thanked the school for having them, and told the children, “We are here to make a difference this morning and it’s on behalf of the Rotary Club of Montserrat and in keeping with the Motto of
the aim that is actually to give back to the community in which we live…what we’re doing today.” The president told the children that the aim of donating the table tennis board, “to try and engage the youths in this country and we try to make sure that instead of being on the streets, you should get into some sort of sporting activity…” His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis, present in his capacity as a Rotarian and one of the drivers behind the project throughthe mastermind of Julian Romeo, told the children that the game of table tennis is an energetic one which he learnt and played during his seven years in China, before he came to Montserrat. “…your
take the opportunity to play, get good at it,” he challenged, ending with promise, “so take advantage of the table, I hope you use it, we’ll come back in about six months’ time and we’ll have a tournament here…”. Principal Hogan, Mrs. Hogan gave the thank you. “…So thank you very much for the donation of the board…quite a number of students will be on it,” promising that“between Mr. Morris and our PE teacher,MsBuffonge, we will have a task, managing the students.We may get to good that we may need second, so thank you very much for that.” The children showed their own appreciation with a loud applause.
Feedback
Comment: “No help to decrease the price of petrol, diesel and cooking gas: Winston Pond
DFID is hiding a document that is showing Diesel power will be used every day with Montserrat geothermal power How could Montserrat geothermal power be a game changer when DFID want 65% of the net profit for their private investors? How could Montserrat geothermal power be a game changer when the government 35% will be going towards paying back the loan to The Caribbean Development Bank for the Diesel power station? How could Montserrat geothermal power be a game changer when Diesel power will be used everyday at peak load? How could Montserrat geothermal power be a game changer when the consumers will still have a fuel surcharge on their electric bill? How could Montserrat geothermal power be a game changer and the government will still have to pay for street lights and other electricity they consume We know the problems We know there is a problem that geothermal turbines must not vary between base load and peak load so for DFID to be installing geothermal power for the base load and use diesel power for peak load is not good, it can be done without using Diesel power for peak load The solution If they are using the steam driven geothermal system the solution is to install
more geothermal power than we need and install a governing device to induce an electric load on the turbine so the turbine will have the required load switched manually or automatically between the consumer load and the governing load and still maintain the required load on the turbine. It happen before, people were told to leave the lights on in their home when they go to work so it can keep the load on the turbine The load problem can be solved in many ways for example the binary system can be piston or turbine driven and the load problem can not affect the piston type binary system so by using one piston type module with the other turbines would solve the problem We have lots of internal combustion engines that we can convert for the binary geothermal system that the high and low load would not affect the piston type geothermal system. We already have pipes in the geothermal hot water that the Hotel was using and we have Montserratians that could put together a geothermal system that we can give poor people free electricity The Caribbean Development Bank can not throw good money after bad money and expect the next government to pay the loan for the new diesel power station because the amount of geothermal power Montserrat will be using to rebuild the economy would require geothermal power to back up geothermal power, not Diesel
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Friday, February 08, 2013
2012 Eastern Caribbean Currency Union Economic Review
Presented by the Honourable Sir K Dwight Venner, Governor, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank - 29 January 2013
T
he countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union have endured four years of negative economic growth as a result of the impact of the global HFRQRPLF DQG ÂżQDQFLDO FULVLV ZKLFK KDV DIIHFWHG DOO IDFHWV RI RXU HFRQRPLF DQG ÂżQDQFLDO V\VWHPV As we enter the year 2013 it has become clear that we have reached a tipping point which will require our sustained and collective efforts to get our economies on the path to growth and GHYHORSPHQW ,W LV IRU WKLV UHDVRQ WKDW WKH WKHPH of this presentation is: "Realism and Hope". The reality is that we are constrained by factors, both external and domestic, some of which are within RXU FDSDFLW\ WR GHDO ZLWK DQG VRPH RI ZKLFK DUH QRW For example, one reality which stares us in the face is the resources, both human and natural, that we have DW RXU GLVSRVDO WR GULYH RXU HFRQRPLHV %HFDXVH ZH now live in a globalised world and are geographically located in the western hemisphere and in close proximity to the United States of America, the most advanced economy in the world, our expectations are very high but our resources are inadequate to provide D VLPLODU VWDQGDUG RI OLYLQJ DV LQ WKH 8 6 ,Q DGGLWLRQ because we have competitive multiparty political systems, tremendous pressures are put on those systems to deliver public goods and services which are beyond the current capabilities of our economic V\VWHPV ,I WKH\ DUH QRW IXQFWLRQLQJ WR GHOLYHU ZKDW ZH expect them to, we will need to deliberately make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the practical steps are taken to achieve the successful resolution of RXU SUREOHPV ,W LV RQO\ LQ WKLV ZD\ WKDW ZH FDQ JHQHUDWH WKH KRSH IRU D EULJKWHU IXWXUH DPRQJ RXU SHRSOH 7KHUH DUH IRXU LVVXHV , ZRXOG like to address in this presentation: n Our current realities; o Our hopes and aspirations, that is the vision for the future of our countries; p What has been done so far; and q What needs to be done at this time The external environment has been conditioned E\ WKH *UHDW 5HFHVVLRQ ZKLFK EHJDQ LQ WKH IDOO RI Five years later, there still has not been a full recovery and the USA and Europe, our main trading partners, DUH VWLOO IDFLQJ VHYHUH GLIÂżFXOWLHV LQFOXGLQJ ORZ JURZWK KLJK XQHPSOR\PHQW DQG VHYHUH ÂżVFDO DQG GHEW LVVXHV The negative impact on our economies has been and continues to be felt through the tourism industry, the manufacturing sector, foreign direct investment, UHPLWWDQFHV DQG DFFHVV WR WKHLU PRQH\ PDUNHWV :H are being left behind in a very competitive world in which countries, both advanced and developing, are having WR PDNH VLJQLÂżFDQW DGMXVWPHQWV WR UHPDLQ FRPSHWLWLYH Preliminary data indicate that economic activity in the ECCU contracted for a fourth consecutive year in 2012, although the pace of contraction slowed relative to the average for the previous three \HDUV 5HDO *'3 LV HVWLPDWHG WR KDYH GHFOLQHG E\ SHU FHQW FRPSDUHG ZLWK DQ DYHUDJH FRQWUDFWLRQ LQ WKH SUHYLRXV WKUHH \HDUV RI SHU FHQW 7KLV RXWWXUQ UHĂ€HFWHG ORZHU RXWSXW LQ NH\ sectors such as, construction, transport, storage and communications, and sluggish growth in the tourism LQGXVWU\ 9DOXH DGGHG E\ WKH FRQVWUXFWLRQ VHFWRU FRQWUDFWHG E\ SHU FHQW IROORZLQJ DQ DYHUDJH GHFOLQH RI SHU FHQW LQ WKH SUHYLRXV WKUHH \HDUV ,Q WKH WRXULVP LQGXVWU\ WKH NH\ GULYHU RI JURZWK
“Realism and Hopeâ€? a lower rate of increase was recorded in 2012 compared with the performance in the previous \HDU 7KH ZHDNHQHG SHUIRUPDQFH RI WKH VHFWRU was partly due to reduced demand, attributable to higher airfares for regional travel combined with reduced airlift out of the USA, to at least one territory LQ WKH &XUUHQF\ 8QLRQ 7KH FUXLVH VKLS VXE VHFWRU was also challenged by increased competition from other destinations, resulting in a reduction in passenger arrivals, consistent with the fall in the number of calls, as some member countries were WDNHQ RII WKH LWLQHUDU\ RI WKH PDMRU FUXLVH FRPSDQLHV 7KH FRQVROLGDWHG ÂżVFDO SRVLWLRQ RI WKH FHQWUDO JRYHUQPHQW LPSURYHG +RZHYHU WKH SROLF\ VWDQFH ZDV VWLOO H[SDQVLRQDU\ DV DQ RYHUDOO GHÂżFLW ZDV UHFRUGHG 7KH ÂżVFDO RSHUDWLRQV RI WKH FHQWUDO JRYHUQPHQWV UHVXOWHG LQ DQ RYHUDOO GHÂżFLW RI P FRPSDUHG ZLWK RQH RI P UHDOLVHG LQ The current realities at the domestic level are conditioned by the structural features of Caribbean economies, that is, they are small, RSHQ DQG YXOQHUDEOH 7KH\ DOVR KDYH FXOWXUDO DQG sociological impediments to development arising RXW RI D KLVWRULFDO OHJDF\ RI VODYHU\ DQG FRORQLDOLVP Physical land size also has implications for the cost of government in the ECCU, which is high given WKH VPDOO SRSXODWLRQ ,Q RUGHU WR SURYLGH HVVHQWLDO services, there is a certain minimum amount which PXVW EH VSHQW +RZ DUH WKHVH H[SHQGLWXUHV ÂżQDQFHG" 7KH DQVZHU LV TXLWH VLPSOH WKURXJK WD[DWLRQ $QG ZKR SD\V WD[HV" 7KH FLWL]HQV :KDW DERXW ERUURZLQJ" 7KH GHEW KDV WR EH VHUYLFHG ZKLFK LV DOVR DQ H[SHQGLWXUH LWHP DQG LV DOVR SDLG WKURXJK WD[HV ,Q FKDUWLQJ WKH ZD\ IRUZDUG IRU WKH (&&8 WR better cope with the challenges which it now faces, it is FULWLFDO WKDW D FOHDU YLVLRQ IRU WKH (&&8 EH DJUHHG RQ Looking forward to the year 2027, which is 15 years ahead and three electoral cycles hence, the following are being suggested:  The ECCU to be an area of peace and tranquillity with very low crime rates and social and political stability in which day-today activities can be undertaken with ease;  The environment should be clean and pristine with an aggressive approach to maintaining RXU VXUURXQGLQJV LQ YHU\ JRRG VWHDG  Public, commercial and residential buildings must be well-maintained and architecturally designed to preserve our heritage and WR WDNH DGYDQWDJH RI HQHUJ\ HIÂżFLHQFLHV  Our cities, towns and villages should have a welcoming ambience and provide excellent facilities for residents and visitors;  The services provided in both the public and private sectors should be of the highest order, VRPHWKLQJ RI ZKLFK DOO FLWL]HQV FDQ EH SURXG 7KHVH VHUYLFHV VKRXOG ÂżUVW RI DOO HPEUDFH RXU RZQ citizens so that when visitors come to our shores we do not have to make an extra effort, as it would EH QDWXUDO WR EH FLYLO FRXUWHRXV DQG KHOSIXO  There should be increased opportunities for our people in politics, public administration, EXVLQHVV FXOWXUH VSRUWV DQG WKH SURIHVVLRQV  Our economies should be transformed to generate high levels of growth which is reasonably
well distributed and able to meet the goals and DVSLUDWLRQV ZKLFK ZH KDYH VHW IRU RXUVHOYHV These things are possible and, like other countries before us, we will have to make the VDFUL¿FHV H[HUFLVH WKH GLVFLSOLQH DQG FKDQJH the culture to that of collective responsibility LQVWHDG RI LQGLYLGXDO VHOI DJJUDQGLVHPHQW The overriding question then becomes: As a collective, are we honestly and objectively prepared to move to a new and higher level which will ensure prosperity for our people at home and respect for our countries abroad LQ WKH LQWHUQDWLRQDO FRPPXQLW\ RI QDWLRQV" The major instruments which have been established to respond to the crisis and address our medium term restructuring programme have been: n 7KH QHZ DQG UHYLVHG 7UHDW\ RI %DVVHWHUUH ZKLFK established an Economic Union in the OECS; o The ECCU Eight Point Stabilisation and Growth Programme; and p A template for work programme coordination within the OECS and with regional DQG LQWHUQDWLRQDO ¿QDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV $GGLWLRQDOO\ LPSRUWDQW ¿QDQFLDO DQG RU WHFKQLFDO assistance has been provided by Canada, the United Kingdom, the People’s Republic of China, WKH 5HSXEOLF RI &KLQD 7DLZDQ %UD]LO 9HQH]XHOD DQG 7ULQLGDG DQG 7REDJR DQG IURP WKH ,0) WKH &'% DQG WKH :RUOG %DQN 7KH DVVLVWDQFH provided has been critical in driving public sector investments in our small island economies and has DOVR FRQWULEXWHG WR WKH UHJLRQœV IRUHLJQ UHVHUYHV ,Q DGGUHVVLQJ ZKDW QHHGV WR EH GRQH WKH ¿UVW RUGHU RI EXVLQHVV LV WR REWDLQ D EURDG SROLWLFDO and social consensus at both the national and &XUUHQF\ 8QLRQ OHYHOV RQ RXU JRDOV DQG REMHFWLYHV ,Q WKH HFRQRPLF VSKHUH WKH VWUDWHJ\ needs to be built around the following:  A short term stimulus package using external funds and geared to providing useful ZRUN DQG HPSOR\PHQW IRU FRPPXQLWLHV  A big push in the lead transformational sector, E\ GH¿QLWLRQ WRXULVP ZKLFK LV QHFHVVDU\ IRU WKH JURZWK SURJUDPPH WR VXFFHHG 7KLV will require considerable public and private LQYHVWPHQW IRU LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DQG KRWHO SODQW  The third element would be critical investments in the following areas:Transportation, Energy, The HQYLURQPHQW ,QIRUPDWLRQ 7HFKQRORJ\ (GXFDWLRQ 6NLOOV WUDLQLQJ DQG 5HVHDUFK DQG 'HYHORSPHQW  Fourthly, the active involvement of the populace in the development effort is critical in the years DKHDG 3RWHQWLDO DYHQXHV LQFOXGH LQYROYHPHQW LQ FRRSHUDWLYHV DQG LQYHVWPHQW FOXEV ,Q FRQFOXVLRQ LW ZRXOG EH IDLU WR VD\ WKDW ZH KDYH reached a turning point in the OECS and the currency union which requires a collective effort involving political and social consensus, technical expertise DQG PDQDJHULDO DQG DGPLQLVWUDWLYH FRPSHWHQFH A commitment to a programme of adjustment and change at the governmental, business and individual levels will help to JXDUDQWHH KRSH IRU WKLV DQG IXWXUH JHQHUDWLRQV For the full text and audio and video versions of the presentation, please check our website: http://www.eccb-centralbank.org
Friday, February 08, 2013
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Antigua focuses on reading during ‘Education Week 2013’ Our neighbor who have made overtures to Montserrat to join in certain activities towards better collaboration between the two islands, celebrated Education Week 2013 activities during this week, under the theme, ' Every Learner Achieves' On Tuesday, February 5 with a focus on reading, they conducted “The National Reading Day” which is an annual event to encourage reading by children. It was celebrated in schools all across Antigua and Barbuda. According to a release from the Education Ministry there,
Reading Day in Antigua
it says, “This literacy event is designed to help students develop or strengthen their literacy foundation and encourage them to not only become lifelong readers but also life long learners.” The Montserrat Reporteris issuing a call to the Montserrat Ministry of Education to move with haste and have similar events, as this is very badly needed on the island,
not just for children but also for the Acting Minister of Education Project which is expected to be everyone. also received an update on the completed by the last quarter of On reading day the release status of the new Public Library this year. says, “In his demonstration of support for the special focus on reading, the Acting Minister of Education, Senator Hon. Winston Williams Jr., paid a special visit to the Potters Primary School where he spent time reading with the Kindergarten class…” In related news, Senator Williams also paid a courtesy call on the Executive Secretary, Board of Education, Ms. D. Giselle Isaac. In addition to expressing his appreciation for the work of the Board,
Ministry of Health launches Lunch N’ Learn Montserrat joined the rest of the world and celebrated World Cancer Day this year 2013 on February 4 when the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it would promote, that “World Cancer Day is a chance to raise our collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease.” WHO recommended that the focus on the day will be on Target Five of the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer, under the tagline “Cancer - Did you know?”. Here in Montserrat the Health Unit of the the Ministry of Health & Social Services, joined the observance and launched what it called Lunch ‘N Learn sessions
for government employees, inviting the general public to attend. Hon. Minister Colin Riley told the gathering that the “topic today at this gathering to commemorate World Cancer Day 2013 is one that is of interest to me and fellow Montserratians.By now I believe every Montserratian family has had to deal with cancer in some form or fashion,” what Ag. Chief Medical Officer Dr. KrishnamurphyGopal in a report earlier this year spoke about cancer as it related to Montserrat. Dr. Gopalsaid: “It is a significant disease that Montserrat should more aware about.” Minister Riley followed upcalled on residents, to take responsibility with their own health, he said raising the awareness level would no
doubt encourage prevention, detection and treatment of the dreaded disease. “With that level of seriousness I its important for us to approach this disease which comes in many forms with a level of consistency which comes with looking after ourselves
better.” Dr Owen, Chief Medical Officer at the said launch confirms, “We get about fifty deaths a year here in Montserrat, of which I think probably between about ten to fifteen are cancer related,” noting that “breast cancer,
prostate cancer are rather more common,” as against colon cancer which is a relatively small among the numbers, but, “it is a major cause of both death and illness.” The CMO however noted that there has been
an increasing focus on noncommunicable disease because there is a recognition that,“non-communicable disease primarily hypertension and diabetes are the things that we really do need to pay attention”
Conservation programme cont’d. from page 5
roots conservation solugathering about the pro- tions. gramme, which will run for The volunteers pay to three years. work for the organisation Cole explained that Coral Cay is self-funding and has been able to maintain its projects around the world through a successful ‘citizen science’ approach by using international volunteers to help collect the scientific data needed to develop and implement effective grass-
directly from our conservation efforts. We rely on a ‘bottom-up’ approach to conservation, with the belief that the only way to successfully preserve endangered ecosystems is by involving the local custodians throughout the process,” Cole said.
Governor Adrian Davis
for between two weeks to six months on expeditions, which in turn allows for CCC to offer scholarships to local residents to learn about coral reef conservation. The Royal Society for the “We are committed to in- Protection of Birds (RSPB) volving local stakeholders which has been working in so that the communities Montserrat for many years we work with can benefit will be partnering on the
A Tribute to Winston Derrick...cont’d. from page 7 emphasizing to me repeatedly, the importance of meeting deadlines. “Organize the information to help people and add social interest that will satisfy our listeners, but be as accurate as you can, and remember don’t leave out the politics,” he would say. But in the same breath he remarked, “But you are the news expert, so let me back off and give you room to do your job.” Right then and there I knew he was giving me the freedom to be myself and to soar and perform with excellence, giving the daily news gravitas and delivering breaking news with style and appealing savvy. “The Boss” possessed the acumen and personality that expanded the reach of my craft. He was a prompter of higher pursuits. While he entrusted the entire news operations of the radio station into my hands, he remained deaf to moving
his sense of compassion and justice away from the “voice of the people.” Forceful you say? No! Determined and absolute in his resolute! Winston knows what it’s like to drown oneself in a sacrificial vision. Caught in a metaphorical predicament, where not everyone shared his enthusiasm for press freedom, especially the keepers of officialdom, Winston kept going like the energizer bunny even when the lights were dim. With no media experience and zero support from the political directorate, Winston made the tedious journey from a faxed newsletter, to a Daily Observer newspaper, then onwards to the UK Privy Council. It then morphed into a media group compromising the online “antiguaobserver.com” Website, the Observer Printery, Observer Radio 91.1 FM and Hitz 91.9 FM. Don’t irritate “the Boss” with trivialities; you may get some crude
syllables released with immense emotions. He had a laughter that was catching. We all consumed it. There were days of incomprehensible silence and others of peering into the gloom. I recall moments we shared brimming with excitement. He was sometimes defensive and other times angry. But from an unknown infinite place, he would step into a mode of benevolence. “How's your grandmother in Montserrat doing?” he would ask. “Do you need time to go see her?” I would then say “Boss, I don’t have any more vacation time.“ He would quickly reply: “Don't worry about that man....if you need to go......just go….I will tell HR that I gave you the time.” Beyond Antigua and Barbuda, Winston was a Caribbean maverick. Whether you are an ordinary person on the street, a curious student, a hard-working professional or a kind
parent, you simply cannot measure the contribution of Winston and his brother Samuel “Fergie” Derrick to the Caribbean landscape. In fact, one of his unfinished dreams was to establish Observer Those of us left here to honor his life’s labor; I challenge us to erect the “WINSTON DERRICK JOURNALISM FOUNDATION” that epitomizes social advocacy, press freedom and mentorship of young journalists. In this single act, we may capture anew his eagle soul. Let Winston become our media icon, shining with the crown jewel of global value. May the “BIG ISSUES” evoke freedom, interdependency, investigative and courageous thriving. In whatever form we choose to celebrate the legacy of Winston Derrick, I do not want his soul to rest in peace. I would prefer his spirit to agitate us, inspire us and probe us
to “HAVE YOUR SAY.” And even more, to dance to the mandate of justice, the power of truth, and the scope of love. To the Derrick family, especially his wife Kim and his children, and to my dear brothers and sisters at the Observer Media Group family, I pray that the radius of Winston’s influence continue to penetrate your lives with confidence and faith. Take my deepest condolences and roll them up in a ball of inspiration! Let the Daily Observer light shine ever brighter and may Winston Derrick continue to speak into the microphone of our souls through the "VOICE OF THE PEOPLE." Chelston Lee is a Strategic PR & Political Communications Consultant and Media Relations Adviser. Mr. Lee has a Masters Degree from the University of North London and has worked as a Communications
Consultant for the United Nations, a reporter for the BBC in London, PR consultant to the World Bank in Washington DC and manager of several radio and television newsrooms across the region. He is a member of the US National Association of Black Journalists, the Public Relations Society of New York and the Association of Caribbean Media Workers.
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Friday, February 08, 2013
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Geothermal excitement & suspicions cont’d. from front page reportedly from Iceland on the morning of Friday, Feb. 4. The docking eventually took place when local expertise sprang into action and offloading took place over the next two days. Early today, Friday, Feb. 11 the ship returned from Dominica, this time laden reportedly with the drilling rig from Dominica that Premier Meade in December, 2011 had said that drilling operations should be timed, “so that at the back end of the Dominica drill operations that we can get that drill rig into Montserrat.” The latest question being asked about drilling operations comes over the suspicions over the tender document and the contract signed by IDC for US$6.3 million which claims are
being made that the sum has had to be increased to over US$8 million. Members of the seeming defunct Energy Committee who claim to have been side-lined since the approval of the funds totalling eight and a half (8.5) million pounds, are seeking to have access to the documents involved. Two drilling rig platforms only yards apart have been completed in the Exclusion Zone at lower Weekes next to the Cork Hill main road ín preparation for the exploration and drilling the production wells. Following this, PWD and private workers have been engaged in leveling and compacting the sites around the wells and platform as well as simultaneously erecting the parameter fencing for security purposes.
Over 62 containers of drilling rig equipment offloaded Feb 8``
Police carry out drug seizures, boat seizures, arrests
cont’d from page 3 origin were apprehended under the authority of the Immigration Act. The following days, an extensive joint RMPS Criminal Investigation Department, RMPS Marine Department, RMPS Financial Crimes Unit, and Customs & Revenue Service (MCRS) coordinated enforcement action which included a ground and sea search of the shoreline south
of the Volcano in exclusion zone V, plus Foxes Bay, Old Road Bay, and Isles bay. On January 30, the RMPS completed the ‘operation insertion’ into the exclusion zone resulting in the recovery of two separate burial sites which yielded the seizure of approximately 65 kilos of cocaine, having an estimated approximate street value of over three million dollars. The suspected nar-
Nicholas, Elroy Gussie, Ackmel St. Jean of Dominica, and Juan Vasquez of Venezuela were subsequently charged with the drug possession and importation. The accused persons appeared in Court on Friday, February 1, and remanded into further custody. Since then, the police on February 1, in the late evening, responded to a vessel that had run aground near Bottomless Ghaut. Three persons from Antigua were held in custody. Although the circumstances of the vessel’s arrival to Montserrat appeared suspicious, they were not found to have contravened any cotics were transferred out laws, and arrangements were made to assist of Montserrat immediately with their departure back to Antigua. for safe storage and forensic examination. The Unites States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) arrived on Island last week to assist with the post-investigation logistics and international intelligence coordination. Security at the Police Headquarters has been heightened. Derrick
The following day, in the early morning, the RMPS received a report of a vessel in distress approximately 4 miles off the coast of Montserrat. The Police Vessel Shamrock responded, other vessels arrived to assist, but the vessel in distress marked with the name “God”, was towed to Port due to engine failure…” The Deputy Commissioner while praising the Service says they are continuing their efforts to limit the incidence of crime and especially drug operations in and around the island. To this end the RMPS is beefing up their call for security measures to be improved.
Above: One of the large bundles of packages recovered in the exclusion zone - suspected of being cocaine - courtesy RMPS. (left) TMR photos of the seised boat