The Montserrat Reporter- 21 december 2012

Friday, December 21, 2012

Vol. XXVII No. 30

CHRISTMAS EDITION - 2012

Page g 1 Today’s Scripture

Price $2.00

[Mary] wrapped [the baby] in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

-Luke 2:7 (NIV)

Alric Taylor sworn in as new Deputy Governor

Alrick C. E. Taylor, on September 28, 2012 was announced as the new Deputy Governor to replace Mrs. Sarita Francis who demitted office of the end of October. Mr. Jim Taylor, as he is more affectionately known was due to take office early in November and was sworn in to the honourable post at the Montserrat Cultural Center on November 21, 2012.

Both the Governor and the

new Deputy in their respective addresses spoke on what they considered to be the main focus of his responsibilities, following Taylor’s swearing on oath his allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and her subjects.

In his opening the Governor after congratulating Taylor immediately addressed what was the theme of both their addresses, the subject of public service reform, competence and

efficiency. Mr. Davis began by expressing the desire, ‘looking forward to working with Mr. Taylor especially on the agenda of public sector reform.’ He referred to the government’s vision to have a situation where 50% of the growth domestic progarth will be provided by the private sector by 2020. This he said is a clear vision which we’re working towards: “…it’s a clear vision and it’s a clear

long term outburst and focus goal which I think should provide within the public service the sense of ambition and the sense of direction…I think that the competences we want to see in the Public Sector are excellent leadership at all levels which imparts a feeling of direction, ambition, and urgency and focuses on what matters most.”

cont’d. on page 3

More Headlines...

Flashbacks start on page 2

Police Harassment letter...pg 4 Donaldson Romeo Christmas message...pg 5 Festival 50 gets underway...pgs 8 & 9 More flashbacks...pgs 10 & 11 Kids’ Korner...pg 12 Financial Workshop to make partners...pg 13 Obituary - Mary White...pg 14

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Friday, December 21, 2012

FLASHBACKS Incident of arrest at drummonds One Sergeant charged in the ongoleaves two police offiers off-duty ing police misconduct investigation

Tw o s e n i o r r a n k ing police officers of the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) are suspended, one on suspension and the more senior on compulsory leave pending further investigation into alleged misconduct.

According to a release from Government House the Governor’s actions arose out of the conduct of, “an extensive internal investigation into allegations of police misconduct during and following the arrests of George Leonard and George Farrell on the morning of 17th December 2011 at Drummonds.”

Other informed and reliable sources have in-

formed that the alleged misconduct continued in the vicinity of Police Headquarters at Brades, where other senior officers had to restrain one of the officers.

The release informed that, “The Governor has decided that in addition to the very comprehensive internal investigation undertaken to date, he should activate the provisions of a co-operation agreement on reciprocal law enforcement assistance between the Caribbean Overseas Territories.”

As a result beginning early next week law enforcement officers from the Bermuda and Cayman police services to come to

Montserrat to assist in the on-going investigation under the command and direction of Deputy Commissioner Paul Morris.

Following this they will, “present their findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions through the Governor.”

Other credible and informed sources have also revealed that there may be more action and probably criminal charges brought against others who have been implicated in alleged wrong doing in connection with the incident.

The Governor has undertaken to. ”keep the general public informed of relevant developments as they occur.

TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2012 LEGAL NOTICE In the Estate RUPERT OLIVER 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 RUPERT OLIVER who died on the 25th.February 2001 be granted to HOWARD FERGUS Executor 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 17th day of December, 2012 Hogarth Sergeant Solicitor for the Applicant

The Management & Staff of

KARISHMA’S

would like to thank their customers for their patronage in 2012 Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Reports and sources have indicated that Sgt. Ottley Laborde of the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) will face charges of wounding, assault occasioning bodily harm, disorderly conduct and threatening language. These charges arise out of the incident previously reported where H. E. Governor Adrian Davis initiated a full scale investigation in police misconduct.

There were two officers who were immediately suspended and put on compulsory leave following internal police inves-

tigations into alleged abuse of George Leonard and George Farrell on the morning of December 17, 2011 at Drummonds, following their arrests by the police.

The Governor ordered the matter fully investigated and invoked arrangements between the Overseas Te r r i t o r i e s w h e r e b y Montserrat can call on the assistance of other OT police services.

Six (6) police officers from the Bermuda and Cayman Islands Royal Police Services arrived on Monday last week and the charges were reportedly as

a direct result of the further investigations, which the Governor said were also ordered to ensure ‘transparency.’

One other officer Superintendent Charles Thompson remains on leave as the investigations are said to be continuing. And last week the Governor had indicated that it was possible that there could be other persons implicated in matters arising out of the Drummonds arrest incident. Reports indicated also that civilians had in ways conducted themselves inappropriately.

TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2012 LEGAL NOTICE In the Estate MILICENT LINDSEY 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 to the estate of MILLICENT LINDSEY who died on the 22nd. March 1996 be granted to MARY LINDSEY daughter 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 17th day of December, 2012 Hogarth Sergeant Solicitor for the Applicant

Emerald Sports and Games wishes to thank its valued customers for their suppor t in 2012. We look forward to serving you in the upcoming year.

Have a joyous Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year The Management and Staff

Friday, December 21, 2012

Page g 3

new Deputy Governor cont’d. from page 1

cont’d. from page 1 Mr. Taylor in his brief response after acknowledging the support he had and revealing that indeed he was a late entrant in applying for the post, admitted that it was done on suggestion from others. “…my family, my friends, my neighbors, and all the many persons here at home and abroad who behind the scene encourage me into applying for this job,” he revealed, adding that he was referred to as Deputy Governor even before he was selected.

He added: “after hearing of my success they called to extend their kindness, warm congratulations and to offer expressions of confidence…”

He spoke on his main focus, which would be on improving and protecting the values of the public service. “Todays swearing in ceremony is a deliberately symbolic occasion, the intention which is to give a physical presence to what is essentially the solemn commitment which I have taken before you, to seek to improve the public service and to uphold high standards of probity and good governance, as well as my promise to protect the values of the public service,” he said.

The new Deputy Governor is a retired career public servant served as a Permanent Secretary in two ministries, as Montserrat Secondary school principal and later serving in a

consultancy capacity in coor- was speaker of the Legislature and after.

The event concluded following the brief ceremony with cocktail and light refreshments. dinating late discussions and Upon reading about his appointment as Deputy Governor, one of the comments posted under collating responses on the 2010 the story online at www.themontserratreporter.com stated: “May your contribution to the welfare Constitution, and Advisor to the of Montserrat be progressive!”

Constitution and Commissions Secretariat.

The swearing in ceremony was held in the presence of a small and mixed audience with a head table that included his wife Genevieve, H E Governor Davis and his wife Sujue, and Fr. Carlysle Vyphius, who opened the ceremony with prayers.

The audience included some of his children, Mrs. Camille Gerald who sang a national and song accompanied, by Cecil Cepeke Lake, members of the Legislative Assembly, Sir Howard Fergus for many years, former deputy governor and acting governor, while he

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Friday, December 21, 2012

Letters/Opinion

EDITORIAL The very best wishes for Christmas and Festival, lessons can be learnt Montserrat celebrates at this time its 50th year of Festival, a festival that is sometimes called carnival, which is perhaps different because it is celebrated at Christmas time which we know is the time a ‘Christian’ country like celebrates the birth of Christ.

Over these many years, there are two events that feature along with the masquerades, troupes and cultural events and other culture activities.

These two are the calypso and beauty shows in various forms, competition and otherwise.

The calypso shows often draw the biggest crowd and one of the reason for this is possibly because of the very origin of calypso. Generally it is accepted as an art form for social commentary or celebration, or both; said to have been sung by slaves, singing often extemporaneously, using satire, poking fun at those in authority and trading insults.

Often the social commentary or even, the satirical or the poking fun or trading of insults have landed some calypsonians having to defend their meanings and intentions. Politicians are usually the perpetrators of the complaints.

This year the state of the nation or the mood and feelings of its people can always be seen through the eyes of these calypsonians, journalists, writers, commentators and preachers who reach the eyes, ears and minds of the people. De Bear, Cupid, Kenzie and others have chosen themes for their calypsos not for the first time, this year addressing some ills or unacceptable situations of the country, some of which are becoming or are already untenable.

King Kenzie is a returning calypsonian, lives in the UK, and he sings: “If you expect this island to rise, we got to change this grudgeness and selfish minds; we got to clean up our acts and change our minds, if we expect this land to move on we need to love and accept our own, these are some words of reality…”

Meanwhile DeBear highlights some ills, noting the selfish minds. Cupid asks some questions in search for answers. The Premier speaks to the issue often and was very direct in October while speaking to some business people and members of the Small Business Association. “We as Montserratians don’t support one another, if you start a business and you are doing well it will be Montserratians who will kill your business; we tend to support others and we don’t support ourselves… until we change that attitude Montserrat is doomed to absolute failure…” he said.

He concluded the familiar words and said: “…so let us all work together as a group of people who love Montserrat, want to see Montserrat prosper and grow, start collaborating with one another to ensure that you can help your neighbors business to flourish, because when that happens your business will also flourish.”

The Premier is not unaware of the perpetrators. In fact he is very close to many of them, even if he himself or any of his close alliances do not think themselves guilty. Inaction when there is awareness, or cronyism in hard economic times do nothing but worsen the problems. We should note that there are really two terms, grudgingness and selfishness and both lead to corruption and cronyism is nothing less than corruption.

When calypsonians speak they do so often for the ordinary man and those without the voices that get heard. In Montserrat, they are succeeding to make the voices more silent by starving them from the resources and information they need to develop and support active civil societies.

So much fear is instilled in even the public service that apathy grows more and more.

But with the calypsonians taking to song, we try to draw attention to the seriousness of their words in song, satire, fun, insults or otherwise.

We then wish that the festivities be enjoyable nonetheless as much as they may not be as meaningful as few would expect. That is based on factors which will become evident in time. We hope that lessons will be learnt, because the number of visitors may not be as now, but the fact is it can be.

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

Police Harassment

4th December 2012 Irnran James Baker Hill Email: sly.guy.17@hotmail.com Hon Premier Mr. Reuben Meade Office of the Premier Government Headquarters Brades Montserrat.

Dear Sir, I am writing this letter to you to report that I am tired of being harassed and abused by the Police Officers of the Royal Montserrat Police Service mostly every night.

I am being searched and during that time I am getting bad treatment, including slammed to the ground, hand cuffed and being carried to the station where I am locked up. Every time they search me they have found nothing on me, nor did I commit any crime.

My human rights are being violated too many times. The last time the police searched me, I was beaten and slapped to the face. I do not think that is right. As such I am asking you to please look into this matter as I feel something needs to be done about this corruption.

Sincerely Imran James Cc: Hon Members of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly Bcc: Montserrat Reporter and Radio Montserrat

Season’s Greetings from Montserrat Printing & Publishing, Inc. and The Montserrat Reporter Our Scripture Verse Today A Child Is Born [Mary] wrapped [the baby] in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. -Luke 2:7 (NIV) IN an overcrowded train, dark and dirty beyond imagination, lay a woman in labor. Since I am a medical professional, I could help. I managed to reach the woman. In a moment of silence, I prayed for help and guidance in what seemed an impossible situation.

The baby was in breech; the mother was young and frail. The space around me was almost too small for me to move in it. But in a few minutes, a baby was born. What a joy! Everyone in the coach chanted with joy in the African manner of celebrating the birth of a child.

On the night when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Mary “wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room in the inn.” When Jesus was born, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angels to praise God. The birth of this child was good news for the whole world.

Christmas invites us to let Jesus be born in our lives. Then every day God will give us life, joy, and peace.

Charlotte Mande Kasongo-Lenge (Cape Town, South Africa) Prayer: Thank you, God, for the life of your son and our king, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Immanuel, for the joy and peace you give us. Amen.

Friday, December 21, 2012

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Donaldson Romeo, Opposition Leader Let us reason together, let us set things right, and let us build our common future together Email:

romeod@gov.ms

Merry Christmas

As we look at the Christmas Season, and as we gather at home, it is good that we can touch base with family and friends, and to reach out to one another. Especially because there are so many of us at home together at this time we need to reflect together on steps to build a better tomorrow for our common home, Montserrat. The matter cannot wait.

I therefore ask for a few minutes of your time.

Over the past year we have seen a series of very unusual events that should cause us much concern: gruesome murders, a fatal plane crash and near fatal landing incident, very controversial outcomes of court hearings; plus, the very recent attack on our court buildings. At a time when Montserrat is being promoted as a peaceful and tranquil destination it is bad enough that all of these unusual and shocking incidents are taking place but what is worse is that it appears that little is being done to properly explain or remedy the various ills. We must remember that “justice must be done, and it must be seen to be done,” and the people must be involved in order to play their part in putting things right.

On top of this, after 17 long hard years of volcano crisis, more and more pressure is being placed on an already small, overburdened and heavily taxed and “tariffed” workforce. With no increase in salary to cope with the ever increasing cost of living, recent years have been particularly hard. And, if those who have stable jobs have been struggling from day to day, week to week and month to month, just imagine what the unemployed, the under-employed, the underpaid and those living on small and fixed pensions are feeling. One can only imagine the plight of the struggling single mother, the elderly and vulnerable.

Can you imagine a single mother earning under $1,000.00 per month and having to feed, clothe one or two never mind three school going children? Can you imagine for instance a person still considered a non-established worker after being employed by the Government of Montserrat for 18 years, and earning less than $2,000.00 per month, a mere $1,600 plus dollars after tax and social security is deducted. That non-established worker has not seen a pay raise since 2002, ten years ago under the late John Osborne’s government. In those ten years the cost of living has skyrocketed: cooking gas is very high, electricity with its huge surcharge is probably the highest in the region, not to mention the ever increasing cost of food and other basic needs.

Going even further, the plight of the private sector on Montserrat is like that of a man bitten by a poisonous snake.

He rushes to the doctor to save his life. But, the doctor tells him that what he needs to do is to exercise and eat right, even as he gets sicker and sicker. Exercise and proper diet is good but when a man is bitten by a poisonous snake what he needs is medicine to kill the poison. Right away, not in a year’s time.

And not after seventeen years.

Now, I wish the MDC well in its efforts to creating and encouraging an enabling environment in which the private sector can be revived.

It is obvious, however, that until we have a proper sea port in place and our expensive and troubling air access is put right, cutting jobs disguised as “outsourcing” as well as increases in taxes and fees will only make matters worse. Seeking to attract investors to invest in a new town, expensive villas and other areas before having a firm commitment on a proper port makes little sense and is much like putting the cart before the horse. Even DfID and GoM are admitting this and both agree that until our air

and sea access is put right all investments may go no where.

So, why are we rushing into outsourcing bus, cleaning and school lunch services and raising taxes in an already half-dead economy? Why is our government forcing non-established bus drivers and cleaners into uncertainty about their future?

Neither economic justification or explanation as to whether the outsourcing will cost or save the GoM money has been provided.

It is clear that our government has not done their Maths and parents or even the private sector may be the ones to feel the heat later on.

Why also has our government chosen to raise revenue by increased charges on essential imported goods like food, televisions or even pampers for the elderly? I guess these only makes sense if Cupid is right about the Government’s plan is to outsource the whole of Montserrat.

While we are at it, we must ensure that the ongoing exploration and development of Geothermal energy is managed in the interests of the nation and its long-term development. For instance, how is the Geothermal energy Unit going to be set up and what sort of regulatory powers will the Unit have under law? Who, we must ask, is going to own and benefit most from Geothermal power?

So the promise of millions of dollars to be spent next year on a geothermal plant, hospital and port project may bring excitement. But we must make sure that it is not mainly the few who benefit, while the vast majority continue to struggle. And, in rebuilding the country, we must take positive steps to bring home many of our exiled people: especially the fresh, energized and well-educated young people who are full of ideas that can make a great difference.

As our national vision says, to have a healthy economy we need to have a stable, safe and democratic society with economic opportunity for all: national, non-national, black, white, civil servant, private sector, old, young, rich and poor.

This means that concerns about policing and the justice system need to be addressed for the good of both the police and the people. Concerns about air travel – especially safety -- must be respected and properly addressed. Also, we must not neglect the poor, the underemployed with small salaries or pensions who are vulnerable and hurting.

So, as we move forward in a new year with bright promises about multimillion dollar port, new town, geothermal and air access projects, let us make sure that the things we need to build up our whole society are put in place.

Wishing you peace, love, and joy this Holiday Season and a Prosperous 2013.

Management & Staff

Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

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Friday, December 21, 2012

Season’s Greetings The Management and Staff of

Ashok’s Supermarket

wish to thank their customers for their patronage in 2012 and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year K! SO I H AS

Ashok’s - the most convenient one-stop shopping centre

May the Peace and Joy of the Holiday Season be with you throughout the coming year

Friday, December 21, 2012

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FLASHBACKS No confidence in Premier Meade

No confidence in Premier Meade June 22, 2012

By Bennette Roach There were little or no expressions of surprise at the announcement by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition Donaldson Romeo of the Legislative Assembly, on Thursday, June 14, 2012 that he would file a motion of No Confidence in the administration of the Honourable Premier Reuben Meade. While filing the motion, later updated on June 19, the opposition leader who prior had been speaking out against the Premier accusing him of “one mannism” in his decision making on government matters, called

for public support in light of the several decisions he said that “may have negative implications for both the political and economic future of Montserrat.”

In a statement to the press, Mr. Romeo said “recent controversial import tariff increases, the MoU signed with the FCO and the Premier’s May 30 declaration in Ecuador that Montserrat is no longer a colonised country all reflect a pattern of government decisions made behind closed doors, without adequate consultation with the people who have to live with the results of such decisions.”

The opposition leader said Premier Meade’s actions are counter to his party’s 2009 election manifesto

which “promised to move beyond “one-manism,” and said that it would facilitate “community level consultations as the preferred means of involving the citizens in decision-making and governance on all matters affecting their lives.”

Mr. Romeo also challenged the June 1 introduction of a new Customs Tariff which he says is “riddled with problems that need to be fixed, such as the rises in tax on medicines like Insulin for diabetics and antibiotics for people with bacterial infections.”

The revised tariff abolished the service tax, leaving only duty and a consumption tax on over 6000 items. The most commonly used items by the lower

income groups were to attract a lower banding while luxury items such as some electronic goods attracted a higher banding, according to a release from the Ministry of Finance. However, the Honourable Opposition Leader said “chicken, school exercise books and cement are necessities, not luxuries.”

Premier Meade said last week on The People’s Show on ZJB radio prior to the announcement, that the new tariff was a work in progress and people with their concerns should forward them to the government. Since the motion was filed no one has heard any further utterances from Premier Meade.

Romeo pointed out that “this attempt to fix the problem after the fact simply tells us that Mr. Meade failed to adequately consult with stakeholders before releasing the 90-page tariff.

And while we are already feeling the pinch of the new tariffs, taking Montserrat off the list of overseas territories that the UK has to report to the UN year by

cont’d. on page 10

SECTION 34

TERRITORY OF MONTSERRAT HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE A.D. 2012 LEGAL NOTICE

LOST LAND CERTIFICATES

In the Estate CATHERINE MELVINA JOHN, deceased

It is notified for general information that Land Certificates in respect of the following persons have been reported lost:-

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 Grant of Probate to the estate of CATHERINE MELVINA JOHN who died on the 24th. February 1997 be granted to ALFEE ELFREDA GALLAWAY aka ALPHAGE ELFREDA GALLOWAY the Executrix named in the Will of the said CATHERINE MELVINA JOHN.

REGISTERED LAND ACT

NAME

REG. SECTION/REFERENCE DATE ISSUED

James Wilston Allen, Administrator of the Estate of Simon Allen, deceased

St. Peter’s 13/13/058

February 16, 1998

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

Unless any objections are received within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice, replacement certificates will be issued.

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 13th day of December, 2012.

Dated this 10th day of December, 2012

Oscar Ramjeet Registrar of Lands (Ag)

Wishing all our valued customers and friends a heartfelt Christmas Season and a Prosperous and Bright 2013. from the Management and Staff Angelo’s Supermarket

Hogarth Sergeant Solicitor for the Applicant

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Friday, December 21, 2012

Festival 50 officially on the way Festival 50 for some people began the night of the Calypso Eliminations when some 32 calypsonians vied to reach the semi-finals putting them one step closer to the prize of EC$ 15,000 and the crown. But officially, Montserrat Festival 50 opened on Saturday evening with some flair and even fireworks.

The festival opened by declaration of the Honourable Deputy Premier Charles Kirnon who led prayers and encouraged everyone to enjoy the two weeks of shows and cultural activities but to be safe and to remember that Jesus remained the reason for the season.

The festivities included music from the Jubilee Choir, the Jubilee Dancers and the Jubilee Steel Orchestra, all three were created for the occasion and to celebrate the festival.

AS the GIU reported, “The highlight of the twohour opening was the debut of a six-member female masquerade group. Historically, Montserrat’s masquerade was performed by men and sometimes included one female as the queen.”

The audience reacted well to this, followed later by almost 30 male masqueraders, most under the age of 15. The Emerald Shamiole Masquerades has been working for the past eight years to teach the art form to the island’s children. They have now performed around the region, US and Europe.

Reigning Soca Monarch Rondell and veteran calypsonian Drago, provided appearances while the participants in the Miss Montserrat Queen Pageant, the Sunrise Productions Teen Pageant and the St. John’s Action Group’s Princess Show made appearances on the brand new stage purchased for this year’s celebrations.

As an introduction to the improvement of failed jump ups in recents years, the event was followed by a Jump Up, welcomed by the youngsters and even children.

So far hosts for the events, ZJB’s popular radio host Basil Chambers, (Bacchanal) Joe West and Richard Aspin who hosted Night of Pan, which took place on

Monday night. It was great with the children and the Volpanics, with the highlight being special guest performance provided by the champion Hells Gate steel orchestra from Antigua-Barbuda, returning once again despite the pouring rain experience of last year, which washed out their show.

There have been several day-time activities, while the news that just over 1200 visitors had made it to Montserrat up to the opening weekend.

One such activity, Market Day, along with the MDC and Premier’s office tour promotions of developments in Montserrat designed to interest outside investment especially from the Diaspora.

Meanwhile, seven calypsonians have secured a spot in the calypso finals Tuesday night following the postponement from Friday last week, semi-final round.

They are Cupid, AJ, Candy, Warder, Andy, Natty, Kenzie, Rakatan, Barry J, Tabu and Iceman. They are now on one final show to walking away with the winner’s prize of fifteen thousand dollars

($15,000). They will have to compete against the reigning calypso monarch Garnet Silk Thompson on December 30, for the crown.

Wednesday night saw the least attended show

date, but acclaimed to be the best yet. This was the Junior Calypsonians Review show hosted and prepared by popular reigning Antigua calypso Monarch, Montserratian Keithroy "De Bear"

Morson. He showed the progress achieved thus far in his effort to get a music school for the children with stress on the Montserrat cultural art forms.

On our way to press will take place the Sunrise production Teen Pageant at Festival City, followed by the Black-

Ice production at the Cultural Centre featuring in addition to local some overseas artists, hosted and promoted by international artist Montserrat’s Kulcha Don. All signalling that the Montserrat Festival 50 show and celebration is well underway.

To every member of the St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union Ltd. The Board, Management and Staff extends joyous Christmas Greetings.

Our wish for the New Year for every member is the attainment of your dreams. Our commitment for the New Year is being with you every step of the way.

Merry Christmas

Friday, December 21, 2012

Page g 9

Season’s Greetings Wishing you all the love, peace and joy the season has to offer.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Directors & Staff The Montserrat Tourist Board

Page 10

Friday, December 21, 2012

International regulations FLASHBACKS threatening Caribbean Creating the right climate for investfinancial services sector ment - not the highest frieght rates Caribbean 360 ST JOHN'S, Antigua, Thursday, November 8, 2012 – The region has been struggling to keep up with evolving international regulations at the high cost of undermining its international financial services sector.

At the second meeting of the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Conference on the International Financial Services Sector in the Caribbean Region, held October 30 to 31 in Antigua, Baldwin Spencer, the Antiguan prime minister, said that while the Caribbean has been committed to developing financial services in a "responsible manner and investing in their good supervision and regulation", developed countries are the ones that have dropped the "regulatory ball", to devastating effect on the rest of the world.

Professor Avinash Persaud, an international expert on the financial services sector and chairman of the London Business School, told the IPS that the financial sector "is really quite significant" in Caribbean economies.

"They represent a major part of tax revenues. Over the past 10 years they have come under tremendous pressure by the larger economies" such as those of London, Zurich, and New York, which are under fiscal pressure themselves with little or no tax revenues and which now want to compete with Caribbean financial centres.

"They are trying to establish a set of global rules which they decide themselves and then impose on us," said Persaud. "Then they judge whether we are fitting with those rules or not. Judge and jury. It is really ad hoc and it is really designed to close down the international financial centres coming from the Caribbean. It is certainly not a level playing field."

Ivan Ogando Lora, the direc-

tor general of CARIFORUM, which financial institutions such as retail is comprised of the 15-member and commercial banks as well as Caribbean Community (CARICOM) investment banks, securities and bloc and the Dominican Republic, brokerage firms, private banks and said recent recommendations by the wealth management firms that do Financial Action Task Force (FATF) business in the United States. Any regarding international standards institution doing business with US for combating money laundering and individuals and entities would have financing of terrorism, will also now to immediately adopt procedures, pose new problems for the region. processes and systems necessary "Compliance to international for FATCA compliance. standards now seems to be the order Persaud said that this latest of the day and Caribbean jurisdictions strategy underscores the struggle have been making strides in this facing the Caribbean in recent regard," he said, noting however, years. despite the efforts, that Caribbean "They have essentially moved countries "continue to attract nega- land and water to try and comply tive attention". with the new rules and when they do CARICOM countries have al- so, the rules then change again and ready developed a final draft of a the costs are extremely burdensome.

Financial Services Agreement that if The cost for the Caribbean financial approved by mid-2013 would create centre complying with international a single financial space with common rules is ten times as the per cent of legislation, regulations, administra- GDP as the cost of the larger rich tive procedures and practices and countries complying with the rules will also provide for cross border they have set. supervision and harmonisation of "The problem is we can't standards. abandon the sector because it is an The United States, which important sector," he said, urging the has complained in the past of its Caribbean "to fight a better fight". wealthy citizens using the Caribbean With reporting by the IPS. to escape paying taxes, has itself Read more: http://www.caribintroduced a range of changes to bean360.com/business/632001. its financial regulatory environment html#ixzz2CJjyr4gj that regional stakeholders fear could also undermine the financial services sector within CARIFORUM. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), for example, would require US tax authorities to levy a 30 percent withholding tax on both foreign and non-financial foreign institutions where new reporting requirements Professor Avinash Persaud, an international expert on the financial services sector and chairman have not been met.

The requirements of the London Business School. (Credit: socialistsanddemocrats.edu) would affect traditional

Dear Mr. Editor, Please allow me some space to discuss an issue which is of great importance to both the Public and Private Sector. Our combined efforts are necessary if we are to reactivate our dormant economy.

With the worldwide economy so bad and with Montserrat caught up in the mix, some of us feel strongly that we should do all we could to assist in growing Montserrat’s economy. The projection of a 4% growth this year cannot be achieved except we all pull our weight-Public and Private sector alike.

We need to create the right climate for investment, trade and the expansion of our tourism sector. One very important ingredient in all this is Access. A big part in this would be the acquisition of a suitable ferry capable of carrying customers in comfort as well as adequately bringing the freight between Antigua and Montserrat.

At the present time very little freight from Antigua to Montserrat is brought by the ferry. The main function of the ferry has been to transport passengers to and from Antigua.

So why doesn’t the ferry bring freight or even all the freight between Antigua and Montserrat? Is it because the current ferry was not designed to bring freight? Well, if that is so, that should be corrected now. We understand a new ferry is being built for Montserrat. It would be smart for the design to take into account our

freight requirements.

But that would only be part of the equation. The ferry must also have competitive rates. The prohibitive rates that existed for some time resulted in almost total rejection of using the ferry for freight.

Complaints about the inability of the private sector to take advantage of the ferry to get its cargo moved, resulted in a recent review of the rates.

The new rate is EC$0.25 per pound or EC $15.00 per cu.ft whichever is greater. So what does this change mean?

The reduction from $ 0.50 to $0.25 means that it’s cheaper than before but still higher than any other carrier. It also means that if the ferry got any revenue at all from freight that this would now be reduced by at least half. Traders would only use the ferry if it were an emergency!

What however is dramatically worse is the increase from EC$5 per cu.ft to EC$15.00 per cu. ft. Absolute madness! No one in their right mind would now use the ferry to bring their cargo.

A little research would reveal the following:Rate per cu.ft. Miami - Montserrat US$3.80 (EC$10.32) Rate per cu.ft. St Martin - Montserrat US $2.50 (EC$6.79) Rate per cu.ft. Antigua – Montserrat US $1.56(EC$4.25) Rate per cu.ft. Ferry – Antigua – Montserrat US$5.52(EC$15.00) A little more research reveals that they arrived at their

per-pound figure of EC$0.25 by working it backwards from the cubic ft. rate of EC$15 thus compounding the madness.

The above figures speak for themselves. Montserrat has no interest in earning any revenue from freight on the ferry! We would be satisfied with whatever we can get by carrying passengers even if we have to heavily subsidize the operation!

What a path to economic recovery!

But no, we can’t allow things like this to happen!

Whatever we do should always be in our best interest. Any and everything we do should be a net benefit to our society.

We must have a policy that coincides with the vision for Montserrat’s redevelopment. Then we must have a strategy for implementation and achieving the goals and objectives. And finally we must evaluate the end results and be satisfied that the end results all redound to our benefit.

So, let’s fix the rates so that we maximize the revenue earning potential of the ferry.

This would be to everybody’s benefit.

Business Man The freight rate was on Wednesday, July 4, finally settled as revealed by Minister Charles Kirnon, who said that following meetings with the members of Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association and after discussions within his ministry the rates for shipping cargo on the ferry will be reduced from $10.00 per cubic foot to $5.00 per cubic foot.

Flashback: No confidence cont’d. from page 7 year on progress may make it even harder for us to get the long promised aid support we need to recover from the volcano disaster.

This is because HMG itself acknowledges that it is due to its UN Charter obligations to report year by year that British Overseas Territories have “a first call” on

Britain’s aid money.

The Opposition Leader, who is an elected member of the local legislature, pointed out that in Premier Meade’s May 30th Ecuador statement to the UN Committee on Decolonisation, he said that “he is “certain that the UK supports our stance.” But, at no time has he consulted with the elected representatives of

the Montserrat people, nor has he done so with the Montserrat public; just as already happened with the import tariffs. That is why the Ecuador statement and the new tariffs have provoked such a strong feeling that the MCAP habit of government behind closed doors has now gone too far.

Mr. Romeo is also

asking “the public to support the Opposition when it raises these and related concerns through a motion of no confidence” in the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly scheduled for June 26, 2012.

Romeo’s Motion asks for it to be Resolved: “That this honourable House finds that the Hon Premier has acted in disregard of princi-

ples of democratic accountability and of the principle that the executive must answer to the legislature in a parliamentary democracy.

That, this honourable House further finds that such violations of principles of good government are willful, are repeated, and are harmful to the people of Montserrat and our hopes for recovery and sustainable redevelopment

after the devastating impact of the Volcano crisis. Also, since the behavior is repeated, the Cabinet as a whole is knowledgeable of it. As a result, this honourable House hereby CENSURES the Premier for said action, and thereby expresses a LOSS OF CONFIDENCE in his Premiership. Thus, it has NO CONFIDENCE in the Hon Premier.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Page g 11

FLASHBACKS The Jubilee Time Capsule: Frank Ferguson is the new Share your Montserrat Mem- Director General of MCRS ory for the Diamond Jubiliee

Montserratians are being called upon to share their memories of the past 60 years with the Jubilee Time Capsule.

Following the announcement that Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex will visit Montserrat on March 2, 2012 and the statement

by His Excellency, Governor Adrian Davis that “we ought to have a Montserrat beacon”, the Jubilee Time Capsule offers Montserratians the opportunity to play their part in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Jubilee Time Capsule is an innovative digital Diamond Jubilee initiative

from the Royal Commonwealth Society. It is an online time capsule that will chart the 60 years of Her Majesty’s reign and will be gifted to The Queen following the Diamond Jubilee weekend in June.

As a British Overseas Territory, the Royal Commonwealth Society is very eager that Montserratians are given the opportunity to take part in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and be represented in the Jubilee Time Capsule.

Perhaps you remember Elton John recording in the Montserrat Studios in the 1980s? Experienced the devastation of Hurricane Hugo in 1989? Or witnessed The

Princess Royal opening the island’s new airport in 2005?

Alternatively, perhaps you have a personal memory, about daily life in Montserrat that you would like to share?

Whatever your memory, this is your chance to share your story with The Queen!

To take part, simply visit www.jubileetimecapsule.org, sign up, pick your date and tell your story.

The Royal Commonwealth Society is also accepting offline contributions.

Offline entries can be sent to: Jubilee Time Capsule, 25 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5AP, UK.

Mr. Frank Ferguson is the person who fills the new and reportedly much needed position, as Director General of the Montserrat Customs and Revenue Service (MCRS).

Mr. Ferguson comes with a long history of service in the field having 25 years in the British Customs Service and rising through the ranks to become the Assistant Chief of Investigation at the national level. From 1999 to 2001 he was the UK representative to the European Union as a ‘national expert’ in combating drugs trafficking. For the past ten years he has led customs and revenue reform projects in several parts of the world including: Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Russia, Indonesia, Ghana and Nigeria.

Frank as he settles in tells The Montserrat Reporter (TMR), how excited and proud he is to be appointed to this position, not as a DFID appointee but on contract to the Public Service of Montserrat. “I hope that my experience will bring to bear, maximising the efficiency of the MCRS for the benefit of all tax payers and the trading community,” he said.

Montserrat lost the services of a foreDirector General of Montserrunner in Peter Hen- rat Customs and Revenue Services, derson who for over a Mr. Frank Ferguson year had offered service in the Government and was responsible for initiating the Revenue service area department now known as MCRS.

Season’s Greetings to all our many customers and friends

from the directors, management and staff of the

SERRAT BUILDING

MONT

SOCIETY LIMITED. Many thanks for your patronage during the year.

We offer

Mortgages at affordable rates Contact us - Tel 491-2391

Page 12

Friday, December 21, 2012

Kids time - In your own korner

Mary was

the night sky, and were going to follow it. They

sitting in the

knew that it was shining right over the manger.

sun outside her

‘Go and find where he is,’ Herod said to the

house. It was a

wise men. ‘I want to worship him.’ As the three

normal day, a bit

men left, Herod chuckled to himself. ‘Worship

of cooking, a bit

him!’ he laughed. ‘Get rid of him, more like. King

of helping around

of the

the house. She

Jews

was having a few

indeed.

minutes rest,

I’m King

when suddenly

of the

an angel appeared. “Are you Mary?” he asked. “Yes, who are you?”, the startled girl replied. “I’m an angel from God”, and I have a surprise for you. You’re going to have a baby.” Mary raised her hand to her mouth. “It would be a surprise, I’m not even married.”

The angel knew that Mary was going to marry Joseph. He explained the details. ‘Your child will be the Son of God; he will be loved throughout the world for thousands of years.’ Mary thought she was dreaming. ‘It is hard to understand,’ she said hesitantly, ‘what shall I call the baby?’ ‘His

Jews.’

Not so far away, there were some shepherds

He

looking after their sheep. The angel suddenly

looked

appeared, and the shepherds looked surprised.

out of the

The angel said, ‘Don’t worry. I’ve come to tell you

window

some happy news. The Son of God has been born

and

in Bethlehem tonight, go and see him.’

To the amazement of the shepherds, the sky

shouted to the three wise men. ‘Hurry back, I can’t wait to worship Jesus.’

was filled with angels singing. “Glory to God, and

What a nasty man.

peace to

The three wise men travelled at night, following

all men.”

‘Come

the bright star.

on lads,’

Finally

said one

they

of the

arrived,

name is Jesus,’ the angel answered. ‘Now I must

and gave

fly.’ And he was gone.

the baby Jesus

Mary sat for a very long time without saying anything. She thought about all the angel had said, and she prayed a nice thank you to God. ‘Jesus,’ she thought. ‘That’s a nice name.’

Mary married Joseph, and they both left for Bethlehem, where they were going to live.

They had to travel a long way, so Mary rode on a donkey while Joseph walked beside her.

They arrived in the town at nightfall, and Joseph asked if there was somewhere to stay, because his wife was going to have a baby.

Someone said, ‘Try the inn, they rent out rooms.’

They walked down the quiet streets; Joseph was worried about his wife, Mary who was feeling more and more tired.

‘Here we are,’ said Joseph. He told Mary to wait outside while he went in to arrange things.

A few minutes later, a miserable Joseph came out. ‘There’s no room at the inn.’

The couple sadly left the inn, and found a stable to sleep in.

During the night Mary had her baby, and said to Joseph, ‘He shall be named Jesus,’ Joseph nodded. ‘Lovely,’ he said. ***

lots of shepherds, ‘Let’s go and have a look.’

They found Mary, Joseph and little Jesus just as

presents.

There was gold, and frankincense and myrrh to

the angel had said, and while the sheep and cows

make him smell

looked on, the men all prayed to God. The baby

nice.

lay asleep in a manger, with lots of warm cloths to cover him.

The men worshipped

***

Jesus, and

In those days there was a King called Herod.

thanked God for

He got

sending him to

to hear

the world.

of Jesus

They were

and was

just going to

worried

go back home

about it.

when God said,

‘King of

‘Don’t tell Herod

the Jews,

where Jesus is.

eh?’ (For

He wants to hurt

that is

him, not worship

what Jesus was called) ‘I’ll give him King of the Jews.

him.’

Not if I’ve got anything to do with it.’

He heard that three wise men were going to visit Jesus. They had seen a very bright star in

‘Right,’ said the three wise men. ‘We’ll go back a different way.’

And they did, so Herod never found out where Jesus was.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Page g 13

Financial Management Workshop to make partners in a viable economy

by Bennette Roach Back in early October, Premier the Hon. Reuben T Meade proudly declared the launch of a long awaited “Business Financing Facility” (BFF) which will be operated by the MDC in collaboration with the SPCCU. Following this official launching the BFF, Mrs.

Teresa Silcott, a qualified accountant, who had previously gone to CDB for the requisite CDB training, gave an overview of a Financial Management workshop (FMW), along with Mrs. Angela Greenaway. Meanwhile, the Premier in a short feature address for the dual occasion told the gathering that the BFF will make avail-

able small business loans to prospective and ‘struggling’ entrepreneurs.

(See http://www.themontserratreporter.com/ small-business-financinglaunched-at-mdc-and-spccu/) and print issue dated November 23, 2012.

The workshop has been hailed a success with twenty seven (27) staying the dis-

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New year from The Directors, Management and Staff of Bank of Montserrat Limited. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season , health, happiness and success. We thank you for your patronage and look forward to serving you.

Bank of Montserrat Ltd. YOUR BANK...YOUR FUTURE

tance out of 38 registered (for the course) small business owners completed a financial management and management techniques course at the Grand View Bed and breakfast.

Mrs. Silcott said the course was very challenging but she was encouraged as moving forward, business in Montserrat will be done in a more professional manner.

27 persons and were presented certificates at a brief closing ceremony on the last night. In brief remarks Mrs. Silcott told the graduates, “I started out with at the beginning for you to make a promise to stay together as a group supporting each other creating synergies and looking towards a stronger economy for Montserrat.”

“We will share equipment, we will share ideas…we will share inventory, whatever it takes because remember I said you are a very important part of the Montserrat economy.

You are a partner with the

government in making this economy a viable one,” she told her participants.

Page 14

Friday, December 21, 2012

B Because the Goodwill of those we serve is the foundation of our w success it’s a real pleasure at s this Holiday time to say “Thank th you” as we wish you a full year of y happiness and prosperity

The Stationery Office & Johnnie’s Mecca Fashions Wishing all our customers and everyone on Montserrat every happiness for this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

Montserrat Enterprises Limited

Aravin’s Supermarket

491-7071

Always low prices

Thanks our customers for their patronage in 2012.

We wish you and the entire Montserrat community a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Merry Christmas

Obituar y Mary White

"No "Noel and Harriet (Sis) White W of Cork Hill, now residing res in the United States States, announce the death of their mother Mary White W of Cork Hill.

Our beloved belo Mary passed away at age 103, on the 14th of December 2012 at theBe theBeth Isreal Hospital, Boston Massachusetts.

She was mother of Harriet John (White) (W and James Noel White W (Dox), and adoptive mother of Abraham Fergus, Fe who currentlly resides id in Montserrat.

She was the grandmother of Elvina Greenaway and Leon White.

She leaves nine great grandchildren and fourteen great great grand-

children. She leaves several nephews and neices including Ruel and Wilfred Francis, John Alfred Reid, Sarah Reid White, and Irene Reid Gerald, all

currently residing in the US, and Winifred Francis Udobong of London, England. Some of her many surviving cousins include Eddie Buffonge of Montserrat, and Henrietta and Tommy Buffonge in the US. She leaves many other offspring, relatives and friends not mentioned here, but whom nonetheless are in our thoughts.

Mary will be funeralized on Saturday December 29,2012, 10.00 am. at Faith Christian Church, 301 Harvard St. Dorchester District of Boston, Massachusetts USA."

Friday, December 21, 2012

Page g 15

Bin Hammam throws in the towel

By Andrew Warshaw December 17 - The most damaging scandal in the history of FIFA came to an abrupt conclusion today when Mohamed Bin Hammam dropped his long-running fight to clear his name, walking away after being banned for life

by FIFA for "repeated violations" of the world governing body's code of ethics while he was head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

An announcement from FIFA headquarters in Zurich said the former FIFA Presidential candidate had thrown in the towel and resigned from all football-related activities following accusations that he seriously mismanaged AFC funds for personal use.

Bin Hammam (pictured top and below) was already under suspension and had been given 45 days to respond to what is understood to be a damning final report of FIFA-appointed prosecutor Michael Garcia into alleged malpractice at the heart of Asian football.

However, before he could answer the accusations, he was banned for life – for the second time in 18 months but on differ-

Mohamed Bin Hammam ent charges and this time by the adjudicatory chamber of FIFA's revamped Ethics Committee.

Details of Garcia's findings have not been published but sources close to the case told insideworldfootball there was too much incriminatory evidence for the tireless Bin Hammam to fend off.

According to FIFA, Bin Hammam, who was not only a FIFA vice-president but also the most powerful man in Asian football until the bribery scandal that erupted last year, sent a resignation letter to both FIFA and the AFC on December 15.

FIFA said in a statement: "Mr Mohamed Bin Hammam, FIFA Executive Committee member and AFC President, has resigned from all his positions in football with immediate effect and will never be active in organised football again.

"In view of the fact that under the new FIFA Code of Ethics, the FIFA Ethics Committee remains competent to render a decision even if a person resigns, the adjudicatory chamber decided to ban Mohamed Bin Hammam from all football-related activity for life.

"This life ban is based on the

final report of Michael J Garcia, chairman of the investigatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee."

"That report showed repeated violations of Article 19 (conflict of interest) of the FIFA code of ethics, edition 2012, of Mohamed Bin Hammam during his terms as AFC President and as member of the FIFA Executive Committee in the years 2008 to 2011, which justified a lifelong ban from all football-related activity."

Only recently, Garcia, FIFA's top corruption buster, dropped his investigation into the bribery case that originally snared Bin Hammam.

Garcia (pictured below) had been seeking more evidence that Bin Hammam bribed Caribbean voters during his election challenge to FIFA President Sepp Blatter last year.

Bin Hammam was banned for life for that too but the sanction was lifted by Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in July even though the ruling did not pronounce him totally innocent of the charges against him.

The fresh probe was not able to uncover enough new evidence

and Garcia announced that no new charges would be brought.

But when it came to the AFC allegations, a harsher verdict was imposed by the Ethics Committee – one which Bin Hammam either would not or could not challenge, bringing an end to a long and bitter war of words between supporters and opponents of the 63-year-old Qatari.

Bin Hammam had always insisted that he had done nothing wrong and that the allegations against him were nothing more than a conspiracy orchestrated by the Blatter camp, a claim he could never prove.

When he launched his candidacy to oust Blatter in the spring of last year he felt he had strong chance of success given the fact that FIFA was already mired in the debacle of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup ballots.

To try to gain support, he went to Trinidad and Tobago for a meeting with Caribbean voters organised by then Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) President Jack Warner (pictured below).

It was there, infamously, that

delegates were reportedly offered $40,000 (£25,000/€30,000) in cash in brown envelopes.

Warner, FIFA's longest serving vice-president, resigned from all footballing activities rather than face the music but Bin Hammam stayed on to fight.

Announcing his resignation today, he remained defiant to the last, clearly believing he was set up with unfounded allegations from which there was ultimately no escape.

"I do not want to spend any more of my life fighting trumped up allegations and to focus instead on my family and businesses," he said in an emailed statement.

"However, if further allegations are made I will, of course, defend myself in the same way that I did in the past."

ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES

ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES

Consultancy Services

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

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

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

Page 16

Friday, December 21, 2012

www.themontserratreporter.com

Commissioner Foster back on job, but still under a cloud A brief release from the Governor’s office has stated Royal Montserrat Police Services (RMPS) Commissioner of Police Steve Foster, will resume duty on 19 December, with the word from the release being, “Investigations into allegations of misconduct are still ongoing but the Governor has considered that it would be unreasonable to ask the Commissioner to remain on leave for a further period.”

The Commissioner was asked to take leave on October 22, initially, by H E Governor Adrian Davis, who told him, “a complaint has been made against you alleging certain conduct which may amount to criminal behavior,” that he should proceed on leave and not try to find out what the allegations were.

There was silence at the beginning, when it appeared since Foster engaged legal counsel that the manner in which he had been forced to take leave, later reported to have been planned, that somehow procedure had been compromised.

On Oct. 23 in mid-afternoon after we received this information, the Governor eventually issued a statement which said: “There have been allegations of inappropriate behavior,” against the Commissioner, which, “have to be properly investigated.”

One letter from the Governor to the Commissioner had also said: “If the allegations do not appear to be substantiated, you will also be advised and you may then take additional vacation leave or resume duties.”

The Governor had further advised in a statement to the media, “I am seeking the assistance of the Royal Cayman Police Service to conduct the investigation. I have asked the Commissioner to take leave while this process is ongoing. The Commissioner has not been suspended.”

Foster’s leave had expired since Dec 4 but he had not yet returned to the job. Following that on Dec 7 the Commissioner expressed both his and Foster’s anxiety for resolution so that he can better plan the use of his resources. He said that the investigation had taken place, discussions followed but there were meetings yet to be held, the Governor being away at the time.

The Ag, CoP said: “…the cause of the delay is in fact that the key stake holders involved...the attorney general , there is a requirement for the director of public prosecutions, of course the governor and different consultants including the original investigators from the Cayman islands,’ the consultation takes place, …

Deputy Commissioner Siddell

Comissioner Foster

then in essence it will be the governors decision as to the next course of action.”

The Commissioner said that he is waiting, “of course for some direction from the Governor as to what my next course of action might be as a result of any decision…”

He explained the anxiety and told the media: “… I know that on behalf of commissioner Foster he would like to see this matter expedited. I certainly need to see this matter expedited so that I can plan from a resource point of view what I need to do internally because there are going to be some implications (as he was prompted) either way.

At a press conference just after the litigious ‘send home’, the new Deputy Commissioner Bradley Siddell who then became Ag.

Commissioner confirmed that the investigation was due to take place and that the Commissioner’s absence was not affecting the Police and Fire week activities. He did say however on Oct 26, “…from an organizational point of view we will not have of direct access to CoP. That’s an additional resource that the organization relies on for leadership, so from an executive leadership level where we’ve gone from two to one, that obviously is going to impact the speed potentially at which we can deliver certain initiatives.”

The Commissioner reported to work the following Monday, but sources said he reported that the Governor had said he should take more leave, this time for an indefinite period. There was reportedly as a result, some discomfort and uncertainty within the RMPS. Soon sources speculated that the litigious nature and moreover reported poor procedural actions might see Governor Davis the CoP back on duty.

Process and Procedures H E the Governor had been expressing concerns about processes and procedures especially where litigation could result. There is the question for the Governor whether he has been caught in the confusion of his concerns.

During his last press conference he was asked to explain his concerns as expressed at the swearing ceremony of the Deputy Governor, Alrick Taylor. (See Deputy Governor sworn in) The news then Commissioner Foster is back on the job, but with investigations still on-going. There was seemingly some embarrassing urgency at the beginning, but now, “it would be unreasonable to ask the Commissioner to remain on leave for a further period.”

(See flashback: CoP Foster on leave for allegations of inappropriate conduct