The Montserrat Reporter - September 7 2014

Sponsored Elections Special

Friday, September 05, 2014

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Today’s Scripture The Father of the heavenly lights . . . does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)

Geothermal Vol. XXIX No. 26

Week Ending Friday, September 05, 2014 Price $3.00

Results

Disappointing CRM reveals - a failure at best, disappointing

by Bennette Roach

CRM is Far from impressed with the geothermal production results. They will hold a press conference this week where they will speak to a Statement they have prepared to provide information to the public. They will seek to show that the development in which they have brought about through much initiative and been involved with and encouraged for many years, is not the success it should have or could have been.

The following is a summary of what the public can expect to hear much more about.

The Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat (CRM) is a registered non-government organisation established to promote and facilitate the reconstruc-

tion of Montserrat after the volcanic eruption that began in July of 1995.

At this point in time, CRM is putting on record its considered opinion that the results of the project funded by the British Government in the amount of 8.5 million pounds to drill 2 geothermal production wells on island, have been at best disappointing if not bordering on failure.

It is necessary to summarise critical events preceding the British Government’s release of the project funds as well as CRM’s connection with the entire geothermal enterprise.

The Summary begins: After the CRM led demonstration in March 2006 which caused the John Osborne led administration to change its decision to give away control

of Montserrat’s geothermal resource to a foreign owned company for a mere 4% royalty, CRM met with the coalition government headed by Dr Lowell Lewis to discuss the future of geothermal development. The Hon. Reuben Meade and his colleague the Hon. Charles Kirnon were members of that coalition administration. At that meeting, the government decided to establish an Energy Committee charged with the task of taking forward geothermal development. Represented on that Committee were two CRM members (initially Jim Bass and Ray Tyson or their alternates). Other members were the Director of Public Works (Chairman), the Managing Director of Montserrat Utilities, a representative of the Department of Environment, and a DFID representative (at that time the engineer Mr. Steve Price).

An Energy Committee was formed by Government, members of CRM served on this committee which took the resource search for geothermal energy to fruition.

‘Production Well

Drilling First well

Production wells whether they are drilled for exploration reasons or

testing in progress in April 2014

as a part of a development program, are larger diameter wells designed for producing steam and /or hot water on a continuous basis to supply a power plant.

drilling pad. In addition directional drilling allows second and third wells to be completed from the same well which can significantly reduce the resource risk.

Advantages of Production Wells

Proposed Rig Type

For any geothermal development these are the only wells that can produce fluids to a power plant.

With the proper drilling rig they can handle any adverse drilling conditions such as high temperature and pressure as well as bad drilling formation.

With directional drilling more production wells can be drilled from a single

ThermaSource recommends using an Atlas Copco Predator Drilling System or C1000. There are many truck mounted rigs throughout the world but only a few can handle the weight of the casing that will be run. A truck mounted rig is ideal for an island location because there is no need for a large 100+ ton crane. The production well rig should have a lifting capacity of 200,000

lbs or greater. ‘ That DFID’s Dr Kimbugwe, DFID Adviser Michael Allen and Energy Committee Chairman Beardsley were preparing the contract to drill the production wells was revealed when in June 2012 Chairman Beardsley emailed CRM representative Ray Tyson a draft tender document for a drilling contract. Given the very precise procedures for tender preparation and the technical imperatives inclusive of directional drilling, drill rig power and other specifications set out in the EGS final report, CRM repcont’d. on page 6

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Friday, September 05, 2014

Election Statement by Dr Lowell Lewis Candidate Service,

Vision,

Action, and

Experience

Brothers and Sisters of Montserrat, I thank you for the privilege of serving you as a legislator for the past 13 years. I once again ask you to vote for me, to be one of your representatives in the Legislative Assembly of Montserrat, and to be part of the new government of Montserrat.

Dr. Lowell Lewis

Montserrat Democratic Party

It is my intention to continue providing capable, responsible and account- and Rescue training program for the region in Montserrat; and an Institute able leadership and representation to ensure that our country becomes the for Performing Arts. great nation it can be.

Fellow residents of Montserrat, the next government of Montserrat will My record of service to the Montserrat Community at home and abroad, have an opportunity to provide the people of Montserrat with better housand the training and experience that I have gained as a senior health pro- ing, better health care and better transportation in and out of Montserrat. fessional, a senior public servant, a legislator, Minister of government and My team pledge to make Montserrat one of the top destinations in the Chief Minister will permit me to continue representing you at home and Caribbean for cruise ships and winter expatriate residents, and to create a abroad, and participate in the management of our country and the delivery manufacturing sector which utilizes the geothermal energy sources and the of our vision for Montserrat. volcanic materials with which we have been blessed.

I remain committed to ensuring that there are appropriate plans to preThrough these activities, we intend to achieve a level of economic activvent injury from the on-going volcanic eruption, and the restoration of the ity that will see Montserrat become self-sufficient and able to take charge economic status of families, businesses and the Government of Montserrat. of our destiny.

We must bring our island out of dependency on United Kingdom grant Number one priority for us will be the creation of employment, not just aid, to allow us, the people of Montserrat, to once again take full control for residents on Montserrat, but also for the many nationals overseas, who of our country and future. wish to return to participate in the rebirth of our country.

It was indeed an honour in 2006, to become the 7thChief Minister of I will continue to fight for an educational program that places our children Montserrat for 3 years, during which the economy of Montserrat grew by 8%. During that time we started a number of projects which are yet among the best competitors in the world. to be completed and will be the focus of any government I am chosen to I will use whatever influence and authority I have, to the fullest, to bring be part of. down the level of crime, drug abuse and child abuse, and end corruption.

These included: the Small Business Grant program; Drummond’s housWe must increase housing opportunities, build better roads, ensure a suping development; Brades Housing development; Roads to the Silver Hills ply of good food and care support for our vulnerable people. and Dick Hill area; an MVO through Hope to Runaway Ghaut bypass Once again, I thank you for the privilege of serving you, the people of road; Isles Bay to Foxes Bay access road and barge ramp or jetty; Inland Marina and safe harbour at Little Bay and Carr’s Bay; the completion of Montserrat in the past, and ask you to vote for me on Election Day. the Montserrat Cultural Center, and the Little Bay playing field and sports I promise that with the guidance of Almighty God, I will not let you down. facilities; Cruise tourism destination sites; Improvement of airport faciliThank you for your attention and support. ties; A north of Montserrat Corbett Spring to Silver Hills water supply I am your humble servant, project;. A fish and turtle farm and recreational beach facility at Marguerita Bay for the people of Look Out; an OECS Climate Change Centre at the Lowell Lewis Silver Hills; a Disaster Research and Management Institute with Search

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Electoral Observer Disappointing, after encouraging call Mission, first for for ‘Action’ of some Montserrat very good decision making 5 years ago

by Warren Cassell For the first time on Montserrat, an International Observer Mission will observe the general elections The Electoral Observer Mission arrived on island on September 3, 2014 and will be here until September 14, 2014.

The Mission comprises the Hon. Mario Galea MP Malta who is the Head of the Mission, Nelson H. Cole Simons MP from Bermuda, Hannah Roberts – Election Annalyst & Observer and Matthew Salik Election Co-

The following ‘Open letter to the Chief Minister of Montserrat’ appeared in this newspaper, one week after Reuben T Meade, incumbent for over a year was elected to head the MCAP (Movement for Change and Prosperity) government.

It was written by one, who having held discussions on, made observations, suggestions and recommendations on the way forward for Montserrat and its people, found it necessary at the end of four and a half years to become involved in the formation of a party to ask The People to reject the Chief Minister (now Premier) along with his cohort from office.

It is well known that her brother successfully campaigned with the MCAP

party, but, primarily as a result of his (now deceased) father’s encouragement and endorsement, with near 45 years’ experience, many of those as Chief Minister himself. He soon after confided his regret and his son left the party a good while after his death in disgust and dissatisfied with the actions and direction of the party. Most Montserratians and residents alike will recall that the new CM had been rejected for leadership and that in unreported untoward circumstances regained that leadership while the MCAP’s popular leader relinquished her position to him.

Open letter to the Chief Minister of Montserrat’ – (September 18, 2009) cont’d on page 7

Let failure go and be past, there is progress in togetherness Mission observers: Nelson H. Cole Simons MP, Hon. Mario Galea, and Hannah Roberts – Election Annalyst & Observer. Absent: Matthew Salik

ordinator & Observer both from the United Kingdom.

The head of the Election Observer Mission Hon. Mario Galea outlined their mandate while on island during a press conference held on Friday September 5, 2014 and ensured the press that the mission will be guided by the United Nations Declaration on Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Election Observers.

Even though the Mission was at the invitation of His Excellency of the Governor Adrian Davis, the Head of the Mission noted that. “We will observe the electoral process in accordance with international standards which serve as a guideline for the conduct of democratic election and also according to domestic law

of Montserrat. The mission will gather information in a systemic way and then make informed assessment. As observers we will not interfere in the electoral process. We may raise questions with the electoral staff if we encounter any irregularities. We will bring it to the attention of the presiding officer but we will not interfere in any way with the process itself.

Our mandate is to observe not to get involved in the electoral process so we do not have an executive say in the running of the election.”

Elections observation missions are today worldwide accepted as a source of accurate and impartial assessment of the electoral process. In addition, it is also an important aspect of human rights monitoring because elections are about human rights, political rights

and civil rights. Such missions of contributes significantly to the strengthening of democratic institutions and add integrity to the process because they detect fraud.

Elections Observation mission also enhances the public confidence in the electoral process and sows willingness of the people and the political stakeholders of Montserrat to have an external review of its electoral process.

The Mission will issue a preliminary Report within two days of the election, which will highlight key findings to date and make a preliminary assessment of the electoral process. A Final Report will be published within a further two months of the election. Such Report will provide an overall assessment of the electoral process and will include recommendations for future elections in Montserrat.

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

In 2009 immediately after the general elections, we wrote regarding a “service of reconciliation” that it should be unnecessary to have such a service, there should never have to be such. We said, “it should be a service of love and hope and a craving for God’s blessings to change our leaders from whatever ills and weaknesses that might inhibit them from performing to the best, what is required of them.

We said further, “This is especially so as we hear our candidates, elected and not elected, invoke God’s name and then continue the ways that most of Montserrat would consider unchristian…Indeed the island and its people, whoever, wherever they may be, should be able to look back, take a deep breath and honestly look at what the realities are and expect particularly our leaders, show they can practice as follows: Selflessness, Integrity, Justice, Respect, Kindness, Sincerity, Fairness, Honesty, Good Spiritedness, and the is by no means exhaustive.

The question is therefore, how do you mark the last five (5) years? Anyone who cannot in the face of God and man say they have

performed well to everyone should really not have the nerve, except of course they are dead to humanity.

We had cautioned: “Our leaders must not abandon a single person in their constituency which is the whole of Montserrat and the Diaspora everyone spoke about. That is the difficult task.”

“It is a desire to change from hate and selfishness to do the right thing and love each and everyone else… it is the only state that gets us to bring integrity and good governance, prudent and sensible management to the affairs of people and country.”

But, it is unfortunate that today what the state is; it is either some people just will not or maybe cannot change. Yet, the good thing is, there are many who show by being ‘fed up’, there is hope.

Just after the call elections was established in 2009, Man from Baker Hill titled on June 26 one of his articles: MONTSERRAT, The Caribbean’s Political Nuisance. Written in his usual but in a more serious style, he showed his own annoyance at how Montserrat seemed to squander its aid particularly from Britain, and as a reaction to his

knowledge of the reasons why the election was called.

He wrote as in a message from the rest of the Caribbean: “Each year Montserrat receives financial aid from the UK equivalent to $15,000.00 for every man, woman and child, good God. What is wrong with you?

Ues, what is wrong with you?” You get $60 million airport; you get $60 million housing development, $40 million roads and drains in Little Bay, soon you will get $100 million seaport and youwill not owe one red cent to any body. Where are your political senses? Is all that matters are dollars and power? You behave as crabs in a barrel! And the only thing to do with crabs is to disperse them…”

And then he said after noting that it is said there is a political management problem : “Management?

There are less than 5,000 people on Montserrat .” (currently: one of the failures of the government over the last five years). What is so difficult in managing that?

Some streets in London and New York have more than 5,000 people living on it.” (today, Indeed one business compound has more than 3,000 people working in it). cont’d. on page 7

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Geothermal Fail

Continued from Page 1 resentatives considered the draft tender contract to be severely inadequate.

CRM representatives on the Energy Committee were never allowed to see the final tender document.

They subsequently understood that only a 750 horse power drill rig was tendered for instead of the EGS recommended Atlas Copco Predator Drilling System or C1000 which approximates to 1000 horse power. ( Note: Many persons within the island community are of the view that it is a 520 horse power drill rig that has been used to drill the production wells in Montserrat. Messrs Kimbugwe and Allen should confirm whether or not this is so). Most shocking however, is that a copy of the tender document obtained after the contract was signed and

drilling was well under way, clearly shows that no directional drilling capability was requested.

The CRM concludes: 11. CRM has provided the factual information above to support its contention that after the preparation of the Business Plan and the British Government’s provision of the 8.5 million pounds to drill the production wells, CRM representatives and other members of the Energy Committee were effectively excluded from meaningful participation in the procedures leading up to the actual drilling process

by Chairman Ron Beardsley, the Head of the DFID office on Montserrat Dr Kato Kimbugwe and Mr Michael Allen who prepared the Business Plan. The disappointing if not failed results from the production wells drilled to

date are their responsibility alone.

Presently, at the end of June 2014, the 8.5 million pounds have provided to the people of Montserrat, production wells Nos. 1 and 2 demonstrating clearly limited or in our view disappointing performance. Well No 1 at the entrance to the road leading to Foxes Bay has had to be stimulated with pumped water. At well No 2 situated on the Corkhill road across from the former Seventh Day Adventist School, as stated by the Ministry of Communications and Works engineer monitoring the drilling exercise, the internal diameter of the drill pipe at the bottom of the well is only 4 inches. This diameter, as pointed out above within the EGS feasibility study is inadequate for conventional commercial operation.

Disappointing

cont’d from page 3

A little less than a year ago, I had the rare pleasure of a brief, very brief, discussion with you, and with your permission I’d like to pick it up again for a little bit, if you don’t mind. It was begun in public, so I hope you will have no objection to my continuing it in that same space.

You might remember, I was sitting in the studio at Radio Montserrat, a guest on Rose’s (Willock) Saturday morning show, and you called in to respond to a member of points being made about the administration and development of, and the quality of life in, Montserrat, by me and others of Rose’s guests.

We were all, including you, of the very strong opinion that all was definitely not well with Montserrat. You and I, both, agreed, as I recall, that a number of matters of great import are in urgent need of redress.

You said that the effective handling of these would require the making of some “tough decisions.” You were saying that the people in the Government would have to make these decisions, and I happen to believe that this has to be undertaken by both Government and People.

Well, Sir, you are now in the position in which you get to make these decisions both as “government” and as “people”, and while I do, of course write to congratulate you on your victory in the last elections, I also, muchmore importantly write to remind you that you did, during the discussions , declare publicly, that you would, indeed, make those “tough decisions”. Active democracy, and my commitment to my island, requires that I hold you to your word. My understanding of democracy suggests that I have the right to, and my management of my personal relationships requires that I do.

I do so despite the fact, too that I have been informed, and by a very close friend of mine, no less, that I have no right to de-

mand good governance, accountability and the consistent exercise of good principles.

I could not, she declared, take issue with any incompetence, poor administration, or lack of commitment, or exercise any right to doubt, question or interrogate the Government or people of Montserrat, “from outside.”

I was unsettled by this attitude, to put it mildly, no least because I am, unchangeably and forever, one of The People of Montserrat. Moreover, I remember having been relieved of my job at the Department of Tourism because I once dared to express displeasure at some of the workings (or lack thereof) of the Ministry of Education, Health, and Social Services. And that, at a time when I was a full-time resident of Montserrat!

I think I don’t need to tell you that those of us on the “outside” are willing and fully able to contribute meaningfully and consistently, and are all too aware of the blocks, hurdles, and stonewalls that are, almost invariably thrown up whenever we offer our services and support. It is not my imagination that the general attitude is to resist our advances, to oppose our positions to thwart our contributing, to assert that we do not have the right, to insist that we ask permission and then deny it when we do. I have experienced it, personally, too many times to count, and too recently to have forgotten.

I believe this is a dangerous standpoint.

It is a shortsighted and insidious purview. It is deeply offensive, unjust, and, in this age of instant communications and real-time news, also altogether groundless. It smacks of parochialism and unawareness.

And it is only one of the many frustrations faced by Montserratians who are deeply committed to the development of our island, and who are also fully capable and cont’d on page 7

Proposals to Reduce Public Expenditure, Improve Effectiveness & Efficiency and Increase Public Revenue Here are some suggestions for the next government to consider Repeal the GOVERNOR’S SALARY AND ALLOWANCES ACT. This will save at least $133,584 per year. After all, why should anyone, much less a public servant, receive two salaries for one job?

Review and rationalize all legislators’ salaries and allowances, eliminating immediately the undeserved housing allowance paid to each minister as well as the unjustifiable duty allowance paid to all legislators and the Speaker. $390,000 will be realized immediately by eliminating housing and duty allowances. Extra savings should also be achieved if, as suspected, legislators are unable to prove they legitimately spend the amounts they receive in allowances for entertainment, travel and telephone, now totalling an additional $163,200 each year. Leading by example will make MCAP’s public exhortations about the need to tighten our belts a lot more credible. Last but not least, there’ll be savings from the reduction of legislators’ pensions which is currently based on salary plus all taxable allowances.

Dismiss all non-performing public servants immediately. If as the Premier says, it’s unfair to increase the amount paid to social welfare beneficiaries when civil servants have not increased a pay increase for 8 years, it is inexplicable why they are still on government’s payroll especially when HMG is pressuring government to reduce the nominal roll. However, if the terminated employees are unable to find alternative employment and so as not to reduce our population through further emigration, amend the Social Welfare Act so they’ll qualify for benefits. Let’s assume, conservatively, that the median annual civil service salary is $36,000 ($3,000 a month) and that 192 (20% per governor’s

estimate) employees on the nominal roll of 960 fulltime-equivalents (number approved per DFID 2014-15 Aid Memoire) are performing below expectations or are ‘non-performing’ as the premier minister puts it. If we multiply 192 by $36,000, this translates to an annual waste of $6,912,000. If all 192 so-called indolent persons join the social welfare roll with each head of household receiving $900 each month ($10,800 a year), it will only cost $2,073,600 resulting in a savings of $4,838,400 which could then be invested in improving education, healthcare services, performance increments, etc.

Rather than asking civil servants to cut back expenditure so they can benefit from the savings in the form of bonuses, instead encourage them to use all the money to improve and increase the delivery of high-quality and timely services to intended beneficiaries.

Means-test all persons requesting grants and income tax/customs duty exemptions (including those granted to MPs and senior civil servants.

It is fiscally irresponsible to give across-the-board grants and tax emptions without regard to actual need. For instance, the Premier’s recent announcement about granting $40,000 in the form of customs duty exemptions/rebates to persons constructing homes who had not previously received grant assistance from government.

MPs’ and government officials’) actions should always be above reproach, leading by example. They must be seen as persons of high integrity who respect, abide by and enforce our laws rather than bending or breaking them. They must also treat the people they serve and each other with respect, keeping us informed of their decisions along with forthright explanations for those decisions. This would go a long way to restore confidence

and public satisfaction while reducing the time and effort wasted debating speculations.

Create employment and reduce potential liability by restoring all government-owned and recently sold dilapidated properties to a state of good repair, not just the Force-10 buildings, starting with those housing vulnerable persons like the warden-supported apartment complex.

Supplementing the above suggestions, and in the spirit of openness, for those who didn’t get an opportunity to read DFID’s 2013-14 Budget Aid Memoire, here are their recommended budget enhancing measures (paragraphs 32-33): “ G o M should intensify efforts to maximise revenues and minimise expenditures. DFID has identified a number of areas in support of this, including (but not limited to): Stepping up efforts to boost tax compliance and reduce tax arrears, which DFID views as priority areas in need of urgent attention. Use of bailiffs and prosecution should be made where appropriate. Tangible progress in recent years has been disappointingly slow and less than EC$0.5m of tax arrears has been collected since the last Budget.

[MCRS advise that the level of outstanding arrears up to 31 March 2012 is EC$21.3m. However not all of this is collectable and GoM plans to produce a revised total by 31 March 2013.] GoM anticipates that the trial case currently going through the courts will be a springboard to delivering in these areas.

Reducing FTE headcount from 959 to 952 in January 2013 by deleting 7 of the 18 unfunded vacancies. Beyond this, the continuing rationalisation of public services, including through the planned GoM organisational review and outsourcing, [Areas currently under consideration include

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Let failure go and be past, unity thrives cont’d from page 3

three seats. You can see that come to Montserrat, ”To the greater experience was see the devastation and loss in fact in that MCAP party caused by the volcano and and with no other party to understand the economic and compare with, one under- developmental challenges stands the way the electorate Montserrat faces.”

Allan Duncan in Demight have been thinking, although it wasn’t until the cember 2011, he came to: intervention of the most “Promote the vision of the experienced John Osborne OTs as part of the British in favour and in favour of family, flourishing and vihis son that MCAP got the brant, and less financially fillip that catapulted them dependent.

“Set the parameters for to the top.

What has MCAP done future self-sufficiency: more with all that history and efficient management of the being the envy of the rest public finances, combined of the Caribbean govern- with strategic investments ments as described by Man aimed at stimulating growth, from Baker Hill. While they improving access and fastruggled and in unenvi- cilitating economic activable debt, Montserrat was ity. Discuss progress on the guaranteed its well-being Strategic Growth Plan and by motherland Britain. The Economic Roadmap.”

Yes, by this time DeMCAP team began to dream.

After failing in every way cember 2011, after Secretary with a grand Manifesto and of State Andrew Mitchell in Britain enjoying a coalition February and with the now government gave a prom- infamous Charette behind ise, better than any before, us there was on the table a pointing another of their ter- Strategic Growth Plan (SGP) Elderly Care, Cleaning Services (Phase 2), Security, Ministry ritories, St. Helena. Minister and yet another Sustainable of Agriculture Nursery Operations, and Laundry Services.] Allan Duncan said, he had Development Plan (SDP). should produce significant reductions in headcount. DFID remains willing in principle to provide financial support to allow GoM to reduce the public sector. cont’d from page 6 Implementing recommendations from the actuarial review of the Civil Service Pension scheme to ensure af- highly competent. not do here either, but allow fordability in the short and long-term. Consideration should So, C.M. Meade, how me, please, to share with you include the introduction of staff contributions. this pervasive an generally- of the issues that I and many Completing the rationalisation of membership and accepted sentiment will jibe others, (although) I speak payments to regional bodies to ensure they are essential and with your government’s in- now only for myself) beliee represent value for money. tentions for the office of “the should be at the very top of Improving economic and statistical capacity, particu- Diaspora: becomes then a your administration’s agenda larly at a senior level (through the recruitment of a Chief quite intriguing question, and should receive immediEconomist and Director of Statistics), so that more robust to wit, will your adminis- ate and decisive attention. and timely budget analysis and forecasts feed through to tration be speaking with We can compare notes…see departmental settlements and other policy decisions. this “Diaspora” just for the if it matches your list. I am Ensuring that 3-year budget plans include settling ar- sake of talking, to give the making no prscriptions or rears and realistic provisioning for increasing costs due to, appearance of engagement even suggestions about how amongst other things, pensions, maintenance and inflation. while effectively denying they might be best handled.

Ministries should not be allowed to carry over invoices and actual involvement on the I only note them, and in no payments into the following financial year. part of the said “Diaspora”, particular order.

Considering whether to make further changes to tax or will your administration Migration – emi- and policy should domestic revenues remain below expecta- be taking full advantage immi-gration, and ease of tions. In particular, GoM appears to have underestimated of the resources that these travel to and from Montserthe negative impact on revenue of the Income Tax re-banding people command, engaging rat, or the lack thereof. that took effect in 2012: this also underlines the need for with purpose, shared vision, Violence – domestic, enhancing analytical capacity. against women, in school; a division of competencies, Building on the successful implementation of the Online and an equitable distrubtion intimate partner and child Visa application system and the Geographic Information of tasks: abuse; community violence System, by expanding online services to other areas of Will this “Diaspora” be and statutory rape.

Government such as property and income taxes. This will a full and recognized partner Education – order and improve both the efficiency of delivering services and the in the development of our safety in schools, socializaenabling environment for business. island, or is this an office of tion and social behavior, Formalising with UWI the payment position on the appeasement and pacifica- academic exploration, culEC$5.6m of arrears to UWI, including any agreed write- tion? In other words, will tural investigation, and inteldown. this be a lime or some serious lectual expression.

Pursuing potential for cost recovery in health through work; Acton or just ol’ talk: Health – medicine and a revised medical fee structure. medicines, doctors and nursBut, I am jumping Delivering against commitments to maximise ahead…Let me come back es, diet and nutrition, stress revenues and minimise expenditures is important not only to the matter of our radio relief, mental health, solid to improve public sector efficiency, but also to demonstrate exchange. waste disposal. And tilapia. to UK Ministers that GoM is serious about getting value for Recreation – pyblic At the time, we did not money, a key component of DFID decisions on any invest- exactly exhaust the entire list spaces, socializing activiments.” of maters that would require ties, creative exchange, and Rubbish Questioner studied attention, and I could cultural expression.

“The members that made up the last Legislature had over 200 years combined political management experience. They all should take their pensions and go away. They have failed.

They brought embarrassment to the island as no other Legislature. Montserrat is guilty of every category of political negligence; but then what could one expect when the island is led and fed by geriatrics. The young politicians feed on the breast of the old, breathing, sucking and eating their political gobbled-gook. No it shall be more of the same; an election will not change your level of management. You people are a nuisance and you should

be dispersed from the Caribbean.” Is he still on tract.

I think not. But, lets end that there and take a brief look at where we are. The age average of political experience changed drastically after that election with the Premier being carrying by far more years than anyone else. He began that term with eighteen (18) consecutive years behind him, with his deputy Kirnon following with eight and Dr. Lewis also eight. Farrell, three; with new comers, Wade, David Osborne, James and Romeo.

MCAP, six seats formed the next government with only incomplete full member groupings of parties and nine independents who won

Reduce Public Expenditure, Increase Public Revenue

Disappointing

“No more ‘unnecessary’ consultation…,” continuing with a, ‘but,’ “…we’ve got to look at what the economic justification…in terms of our contribution to anything that might happen…” Duncan said then.

He had stated that his government will put right the wrongs done to Montserrat since the Volcano, but always with the caution of economic justification and value for money.

“We have this duty care and we are going to exercise it properly and responsibly, but also raise an eye on value for money and results we are going to get from spending tax payers money at a very difficult economic time,” he said while initially pointing out that their overarching interest, “to make clear the absolute nature of our long term commitment to Montserrat.”

Our report stated how “He crammed a tour which took him mostly by helicopter, and on the ground to the site earmarked for geothermal exploration, as well as Little Bay and Carrs Bay to assess the proposed two options coming out of the September Charrette on the development of a new town and port.”

That was December 2011 and four months later (note he refers to Option A and B) he referred to our chosen option as “ambitious”.

It was a hint we had not missed, but Premier in true Communications, telecommunications.

Youth – mind-stretching activities, mentors and role models, and safety and security.

Suffrage – for those Montserratians who had to leave and those who chose to come.

Agriculture.

Fisheries (Tilapia is not really fish, is it!!)

Women (All I want to say about this particular topic, at this point, is that the Government of Montserat needs some.)

I know that you don’t needme to tell you about the systemic corruption, kickbacks, illegal back-rubbing, and untoward hand-washing that, in the personal view of some, is by the Government of Great Britain and its Dependent Territories, considered valid and ample cause for re-colonialisation.

fashion forged on to reach today, where he lost one dream the Carrs Bay port and with it his entire dream of Option B. (see earlier stories) Two and a half years later? It was on this the Premier hoped to forge ahead obviously with disregard for the other needs of Montserrat taking over money projects regardless of the Ministry responsible. Making all the decisions and even boasting that it is his job to do so, making them without consultation even with his Ministers who he gives the opportunity to approve them.

He restricts the people to hearing only his statements and giving the opportunity for questions during his visits to the radio station and his announcements and interviews to his government information agents.

He invites the Montserrat Reporter on rare occasions but to every press conference which involves international agencies to include in particular HMG and EU etc.

He has held less than half a dozen press conferences in his tenure and drops in at his ZJB studios with his statements where he is asked uninformed questions. He knows very well that none of those statements are really official…

It has been a somewhat unusual campaign with the one side keen to improve on what they call failures of the past and particularly be cont’d on page 8 And quite understandably so too.

In our radio exchange, we also agreed, I seem to remember, that the handling of these issues would require clarity, commitment, truthfulness, decisiveness, resolve, courage, honesty and integrity. I, however, do not necessarily agree that they require any “tough” decision-making. I believe that they require, quite simply, the making of good decisions, or perhaps the good making of deisions.

There is no “tough” part to being good. Good is easy. It is not hard to do. To be good is to do the rightm fair, and just thing, For the good of all Montserratians, including you, of course, C.M., I look forward to some really very good decision-making.

Respectfully, Shirley Osborne.

Page 8

Friday, September 05, 2014

www.themontserratreporter.com

Strange failing tactics Biggest Blunder

cont’d from page 7 a government for all The People; and the other, the incumbents asking to be given a chance to “Fulfill the dream”.

When the Movement for Change And Prosperity (MCAP) was obliged to remove their 2009 Manifesto from their website after the new party Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) began highlighting and citing the Manifesto, that they had not kept or delivered on their promises.

That was easy as the not surprising leader Donaldson Romeo, opposition leader of the prorogued Legislative Assembly , had been pounding away throughout.

What surprises are the claims of mudslinging and characterization of activities by the opposing party to the incumbents while fact checking almost every

A past Editor, David Edgecombe comments When the real work begins After the fat lady sings Thursday night, the real work begins—if meaningful development and finding new jobs is what the next five years are to be about.

The Hon. Donaldson Romeo, leader of the PDM and Dr. Sammy

attempt and on information provided to support claims are proving to be against the MCAP. There is much strangeness to the tacticts being used.

While the PDM seems to be building on the momentum they have developed, MCAP leadership seems to be growing more disinterest although attempting to provide information way above anything they have done throughout the five years. Observers and analysts, “Much too late and the electorate feel they have been deceived.”

An election where the mood is for change and with all the complaints going against the incumbent party who is having difficulty to serve up on their short comings and failures.

What is even more amazing is how their new candidates are critical of the performance of their incumbent ministers.

When the real work begins Joseph, running for the first time as a member of MCAP, impress me with their discussions about the importance of putting in place reliable, high-speed Internet for Montserrat. They both seem to understand this will open up a new world of opportunities hitherto

unheard of by Montserrat and still mostly unknown, not just to Montserrat but to the rest of the world.

The Internet is the astounding new frontier that tech-savvy, 21st Century-wired Montserrat youth must be allowed to explore

Plan A - thrown into oblivion - The three bays - a Resort in Rendezvous, all part of the phased plan

with the same confidence as other youths from around the world.

Good understanding and use of the Internet could revolutionize education, healthcare, commerce, entrepreneurship, marketing, wealth-creation. It is the single most important tool in Montser-

rat’s quest for development.

And it will require creatively and imagination to see breakthroughs and begin harvesting its potential.

Whatever the outcome of Thursday’s elections, Donaldson Romeo and Sammy Joseph are

both needed in the development of a new Montserrat. Montserrat’s progress must be bigger than politics and politicians. These are two men who no doubt understand this.

JUS WONDERIN Jus wonderin column is compiled from contributions by readers and from de community. Please send by email or letter, or by calling.

Jus wonderin which political grouping can be described as the party of greed and malice.

Jus wonderin…. Should we help spread the wealth by voting in the new scamps in order to get rid of the old ones?

Jus wonderin if all nominated candidates should be professionally certified to ensure they meet all the qualifications required to stand for elections.

Jus wonderin if we have at least a hundred thousand (100,000) reasons to disbelieve certain candidates.

Jus wonderin…. Did Reuben resign as Director of Development to run for elected office or was his resignation due to the accusations arising from his effectiveness and efficiency in disposing of the sea-island cotton as well as his failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for being found in possession of a car he knew was stolen?

Jus wonderin if holding high office enhanced Reuben’s ability to dispose of valuable government metallic assets even more efficiently and effectively, without the consent of the Legislative Assembly.

Jus wonderin why none of the newly created scrap metal firms obtained a license to operate as required under the Old Metals and Marine Stores Ordinance.

Jus wonderin if it’s easier to avoid criminal conviction if you are government minister.

Jus wonderin if HMG wanted to abolish the right to trial by jury in the Montserrat constitution because they observed that jurors have delivered (as they put it) ‘perverse judgements’ in cases involving ministers of government, even when there’s overwhelming evidence of their guilt.

Jus wonder if GoM will try to recruit Reuben for the vital post of Chief Economist or if he should be left to spend his retirement engaging in his favourite hobby, construction work.

Jus wonderin…. Is it true that the most important natural resource for development is what lies between our ears and that it’s foolish to neglect it or take it for granted?

Jus wonderin if it’s true that rhetoric is about making what is worst appear to be the better.

Jus wonderin if a true wha sweet nanny goat hear poison e mind.

Jus wonderin if HMG dispenses aid based on the risk-of-embarrassment model, only rushing to partially fulfil the least-costly one from amongst their raft of strategically delayed promises when faced with shame like when the 19 people died on June 25, 1997 or the fatal and near fatal accidents involving Fly Montserrat, while the rest of their promises wither away slowly into nothingness.

Jus wonderin…. Will HMG will punish only me for making the above comment in spite of my plea to please leave the rest of our population out of it because unlike me, they are most grateful for HMG’s assistance?

Jus wonderin how long a we a go ha fu live wid de temporary evacuation docks at Little Bay and Heritage Quay?

Jus wonderin if Operation Exodus is still in active operation.

Jus wonderin what the status is on the $150,000 MDC invested in Fly Montserrat, the $500,000 MDC and GoM ($250,000 each) invested Twin Islands Ferry Service, and the unknown amount our Social Security Fund invested in the Davy Hill housing project.

Jus wonderin who started the colour thing (yellow, I think).

Jus wonderin how come when MCAP vilifies PDM it is considered to be positive

and true but when PDM attacks MCAP’s record it is considered to be negative, divisive and character assassination.

Jus wonderin if we’ll ever receive balanced news reporting from the media so we hear what every political party and independent candidate has to say about whatever subject is being reported on.

Jus wonderin.... Considering all the divisiveness, abysmal performance, flagrant lies, unrealistic promises, and unsubstantiated slandering being delivered by most of our current crop of politicians and some want-to-be politicians, should all those who cast a vote for any of them on September 11th be struck off the electoral roll on the ground of unsound mind!

Jus wondering if some politicians are praying to win their seats and then stamp their authority for leadership.

Jus wondering if they are playing dead to catch cobo.

Jus wondering if it is memory lost, being under the influence, maybe, home problems, job, election pressure or is he just a DAMN liar!

Jus wondering if it is another case of six years then pension why the man did not take over leadership.

Jus wondering if they can take another five years of being trampled on by the man they all complain about.

Jus wondering if some “politicians” study the art of misleading the people.

Jus wondering if it is too late now for prayers which is very close at hand to them.

Just wondering why the heavy roller did not run in the race.

Jus wondering if he was afraid of the truth about him or the lies that his partner in crime is capable of telling.

Jus wondering why are there so much lying and fabrication in the 2014 elections.

Jus wondering who is the main culprit.

Jus wondering who is sleeping with who, not sleeping with who and who beating up who, who putting up with and who leaving who, in that soap-like at the top behavior.

Jus wondering when the book will be published, or re-enactment put on screen.

Jus wondering if the battle lines are drawn for after the election wars.

Jus wondering why some politicians face is always swelling and shining like they took one too many.

Jus wondering Mr. Editor Sir, why they are lie so?

Jus wondering if it is because the Word is so close!

Jus wondering out of the Indians which nine will be really best for Montserrat.

Jus wondering if we will all have a party or a coalition government after elections.

Jus wondering who would like to bet me that we will have many chiefs and very few Indians.

Jus wondering if, the Primier knowing he is a liar, but, pretends he is not a liar, knowing full well that he is a liar, is a damn fool.

Just wondering why MCAP did not stream their Manifesto launch rally.

Just wondering if they have sufficient hospital beds for those who may encounter Cardiac problems on election night.

Just wondering who will be the next Speaker of the House.

Just wondering what the mood of the country be on Friday September 12, 2014.