It is hard to believe that three years and eight months have passed since starting my assignment as Governor of Montserrat in September 1997. The Guard of Honour and Swearing In Ceremony that took place at McChesney's - with a literally erupting volcano in the background - seems like only yesterday. Paradoxically, looking back and reviewing the management of the crisis and events that have taken place since - not to mention the rebuilding of the island's infrastructure and trying to maintain an even keel in relations between the Government of Montserrat and the British Government - it now seems impossible that so much could have happened in only three and a half years.

There have been so many events and incidents that it is difficult to recall them all in one short message. Indeed it would be impossible to attempt it. I well remember on my first working day being taken by Minister Tuitt to see the patients lying in St John's School then being used as a temporary hospital. Nearby the residents of Margetson Memorial Home were housed in equally poor conditions. I was determined from that moment on that things would change. The next step was to arrange for an early visit by Sir Kenneth Calman, Britain's Chief Medical Officer and his team. They quickly produced the Calman Report providing a framework to take forward primary and secondary healthcare on Montserrat. As a result of that visit - and after much hard work by the Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services in cooperation with DFID - we now have a first-class 30-bed hospital, much improved facilities for Margetson Memorial Residence and the Hill View Homes as additional accommodation for the elderly.

Shortly before my arrival Salem, Friths and Old Towne had been declared an Exclusion Zone on the advice of Scientists. The British Government were extremely concerned by reports that few people had accepted the advice to evacuate the area. As a result, I will never forget walking the streets of Salem and Friths - Old Towne had pretty well emptied voluntarily - trying to persuade people to accept the guidance. However, common sense prevailed and eventually both districts emptied themselves. I hope and pray that a similar exercise never has to be repeated in future, but that is in the gift of God and the volcano.

Another great concern in those early days was the predicament of those people relocated to shelters, especially in the high density camps such as the MSS Salem Camp, St Peter's Church and Scrapps Memorial, Brades Primary School, the Lookout Shelter and later the Zion Church at Cudjoe Head. The shelteree population by early 1998 was around 1,400. The conditions in which they were living were wholly unacceptable but there was no alternative available at the time. All that could be done in the short term was try to improve their surroundings by ensuring better maintenance of the buildings and providing them with whatever equipment could be supplied to improve their lot until better housing could be built.

Meanwhile, the volcano continued to rage. The airport building was burnt down; a series of 76 explosive eruptions commenced over a period of 25 days; in the early hours of Boxing Day 1997 the south west side of the volcano blew out taking with it Morris, St Patrick's and Gingoes and set fire to properties in Trials, Fairfield and Kinsale.

Throughout this period voluntary relocation was taking place to Britain and the other islands by those who could afford it. The Assisted Passage Scheme, designed to level the playing field between those who wished to leave but could not afford to do so, was introduced in August 1997 and was attracting great interest. Allegations of British Government policy to depopulate the island were being promoted by some misguided persons within our community.

With the increased volcanic activity there was an incessant string of meetings to be presided over with Ministers, Public Servants, Emergency personnel, and shelterees all requiring some form of direction. Our situation was not helped by the constant unpredictable ashings that took place throughout the next one and a half years which required tedious, backbreaking water-driven cleaning.

There were few occasions for rejoicing but two do stand out. The first was when the volcano suddenly switched off like a tap on 9 March 1998. This event in turn marked the end of our retreat in the face of the volcano. Instead we were able to take delight in retrieving lost territory by moving back to Salem, Friths and Old Towne on 1 October 1998 after a community led major clean-up campaign. Indeed, the cessation of emissions into the dome gave rise for increased confidence and plans were afoot to try to retrieve Bramble Airport for fixed wing air access. This dream was rudely shattered when, in the first week of November 1999 the volcano reactivated with a constant rate of magma emissions.

Otherwise, slow but steady progress was being made across the board on infrastructural rehabilitation. Narrow, deeply pitted roads gave way to wider, well-surfaced main roads with good drainage. Solid, concrete-built houses took shape at Lookout surpassing the prefabricated Emergency structures at Davy Hill. Hundreds of buildings materials grants were allocated. New schools started to take shape. Spring water was harnessed in the Centre Hills and piped up to the north. Electricity supply improved with far fewer power cuts. Improvements were steadily taking shape at both the Port and the Heliport.

There are a stream of new projects in the pipeline most of which ought to take shape within the next 12 months. A new Police Station, Fire Station, Observatory, LDA building, nursery school and warehousing facility at Emergency Department. An Operating Theatre, an Abattoir and improvements to Garibaldi Hill should follow quickly on their heels. In the private sector, many businesses have built new state of the art buildings and it can only be a matter of weeks before we start to see the construction of the new Cultural Centre at Little Bay.

H.E. pays final vist to Fire Fighters

Whilst there is cause for satisfaction in some areas, in retrospect and with the benefit of hindsight, there are areas where we could have done better. I am in particular disappointed to be leaving Montserrat without any sign of a fixed wing airstrip. This had been one of my clear objectives when I arrived here in 1997 but in truth we seem to be little further forward. A decision will have to be made on this in the near future unless the island is to stagnate. The other main issue on which progress ought to have been made relates to a Constitutional Review. Possibly, given all our other concerns and distractions, it may be understandable why no progress has been made yet. I have no doubt that my successor will pursue this with vigour.

The political relationship between Montserrat and Britain is primarily a matter for the elected Government. The Governor is available to advise both parties and to oil the wheels where and when necessary. I have managed to refrain from commenting publicly on the political relationship during my tenure and I do not intend to do so now. Suffice to say that the advice I have given privately to anyone prepared to listen during my period of office is still relevant today. That is, nothing can be gained by either side when conducting a relationship based on a strategy of confrontation and abrasion. The sooner such a negative tactic is abandoned the better it will be for all concerned. The aid agencies working in Montserrat, including DFID, are all working hard to produce the infrastructure to act as a springboard for the future. Everyone must work together to make Montserrat a better place for the future.

Margaret and I have served in many countries with differing traditions and cultures. They all have one thing in common and Montserrat is no different. At the end of the day it is only people that count. We have made many good friends in Montserrat and those relationships will, I am sure, be sustained in future years. Our respect and admiration for the fortitude and cheerfulness of the Montserratian people will always be with us locked securely in our memory. Before we leave, Margaret and I will drink the waters of Runaway Ghaut to ensure our return sometime in the future.

It has been a privilege and a pleasure for us both to serve Montserrat. We are proud to have been in at the sharp end and to have been received so well by so many of you. Our optimism and confidence in the future of Montserrat remains undiminished and we will watch your progress from afar. We wish you all every success in the future, and may God be with you.

NATURAL HISTORY CENTRE OPENS

Mrs. Abbott cuts the ribbon

The Montserrat National Trust's (MNT) Natural History Centre on the Salem Main Road officially opened its doors at a ceremony on Friday afternoon 6, April. The centre, adjacent to the MNT's office and botanical gardens, will house exhibits about Montserrat's past, the volcanic eruption and details of the flora, fauna and underwater environment of the island.

The ceremony was chaired by Mrs Sarita Francis, the President of MNT and remarks came from H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott and University of the West Indies (UWI) Lecturer and local historian Dr Howard Fergus.

Mr Abbott reiterated that the British Government, through his office, would continue to support the environmental efforts of the MNT and that they had agreed to assist with the Environmental Conference carded for May 2001.

Dr Fergus, representing the UWI spoke about the role of the Centre and the University's photographic exhibition on West Indies Cricket being mounted there. The exhibition is being held concurrently with a week of cricket activities on island which will culminate with the UWI Vice Chancellor's X1 v South Africa match on 12, April.

The vote of thanks at the ceremony was offered by Mr Cedric Osborne and Dr Erica Gibbs made a presentation to Mrs Margaret Abbott, wife of Governor Tony Abbott, who cut the ribbon to declare the centre open.

The Montserrat National Trust's Office, Gift Shop, Botanical Gardens and Natural History Centre are now open to the public. For information about visiting days and times please contact the MNT at telephone 664 491 3086.

ALL FUEL NOW DELIVERED SHIP TO SHORE

The new LPG Facility

For the first time since the onset of volcanic activity in 1995, Montserrat is now receiving all types of fuel via ship to shore facilities.
The DFID funded, Carrs Bay Fuel Terminal is now equipped to receive Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) from ships anchored in Carr's Bay. On Thursday 12, April the tanker 'Happy Valley' discharged LPG through a new pipeline to the fuel terminal.
This new system is much safer, according to officials at the Emergency Department, who are responsible for importing fuel to the island. It eliminates the need for importing LPG via mobile tanks on wheels.
The Carrs Bay facility can now store 47,000 gallons of petrol (about a month's supply) 47,000 gallons of diesel (about a half month's supply) and 31,500 gallons of LPG (about 2 months supply). All the storage tanks are fed ship to shore.
Fuel Terminal Superintendent, Mr Basil Lee explained that when tankers arrive in Carrs Bay they anchor and a floating hose is taken to the vessel by boat. This floating hose is connected to the manifold on the edge of the beach near to the gun battery and from there underground pipes take it into the fuel terminal for distribution.
The Government of Montserrat is currently seeking to privatise the importation of fuel products into the island.

THE FIRST MEETING OF
BUDGET MONITORING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD

The very first meeting of the newly formed Budget Monitoring Committee was held on 26, March 2001. It was attended by H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott who addressed the members of the committee.

He said "I am pleased to be here this morning to provide brief remarks to mark the establishment of a Budget Monitoring Committee. While the concept of Budget Committees is not a new one, it is certainly a good one for Montserrat at this time. This is so because first, it provides a forum for senior managers in key ministries to consider issues and results relating to public programmes. Second it brings together public officers with different skills to design solutions to problems. Third, it helps to build teamwork and strengthen the overall management capacity of the public service. It recognises that no person has all the answers.

I am particularly pleased that the objective is not to see how much one can get from the Ministry of Finance. Rather, it focuses on how efficiently the moneys allocated is being spent, designing and evaluating decisions and policies based on performance indicators and recommending adjustments to policy to meet departmental and broader government goals.

In an environment where tight fiscal management is the order of the day, managers must have a working knowledge of the bigger economic picture in order to prioritise in such a manner that would maximise benefits. This process demands that managers must be ready to sacrifice or trade-off programmes to ensure that the greater good is achieved for Montserrat. It is easy to manage in situations where resources are adequate but where there is less than required the management challenge is more daunting.

The call to serve the public is a demanding one and cannot be taken lightly because the livelihood and survival of Montserratians are at stake. Good governance requires persons appointed to public positions to lead by example. This means that they must display selflessness in so far as their decisions must be based solely on the public interest; their integrity must be of the highest standard and therefore a public officer should not place him or herself in a compromising position that might influence them in the performance of their public duties.

Public officers must be objective and are accountable for the decision they make. In order to ensure accountability, the process used in arriving at a decision must be transparent and defensible. A public officer must be honest and in this regard they have a duty to declare any private interest relating to their public duties and must take steps to resolve any related conflicts.

It is clear that structures like a budget monitoring committee encourages these principles because it promotes sharing of information, which in turn encourages feedback, which in turn improves knowledge and consequently results in better decisions.
The British Government is supportive of systems and processes that promote democracy, build capacity and enhance accountability. If Montserrat is ever to pursue self-reliance and ultimately self-determination at some point in the future, then Montserrat will have to adopt the same systems and processes. Such a major decision would bring with it the responsibility of using limited resources wisely to achieve the desired objectives.

In the meantime - and whilst in receipt of Budgetary Aid - these same skills must be learned and applied. At this point, I would refer you to the Financial Secretary's ambitious strategy paper entitled "Statement of Economic and Financial Policies" which aims to end budgetary aid in 5 years. If the objectives in that paper are to be achieved it is going to require some tough and difficult policy decision - even to get anywhere near the 5-year aim.

Nevertheless, and however long it takes, the strategy is certainly going in the right direction. I am sure, too, that it will appeal to British Government economists - and the Governor and they - will give you every encouragement and support to try to achieve its objectives.
It would be remiss of me, though, if I failed to emphasise that those difficult policy decisions, such as fuel, utilities and payroll, - far more difficult than any Government of Montserrat has taken hitherto - must be taken in the future if this strategy is to have any chance. It remains to be seen whether the next Government will have the courage and the confidence to make them.
Turning to the Budget Monitoring Committee itself, I find the recommended structure appealing. The fact that the 3 sub-committees ensure coverage of the entire financial programme - not just budgetary aid - is wise. When it comes to trade-offs as it undoubtedly will - these should be made across the entire aid framework.

All of which leads me neatly on to the 5-year aid framework figures approved recently by the Secretary of State for International Development, which would have been based on an assumption that agreement will be reached on significant re-definition of what in future years will be counted as "budgetary aid", especially in years 4 and 5. For example, by then will things like transport subsidies, MVO running costs and training be expected to be financed from revenue raised through GoM efforts?

Financial planners and Government Ministers are going to have to be realistic. The principle of VFM - Value for Money - is the watchword for all Ministers and Civil Servants in Britain. Ministers and Civil Servants in Montserrat can expect the same standards to be applied to them as long as British aid funds continue to flow. To give you a good example, such anomalies as annual rental income on the aid built housing stock being less than annual GoM expenditures on administering/maintaining it, will simply have to be reversed.

In fact the massive investment that has gone into housing, if managed or sold properly, should really represent a huge financial rollover asset for the people of the island.

Now, I give you these words of advice - call it a forecast - not because I have any special knowledge or inside information, but because after 42 years of Government Service I can very often second guess what HMG is going to do even before it knows itself. That is one of the many benefits of having a British Governor but whether Government Ministers or Civil Servants accept that advice is a judgement left entirely to them!

It is my hope, then, that this Committee or gathering of minds would lead to the achievement of the key objectives through speedier implementation of projects and programmes. That through sharing managers may gain insights from each other on how to overcome the hurdles that confront them. Also, that territorial boundaries established by management styles and structure may give way to inter-departmental collaboration, and that VFM becomes the order of the day.

I want to reiterate my belief that the establishment of this committee is a step in the right direction. Every member is now challenged to make it work. Each member must contribute to its development and to see that it serves the purpose for which it was intended. It must not be considered as a Ministry of Finance Committee but a public service management committee which belongs equally to you all."

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE FOR COMMONWEALTH DAY

The theme this year - A New Generation - captures the reality of a young Commonwealth. More than half of our 1.7 billion people are under the age of 25. They are the future of our organisation.

These young people face a world of challenge and change. Many must cope with a life where even the basics of human existence - food, shelter, and clean water - are far from guaranteed, or in very short supply. Others have had their lives thwarted by
war, disease, or environmental damage. Far too few enjoy the prospect of a decent education, or work which can give expression to their talents and energies.

Yet for all its ills and difficulties the world of the new generation also offers opportunities: instant communication, the transfer of knowledge, and advances in science and technology which, if applied sensible, can help people achieve a more fulfilling life.

Despite all these opportunities, we still seem transfixed by our differences. This is why our young people are so important. They know there are many problems which can only be resolved when people in different countries work together. I hope we can persuade them that the Commonwealth, whose very strength is in its diversity, has much to offer them in charting a path across the barriers of race and religion, distance and economic circumstances.

Making our Commonwealth matter to its younger members is a task for those of us who have lived through its development over the last 50 years or so. I hope that when the ten Commonwealth leaders who have been charged with conducting a review of our association's future report to the summit in Brisbane in six months time they will bring with them a message of hope and renewal. For what the Commonwealth becomes will depend on its success in addressing itself to the new generation; capturing their imagination; firing their vision; and enlisting their energy and commitment to an association which I believe can be as important in the twenty-first century as it has been to the twentieth.

Elizabeth R.

12, March 2001.

RAFFLE & AUCTION RAISE MONEY FOR CULTURAL CENTRE

The Grand Raffle to raise money for seating at the proposed new Cultural Centre came to a conclusion on St Patrick's Day (March 17th) when the second set of prize winning tickets were drawn.

The raffle, the brainchild of the outgoing Governor's wife, Margaret Abbott saw tickets being sold in Montserrat communities in different parts of the world. All tickets sold were entered for two drawings; one during Christmas 2000 as part of the Calypso Finals Show and one on St Patrrick's Day 2001 as part of the Junior Calypso Show which was held at Tropical Mansions Suites Hotel. In all some 20 prizes were awarded as part of the raffle. The double raffle saw prize trips to England and USA as the main prizes.

Mrs Abbott was extremely pleased with the results of the raffle and said "Getting Montserratians involved with the rebuilding of their country was great as everyone will benefit - when the seats are in use at the Cultural Centre they will see what their money has been used to buy".

The raffle, along with the sealed bid auction of a donated 120 piece dinner service,
raised over EC$35,000 for the Cultural Centre. Scores of persons sold raffle tickets
as part of this fund raising venture and all should be congratulated.

The Emerald Community Singers Tour of England

The Governor's Office has announced that it is offering the Emerald Community Singers a grant towards their 30th anniversary tour to England in July. The tour will see the group performing at the Houses of Parliament and at the Royal Commonwealth Society in London as well as at a host of other venues throughout Britain.

Now in their 30th year of performing Caribbean folk songs and dances, the Emerald Community Singers of Montserrat have long been considered the leading exponents of this art form in the region.

At the time of their foundation in 1971, it was recognised that most of the traditional folk songs, stories and dances were fast disappearing from the island as the older folk passed on. The objective of the group was therefore to research, preserve and present as much as possible this folk heritage.

In the intervening years, the group has performed throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America and the United States presenting their collection of folk songs and dances. They have appeared at many CARIFESTA Art Festivals, the Festival of Music in Cartagena in Columbia, the Seeds of Change Exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., U.S.A. (celebrating the 500th anniversary of the voyages of discovery of Christopher Columbus) and a host of other festivals. In addition, they have appeared in many of the leading hotels in the Caribbean region and on a wide variety of visiting cruise ships. They have recorded five albums.

The Montserratian and Caribbean folk music that the group performs is, for the most part, engendered on the beautiful islands within the Caribbean Sea. Many are based on actual occurrences and some of the songs are about real people, some still alive or well remembered. The folk themes come out of the social situations that existed in and around plantations in days gone by. Their music reflects the Irish heritage of Montserrrat, often referred to as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, and hence the Emerald in the group's name.

The music they present has an intricate weave of African and Caribbean influences and exhibits the sardonic humour, forthright criticism and clever turn of phrase so characteristic of these two cultures. Several of their songs are sung in Creole. In recent times, Montserrat has undergone a major volcanic eruption on the island and the group has included in their repertoire modern folk songs telling the story of the eruption and of the resilience of its people.

Before the tour starts the Emerald Community Singers will perform their mid summer show at the Pelican Room on June 30th and July 1st 2001.

MONTSERRAT BENEFITS FROM LONDON CONCERT

Guest & Stars mingle after the concert

Ava Astaire McKenzie & Producers Marcia Mitchell(r) and Lynda Kapnell (L)

Sir George, a member of the UK Montserrat Foundation, played a key role in the project. Not only was he helpful in the pre-production process, but he was also a hit on stage with more than 2000 people listening to him speak about Montserrat. "He was marvelous and was with us the entire way" said the show's producer Marcia Mitchell, a long time resident of Montserrat.
Also coming in for praise was the involvement of Governor Tony Abbott. The Montserrat Foundation's Chairman, Mr D.R.V. (Frank) Edwards said " The Governor's involvement was a significant factor in the project's success, he had lent his full support since the inception more than a year ago".

The Brandts attend the concert

The Astaire London Concert raised more than EC$300,000 and these funds will go to the Montserrat Foundation, with the wish that they be used to support the proposed Cultural Centre. The gift will be presented in the name of Fred Astaire who made numerous films and appeared in countless stage musicals during over half a century in show business.
The London concert featured some of the top names in Britrish show business with Hollywood co-stars and friends of Fred Astaire appearing as special guests, these included Robert Wagner, Cyd Charisse, Tony Martin, Jane Powell, Richard Moore, Jill St John, Ann Miller and Elmer Bernstein.

Hollywood stars on parade

NEW HELIPORT TERMINAL OPENS

New Terminal Building at Heliport

The new terminal building at the Gerald's Heliport was officially opened at a ceremony on Friday 16, March 2001.
H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott attended the ceremony and told those assembled "It gives me great pleasure to be at this official opening of the heliport terminal today.

I am sure the new facility will greatly add to the comfort of passengers using the helicopter. The terminal building, the control tower, the helipad together with the lighting, fencing and landscaping is costing in the region of one million dollars - around 300,000 pounds.

This represents a substantial investment and our thanks must
go to the Department for International Development (DfID) for
funding this project.

Control Tower at Heliport

As you know, I have had concerns about the time it has taken to complete these facilities. It is a year ago this week that the first person to use the new helipad, HRH Prince Andrew set foot on it and almost 4 months since the first passengers - the OECS Heads of Government - used this building. It has taken even longer to source the emergency lights, and I see that the installation is not yet complete.

However, the delays are mostly behind us and here we are today ready and, I hope, willing to take passenger care one step
forward. I sincerely hope that the opening of this terminal building will signal the start of a major clean up of the Gerald's area. For too long the tent like structures on the lot next door have been an eyesore to both visitors and residents alike. It is particularly important that we address this issue. For many visitors it will be their first view of Montserrat and you know how first impressions count!

Today's opening of this terminal and the recent additions to the terminal at the seaport will certainly contribute to improving Montserrat's image. This is something we should all take interest and pride in.

In addition, these facilities will lead to improved working conditions for Customs & Immigration staff as well as those from Montserrat Aviation Services. I salute your patience over the past years, working in these less than ideal conditions. I hope you all enjoy working in your new environment and I am sure that you will greet all passengers with courtesy and a smile.

All that remains to be said is that I hope God's blessings will go along with this building and with all the passengers who travel through it."

RFA GOLD ROVER VISTS

The Royal Auxiliary (RFA) support tanker Gold Rover Visited Montserrat recently on a goodwill Visit. The tanker, commanded by Capt. Ian Pilling, brought a large quantity of goods for various NGO's on island including a new cricket scorboard for Salem Park and equipment for the proposed Cultural Centre.
The support tanker has a crew of 60 and whilst in Montserrat they played football against a local eleven at Little Bay. The captain and Chief Engineer paid several courtesy calls when on island and attended a meeting of the Volcanic Management Support Group (VMSG) as well as visiting the observatory.
Gold Rover along with her sister ships Black Rover and Grey Rover replenish warships of the the Royal Navy with fuel oil, aviation fuel (for helicopters), lubricants, fresh water and dry & refrigerated foodstuffs.
The process of transferring fuel and storesat sea is called a RAS (replenishment at sea) and requires Gold Rover and the warship to steam along side by side while the fuel is being transferred via hoses and lines riggedbetween the two ships

BRITAIN IS SAFE TO VISIT

Britain's Foreign & Commonwealth Office is letting the world know that Britain is safe to visit during the outbreak of foot and mouth disease amongst animals and that the country is open for business as normal for tourism. There are no health problems associated with the disease for humans.

All of Britain's tourist attractions are open and travel throughout the country is normal. Visitors are simply requested to keep clear of farms in the country areas where the foot and mouth disease has been discovered.

The Governor's Office in Montserrat has mounted a 'Visit Britain' display in the entrance foyer of their building, Lancaster House in Olveston. Members of the public are invited to look at the tourism literature available during normal working hours; 8 am to 4 pm Mondays to Fridays.

The display gives information about places to visit, hotels, guest houses, transportation, maps and entertainment throughout the country. Everyone wishing to visit Britain during 2001 is invited.

NEW GOVERNMENT SWORN IN

Following the April 2 General Elections, H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott swore in the new Ministers of Government at a brief ceremony at Lancaster House - the Governor's Office - on Thursday 5th April 2001.

The results of the General Election, announced on the morning of April 3, showed the following candidates were elected:-
Dr Lowell Lewis (1455 votes), Mrs Idabelle Meade (1384 votes), Mr John A Osborne (1195 votes), Mrs Margaret Dyer-Howe (1179 votes), Mr Claude Hogan (1079 votes),Mr John Wilson (991 votes), Mrs Roselyn Cassell-Sealy (979 votes) Mr Chedmond Browne (973 votes) and Mr Reuben Meade (880 votes).

There were 2953 registered voters and the turn out for the election was 78%.The number of spoilt votes was 2.05%
At the Lancaster House ceremony, Mr John A. Osborne was sworn in as Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Trade, Dr Lowell Lewis was sworn in as Minister of Communications and Works, Mrs Idabelle Meade as Minister of Education, Health & Community Services, and Mrs Margaret Dyer-Howe as Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment.

The following day, Friday 6 April the newly elected Legislative Council met for the first time at the Pelican Room and all members took their Oath of Allegiance.

A STATEMENT

by

Former Speaker, Dr. Howard Fergus

I think I owe it to the country to formally announce the end of my tenure as Speaker of the Legislative Council of Montserrat after upward of 25 years.

I am recently back from Trinidad where I performed a final but crucial activity as the Senior Caribbean and the Americas' representative on the International Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. This was the interview of and selection from five regional candidates who applied for the important job of Secretary General for the CPA on a whole. I have sent forward the name of the chosen candidate who will go on to London to compete with another seven persons. This gives me the sense of being active to the very end.

In formally announcing my retirement from parliament, I must say thanks - first to God who has guided my entire career. For I believe with Shakespeare:
There is a divinity that shape our ends
Rough-hew them how we will.
But God works through human instrumentality and I must profusely and profoundly thank Mr. P. Austin Bramble who seemingly out of the blue while I was yet a novice on parliamentary matters invited me to be Speaker from outside the membership of the Council. I am eternally grateful to him. Let me also thank the University of the West Indies who readily granted me permission to this extra-office activity. UWI has supported all the way.

Then I owe gratitude to all of the Chief Ministers who succeeded Mr. Bramble. Mr. John Osborne has given me nothing but ardent support always, to this day. Mr. Reuben Meade's government also initiated my re-election and I thank him for that expression of confidence. Mr. Bertrand Osborne not only retained my services, but has always treated me with respect which attaches to the office of Speaker. Finally the present Chief Minister Hon. David Brandt has always respected my office, and ultimately my rulings, even after he has had his say.

But my thanks are not just due to the Chief Ministers, for I had the blessing and good fortune to have been unanimously elected by the Council on every occasion. I wish to thank all of those councillors with whom I have worked over the years.

Then I must thank the people of Montserrat, the overwhelming majority of whom, have genuinely supported me and respected me and therefore made it easy for the Chief Ministers to prolong my tenure. Finally, I must thank my wife Eudora whose quiet wisdom, tolerance and loyalty have been an unfailing source of support without which I would have achieved very little.

I retire with the sense that while I may have made mistakes, I made my rulings without personal animosity or partisan bias. There is no Chief Minister from Mr. P. Austin Bramble to Mr. David Brandt whom I have not ruled against on occasions and indeed who has not recognised that I sought to uphold the rules that govern good parliamentary practice and behaviour. I believe this is one reason for my longevity in office.

As Montserrat's first Speaker in modern times, I hope I have helped to shape and promote good parliamentary government and democracy in this country and given it a good image. It is a source of regret that the physical parliament building which was reared in my time has been destroyed by volcanic action. It is my hope however that I have left a spiritual institution of fairness and sound parliamentary practice, and that that legacy will remain.

I hope too that I have made a name and a positive image for Montserrat on the regional scene and contributed to parliamentary development directly through seminars in those countries, and indirectly through conferences. I believe I held my own in the region and that therefore Montserrat is respected for the representation which I offered.

I have hopes too on the international scene, having served as seminar resource person and made presentations in countries like Botswana, South Africa and the UK, and having been at the nerve centre of the administration of the CPA for over two years. I believe and have been so told that I have also made a valuable contribution to parliamentary thought and ideas through my writings in The Parliamentarian: The Journal of the Parliament of the Commonwealth. My most recent article published in October 2000 carries the title "Parliamentary Supremacy and Judicial Guidance".

When all is said and done, it is for others to objectively evaluate my work as Speaker but I go out with a sense of satisfaction, for I received broad national support; and with a sense of some success in the achievements at home and abroad. One negative which I wish to admit to, is the lack of a formal constitution for the local Branch of the CPA. The members of the last parliament will concur that there is a draft constitution before them and it was only the sudden collapse of Council that prevented this from coming into being.

As I close this longish statement let me again thank my coutry people for giving me the honour of serving in the capacity of Speaker. I thank all the Governors too with whom I have had to interact as Speaker. They helped to facilitate my development. Thanks also to the media for support and co-operation. Perhaps I ought to make it very clear that my decision to retire from parliament long antedated the collapse of the government and that I had intimated this intention to most of my colleagues in parliament.

If I can be of help in any way to the next parliament, albeit as an outsider, I will be only too pleased to assist. It has now become common practice to hold post-election seminars and I hope the new Mr or Madam Speaker together with the Clerk will plan one of these for sometime this year.

Because "there is a divinity that Shape our ends" I am formally retiring at the correct time. Thank you Montserrat for this rare opportunity and may God bless our new parliament and our country.

University Centre, Manjack
6 March 2001

CRICKET MATCH HUGE SUCCESS

The cricket match held at Salem Park on April 12th was a huge success. The match between the touring South Africans and the University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor's X1 saw the reintroduction of 1st class cricket to the island. This was the first 1st class fixture to be played in Montserrat since 1994 and saw the Caribbean's latest ground inaugurated.
Salem Park following its facelift looked a picture thanks to the efforts of a wide cross section of the community and all the players and officials were full of praise for the facilities. The ground with its new electronic scoreboard, only the second in the region, will host other 1st class fixtures from next year.
Although the South Africans won the one day encounter, the general public, given a holiday for the occassion, thoroughly enjoyed the match and turned up in their thousands. Hundreds of spectators also visted from neighbouring islands for the day - a positive boost for Montserrat's tourism potential.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CARIBBEAN MARINERS AND YACHT OWNERS

The Soufriere Hills Volcano on the island of Montserrat in the Eastern Caribbean has been erupting since 1995. Part of the island has been declared an Exclusion Zone because of dangers of flows from the volcano.
Caribbean mariners and yacht owners are urged to keep clear of the Southern part of the island as the Exclusion Zone is extremely dangerous. No attempt should be made to land in these areas.

Volcanic flows are fast moving and they can reach the sea in a matter of seconds and can actually travel across the surface of the sea. These flows are extremely hot and very dangerous and leave behind large amounts of debris floating in coastal waters.

Because of these dangers, a two mile wide Marine Exclusion Zone has been established around the Southern coast of Montserrat. This extends from a point off the Southern end of Old Road Bay in the West (Longitude 62 degrees 14 minutes W, Latitude 16 degrees 44 minutes N) around the southern end of the island to a point off the bluff at the Northern end of Trants Bay in the East (Longitude 62 degrees 10 minutes W, Latitude 16 degrees 46 minutes N).

Anyone or any vessel found in the designated Exclusion Zone on land or in the Marine Exclusion Zone at sea will be arrested and charged. Please keep clear of these extremely dangerous areas.

The Northern end of Montserrat has been declared safe to live in and to visit. The Montserrat Tourist Board is now encouraging tourists to visit this part of the island. Any visiting yachts are requested to anchor in Little Bay on the North Western tip of the island (Longitude 62 degrees 12.5 minutes W, Latitude 16 degrees 48 minutes N) where Customs and Immigration facilities are available and which has been designated the official Port - of - Entry to Montserrat.