The Police Service in Montserrat is no exception and because of this
the Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF) is undertaking a significant
process of change towards more inclusive policies including the introduction
of community policing.
This was very evident when, on Wednesday evening 30, May the RMPF held
what they described as a 'Police and Community Open Meeting' at the Brades
Pentecostal Church attended by over 120 members of the public. The audience
included H.E. the Governor, Mr Anthony Longrigg CMG, and the Acting Chief
Minister, the Hon. Margaret Dyer - Howe both of whom spoke at the meeting.
Other speakers included, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Alex Elder, Supt.
Paul Morris, Mrs Lindorna Brade the RMPF's Business Manager, several other
Police Officers and a host of community participants.
Several speakers spoke about the need to put 'community' back into policing
and the methods of achieving this. These included
(1) The police service has to be accountable for its actions and the manner
in which it takes these actions. They are bound by internationally agreed
guidelines that take into account the human rights of citizens and more
importantly the expectations of the people of Montserrat.
(2) Police services must be open to scrutiny - their methods of operating
have to be transparent so that all concerned are aware of their policies
and strategies. If services are to improve, there must be the opportunity
for the public to comment on these policies and strategies in positive
and negative ways.
(3) Police officers and members of the community must interact on personal,
professional and equal terms to ensure that a police officer's role is
perceived as an integral part of the community.
During the round of visits that H.E. the Governor has been paying to
Government Departments since his arrival on island was one to H.M. Prison
at Brades where Mr Longrigg spoke to both officers and inmates. Mr Reuel
Hixon, the head of the prison unit in Montserrat explained the history
of the prison since the start of volcanic eruptions and gave details of
the various buildings that had been used as prisons.
During the visit, H.E. the Governor took the opportunity to present to
Mr Hixon a selection of training materials for prison officers donated
by the Foreign and Commonwelth Office. Mr Hixon, who himself had previously
attended the Training of Trainers course that had developed the initial
material, thanked Mr Longrigg for the donation and pledged that the material
would be put to good use in the training of all Montserrat prison officers.
RETURN AIR FARE SCHEME EXTENDED
On 31 May 2001, the British Government announced plans to extend the
operation of the Return Air Fare Scheme for one year until 31, May 2002.
The scheme, known as ERAFS, came into force on 1, May 1999 in the Caribbean
region and 1, June 1999 in the U.K.
All applications for travel under the scheme must be received by 28,
February 2002 and all travel completed by the end of May of that year.
Eligible applicants are provided with a one way non transferable economy
ticket from their current place of residence to Montserrat, plus additional
air and sea freight allowances, travel costs to the airport of embarkation
and overnight subsistence costs in Antigua if required.
In order to qualify for the scheme, applicants will need to:-
a. demonstrate that they were resident in Montserrat on 18, July
1995
b. provide an address in Montserrat where they will be able
to live upon their return
c. show that they have been relocated for a period of at least
six months
d. provide written certification that they do not have savings
equivalent to EC$44,000 (£11,500)
Persons wishing to apply for the scheme from within the Caribbean
can contact the DfID office in Montserrat (telephone 664 491 5777) and
those in the U.K. can contact the Montserrat Community Support Trust
Office in London (telephone 0207 054 5766) for further details.
SAY NO TO DRUGS PROJECT ENDS
The Say No To Drugs project sponsored by the Governor's Office and featuring
the cultural community has come to an end. The project organised by
the local branch of Partners of the Americas saw the leading members
of the cultural community take the anti drug message island wide.
In December, the project kicked off at Festival Village with the Emerald
Community Singers performing anti drugs songs to teenage audiences during
the Christmas Festivities and on St Patrick's Day the project sponsored
the Junior Calypso Competition held at Tropical Mansions Suites Hotel.
This show featured anti drug calypso's.
In between these two dates, a group of musicians and actors visited
every school on the island to take the drug message to schoolchildren
island wide.
With music and skits they showed youngsters the dangers of using drugs.
At the beginning of June, Montserrat's Calypso Monarch Candie, Junior
Calypso Monarch Kim, former Caypso Monarch Cupid and the Emerald Community
Singers took the drugs message on the road with their package
'The Say No to Drugs Roadshow' appearing in Salem, Cudjoe Head, Davy
Hill, and at Lookout. T shirts, badges and literature was distributed
at all the venues and hundreds of people turned up to watch the performances.
The shows were very enjoyable and had the audiences chanting for more.
One leading member of the community commented that this was a positive
way of getting the anti drugs message across and that there should be
more of the same.
The Governor's Office would like to thank all the performers who appeared
during the six month life of the project with a special thanks to Partners
of the Americas for organising the events.
CARIPLAY DRAMA FESTIVAL
FOR MONTSERRAT
Montserrat
is to host the CARIPLAY Drama Festival from 15 to 17 June 2001 at the
Pelican Room of the Vue Pointe Hotel.
Following last years CARIFESTA in St Kitts / Nevis several regional
drama groups got together to discuss the lack of legitimate theatre
in the Caribbean region. From these discussions CARIPLAY came about
with participation from St Lucia, Dominica, Barbados and Montserrat.
The Festival has been moving around the Caribbean and Montserrat will
become the third island to host it. The CARIPLAY Drama Festival consists
of three seperate plays 'The Light & The Dark' from St Lucia, 'The
Confession' from Barbados and 'Ash' from Montserrat.
The St Lucia production is about the spirit world, the Barbados production
is about a death row prisoner and Montserrat's is strange tales of eruption
and survival.
Montserrat audiences will get the chance to see all the plays over a
three day weekend. On 15 June The Confession and The Light & The
Dark will be performed, on 16 June Ash and The Light & The Dark
will be the offering and on 17, June it will be The Confession and Ash,
all nights starting at 8 pm.
Seating will be limited so theatre goers are urged to purchase their
tickets in advance. Tickets costing $25 are available from Johnnie's
Mecca Fashions, Arrow's Manshop, and the Montserrat National Trust Office
in Salem.
FUEL TERMINAL FULLY STOCKED
The fuel terminal at Carr's Bay is now fully stocked with fuel for the
start of the hurricane season. The site developed over the past six
years with DfID funding
was an immediate priority following the main volcanic disturbances in
the Plymouth area and the subsequent withdrawal of the commercial fuel
companies.
The fuel terminal project, according to DfID Engineer Mr Ian Young,
is a fine example of emergency engineering mixing the old and the new.
Key pieces of equipment were rescued from Plymouth during the main evacuation
period and these have been incorporated in the final project which has
been designed to international standards of safety and environmental
protection said Mr Young.
The Carr's Bay Fuel Depot has been visited by a series of specialists
in fuel storage and distribution technology in recent months and all
have commented favourably on the installation, referring particularly
to the well engineered layout and good use of space.
The project saw the main contractor Damus of Trinidad Ltd, specialists
in oil terminal installation & construction and local contractor
Galloway & Co finish the project on time. The last section of the
terminal, the LPG storage area was opened during the last week of April.
The terminal contains petrol and diesel storage as well as LPG storage
and bottling facilities. All three types of fuel are pumped from ship
to shore directly from tankers anchored in Carr's Bay into the fuel
terminal.
In recent months, the Government of Montserrat, who have been importing
all fuel since the start of the volcanic crisis, have started negotiations
with the private sector to look at a franchise for supplying all the
island's fuel needs.
Montserrat National Trust Environmental
Workshop
The Montserrat National Trust opened its Environmental Workshop on
Monday 14th May at its offices in Olveston. In the first week the participants
from Montserrat, Dominica, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands and the
UK worked on strategies for the five year plan of the Botanic Gardens.
In tandem with Environmental Health and DFID Montserrat sessions were
devised on composting and recycling, led by Ed Stentiford, Pete Hobbis
and Trish Murow from Leeds University.
Stewart Henchie from Kew Botanic Garden, UK demonstrated various techniques
of propagation to the delight of the general public. He also shared
his expertise with the Botanic Garden Committee at the Montserrat National
Trust for the design of the Botanic Garden suggesting several interesting
alternatives.
Bridget Beattie talked to us about speciality flora in the mountains,
with particular emphasis on orchids. She also gave a delightful session
on beekeeping, and with Chris Bowden from the Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds went on to talk about pollination.
David Lang and Dawn Moorhead from ESPWA Dominica taught us about the
different soil types on the island. Anguilla sent observer Daryl Stoddard
from their Physical Planning Department, and The Turks and Caicos Islands
were represented by Bryan Naqqi Manco, Darwin Project Officer at the
Turks and Caicos National Trust.
In the second week smaller sessions on gardening, propagation, composting
and recycling, mountain flora, beekeeping and pollination were held
at the Trust premises.
Public sessions were held on both Fridays and Saturdays for the general
public free of charge at in the Pelican Room of the Vue Pointe Hotel.
Free transport was made available to participants from the northern
part of the island.
Links were made with various communities such as the Davy Hill Group,
Look Out, Cudjoe Head and Salem. The composting team led a special session
at the Farmers Association meeting at St Peters on the 22nd. Several
locations are being used for the setting up of composting units and
hopefully two for recycling.
The workshop was officially closed on Saturday 26th May at the Vue
Pointe Hotel by His Excellency The Governor Anthony Longrigg at a dinner
to mark the event, where the audience watched an entertaining video
on medicinal plants filmed by Dave Williams and Rose Willock. A full-length
version will be seen on local access television, as well as videos of
the sessions at the Trust, in the near future.
The Governor's Office was instrumental in the acquisition of funding
for the workshop from the Environmental Policy Department of the Foreign
& Commonwealth Office.
H.E. VISITS RADIO MONTSERRAT
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| Herman Sergent interviews H.E. |
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| 'Kafu' Cabey discusses the news with H.E. |
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| Technician Victor Cabey at work |
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| ZJB Acting Manager explains operations |
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| Athema Daley chats with His Excellency |
FORMER GOVERNOR SAYS THANKS
The former Governor of Montserrat Mr Tony Abbott and his wife Margaret
before they left the island in late April said thanks to the Government
and people of Montserrat for their farewell reception held in their
honour.
A Government House Press Release said that Mr and Mrs Abbott also thanked
all those who had sent flowers, gifts, greetings and radio messages
in the weeks leading up to their departure. They were both touched by
these expressions of kindness and affection.
A special thank you was offered to those who organised the farewell
reception - the Hon Chief Minister and Mrs Osborne for hosting the event,
Cedric and Carol Osborne for allowing the use of the Vue Pointe Hotel
to stage the event and to all those who spoke during the evening.
Mr and Mrs Abbott gave a special thank you to Dr Howard Fergus, the
members of Executive and Legislative Councils, the Attorney General
and his staff, the Financial Secretary and his staff and the Clerk of
Council. Mrs Claudette Weekes.
Thanks were also extended to all the Civil Servants from all Departments
of Government for their dedicated efforts over the years. Particular
gratitude was expressed to Claudia Roach for her suggestions and guidance
right up to the time of departure. Thanks were also sent to the teachers,
doctors and nurses, the Royal Montserrat Police Force, the Royal Montserrat
Defence Force, the firefighters and the search & rescue teams, the
staff and volunteers at the Emergency Department, and to those at the
Statutory Bodies and in the private sector.
The release added that special thanks goes to those at the MVO, the
DfID officials and the TCO's who have made Montserrat their home and
to the crews of the helicopter and ferry.
Mr and Mrs Abbott were especially grateful to all those who had volunteered
their time for the betterment of Montserrat - members of the Red Cross,
the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, the
7th Day Adventist Pathfinders, the Cadet Corps, the Rotary and Rotoract
Clubs, the Lions, Partners of the Americas and all the other service
clubs. They offered special thanks to members of the cultural community
for keeping them entertained - such groups as the Emerald Community
Singers, Voices, Plenty Plenty Yac Ya Ya, the Masqueraders and the calypsonians.
Special mention was made of the sporting community - the national football
and cricket teams as well as all those working behind the scenes and
to ZJB staff for their valuable service.
The religious community, the Montserrat Christian Council and the hundreds
of church groups were thanked by Mr and Mrs Abbott for enriching their
lives and others with the love of God in this most Christian of societies.
All will be remembered with love and affection.
Finally their gratitude and appreciation was extended to those who had
worked aropund them - to all the staff at the Governor's Office and
at Government House.
As they left the island from the heliport, Mr and Mrs Abbott said that
it had been a fascinating three and a half years in Montserrat. They
lived through some difficult times but had always been amazed at the
courage and resilience of the Montserrat people. Everyone had opened
their hearts to them and made their stay so special. They added, thank
you for your support and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve
here and an experience we would not have swapped for the world and one
day we will return. Best wishes for the future to all.
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Meet the Governors
Office staff
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Miss Blossie Sweeny (Receptionist)
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MVO TO HAVE NEW DIRECTOR
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| Dr.Pete Dunkley |
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) will have a new Director and
Chief Scientist from July this year.
Dr Peter Dunkley has been appointed to the post with effect from July
1st, 2001 for a period of one (1) year. In order to allow for a smooth
transition process, Dr Dunkley is scheduled to arrive on Montserrat
on July 1st, whereas current MVO Director and Chief Scientist Dr Gill
Norton will leave mid-July.
Dr Dunkley first worked at the MVO for a short period during May 1999.
The first time Dr Dunkley worked for an extended period on Montserrat
was when he acted as MVO Director and Chief Scientist, during the absence
of Dr Norton in September and October of last year.
He is the former British Geological Survey (BGS) Montserrat Project
Manager and, with the BGS, has worked extensively for over twenty (20)
years on technical assistance projects worldwide. Over the last 8 years
he has been actively involved in volcano hazards mapping projects.
BE PREPARED
The 2001 Hurricane season commenced on 1, June and weather experts are
advising that there is a likelihood of eight named storms during the
season.
Montserrat now has a newly installed weather station and it is likely
that early warnings can be given of any approaching storm.
In the early part of the hurricane season, residents are urged to start
getting their preparations completed in a timely manner. Some of the
things that every resident of Montserrat can do at this time of year
are:
1. Get to know your local disaster committee chairman and discuss
with him where the nearest designated hurricane shelter to your home
is situated. If you don't know who the chairman is, give the Emergency
Department a call on 491 7166 and ask for the information.
2. Discuss with all the members of your family the various stages
of a hurricane and what to do (and what not to do) during these stages.
3. Clear your property, yard or garden of debris that could fly
around in a storm. Because of the prolonged drought this year there
is much more loose garden material around and this too should be cleared
away.
4. Fasten or tie down your dustbins to somewhere secure so that
they don't blow around in a storm.
5. Chain down your LPG bottles if they are situated in an exposed
position.
6. This is a good time to remove any nuts from coconut trees
as they can become missiles in strong winds.
7. If you have water tanks or solar heating panals on your property,
ensure that they are fastened down properly.
8. Purchase and keep in stock some candles and matches but keep
them away from children.
9. Check your flashlights are working and put in stock some
spare batteries.
10. Find your water containers, clean and steralize them and
store them somewhere handy.
11. Start to identify all your important documents, pack them
into sturdy waterproof plastic bags and store them in a safe place.
Ensure that your first aid kit is stocked up and accessible to all family
members.
12. Remember the onus for preparation is on you and members of
your family so please BE PREPARED.
The possible storms for the 2001 season have been named and are as follows:
Allison, Barry, Chantral, Dean, Erin, Felix, Gabrielle, Humberto,
Iris, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Michelle, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah,
Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.
NEW GOVERNOR SWORN IN
Montserrat's new substantive Governor, H.E. Mr Anthony Longrigg CMG,
was sworn in at a ceremony at the Vue Pointe Hotel on Thursday 17, May
2001.
Mr Longrigg accompanied by his wife, Jane had arrived on island earlier
in the day. The oath of office was administered by the Hon. Attorney
General, Mr. Brian Cottle.
Members of the Royal Montserrat Police Force, the Royal Montserrat Defence
Force and the Montserrat Secondary School's Cadet Force formed a Guard
of Honour outside the hotel and treated the new Governor to a March
Pass following his inspection of the guard.
The Hon Speaker of the Legislative Council, Dr H.A. Fergus and the Hon
Chief Minister, Dr J.A. Osborne both offered greetings to Mr Longrigg.
The Chief Minister said "It is my sincere wish, Sir, that your
sojourn among us will be both enjoyable and productive. I believe that
you have been well briefed, and that you already know that the task
ahead of you is not easy, but I also believe that you come with skills
and experience which will help you to make vital contributions to our
country's long climb back to prosperity".
H.E. the Governor responded by saying "I am aware that this is
going to be a challenging job, but that is why I asked for this job.
I want a challenge, and I look forward to facing the challenge and the
problems with you, and helping to solve them".
Within a few days of his swearing in ceremony, the new Governor was
busy
visiting Government Offices, the N.G.O.'s, the MVO and the Emergency
Department, Police Stations, the hospital and several other key installations.
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| H.E. addresses the guests |
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| Dr. Fergus welcomes His Excellency |
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| His Excellency inspects the Guard of Honour |
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The Salute
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Welfare System Up and Running: Rental
Assistance scheme
About the Rental Assistance Scheme
The new Social Welfare System comprises a series of initiatives undertaken
by the Government of Montserrat to help the very needy and vulnerable
persons in the community.
The first component of the System was launched in February 2000, with
the provision of financial assistance for food. Government approved
the second component of the new Social Welfare system. This is the provision
of rental assistance to those persons living in Government owned houses
who cannot afford to pay their rent. The assistance is effective from
June 2001.
Who can qualify for Assistance?
The Rental Assistance scheme like the financial assistance scheme for
food, is a Means tested one and it uses the very same criteria for all
applicants. If you live in a Government owned house, in order to qualify
for help with your rent, you and any other persons in your household
must have the legal status of citizens or residents of Montserrat. In
addition, you must be able to show that you are eligible for help on
grounds of:
· Old age (over 60 years)
· Long-term illness or disability
· Inability to work because of the needs of dependent relatives
· Insufficient Income to pay your rent
At present, only those persons living in Government owned houses can
apply for rental assistance.
How can one Apply?
Households seeking assistance will have to complete and submit an application
form to the Social Welfare Office. Those households who are already
receiving assistance from the Government will also be re-assessed and
as such will also need to complete and submit an application form. Application
forms can be collected at the Social Welfare Office, the Land Development
Authority (LDA) and the Housing Unit. Completed application forms should
reach the Community Services Department: Social Welfare Office no later
than Friday 22, June 2001.
What kind of Assistance will Eligible households receive?
Those households which are eligible for rental assistance will not
receive monies in the form of cash or cheques in hand. Instead, the
entitlement would be in the form of a subsidy, where the Government
will pay a portion of the household's rent to the LDA.
Not all eligible Households will receive the same level of benefit.
This is because different Households have different financial circumstances,
are of different sizes and pay different rents. These are some of the
things that are taken into consideration when calculating levels of
rental assistance.
Further details about the scheme can be obtained from the Social Welfare
office, LDA and the Housing Unit where staff will be happy to assist
you in answering any queries
