BARONESS AMOS OPENS OVERSEAS TERRITORIES CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL MEETING

Baroness Amos, the FCO Minister with responsibilities for the U.K. Overseas Territories opened the 3rd OT Consultative Council Meeting in London on 24 September. She said
" I should like to begin by offering you all a warm welcome to London and to this Third meeting of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council.

We have a daunting agenda ahead of us, covering a range of topics which not only go to the heart of the relationship between us but which are central to the social and economic well being of the Territories. The number and diversity of these topics reflects the breadth and depth of that relationship.

There are some difficult issues on the agenda. I have tried to address these issues in replies to your letters and suggestions in recent weeks, but I nevertheless expect some frank and lively exchanges around this table. See this as positive. All relationships face challenges - I see vigorous debate and discussion as a testament to the maturity of our relationship.

The world is changing fast. Uppermost in our minds are the events of a fortnight ago in New York, and how those events will affect us all. I have just returned from a short visit to the US and have a vivid memory of the horror and sadness I saw there. I was sorry to learn that some of our Overseas Territories citizens are missing - including a fire officer from Montserrat. It is inevitable that the short term effect, especially on the Caribbean Territories and Bermuda could be dramatic. The sectors which have been worst hit - tourism, airlines, investment, insurance and financial services, are the sectors on which your economies depend.

I am sure that we will want to talk about these issues in this session. For example, the tragic events of 11 September will have dramatic implications for any civil aviation or airport authority which fails to meet the stringent new measures that are being introduced worldwide.

I do want to say a few words about the state of our relationship, two and a half years on from the 1999 White Paper. In May this year Patricia Scotland chaired the annual meeting of Overseas Territories Governors, and the first session - as with today's meeting - was an assessment of the partnership between us. I think it is fair to say that the message that emerged from Governors was that a good deal of progress is being made across a range of issues, but that three issues in particular - financial regulation, the order in council on homosexual acts and the Governments slow progress on delivering the White Paper commitment to grant British Citizenship to BDTCs - has obscured the progress. There was also a perception that the relationship is too one-sided, that we in London follow our own agenda and priorities and expect the Overseas Territories to toe the line.

This is far from the truth. Like my predecessor, I am committed to working in partnership to our mutual benefit. The programme of work set out in the White Paper still holds good and now in place. As you know, one of my first tasks as Minister has been to take the British Overseas Territories Bill through the House of Lords. I hope that the Bill will receive Royal Assent by the end of this year or early next. I understand that there are some concerns about aspects of the Bill which we can discuss later this afternoon.

The international financial regulatory and tax agenda continues to evolve and throws up challenges for the Overseas Territories. I recognize that resources are limited and that dialogue and consultation on these issues are critical. I know that we will have a frank and open discussion on these issues with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury tomorrow. I also hope that discussions this afternoon on domestic financial management and borrowing will enable us to build a platform for a common understanding of the importance which we attach to the Overseas Territories operating prudent financial controls and affordable debt management strategies.

MORE Q & A ON THE OVERSEAS TERRITORIES BILL
(Continuing a series started in the last edition)

Question 11
What about other nationals resident in Montserrat?

None British Dependent Territory Citizens (BDTC) resident in Montserrat will first have to acquire British Overseas Territory Citizenship (BOTC) and then must apply via the Governor to the Home Office for British citizenship.

Question 12
I am a BDTC who has aquired another nationality (example U.S.A.). Am I still entitled to British citizenship immediately?

Yes - it makes no difference whether you have another nationality in addition to BDTC.

Question 13
If I choose not to take up my British citizenship, do I have to renounce it?

No, not unless you want to. You can allow it to lie dormant. If you change your mind and want to give effect to your Britich citizenship status, you can apply for a British passport at any time.

Question 14
What happens if I formally renounce British citizenship? Can I get it back again?

Not automatically. To renounce it, you have to apply, via the Governor, to the Home Secretary. You will have to apply again if you want it restored.

Question 15
I was born in Montserrat, then I went away to work in another country and aquired their nationality. I have returned (or wish to return) to Montserrat. Am I entitled to British citizenship?

Yes - your eligibility for British citizenship does not depend on where you are living at the time the new law comes into force, nor on where you have lived previously.

Question 16
Will I be free to travel, work and live in Member States of the European Union?

Under European Community law, giving BDTC's British citizenship will mean that they aquire rights of free movement, residence and the opportunity to work (without a work permit) in the European Union Member States.

Question 17
Will British citizens from the Overseas Territories
be eligible to vote in British elections?

Not while resident in their own territories or elsewhere. To vote in any British elections, British citizens must satisfy normal UK residence and registration requirements.

Question 18
Does having a British passport mean that Montserratians will have to pay British taxes?

No - British citizens resident outside the UK or the European Union (EU) are not subject to direct taxation regimes operated by Member States of the EU.

Question 19
When I become a British citizen will I be automatically entitled to a British State pension when I reach retirement age?

No - the entitlement to a British State retirement pension
is based on a person's UK National Insurance record and not on their nationality nor on their residence.

Question 20
When I become a British citizen will I still need a US visa if I wish to visit the USA?

This is a matter for authorities in the USA. Currently, it is understood that the US authorities waive the requirement for an advance visa only in respect of British citizens travelling from the UK.

SCIENTIFIC AND HAZARDS ASSESSMENT OF THE SOUFRIERE HILLS VOLCANO, MONTSERRAT

Preliminary Statement (12 September 2001)

A second episode of dome growth, which began in November 1999, is continuing. In comparison with the first episode (1995-1998), growth has been steadier and has a similar average rate of about 3 cubic metres per second (600,000 tons of lava per day). However, in the period under review (January to August 2001) there have been some fluctuations in activity, with a pause in dome growth between early March and mid-May.

A large dome collapse occurred during the evening of 29 July 2001, during a period of intense rainfall. Pyroclastic flows, generated by the sustained collapse, moved down the Tar River valley into the sea. The collapse involved a volume of about 45 million cubic metres, making it the second largest volcanic event of the eruption. There was significant ash fall on island associated with the collapse, which produced thicknesses of a few centimetres in the Salem/Old Towne area. There were also explosions, which resulted in rock fragments up to a few centimetres in length being deposited in populated areas between Salem and St Peters. This distribution of rock fragments was controlled by high-level winds. Vigorous dome growth resumed immediately after 29 July in the large depression produced by the collapse.
The dome collapse of 29 July has temporarily reduced the levels of risk in the populated areas of Montserrat. However, if the current rates of renewed growth are maintained then the dome will fill the new collapse depression within a few months and a large dome with unconfined flanks would be re-established. The levels of attendant risk would then become similar to those evaluated in January 2001. Risk will fluctuate as the configuration of the dome changes. In the circumstances of a large unconfined dome, a switch of growth direction to the north or north-west might happen with little warning. This would result in high levels of risk in the populated areas close to the Belham valley.

The main hazards remain pyroclastic flows, explosions, falls of ash and small rocks and volcanic mudflows. The increasing knowledge of the volcano acquired by the experienced Observatory staff allow the patterns of eruption behaviour to be recognized and activity of the volcano to be anticipated. The 29 July collapse emphasizes that occasional ash fall and fall of small rock fragments can be expected in the populated areas and, if the wind is also in an unfavourable direction, ash fall can be heavy. There is still no sign of the overall levels of volcanic activity diminishing and the most likely outcome is that this pattern of activity will continue for the next few years. The continued vigorous dome growth, after more than 6 years of the eruption, increases the likelihood that the volcano has evolved into a persistently active state and will continue to erupt, continuously or intermittently, for even longer periods of time.

The assessment panel also looked at arrangements for the Day Time Entry Zone and Maritime Exclusion Zone and a report is expected to be available soon.

HMS COVENTRY VISITS MONTSERRAT

The British Nay's HMS Coventry visited Montserrat on the 19/20 September during a five month deployment in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

HMS Coventry has over 230 crew members and its commanding officer is Captain Philip Jones. Captain Jones at a press conference on board said that the ship's primary role in the region is in the countering of the illegal drugs trade which mainly stems from South America. Prior to coming to Montserrat, HMS Coventry assisted authorities in Belize in recovering drugs with a value of over US$50 million, several people were also arrested by the Belize authorities.

Captain Philip Jones

During their visit to Montserrat, the Captain and senior officers visited H.E. the Governor, the Hon. Chief Minister,
plus MVO and Emergency Department officials. Crew members took the opportunity for shore leave with some sightseeing and dozens of men and women joined workparties to carry out a wide variety of projects.
The community projects included, cutting up the scrap yellow bus in Olveston for disposal, the landscaping of new housing schemes, an irrigation project for small farmers and discussions on oil spill procedures in case of disasters in Montserrat's coastal waters. Other crew members worked with members of the RMDF and RMPF on several projects.

Montserrat Represented at Education International Congress

MUT Delegate Mrs Pat Ryan on the opening day of Congress 2001

The Montserrat Union of Teachers was represented at the Education International 3rd World Congress held in Thailand.

Montserrat, one of 150 countries at the meeting, was represented by Montserrat Secondary School teacher, Mrs Pat Ryan.

The July 25 - 29th Congress was held in Jomtien, Thailand and saw some 1100 delegates attending.

The Congress was jointly hosted by the Education Society of Thailand, the Private School Teachers Association of Thailand, the Federation of Elementary Education Teachers Association of Thailand and the National Thai Teacher's Union.

All the Caribbean delegates had a pre-congress meeting in London en route to Thailand where they discussed the status of African Caribbean students in British schools.

The overall theme of the Congress was Educating in a Global Economy. A full report on the Congress is currently being circulated to all school teachers in Montserrat.

TPS EXTENDED

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of Montserratians in the USA as a result of the volcanic crisis has been extended.

A US Government news release dated 8, August 2001 said that TPS would be extended until 27, August 2002.

The release stated "The extension of TPS for Montserratians is effective 27, August 2001, and will remain in effect until 27, August 2002. Nationals of Montserrat who are currently registered under the TPS programme must re-register during the 90 day period ending 1, November 2001."

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE MEETS WITH NGO's

H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Longrigg and several members of his staff met with members of the local Non- Government Organisations (NGO's) in late August to outline to them possible funding opportunities from the Governor's Office.

The meeting, held at the Brades Pentecostal Church, saw some 80 NGO members attend. They were told that the various funds administered by the ofice were best used for one off projects, projects of less than EC$30,000, projects which aim at improving the standard of living, the promotion of community based cottage industries, improving public awareness, training, strengthening community based organisations, in agricultural & environmental projects, and in the promotion of health and safety projects.

The Governor's Office gave examples of previous successful projects that they had funded, these included
the Montserrat Red Cross's AIDS awareness seminar programme for the workplace, the community clean-up campaign organised by the Montserrat National Trust and the Drug Awareness programme organised by Partners of the Americas using the cultural community.

All those present were urged to present projects to the
Governor's Office for consideration.

PUBLIC TO BE INVOLVED IN LAW REFORM

A press release from the Attorney General's Chambers has outlined methods for the general public to be involved in Law Reform.

The press release states " At its recent meeting, the Law Revision Committee decided to notify members of the public, including all public servants, that it is meeting from time to time to consider the laws of Montserrat and ways to bring about:

a) the correction of errors in the law

b) the updating of the laws

c) making minor improvements in the laws

d) dealing with any problems with the law.

The committee decided to invite members of the public and public servants to report any such problems and suggestions to improve the laws, so that these matters can be discussed and, if appropriate, a report be made to Executive Council that could result in an amending or new Act being presented to the Legislative Council.

All communications will be treated in the strictest confidence and should be addressed to:-
The Secretary, Law Revision Committee, PO Box 129, Attorney General's Chambers, Montserrat.

FIREARMS AMNESTY

Anybody in Montserrat who is un possession of unlicensed firearms and / or ammunition may voluntarily surrender them to the police during a firearms amnesty during the next three months.

The amnesty does not apply to firearms or ammunition coming to light as a result of police enquiries or criminal investigation.

If any reader is in possession of an unlicensed firearm or ammunition they are invited to call the Salem Police Station at telephone 491 2555 as soon as possible. In addition if readers know of other in possession of such weapons, please make them aware of the amnesty period and encourage them to surrender the weapons.

During the amnesty period, the police will also accept other weapons including, flick knives, lock knives, and switchblades. In addition, the police will be pleased to accept the licensed firearms and ammunition that are no longer needed or justified.

All such weapons handed in to the police will be documented and subsequently destroyed.

The general public is reminded that it is illegal to possess unlicensed firearms and ammunition and that they face stiff penalties under the Firearms Act 2000 if caught with such weapons in their possession.

The amnesty closes on 6, December 2001.

ORIOLE PROJECT SUPPORTED

Government House recently reported that the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's Environmental Fund for Overseas Territories is to provide financial support for a Montserrat Oriole Emergency Conservation Project.

The project will receive in the region of £130,000 (EC$500,000) and will be implemented by the Montserrat National Trust, the Ministry of Lands, Housing & the Environment, and Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The project will address the decline of the Oriole, Montserrat's National Bird through field ecological research to include data collection, photography, training in bird monitoring & ecological skills for local staff, the design of a wildlife monitoring project, and the production of an action plan to ensure that the Oriole population is conserved.

It is envisaged that the project will include an insect monitoring scheme as a declining innsect population is a possible cause of the decline in the Oriole population.

The project will have a three year life span and commences immediately.

NEW MVO BUILDING UNDERWAY

Construction of the new Montserrat Volcano Observatory
(MVO) building is underway in Flemings.

The ground breaking ceremony was held on Friday 7, September when a large group of scientists were on island to carry out the six monthly assessment of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

At the ground breaking ceremony, H.E. the Governor Mr Tony Longrigg, the Hon Chief Minister Dr John A Osborne and Dr Peter Dunkley, the Head of the MVO all spoke to those assembled about the need for a new observatory.
Special mention was made of all the scientists and staff of the MVO who had worked so diligently over the years in monitoring the volcano.

The actual ground breaking ceremony was carried out by the Director of the Emergency Department, Lt Horatio Tuitt assisted by the contractor on the new site, Kenrick Harewood.

The new MVO was designed locally and is being built with funding from DfID. It commands a clear line of sight to the dome and is expected to be completed in approx 12 months time.