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H.E. THE GOVERNOR RESPONDS TO RADIO REPORTS
It has been inferred on several occasions that H.E. the Governor intends to impose a candidate of his own choice for the Manager's position at Radio Montserrat. Nothing could be further from the truth as this issue has never even been considered. The normal recruitment procedure for Civil Service positions is being followed. Recent broadcasts have stated that there are no local staff members, other than support staff, working at the Governor's Office at Lancaster House. This is untrue as there are three well qualified and competent established Civil Servants working in the Governor's Office as an essential part of the Governor's team. On 26, September 2000 Radio Montserrat reported that the Emergency Department, which comes under the Governor's Office, owed Delta Petroleum Ltd over one million dollars for fuel brought to the island during the volcanic crisis. H.E. the Governor wishes to inform the public that the disbursement of funds to pay for fuel is not, and never has been, a function of the Emergency Department. All payment of fuel invoices is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Montserrat. It is for these reasons, and because of a number of complaints received in recent months from persons who believe they have been subject to criticism on ZJB that H.E. the Governor has proposed that consideration be given to undertaking a review of the whole ZJB operation. The Caribbean Broadcasting Union might, for example, be a suitable organisation to provide assistance. It is equally important that the right to freedom of expression and balanced
reporting is protected as an integral part of any democratic society.
H.E. has suggested that ZJB might well benefit from: The Governor has further suggested, given the proximity of General Elections, that in the interests of Good Governance and to keep the Montserrat community well informed, that all realistic potential political parties or candidates should be given equal access to airing their views over the National Radio system. Government House 27, September 2000. STAFF CHANGES AT MVO
From 1, July 2000 there is a new Director at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO). She is Dr Gill Norton who was serving as Acting Director at the time of her appointment. Dr Norton takes over from Dr Simon Young whose contract expired on 30, June 2000. Dr Norton has worked at the MVO for many years in a variety of roles, including several periods as Interim Director and Acting Director. Dr Norton is an employee of the British Geological Survey (BGS) who have provided the Head Scientist at the MVO on many occasions. In late September, Dr Norton left Montserrat for a period of leave which will see her marry Art Jolly an American scientist who has worked at the MVO on several occasions in the past. The October wedding in Yorkshire, England will be attended by a host of scientists who have previously worked at the MVO. During the absence of Dr Norton, Dr Peter N. Dunkerley a Geologist - Geochemist will act as Head of the MVO. Dr Dunkerley also of the BGS has worked at the MVO in the past and has extensive leadership experience in projects in the Solomon Islands, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Chile, and Ecuador. Dr Dunkerley's main experience has been in geological mapping and geochemical exploration with specilisation in volcanic successions and terrain. It is expected that Dr Norton will return to Montserrat at the beginning of November. DAY TIME ENTRY ZONE REMAINS CLOSED The Day Time Entry Zone remains closed as the volcanic dome continues
to increase in size. The dome is now about 40 million cubic metres in
size and has several spines extruded at the top. The dome is growing at about 5 cubic metres per second in late September and a large number of rockfalls have occurred throughout the month. Some small to moderate pyroclastic flows have also travelled down the Tar River Valley and the most significant of these was on the morning of 18, September when such a flow split into two lobes with both reaching the sea. In addition there have been a number of very small explosive events which have produced ashclouds which generally drifted to the west. The dome is considered unstable and may collapse at any time, however it is expected that any such collapses will run away to the east of the dome down the Tar River Valley. For the time being the Day Time Entry Zone remains closed as a safety precaution. FRENCH MILITARY TEAM VISITS MONTSERRAT
NEW NOMINATED MEMBER SWORN IN
She is the Hon. Idabelle Meade and the swearing in ceremony took place at Lancaster House on Friday 1, September. Mrs Meade, a local businesswoman, is the daughter of the late Mr Thomas Griffith the former Trade Unionist and Member of the Legislative Council. She was nominated to the post by Chief Minister, Mr David S. Brandt and following the ceremony Mrs Meade said that she was honoured and hoped to achieve a greater knowledge of the Legislative system and to participate in the decision making process. Later in the month, Mrs Meade was sworn in as the Acting Minister of Communications and Works to act in the place of the Hon.Minister Rupert Weekes who was on leave in England seeking medical attention. AWARDS ANNOUNCED On Wednesday 23, August Government House announced that four members
of the local community have been awarded the Montserrat Certificate and
Badge of Honour for the year 2000 for their services and dedication to
the island. The recipients will be: Mr Franklin Margetson in recognition of his contributions to the Montserrat community. He has served the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Montserrat National Trust and the Emerald Community Singers. Currently he is the President of the Citizens & Friends of Montserrat in Antigua. Mr Cedric Osborne in recognition of his many and varied contributions to the community. He has worked voluntarily with several organisations, including the Montserrat Jaycees, the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Rotary Club. He has also served on the Public Service Commission for many years. His Excellency will present the awards at a ceremony later this year.
NEW FINANCIAL SECRETARY (DESIGNATE) NAMED Following the recommendation of H.E. the Governor, and endorsement by the Hon. Chief Minister, the Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs has approved the appointment of Mr John Richard Shervington Skerritt as Financial Secretary (Designate). Mr Skerritt is to succeed Mr C.T. John OBE who retires at the end of his contract on 30, November 2000. Mr Skerritt, who joined the Civil Service in 1985 is currently the Permanent Secretary for Education, Health and Community Services and recently returned from the United Kingdom where he completed a Masters Degree. It is expected that Mr Skerritt will understudy the outgoing Financial Secretary until his retirement.
ROADS 2000 PROJECT UNDERWAY A EC$3.43 million project to improve roads and drainage in Montserrat is underway. The project was signed between the Government of Montserrat and DFID in mid August and allows for a road reinstatement and drainage rapair programme to bring the road system in the northern parts of the island to a standard that existed pre-volcano. The project will be carried out by PWD and is part of their overall strategy to improve the quality, safety and sustainability of the road system by improving drainage through the clearing of existing drains and culverts and the construction of new drains. In addition there will be the reinstatement of road surfaces, bases, kerbs and verges on selected roads, the removal of volcanic debris, road marking, street lighting, signs and the improvement of slope stability at the sides of roads. The project will be completed by 31, March 2001 and it is hoped that a rehabilitated and improved road system in the north of Montserrat will lead to development of the economy. AROUND THE CONSTRUCTION SITES Local building and construction companies are hard at work on a number of projects which are funded totally or in part by DFID. EMERGENCY OPERATING CENTRE Harewood Construction are busy pouring concrete to the building frame of the new Emergency Operations Centre at St Johns. This EC$1.0 million project provides a state of the art hurricane and post volcano Operations Centre which will direct operations in the event of a national disaster. The hurricane proof building will replace the existing dwelling house that has been used for the past three years. The construction needs very careful planning as the site has to remain in use by the emergency department while construction takes place around the existing buildings. The project is on schedule. CARRS BAY FUEL DEPOT Galloway and Sons are completing the concrete bases for the new LPG plant at Carrs Bay. The project will provide three months' safe storage of LPG as strategic reserve in case of break down in supplies. A new bottling shed will also be built to modern safety standards with a greenheart timber floor to avoid any sparks from the gas bottles. The ancillary equipment is arriving on island and this EC$1.5 million project is on schedule for completion in November. UWIDITE Tuitt and Tuitt are currently completing the Distance Learning Centre located high above the Salem School Campus on a site designed for future extensions. Currently the landscaping and internal fittings are in progress ready for early completion. This project is partly funded by DFID and is due for completion later this year. MONLEC POWER CONTROL FACILITY
J E Galloway Construction Co Ltd have completed the structural frame of the new (EC$960,000) control facility for MONLEC at Brades. The building will house the centralised controls for the various generators and will facilitate more efficient monitoring and control of the sets. In addition the building will provide technical offices, workshop, stores and staff facilities. HOT MIX PLANT New Dust Suppression equipment has recently been installed and commissioned at the Hot Mix Plant site at Brades to bring the operation to modern dust emission standards. The civil works were carried out by Leroy Bramble under the direction of PWD staff at a cost of EC$ 60,000. HELIPORT Construction of the new terminal building is due to be complete by early October. The fencing and landscaping of the site is finished apart from some works around the new building. The lights for the new fato are also on order and will be delivered shortly. Total project value is EC$ 249,000. SPEECH AT THE HOUSING SECTOR ANALYSIS WORKSHOP OPENING CEREMONY BY H.E. THE GOVERONOR WEDNESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2000 AT 10.00am VUE POINTE HOTEL
The Hon Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment, Mr Brunel Meade, Housing Strategist, Miss Faye Lumsden, DFID Officials, Housing Unit Officials, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. As we recover from the after effects of the volcanic crisis, I am sure we would all agree that one of the most important decisions that the island has had to face is the need for housing and where that housing is coming from. Nevertheless, whilst there are still 161 people in purpose-built shelters or hostels, and even though the high density ones have closed - it is apparent to all that we need to extend the existing housing strategy to the next stage. Let us look at where we stand now. Much has already been done! Apart from the 50 emergency houses erected at Davy Hill plus another group at Shin Lands, 200 direct-build houses have been built by the British Government at Look Out. Caricom have added a further 15. A large number of Building Materials Grants have been awarded to provide financial support towards a further 438 houses. Now that the details of the Low Interest Mortgage Scheme have been thrashed out, we should see a further 50 houses take shape. Approximately 115 households have been accommodated in family units largely supplied by the European Union. Approximately 200 serviced plots are being planned at Look Out Phase II. In addition to the housing measures that have already been taken with the support of DFID and other donors, that I have already mentioned, we now have some extremely good institutional accommodation at Golden Years, Hillview, Davy Hill and Mahogany. So much for the past - now what about the future? I am very pleased that the Government of Montserrat has seen fit to develop its housing strategy openly and transparently in such a public forum as this workshop today! As Montserrat continues its redevelopment phase it is necessary to review what has been accomplished so far in the housing area and to plan longer term strategies to provide a better environment to allow individuals, the private sector and other institutions to become more involved in the delivery of housing. The housing strategy uses the Physical Development Plan for the north of the island and also builds upon the Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment that was developed earlier this year. I am sure everyone here understands the housing needs of those living in shelters but we must address the needs of everyone living in the northern part of the island as many are still living in conditions that require much improvement. In addition we also need to address the housing needs of those persons who own property in the Daytime Entry Zone but find themselves in some kind of limbo through no fault of their own. Certainly any strategy you develop here today needs to take them into consideration. Also needing to be addressed, in some cases quite urgently, are those living in houses on land with short-term leases and who may need assistance in the very near future. To develop the housing strategy, DFID has funded the consultancy of Miss Faye Lumsden and she, together with the local housing strategy group, has developed the Housing Strategy by working with a ten year time frame. I am sure that we will today hear of short, medium and long-term interventions that would ensure adequate, appropriate, affordable opportunities to meet the current and future housing needs. I know that Miss Lumsden and her group have held a number of public discussions to canvas opinion and to allow everyone to express their views. This augurs well for the future since it is important that the people themselves have a voice in composing the housing strategy being considered here. This workshop will also, I hope, devise a method to allow comments from the community to be taken into account before its recommendations are finalised. These recommendations will form the basis of a five year housing plan for Montserrat, and once the plan is approved will lead to the future development of housing at Look Out Phase II and Nantes River. I therefore wish you well in your deliberations today and urge you to consider the housing needs of everyone in our society - the elderly, as well as the young, the less well-off as well as those with higher incomes, the physically and mentally challenged as well as the healthy. The objective should be, therefore, to compile a strategy that will eventually provide adequate housing for everyone in Montserrat. I wish you well! TROPICAL STORM DEBBIE PASSES CLOSE TO MONTSERRAT The Emergency Operations Group met on 21, August at the Emergency Department in St Johns to discuss Tropical Storm Debbie as it approached the Leeward Islands. The Tropical Storm was upgraded to a Hurricane the following day. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the Leewards but the storm moved north of the islands on the night of 21/22 August with winds of over 70 miles per hour. The ferry and helicopter services were withdrawn as a precautionary measure and both sought safe havens during the storm. Fishermen in Montserrat quickly took their boats out of the water as did the Marine Unit of the RMPF. Hurricane shelters were activated by the Emergency Department and the District Disaster Committees on the evening of 21 August and about 40 persons took advantage of them, staying overnight. Public information messages were broadcast to the public on Radio Montserrat in both English and Spanish as the storm approached the island and many business places, Government Offices and homes erected hurricane shutters as a precautionary measure. OPENING REMARKS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WORKSHOP BY H.E. THE GOVERONOR WEDNESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2000 "May I say how delighted I am to see so many of you here today in response to this invitation to attend a Domestic Violence Seminar for senior managers. Those of you who keep abreast of events in the Caribbean will know this is a major topic for discussion in the region these days. You may also be aware that a determined effort is underway to introduce community policing in Montserrat. This seminar is one more step towards that objective and I am most grateful to Superintendent Paul Morris, Sgt Cabey, WPC Lindsey and Mrs Bernadine Collins for all their efforts in bringing this seminar to fruition. As many of you will know I have had the opportunity to live in many countries throughout the world. Based on that experience there is one indisputable fact of which I can assure you - and that is that domestic violence is universal. It is not unique to any one country, culture or social economic group. I can also say from personal experience that if it is left unchecked domestic violence can eat away at the social fabric of any community and can eventually be perceived as an acceptable form of behaviour. Such an attitude towards violence in the home means that it can be passed down easily from generation to generation. It is not by chance that all of you have been invited here today. It is by design. You, the participants of this first seminar have been identified as being in positions of leadership and able to influence how, together, you can:- First. Recognise and understand domestic violence for what it is. That is, as a crime. Secondly. Through acting in partnership, together coordinate an effective response. This in itself throws up a number of challenges and quite a few questions for us on Montserrat. Today you will need to ask the question "what is domestic violence?" What evidence is there that it is prevalent in Montserrat? Is it a crime? How can we, as individuals or collectively, have an impact on what is happening? Indeed, if it is a crime is it not a police problem? The purpose of today's seminar is to address these searching questions and perhaps even our own perceptions of domestic violence. It is also my experience that, throughout the world, there is a tendency to tolerate violence and to accept it as an inevitable part of daily life. It's my impression that the culture of violence is increasing and that many individuals see violence as the first - possibly even the only way - to resolve conflicts originating through anger or frustration. A great deal of violence takes place in the home and it is family members who are usually the first victims. Children and women, though not exclusively, usually suffer the most. Often they are subject to psychological and emotional abuse, to exploitation, intimidation, humiliation and hurt on a regular basis. Domestic violence includes acts committed against family members or individuals residing in the same house and recognised members of the household. It includes physical and sexual assault, psychological and emotional abuse and serious neglect of children and dependents. Whilst it is possible for any member of the family to be a victim of domestic violence it is also true that the majority of victims are women and children. Though it is not unknown for adult males to suffer abuse. It is also a fact that for some peculiar reasons domestic violence crimes are often not reported. Very often it is due to embarrassment, humiliation or a desire not to get a family member into trouble, or draw the attention of friends to their unfortunate circumstances. In spite of the lack of reporting there is sufficient evidence to paint an extremely dismal picture of some family life which is characterised by violence. This includes females who have been subjected to continuous abuse. Confronted with a choice of acceptance of the situation or removing themselves from danger, by doing so they may be giving up significant economic and social stability. One of your aims today might therefore be to provide further options that recognise the need of a victim and honour the rights of all to a life free of violence. If, after you have considered the questions I raised earlier, you conclude that there is an element of domestic violence prevalent on Montserrat, it will be necessary to consider what action to take. Should that problem be identified then this seminar will give you the opportunity to consider ways of providing effective support to the victims, to educate the whole community of their right to a violence free existence and, where necessary, use the legislation available to ensure that the perpetrators of domestic crime are dealt with. I will not underestimate the effort that it will take on your part, and of your staff, to understand the contribution you can make and also how it can become an inclusive integral part of your policies and strategies. Preventing, reducing and eliminating domestic violence is critical if our goal is the creation and maintenance of peaceful, non-violent societies. While the achievement of this goal will depend on the collective efforts of all citizens, it is to the police and other government departments that the general public, that is the victims and even the abusers, will turn. It is you who will be expected to do something about it in the short term. How to prepare and equip your staff to deal with cases of domestic violence is the challenge now facing all such organisations in the region and beyond. I also note from my travels that if people knew about it they would very much envy the tranquillity that Montserrat has to offer in respect of crime in general. However domestic violence just might be a hidden element in this perception. Complacency or denial can place the existing or potential victim at risk. We cannot as a community take this risk and the seminar provides a platform of action that will allow future generations to adopt a zero tolerance towards violence in the home. It must be said, however, that it is simply not enough to meet, discuss and understand the issue at hand. We also have to understand our individual roles and responsibilities and, more importantly, be accountable for the actions we take. It will be necessary to set targets with regards to domestic violence and strive to achieve them. Domestic violence, like so many issues being addressed in Montserrat, may not be part of your core work but will be supplementary or an add-on. It is essential that we are transparent in the actions we take and accountable for our successes or failures. If we are to be accountable it will require structures to be put in place so that progress can be reviewed and recommendations made for future development. It is because of this that I am today proposing the formal structure of a Community Safety Strategy For Montserrat that looks at all aspects of the quality of life of all our community and all those working and visiting the island. I suggest this Strategy might be published by January 2001 and managed by a Community Safety Executive made up possibly of politicians, community representatives and senior civil servants. I should add that domestic violence is only the first of six key priorities that would need to be tackled by a Community Safety Strategy. Although not for discussion today the other five would be Youth Development; Violent Crime; Mental Health; Road Safety and Living Environment. Community Safety involves a wide range of activities to reduce crime and the fear of crime, but it is more than just crime prevention. Community Safety also includes physical measures to reduce the opportunity to commit crime and means looking at social measures to reduce the causes of crime. These would include:- - improving the local environment to ensure people are safer - supporting the victims of crime - assisting vulnerable groups; and - diverting people away from crime or stopping them from re-offending. Crime and the fear of crime can have a significant impact on peoples health and quality of life. When people are living in the fear of crime it can effect their ability to enjoy a full and active life. I have no doubt that you will be hearing more about Community Safety during the course of the day and how Domestic Violence will be prioritised within this process. I know that the work you do today is going to provide you with an opportunity to make a difference. I have no doubt you will respond positively and become an integral part of that change. I wish you all well in your deliberations and will look forward to seeing the conclusions that you reach. " RED CROSS RECEIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR HIV/AIDS EDUCATION
The Red Cross are to present 50 seminars over the next year in the island's workplaces in what will be an attempt to reach the entire adult population of Montserrat to bring to their attention the dangers associated with HIV and AIDS. The project will start next month. ECS PLAN TOUR TO EUROPE The leadership of the Emerald Community Singers of Montserrat (ECS), who were established in 1971, recently visited with H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott at Lancaster House to keep him abreast of the group's plans for 2001 as they will be celebrating their 30th anniversary during that year.
In the 30 years since then the group have performed at home and throughout the Americas presenting and collecting folk songs and dances. They have not however, performed in Britain and Europe, and it is hoped to do so for their 30th anniversary.
The group is a community one and normally performs free of charge. They have, over the years, opened churches, schools, hotels, banks, art exhibitions, agricultural shows, old folks homes, etc. They regularly perform at Government House, at local hotels, on cruise ships and present two major full length shows each year. Any monies they do raise are plowed back into community projects. The Montserratian folk music that the group performs is, for the most part, engendered on this Caribbean Island and many are based on actual occurrences. 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 also reflects the Irish background of the island, where, up to this day, many names of people and places are of Irish origin. Montserrat is often referred to as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean and hence the Emerald in the name of the group. In addition to this, there is an intricate weave of African and Caribbean influences exhibited in 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, the group has extended their repertoire to include gospel, classical and contemporary music. To celebrate their 30th anniversary, the Emerald Community Singers propose to carry out an anniversary tour in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 29, June to 20, July 2001. They hope to perform to Montserratian audiences as in recent years nearly 4000 Montserratians have moved to the U.K. because of volcanic activity. The tour will also coincide with the Small Island Games in the Isle of Man and a planned business tour presenting Montserrat made products & Tourism promotion at a variety of venues in UK and Ireland. This aspect of the tour is being planned by Mr Rudi Page of Statecraft in the UK. NATIONAL TRUST STARTS THEIR BOTANICAL GARDENS PROJECT The Montserrat National Trust (MNT) have started their botanical gardens project at the Salem Headquarters of the Trust. The plan calls for half an acre of gardens to replace the Groves Botanical Gardens which have been destroyed by volcanic activity.
H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott, recently donated over EC$34,000 to the project which includes an Educational facility as well as the gardens. The monies donated by the Governor will be used to fund one year's salary of a MNT Educator who will work with local school children, farmers, restaurant owners, and the general public by telling about the flora and fauna of Montserrat. A very small portion of the funds will be used to allow the MNT to be represented at the United Kingdon's Overseas Territories Environmental Forum which is being held in Gibraltar at month end. Recently the Governor planted the first of the new trees and plants that are to be incorporated into the new gardens which will be adjacent to the newly renovated Salem Campus of the Montserrat Secondary School.
THE ROLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH IN THE 21ST CENTURY British Prime Minister, Tony Blair addressed the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in London on 21 September. He told those assembled. "It is an honour to welcome a major Commonwealth Conference to the United Kingdom. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference is a unique event, bringing together elected parliamentarians from around the world who share a respect for - and common tradition of - Parliamentary democracy. It is therefore a source of great pride for me that this Millennium year the conference should open in Westminster Hall, the seat of parliamentary democracy in this country. There is a tendency to see the Commonwealth as a group of countries bound by historical ties of friendship. It certainly is that. But in a world where globalisation is bringing countries closer together it is also an organisation with a unique role to play in the future. A role based on shared values and shared experiences that cuts across the traditional divisions of East and West, North and South. A role that offers a way of addressing the problems of the twenty-first century together: poverty, development, political and economic reform. At the Heads of Government meeting in South Africa last year, we agreed to establish a High Level Review Group to find ways of modernising the Commonwealth so that it can respond to the challenges we now face. I was encouraged, at our recent meeting in New York, by the progress made. We are rightly now focusing on the areas where the Commonwealth can really make a difference, complementing the work of other international organisations. One such area is in strengthening democracy in member countries. The Commonwealth has led the world in defining the fundamental political principles of good governance, the principles upon which the Commonwealth was founded. The Commonwealth's unique institution, its Ministerial Action Group, plays an increasingly important role in this process of deepening democracy. The Ministerial Action Group has proved its worth several times over in upholding the values of the Commonwealth to which we, as parliamentarians, are all committed - good governance, the rule of law and human rights. But reform is not just a political question. The Commonwealth has great potential to help drive forward the world's economic and social reform agenda. I am delighted with the emphasis the Commonwealth is placing on debt relief. This is one of the foremost international challenges we face. Historically the Commonwealth has led the way in international efforts to secure a lasting exit from debt for the poorest countries in the world. Last year's CHOGM saw us pledging our support to the enhanced HIPC Initiative and the Commonwealth Debt Initiative. We must continue this work together, offering debt cancellation based on the commitment to economic policies which benefit the poor, promote responsive government and bear down on corruption. There are other challenges where the Commonwealth needs to be at the forefront. The Commonwealth is rightly playing a leading role in international efforts to respond to the devastating social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS. Last years CHOGM sent a resounding message of our intention to increase international efforts to tackle this global tragedy. The Commonwealth also has a vital contribution to make in areas such as trade and investment, environment, IT, education. Work is already in hand. The Edinburgh meeting in 1997 played a significant role, setting up the Commonwealth Business Council, with financial support from the British Government. And I am delighted by the excellent work it is now doing. Commonwealth leaders place great value on the CPA's input to the Commonwealth agenda. These conferences provide a unique opportunity for Parliamentarians throughout the Commonwealth to exchange ideas and to reach conclusions on the challenges we jointly face. And I look forward to hearing the results of your discussions. I hope this week will be a productive and stimulating one. And that it will allow you to strengthen the networks between our countries, as well as helping to shape the Commonwealth's evolving role for this new century." |
It
is not normal practice for H.E. the Governor to respond to media comments
about his office and those agencies under his portfolio. However, following
recent broadcasts on Radio Montserrat, the Governor feels the need to
correct inaccurate and misleading statements which have been presented
to the listening public. 
A
team of twelve officers from the French Armed Forces in the Caribbean
visited Montserrat on 5, September. The team, representing the French
Army, Navy and Air Force flew to the island by military helicopter for
their one day visit. The team paid a courtesy call on H.E. the Governor,
Mr A.J. Abbott, who entertained them to lunch at Government House, and
on the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr David S. Brandt. They were briefed at the
Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) by Director Dr Gill Norton and had
an overflight of the volcano. The team spent the afternoon at the Emergency
Department meeting with officials there discussing emergency contingency
plans. The team was led by Colonel (Air Force) Patrick Dutartre who is
responsible for the French Air Force in the French West Indies and was
made up of officers serving in both Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Following
the recent resignation of Mr P. Austin Bramble from the position of Second
Nominated Member of the Legislative Council, the first woman to serve
as a Nominated Member has been sworn in to the position.
Dr
Carol Tuitt in recognition of her work in training and counseling
groups, individuals, and families with the Montserrat Red Cross and other
organisations in the community, often in a voluntary capacity. 
The
Executive Director of the Montserrat Red Cross, Mrs Camilla Watts MBE,
recently received a cheque for over EC$11,500 from H.E. the Governor to
support their work in HIV/AIDS education.
At
the time of their foundation, 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 of this folk heritage.
Currently
the group is twenty strong and is directed by Dr Vernon LeRoy Buffong
MBE, who is one of the original members of the group. The group is made
up of singers, dancers, musicians and technical staff who are drawn from
all professional backgrounds. They have appeared at many CARIFESTA arts
festivals, the Festival of Music in Cartagena in Columbia, and the 'Seeds
of Change' Exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC
which was designed to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the voyages of
discovery of Christopher Columbus. The group has recorded four albums,
has provided back-up vocals for a number of international artists and
has toured extensively throughout the Caribbean, South America and the
USA.
