MESSAGE FROM HE THE GOVERNOR, A J ABBOTT OBE TO THE PEOPLE AND RESIDENTS OF MONTSERRAT AT CHRISTMAS 2000

This is going to be the fourth and, unfortunately, the last Christmas that Margaret and I will spend in Montserrat at Government House. You will have already heard that during next year I retire after some 40 years in the Diplomatic Service.

How time flies! It only seems like yesterday that I entered the Service and an even shorter time since I stepped off the helicopter in Montserrat almost 3 ½ years ago.

It is therefore a good time to review what has been accomplished in Montserrat over the past few years and in particular what the first year of this new century has brought us.

The volcano continues to erupt, but it is not disrupting our lives on the same scale as when I first arrived on island. Great strides
have been made in the provision of housing and the development of a housing strategy for the future. Not everyone, yet, has a home of their own but soon this will be a reality.

The year 2000 has seen the completion of the heliport at Gerald's thereby improving our connections to the outside world and earlier in the year HRH Prince Andrew graced us with his presence and became the first passenger to use the new facility. Hopefully work will commence in the next year towards construcing a temporary airstrip for fixed wing aircraft.

September saw a milestone in the rebuilding process, when staff and students moved into the refurbished campus of the Montserrat Secondary School at Salem. After struggling for many years to keep the school going through the crisis, their greatly improved facilities must have come as a welcome relief to all concerned. I am very grateful to DFID for funding this project and to all those who worked tirelessly to ensure the school was up and running in time. I should also like to express my gratitude to the Red Cross for putting down a first class Community Centre and children's playground at Look Out.

At Carr's Bay, work has continued all year on improvements to the island's fuel storage and distribution system so that the shortages of the past are eliminated. I now look forward to fuel supply and distribution to be privatized early in the New Year.

The new Power Station facilities at Brades are nearing completion as is the refurbishment of the Emergency Department in St John's. Both of these British aid-funded projects will see improvements to the respective services that these two important institutions offer to the public.

Many local residents have made starts on new homes, some of which have now been made easier by the introduction of the long-awaited Mortgage Scheme agreed by GoM/DFID and the Bank of Montserrat.

In 2001, we can expect an early start on a new Police Station at Brades, the new Observatory in Friths for the scientists of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), a special sheltered housing project for the elderly at Look-out, Sir George Martin's Cultural Centre at Little Bay and a host of other projects. The future indeed looks brighter!

Again, looking to the future, it is also time to consider re-assembling a new Royal Montserrat Defence Force which I would like to accomplish before I leave Montserrat. In order for this to be achieved successfully it will be necessary to ensure that facilities to provide for proper recruitment, training and discipline are in place.

In other sectors there is still much to be done. The Social Welfare Scheme has made great progress and will now be fine-tuned to take care of the less fortunate members of our society and we must address the plight of the mentally sick in our community. We must also address the need for a prison on the island so that we avoid having to send those who have transgressed the law overseas. I am most grateful to members of the Prison Service for coping so well under the peculiar conditions in which they have to operate. Nor must we forget there are still over a hundred people who are still living in shelter type accommodation that must be re-housed. Job creation, especially for school leavers, must also be a high priority.

During 2000 we have started to tackle the domestic violence issue and have instituted drug education campaigns for the youth of the island. I sincerely hope that that this will lead to more public awareness and discussions about these issues. Within the next few days the new policy of community policing will begin and this too will lead to a greater public awareness of some of the critical issues facing us all.

Speaking of the police, I cannot let this time of year pass by without thanking the Commissioner, his Deputy and Senior Officers and the policemen and women of the Royal Montserrat Police Force as well as the Fire Officers for their hard work and dedicated service to the community for the past year.

That Montserrat remains virtually crime free and a safe and peaceful place in which to live is testament to all their hard work - thanks for a job well done.

To the scientists and staff at the MVO, we must also say a special thanks for the unending hours of work that they put in to ensure that we are safe from the ravages of the volcano. They never fail to keep us informed and their public awareness programmes are the epitome of how to keep a public informed in a timely manner.

It is always very sad that some people have to spend Christmas in hospital away from their loved ones and to these patients I would like to send a special greeting during this festive season. However you are in good hands, the doctors, nurses and support staff at the St John's Hospital are second to none and will take very good care of you. To all the hospital staff go my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done to maintain the public health of Montserrat during the last year.

In a year when the problems of indiscipline within our schools has been highlighted, I would like to particularly thank all our hardworking teachers, headteachers and education officials for their continued efforts to give the youth the education they deserve. However, I must challenge the students in all our schools that 2001 is the year to improve on your attendance, timekeeping, discipline and attitudes to your studies.

I am dismayed by the reports reaching me that within the schools a small percentage of Montserratian youth are targeting youngsters from other Caribbean countries whose parents have chosen to work in Montserrat to help us rebuild the nation. That your Caribbean peers are being abused at school and at the bus stops causes me great discomfort especially at a time when many of our own Montserratian children are living in other countries where they depend upon the hand of friendship being extended to help them settle into a strange environment. The new century is a time for integration and I ask our youth to lead the way in making all those who come to our shores welcome.

A special word of thanks for all those in the Civil Service. Year 2000 has been a training year and many of you are now better equipped to face the future. To all the Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of Departments, senior and junior officers, radio personalities and all in the public service, thank you for your dedication and hard work. At this point I would like to pay particular tribute to all the personnel in Emergency Department especially for the unprecedented challenge that they have been required to shoulder by assuming responsibility for sourcing, purchasing, importing and distributing diesel, gasoline and LPG through the last 3 years during Montserrat's darkest hours - and to have achieved it so successfully in spite of innumerable and immeasurable problems. You have kept the island moving as ably as any private sector organization but it is now time to hand the work back to them.

Our private sector has made great strides this year to improve their products and services. Arrow's Manshop has been rebuilt and refurbished and is now one of the most distinctive buildings on the island. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank moved into their new offices in the Bruce Farara building at Brades during the year, JJ's opened their fine restaurant in Sweeney's and as the year draws to a close, BBC's impressive new precinct at Brades near completion. The Vue Pointe Hotel has been completely refurbished and reopened many of its chalets to offer another first class facility for tourist and business accommodation together with the many facilities they already provide.

MONLEC, Cable & Wireless, Cable TV, Water Authority have all continued excellent services despite many difficulties. I must also include the Supermarket owners and food importers, as well as those responsible for bringing in the much needed raw materials for the construction work. For the most part they have done a great job - thank you. This is just an indication of the confidence that the private sector is showing in Montserrat as we rebuild our lives. My office too, moved into new premises in Olveston mid year and Lancaster House is now able to provide better services to the public under one roof.

Christmas is a time of giving, but there are those in our community who freely give of their time all year round. I speak of those members of our NGO's who are striving to help those around them on a daily basis. They deserve to be recognized and thanked.

They include members of the Red Cross, the Old Peoples Welfare Association, the St John's Ambulance Brigade, Partners of the Americas, the Montserrat Christian Council, Lions, Rotary Club and the Rotoract Club, the District Disaster Committees, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Pathfinders, the Golden Years Foundation and many church organizations. Congratulations for a job well done! Year 2000 saw the rebirth of sport with the cricketers and footballers putting in creditable performances in their respective competitions. Lionel Baker was selected to play for the West Indies Youth team; a great boost for the island. Other sports will follow suit so play well.

To our cultural community, including the Emerald Community Singers celebrating their 30th year, we must say thanks for entertaining us and hopefully in the near future your cultural centre will become a reality.

As Margaret and I wind up our time of service in Montserrat, we will look back over our years here and will take away with us in the Spring, long lasting memories of the island. You have made us feel welcome, we have made friends for life and we cannot but admire the fortitude of you all as you struggle to rebuild your lives in the aftermath of the devastating volcano. One day the activity will cease, the volcano will go back to its slumber and hopefully peace and tranquility will descend once again on the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.

In the meantime, fight the good fight, work hard to rebuild and make Montserrat once again a shining light to all our Caribbean neighbours.

On that note, I would like to conclude by saying that Margaret and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year.

PROJECT CARIB PRESENTED

Project Carib, a project designed to improve the communication between Scientists, authorities and the media during volcanic emergencies in the Caribbean was presented at a one day workshop in Montserrat on 13, December.

The project, based on the local experience of the last few years, is designed to give everyone concerned in the Caribbean's volcanic islands the benefit of Montserrat's experiences during the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

It is designed primarily for St Vincent, Grenada, St Lucia, St Kitts / Nevis, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Montserrat, all of which are volcanic in origin.

The workshop was chaired by Dr M. Carmen Solana who gathered the resource material together. Represented at the workshop were the MVO, the Emergency Department, Radio Montserrat, the Governor's Office and the Ministry of Education.

The project is a joint one between CDERA, DFID, The Benfield Greig Hazard Research Centre, and University College London. The project outlines the volcanic threats to the Caribbean, forecasting methods, scientists dealing with authorities and the media, the authorities dealing with scientists, communications, the role of the media, and has a glossary of volcanic terms. The Montserrat EOC was used as a case study and its interaction with the media discussed at length.

Some experienced journalists attending the workshop explained their role during the crisis and the important role ZJB had played from the initial eruption.

The completed manual will be circulated throughout the Caribbean during the early months of 2001.

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE SUPPORTS DRUG EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

The Governor's Office is teaming up with Partners of the Americas and the local cultural community to mount a drug education campaign to last from December 2000 to March 2001.

The campaign to be known as "Say no to drugs with a cultural height - not a drug related high" will feature well known members of the cultural community and was formerly kicked-off on a radio programme on ZJB on Tuesday evening 19, December.

The project will present music, dance, theatre and prose about the dangers of drugs at island wide venues over the coming months. The project is designed to augment the work being done with the island's schoolchildren through the DARE programme of the Royal Montserrat Police Force. Every schoolchild in Montserrat will receive a "say no to drugs" badge along with pamphlets about the dangers of drugs.

The first of the presentations is carded for intermission of the Junior Calypso Competition to be held at Festival Village on 22, December. The project will end over the St Patrick's Day celebrations with a "Say no to drugs" junior calypso competition.

The project is being co-ordinated by the local branch of Partners of the Americas who have a long track record in drug education projects with funding from the Governor's Office and with the support of calypsonians, the Emerald Community Singers and theatre groups on the island.

GOVERNOR ASSISTS CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN

The Montserrat Clean Up Campaign organised jointly by the Solid Waste Committee, the Montserrat Tourist Board, and the National Trust has received $18,000 for prize money for the campaign from H.E. the Governor.

The clean up campaign runs until the 22, December 2000 and the winning area will receive $11,000 in prizes the second place area will receive $6,000 and the third place area will get $2,000. The areas to be judged are:

a.. Salem (from Belham to Runaway Ghaut)

b.. Woodlands (from Runaway Ghaut to Cheap End)

c.. St Peters (from Cheap End to Soldier Ghaut)

d.. Cudjoe Head (from Soldier Ghaut to Collins River)

e.. Baker Hill (from Soldier Ghaut to Pond Bottom & Caines River)

f.. Davy Hill (from Collins River to Little Bay Estate & E. to Sweeneys Estate)

g.. St Johns (from Caines River to Sweeneys to Lookout to Blakes)

h.. Geralds Bottom & Drummonds

i.. Look-out (E. of Quashie Spring & N. to Cat Ghaut)

The judges will address cleared drains & guttering, the amount of debris, graffiti, the best private yard, and community awareness programmes amongst others.

Meantime, H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott, OBE has been busy assisting with the clearing up of the area around his office, Lancaster House, in Olveston. He joined other hard working residents in the Salem area as they strive to win the first prize.

The Montserrat National Trust in a recent release said that it is approaching other organisations, businesses and individuals to take note of the Governor's generosity and to follow his example by donating to the Trust.

NEW FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE TAKE UP POSITIONS

Mr John Richard Shervington Skerritt assumed duties on 1, December 2000 as the substantive Financial Secretary to replace the retiring C.T. John. Mr Skerritt was formerly the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Health, Labour and Community Services and has a Masters Degree from the University of Birmingham.

A month earlier, on 1, November 2000, the former Chief Forestry Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment Mr Gerard Gray took up his new position as Director of Agriculture within the same Ministry. Mr Gray has a Masters Degree from the University of East Anglia.

Congratulations are extended to these two newly appointed sons of the soil.

THE GOVERNOR SAYS FAREWELL TO C.T. JOHN

At a reception to say farewell to outgoing Financial Secretary, Mr C.T. John held at the Vue Pointe Hotel on the last day of November, H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott OBE had this to say about Mr John; " Whilst in many ways this is a sad occasion I am nevertheless privileged to be here tonight to pay honour and say farewell to a distinguished Financial Secretary and outstanding citizen of Montserrat, Mr C.T. John.

For the last three years or more I have worked in close collaboration with C.T. John and in that time I have got to know him well. Without doubt his first love is his vocation as a teacher. He specialised in Geography at the Montserrat Secondary School and later became the Principal there. During his years at the MSS he played an influencial role in the development of the Cadet Corps.

Early in 1989 C T was headhunted from Education to assume the role of Financial Secretary. Whilst this was a great loss for the teaching fraternity it was a major plus for the country. During that time he has served four Governors and, by my count, four Chief Ministers. He had hardly got his legs under the desk when Montserrat was badly hit by Hurricane Hugo. Then began the long, hard struggle to rebuild Montserrat from the destruction wreaked after 24 hours of fury. But this task took many years of hard toil and it is not difficult to imagine the multiple problems that this would have presented to any Financial Secretary.

Sadly no sooner had order been restored when the even greater menace of the Volcano struck bringing with it many years of increasing devastation that, in many ways, we are still suffering today. Since 1996 Montserrat has depended totally on aid from Britain and with that situation came new and different responsibilities for monitoring and accountability. Over the last few years I can give personal testimony to the many tough decisions and difficult issues that the Financial Secretary has had to confront.

My first memories of CT was an occasion only a few days after my arrival on island in 1997. CT announced that it was necessary for him to explain to me the intricacies of Finance and the Budget and the only time we could do this was in our spare time. We therefore spent almost two days closeted together over a weekend at Government House whilst I received probably one of the most detailed briefings I have ever received on any topic. For me the tone had been set. Here was a man who was the ultimate professional. Dedicated and punctilious over the details of his work he demonstrated a complete mastery of the Budget and everything connected with the financial dealings of the island. Tireless and uncomplaining in spite of all the demands.

Nor did CT restrict himself only to the dealings and work of a Financial Secretary. The number of Committees on which he sits - or has sat- are simply too numerous to mention. I would only highlight that at one point he was even a member of the Board of LIAT and yet here is a man who loathes and detests flying.

Not only was he tireless in his endeavours, he also managed to remain calm and level-headed despite whatevert emergency had arisen. It is true to say that the strongest reaction I have ever heard from him was 'Oh my, oh my'. When you hear that - you know you have a problem. All of these qualities CT John displayed, particularly in his dealings with politicians. Often, have I marvelled at his patient and diplomatic approach as he unravelled the complexities of finance for many of our senior people. Equally, it has been fascinating to watch how CT emulates Lord Admiral Nelson when on rare occasions he will put one hand over an eye and say 'I see no signal' ! It takes a person of impeccable judgement and wisdom to know when you have 20-20 vision or otherwise.

When you mix all his rare skills and talents with a personality that strives for no less than perfection and still observe how he treats everybody with the same respect and courtesy it is easy to understand why he gets on with so many people irrespective of their place in society. Throughout all of this CT has always demonstrated his strong belief in the training aspect of fellow Public Servants. Another area that he has devoted much time and effort to the grat advantage of his junior colleagues.

I am personally extremely sorry to see CT depart. He has served his country with honour and distinction. He has assured me he is going into total retirement with the same dedication with which he addressed his duties whilst in office. CT you certainly deserve a well earned rest and I hope that God will grant you many years of peace and tranquility and allow you to watch the continued growth and development of your beloved island. Not to mention the opportunities you will have to enjoy your cricket, both on-island and around the Caribbean.

You depart with the full knowledge that your fellow countrymen - and many of the other technicians and experts involved with the redevelopment of Montserrat from other countries - truly appreciate your skills and huge contribution. All our good wishes go with you".

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES KICK-OFF

The annual Christmas Festival kicked off with a bang recently when fireworks were used to start off the season at the opening ceremony at Festival Village in Little Bay.

During the first week of the festival, the Miss Unity Pageant had the first of their two shows (the swimsuit competition), the schoolchildren had their Arts Festival and the Calypsonians held their eliminations at Festival Village.

The second week's activities started with the Emerald Community Singers 30th Anniversary Christmas Show which thrilled audiences at the Pelican Room. Since the group started some thirty years ago over 200 singers have appeared for them on stage and mention was made of them during the show.

The anniversary concert was a huge success and had the audience on their feet demanding more. The present group is 20 strong and during 2001 the group plan an anniversary tour to Europe. There is one surviving performer with the group from the original line-up and that is Dr Vernon Buffong their Director, drummer and occasional tenor. He was given a loud cheer from the audience for helping to keep the group together for 30 years throughout this great period of change on the island.

The programme for the festival during Christmas week is shown below.