GENERAL ELECTION 2nd, APRIL 2001


On Friday 2 February 2001, H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott issued a statement announcing the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the Hon. Ministers Mrs Adelina Tuitt and Mr Rupert Weekes on 1, February 2001.

On 5, February 2001 H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott addressed the nation on ZJB Radio about the ploitical situation on island. He told listeners " On Friday 2, February 2001 acting on the advice of the Hon. Chief Minister I issued a proclamation proroguing the Legislative Council with a view to to its immediate dissolution. On the same day I also issued a proclamation dissolving Legislative Council in order that we could move to a General Election. These proclamations have been published today, 5 February in the Official Gazette. As a result the Legislative Council stands dissolved as of 2, February 2001 and General Elections to elect members of the Legislative Council will be held within three months of that date, as required by the Constitution.

I know that you are all well aquainted with Dr Howard Fergus who, incidentally, has wide ranging experience of the holding of General Elections, not only in Montserrat but also in other parts of the Commonwealth. I have today appointed Dr Fergus as Supervisor of the next General Election. At the same time I have, with the agreement of Dr Fergus, aoointed the Clerk of Councils, Mrs Claudette Weekes as Returning Officer.

Dr Fergus and Mrs Weekes will now put together all the logistical arrangements for holding and managing open, transparent and democratic elections. Their work will
include appointing essential officers such as Presiding Officers, Enumerators, and Observors. They will also organise an information campaign to ensure that the people of Montserrat clearly understand the new voting system that is about to be introduced.

Following discussions today with the Hon. Chief Minister, with Dr Fergus and Mrs Weekes, as well as other interested parties I am now able to announce an electoral schedule.

The electoral register will close at 1600 hours on Friday 16, February. Nominations for potential candidates proposing to stand in the next election will close on Friday, 16 March. Election day will be held on Monday 2, April 2001. In the event that the first ballot does not result in the election of nine members of Legislative Council a run off ballot will be held one week later on 9, April 2001.

These dates have been chosen carefully in order to allow last minute entry onto the electoral register, to give adequate time for potential candidates to submit their nomination and especially important, to allow the people of Montserrat to be informed very clearly of the election candidates and parties precisely what policies and strategies they intend to pursue in the event that they become elected.

I should also say a word about the procedure for interim Government during the run-up to the election of a new Government. The Hon. Chief Minister, Mr David S. Brandt, will remain in charge of the Ministry of Finance, Sports, & Culture and will oversee the administration of the Ministry of Communications & Works. Acting Minister Mrs Idabelle Meade will continue to administer the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment but will also supervise the administration of the Ministry of Education, Health & Community Services. By this method we will ensure that there is no interuption of services provided to the public such as health, education, transportation and so on. During the interim period it will not be possible to pass any legislation, change policy or introduce new policy during that period. I trust this statement is clear to you all and am confident that the elections process will be implemented smoothly."

TWO RECIPIENTS RECEIVE MONTSERRAT CERTIFICATE & BADGE OF HONOUR

In early January, two distinguished Montserratians received the Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour at a ceremony at Government House.

The award was first introduced in 1988 as it was felt that there were residents of Montserrat who had given meritorious service to the community and could not be accommodated in other awards. The introduction was timely, as in the following year in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, many people gave exceptional service to the country and several awards were made.

Her Majesty The Queen approved the Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour to residents of Montserrat who have rendered loyal and valuable service worthy of special recognition, or to persons who have by their loyalty and meritirious conduct been of real benefit to the people of Montserrat. For the most part, exceptional service in the fields of sport, culture and economic development have been recognised in the past.

The badge issued with the certificate is of silver gilt and bears on the obverse Her Majesty's crowned effigywith the Coat of Arms of Montserrat on the reverse. It can be worn on the breast on official occasions when full size medals can be worn. There is a National
Advisory Committee on Certificates and Badges of Honour which consists of, for the time being, the Resident Tutor of the University of the West Indies, the Permanent Secretary Administration, the Chairman of the Montserrat Christian Council, the President of the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the President of the Montserrat Bar Association.

The recipients in January were Mr Franklin Andrew Linnington Margetson and Mr Cedric Rawnsley Osborne, MBE.

H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott told the guests assembled that Mr Margetson had made a sterling contribution to the Montserrat community over many years in a variety of capacities - in both Government and Non Government Organisations. A former Minister of Agriculture (1979 - 1982) and Minister of Education (1982 - 1983) Mr Margetson became an active volunteer member of the Montserrat National Trust in 1975 and later became its President for a six year spell. In addition he devoted time and effort to the development of the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce & Industry and served as its President from 1995 - 1997, establishing its first office in Plymouth. Mr Margetson was an extremely skilful guitarist and he has given his time and talent to the development of Montserrat's culture. He was part of an extremely succesful jazz trio in the 1970's and a member of the Emerald Community Singers in the 1990's. He relocated to Antigua when he lost his home and business to the volcanic crisis and quickly became involved in helping Montserratians who had also relocated there. He joined the Citizens and Friends of Montserrat in Antigua and became its President in 1998 a position he still held at the time of the ceremony. He has worked tirelessly to assist his country men to settle in Antigua and is actively fundraising to keep going the much needed service he offers to Montserratians based there.

Mr Osborne, the Governor said, had been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen with the MBE some seventeen years ago, but had been identified as a worthy recipient of the national award. Throughout his entire adult life, Mr Osborne has been extremely active in striving to better serve his island and fellowmen. As a young man he was instrumental in bringing together a team of volunteers to run the Government owned Radio Montserrat and was their Manager / Treasurer for over eight years. Many people remember Mr Osborne for his work as the guiding light of the Montserrat Festival Committee which he headed for fifteen years and others for his work with the Jaycees and the Rotary Club. He has served in a variety of roles within the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce & Industry and has been a Director of Montserrat Aviation Services. Mr Osborne has served on a variety of Boards including MONLEC
Montserrat Sea Island Cotton Company, the Montserrat Building Society and the Montserrat Foundation. He also served on the Public Service Commission for over ten years and served as its Chairman. He is an active member of the Roman Catholic Community and is one of their Eucharistic Ministers.

Friends and family of both Mr Margetson and Mr Osborne from at home and abroad were guests at the ceremony and joined in the congratulations to them both over cocktails afterwards.

Meantime, in related news it has been announced that Mr Frank Savage is to be awarded the Montserrat Certificate & Badge of Honour. Mr Savage was the Governor of Montserrat from 1993 to 1997 and is currently the Governor of the British Virgin Islands.

The award, agreed on the exceptional recommendation of the National Honours Advisory Committee, recognises Mr Savage's outstanding contribution during his term as Governor, and in particular during the early years of the volcanic crisis.

On hearing the news, Mr Savage said he was " very honoured and deeply moved" by the award which will be presented at a formal ceremony later this year.

RMDF RE-ASSEMBLED

On 31, January 2001, H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott announced through a statement from Government House that the Royal Montserat Defence Force (RMDF) is to be re-assembled.

The Governor said "The Royal Montserrat Defence Force has demonstrated its importance to the Montserrat Community over its one hundred year history. It has a proud record of accomplishments within the community.

Members of a military organisation such as the RMDF became a part of a corpus of similarly trained men and women all over the world. They have access to knowledge and benefits denined civilians. They are trained to endure hardships in times of crisis and they have access to weapons of destruction. Thay are therefore subject to strict regulations. They are trained to command and be commanded and this is true under any condition. They are held to a higher level of discipline and accountability than other citizens. Unfortunately the events of June 1999 indicated that this discipline, which is the cornerstone of any military organisation, had deteriorated to a level which could not be tolerated. This is why the Force was stood down.

However, it is clear from all the discussions I have had that the Montserrat Community wishes to reinstate a Defence Force. I have considered this carefully and believe now is the time to start afresh. I am therefore pleased to order the RMDF to parade with effect from 1, February 2001. The men and women will be chosen from persons who volunteer for enlistment and will have a chance to write a new chapter in the history of the RMDF. Theirs will be the charge to reclaim the lustrous heritage that had hitherto been the boast of the RMDF.

I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding throughout this recent difficult period. I expect that the new body will benefit from the full confidence and support of all the people of Montserrat.

The new Commanding Officer, Captain Roosevelt Jemmotte, is a gentleman who needs no introduction. He was first commissioned in 1978 and brings a wealth of experience to a difficult job. He will be appointed for two years initially. His will be the responsibility for recruitment and training. During his tour of duty he expects to be able to fully train his successor.

MVO TO SPEAK IN USVI

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory's information and outreach activities
continue throughout the region with the visit of MVO Director Gill Norton
and Communications Manager Chelston Lee to the US Virgin Islands on the
first weekend of March.

In St Thomas, Dr Norton and Mr Lee will use their five-day visit to meet
and
have discussions with disaster officials, local historians, the Montserrat
Association and members of the general public. The two MVO officials will
also conduct a number of press conferences and will meet with students from
high schools across the island and the University of the Virgin Islands.

Since late 1999, the MVO has embarked on an intense regional public
education campaign, and occasionally makes information-related trips to
neighbouring countries to deliver first-hand information on the volcanic
situation in Montserrat.

The MVO has already made official visits to the UK, Antigua, Tortola and
Dominica. After the St Thomas visit, the next targeted islands will be St
Kitts /Nevis and Anguilla.

The MVO's continuous meetings with regional disaster officials demonstrates
their foundation in being an organisation of scientific excellence, not
only serving Montserrat but also making its expertise available throughout
the region and worldwide.

The MVO believes that it is necessary to continue its attempt to avoid some
of the inaccurate information that is around the region, by being proactive
and taking information directly to neighbouring countries. So far, the
feedback from relocated Montserratians in the islands already visited by
the
MVO demonstrates one of sincere gratitude and increased confidence in the
monitoring capabilities of the scientists and their information strategy.

FUND RAISING FOR CULTURAL CENTRE CONTINUES

The local fundraising efforts to support the construction of a cultural centre at Little Bay continue. The second half of the Grand Raffle, the proceeds of which will help to purchase seating, will be drawn on St Patrick's Day - tickets for the raffle are still on sale.

In addition, a donated 130 piece Royal Doulton 'Fireglow' Dinner & Tea Service is to be auctioned off with all proceeds going towards the seating for the centre. The service will be on display at Government House in Palm Loop until 31st March. The auction will be by SEALED BID and bids should be left at the Governor's Office in Olveston or at Government House in Palm Loop and must reach in by 6 pm on 31st March 2001. Bids will be opened on April 1st and the Dinner & Tea Service will go to the highest bidder. The service includes everything you will ever need and is of the highest quality. PLEASE go along to Government House and view the service and then make your bid.

CALL TO ACTION ON GLOBAL CHILD POVERTY

Britain's Chancellor Gordon Brown and Clare Short on 26, February called
for
a global campaign to fight child poverty and meet the 2015 International
Development Targets. Speaking at a conference in London to uniquely
assembled global participants from developed and developing countries,
Government and business, NGO andcivil society, the UN, UNICEF and UNDP,
the
IMF and World Bank, the Chancellor stressed the need for urgent action,
and
for collective effort,with all groups present being individually
accountable
for what they can doto create stronger international action against child
poverty.

He said "Over 10 million children will die before the age of five. 120
million children are not in primary school. Each of us as partners must be
prepared to make radical changes in the way we act so that the goals of
2015
can be achieved".

In inaugurating this global initiative, Nelson Mandela said "I warmly
welcome Gordon Brown and Clare Short's conference as a start of a new
initiative calling for collective action. I say to the delegates - find
the
courage to be bold".

International Development Secretary Clare Short said "One in five of us
live in extreme poverty. If we can together coordinate our efforts behind
the leadership of developing country governments, we can achieve the
international development targets. Only if we all collaborate can we
achieve
this enormous objective".

The Chancellor set out a range of new initiatives on education and
health;
"Today I am pleased to announce that the British Government will create,
in
Her Majesty the Queen's Jubilee Year, a fund to help achieve universal
primary education in the Commonwealth. The Government will provide new
resources for this initiative. We will call on business to support this
effort".
On health, the Chancellor said "A new international initiative is to
address the devastation caused by the killer diseases, particularly
HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB, which are responsible for 5 million deaths a
year".

He announced his intention to:

Introduce new tax incentives for research and development into effective
and
affordable drugs and vaccines for these diseases, linked to increased
commitments by the industry itself.

Remove constraints in the tax system on donations of drugs and vaccines,
linked to increased commitments from the industry to make donations on a
more consistent basis, in support of developing countries own health
strategies. Details of these measures will be set out in the Budget.

A new global purchase fund, both to encourage the development and
delivery
of effective and affordable treatments that do not yet exist, and for the
treatments already available.

Gordon Brown linked these new initiatives with a challenge to
pharmaceutical industry, to raise the level of R&D on diseases of the
poor,
> and to work to provide the affordable drugs and vaccines that the world so
> desperately needs.
>
> The current level of R&D to develop new vaccines yet to be discovered for
> the world's killer diseases is inadequate. The international fund for
> vaccines provides a new approach. Work will now begin urgently to specific
> and agree the terms of the new fund and to lead a new international
crusade
> to mobilise political will and resources in support of this monumental
> challenge.
>
> Carol Bellamy, head of UNICEF, welcomed the new announcements on health
> saying: "It can help save the lives of children in developing countries
by
> closing
> the gap, and giving them speedier access, to necessary drugs and life
> saving
> vaccines".

This new health initiative builds on the UK government's commitment to
better health delivery systems. Since 1997 the Department for
International
Development (DFID) has committed £1 billion to strengthen primary health
care in poor countries. A report issued for the conference by DFID, the
Treasury and the Cabinet Office's Performance and Innovation Unit
('Forging
a New Commitment: Tackling the Diseases of Poverty') describes the
Government's comprehensive strategy in more detail.

These initiatives and the themes of the conference will be taken forward
through a series of international meetings throughout 2001 and beyond, by
the UN, World Bank, and the G8. The UK will work closely with the Italian
Presidency of the G8, to build on the announcements at the conference by
Italian Prime Minister Amato.

FCO TEAM VIST MONTSERRAT

In early February, a team from the the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) visited Montserrat for further discussions on the White Paper 'A Modern Partnership for Progress & Prosperity'

The team headed by Gillian Dare, met with a wide range of individuals, NGO's and business and political leaders including the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr. David S Brandt. Amongst items discussed during the visit were nationality issues including the eventual granting of British citizenship and passports to Montserratians.

The White Paper, issued in March 1999, included such topics as mutual obligations and responsibilities of the United Kingdom and the overseas territories Governments in areas such as financial regulations, human rights, and the environments.

Copies of the White Paper 'A Modern Partnership for Progress & Prosperity' are available for viewing at the Public Library in Woodlands and at the Governors Office at Lancaster House in Olveston.

SCIENTIFIC AND HAZARDS ASSESSMENT OF THE SOUFRIERE HILLS VOLCANO, MONTSERRAT
Preliminary Statement (18 January 2001)

The Soufrière Hills Volcano has entered into a second episode of prolonged and vigorous dome growth. Since November 1999 the dome has grown at an average rate of nearly 3 cubic metres per second. Growth was interrupted on 20 March 2000 by a major dome collapse, but otherwise growth has been continuous. The dome is now at its largest size since the eruption began in 1995. It now has a total volume of over 120 million cubic metres and an elevation of over 1000 metres above sea level.

For several months the direction of dome growth has been predominantly towards the east with typically hundreds of rockfalls occurring per week, mainly down the side of the dome towards the Tar River. This is the configuration at the time of this statement. Further collapses and pyroclastic flows are anticipated and are most likely to move down the Tar River. These are unlikely to pose a direct threat to areas outside the Exclusion Zone, but might result in ash fall in populated areas. Given the present configuration of the dome, the risk to populated areas on Montserrat is considered very low. However, in the event of a shift in the direction of dome growth towards the north or west, as has happened in the past, this would immediately make the Belham Valley an area of high risk. Such a shift could happen at any time, over a period of a few hours to days. Under such circumstances, the areas bordering the Belham Valley would become vulnerable to pyroclastic flow hazards. If the main direction of dome growth then persists towards the northern sector, other areas south of the Nantes River might become vulnerable.

Observations of dome growth rates, seismicity and gas release rates indicate that the volcano is now in a period of sustained eruption and it is unlikely that the eruption will cease within the next 6 months. The most likely prognosis is for at least a few more years of this type of activity. However, there are increasing indications that the Soufrière Hills Volcano is evolving into a persistently active state and may continue to erupt, either continuously or intermittently, for an even longer time. Further activity of the kind experienced in 1995-1998, including dome collapses, pyroclastic flows, explosive activity, ash fall, and mudflows in periods of high rainfall, is likely.

NEW MINISTER AT DFID

Mr Chris Mullin, the Member of Parliament for Sunderland South since 1987, was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Development (DfID) on 25, January 2001.

He replaces Mr George Foulkes who has been appointed Minister of State at the Scotland Office. Mr Foulkes visited Montserrat on several occasions.

Mr Mullin joins DfID from the Department of the Environment, Transport & the Regions where he was Parliamentary Under Decretary of State since 29, July 1999.

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FUNDS AIDS EDUCATION SEMINARS

The Governor's Office has provided funding to the Montserrat Red Cross to allow them to mount a series of AIDS Education programmes at workplaces throughout the island. The project which kicked-of on 16, January will see the Red Cross mount training programmes at 50 centres over the coming months.

Co-ordinating the programme for the Red Cross is Mrs Katie Buffonge, a retired nurse and Red Cross volunteer. She is being assisted by Health Educator, Alma -Mae O'Garro.

At the start of the series of workshops, H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott told radio listeners on ZJB " I am aware that the Red Cross and Health Officials are about to embark on organising a series of seminars on AIDS and HIV. It is therefore timely to say a few words on this very important issue.

The first point is that AIDS is a global problem. It has had an immense impact all around the world - and no country is immune from it - even Montserrat. Let me give you some statistics, there are now 33 million people world-wide who have been infected. It has killed more people than the first two world wars put together! In Britain alone, 31,000 people have been infected.

I give you these figures, not to cause alarm, but to emphasise the international dimension of the problem. The whole world is involved and it is a problem that belongs to us all. We in Montserrat therefore want to make our contribution.

The ideal answer is, of course, to find a cure. Britain is trying to make its contribution by helping to research a safe, effective and financially realistic vaccine
to combat the disease. Britain has spent some fifty five million pounds over the years and recently DFID pledged fourteen million more to the International Vaccine Research Initiative.

However, until a cure is found, the next best thing is to educate the population on safe sex and the dangers of transmission of AIDS through the drug habit. The younger generation are particularly vulnerable. I am therefore pleased to make a contribution through funding from the Governor's Office towards this great initiative by the Red Cross and Ministry of Health to arrange a series of seminars on Montserrat.

The intention is to hold these seminars where they will be easily accessed by all Montserratians. I would like to urge private companies and Public Service Departments to welcome the Red Cross AIDS advisory team to their premises as employers and employees alike will benefit. My own office is no exception and I have already invited the team to put on a seminar at the Governor's Office in the very near future.

May I take this opportunity to thank members of the Red Cross, Health Officials, and everyone involved for dedicating their time and effort to this important worthy cause".

Our photographs show Katie Buffonge and Alma-Mae O'Garro making their presentations to staff at the Governor's Office in mid February.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES DISCUSSED

Environmental issues were the focal point of a speech by H.E. the Governor delivered to the Montserrat National Trust (MNT) on 13, January 2001. The occasion was their Programme Planning Workshop which saw Sarita Francis the President to the MNT, Mr Steve McNamara the Executive Director, Anne Marie Dewar P.S in the Ministry of Agriculture and several overseas visitors make presentations to the meeting.

Mr Abbott, in his remarks, said " A special warm welcome to Sara Cross, Overseas Territories Conservation Forum and Dr Colin Clubbe the Co-ordinator of Group Studies at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, who have come to Montserrat to assist the MNT with their preparations for a 5 year plan. I wish them fruitful and successful discussions and look forward to seeing the results of their deliberations.

I am delighted to be given the opportunity to say a few words about the environment and the work being done on it. It is, I believe, a subject very close to everyone's hearts including my own. The environment is high on the agenda in many countries, but particularly in the UK. There is an enormous amount of effort being made to protect our natural heritage both within Britain and also amongst the Overseas Territories. Indeed, within my own Ministry, the FCO, a new department
dedicated to this area - Environmental Policy Department - has recently been established. Some of you may already have had dealings with them. This focus and interest in our surroundings is in keeping with the increased global awareness of the need to protect the environment and the catastrophic results of not doing so.

Here in Montserrat we have, of course, had our own catastrophe. It was not man made, but the impact on the environment was devastating nonetheless. However, all is not lost and indeed the fauna and flora of this small island has adapted remarkably well to the changes wrought by the eruptions, lava flows and the continuing volcanic activity.

In this connection, I am especially pleased that the Governor's Office, working in close co-operation with officials from the Ministry of the Environment, were able to persuade the FCO to fund the on-going two year study on Montserrat's Botanical Bio Diversity in recording the flora, to increase public awareness and promote education in conservation now being carried out by Dr Georg Waldmann and Dr Michael Field from Coventry University. We look forward to seeing the results of their work later this year.

Now, we may not figure high on the world agenda of environmental issues, but within our own modest means and straitened circumstances in Montserrrat we do try to make our contribution to safeguarding our environment even though there may be some cost to the community and occasional conflict of interests - and here I think of the balance that has to be found between sand mining and protection of turtles. It is for this reason that my office has put funds towards several MNT projects such as the creation of the new Botanical Gardens, the nature trails, and the 'Community Clean Up Campaign'. We were also pleased to fund the employment of the Botanical Gardens Manager, Mr Philemon 'Mapie' Murraine. What he doesn't know about the plants and vegetation of Montserrat isn't worth knowing.

We are of course, not the only ones supporting the environment and the MNT. The Ministry of Agriculture puts considerable resources into many areas. These include protecting water supplies and wildlife habitats; the work being done on a wetland area, and the monitoring of indiginous species such as the Mountain Oriole and the Mountain Chicken. I should also mention the work done with the community such as the successful and popular annual tree planting campaign.

Individuals also play a massive role. Some of the people here today are amongst the strongest supporters of the environment in Montserrat. You have all given generously of your time and money and without your support the MNT would not be in the strong position that it is in today. The new Natural History Centre and the plans that the MNT has for the future are a testament to your hard work and vision. I would like to sincerely thank you for your hard work and vision.

I am therefore very grateful to our visiting experts for their interest in Montserrat and for their assistance to the MNT in formulating their plan for presentation to potential donor agencies. I think the future looks bright for the environment of the island and look forward to seeing the results of your efforts.

I would also like to pay special tribute to Steve McNamara the Director of the MNT for his outstanding contribution to the organisation and to Montserrat. The environment of our island has benefited hugely from his dedication, hard work and inspirational leadership. Congratulations for your enthusiasm - your work is greatly appreciated and long may it continue."

GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW CULTURAL CENTRE


Tuesday 23, January 2001 saw the ground breaking ceremony for the National Cultural Centre to be built at Little Bay. The ceremony saw prayers from Fr Frank Khom and Pastor Abraham Riley and speakers included H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott, the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr David S. Brandt, Dr Howard Fergus and Sir George Martin.

The 400 seat facilty has ben designed by the Galloways and will be situated on land provided by the Government of Montserrat. In his presentation, H.E. the Governor told those gathered " I recall my first meeting with Sir George and Lady Martin at the now famous Music for Montserrat Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London in September 1997. What a great evening that was and how grateful we are to Sir George for conceiving and producing such a memorable and exciting fund raising event on behalf of Montserrat.

That concert raised a large amount of money which the Trustees of the Fund very quickly set about disbursing amongst many causes on behalf of Montserratians both in Montserrat and those relocated to the U.K. During 1998 I had the opportunity of holding discussions with the Martins about what projects might require support on Montserrat and we are all well aware that the Red Cross, St Augustine School, a children's playground and a number of other well deserving institutions receieved early and substantial support. It was during these discussions that the notion of a multi purpose Cultural Centre first germinated. These ideas took a step further forward following a visit later in 1998 by David Taylor, the former Governor of Montserrat, and a Trustee of the Music for Montserrat Charity. We were also in private discussions with the Chief Minister.

On 15 January 1999, we held the first public meeting with the Chief Minister and Sir George and Lady Martin, together with Dr Howard Fergus, Dr Vernon Buffong and Miss Ann-Marie Dewar, the latter group being the acknowledged supporters of local art and culture.

Sir George outlined his vision of the Cultural Centre project. It was met with great enthusiasm by all present. It was agreed that a special committee should be formed to advise on what facilities such a centre might include. I know that this was particular important to the Martins because they were anxious that the project should be of great benefit to the people of Montserrat. It was also a timely proposal since it was clear by then that the major portion of aid funds would need to continue to be dedicated to high priority developmental projects such as the hospital, housing, schools etc. With the enthusiastic support of the Ministry of Culture, Dr Fergus and many prominent individuals involved with the arts, the project began to take shape.

Many ideas were put forward by this wide range of people and a concept paper emerged. A few months later it was possible for this concept to be transformed into a design when various local architects wre invited to submit preliminary drawings. It was not long, however, before Ivason Galloway Associates were appointed as the official architect. By March 2000 it was possible to gather all interested parties at McChesney's when the Galloway designs were revealed to the public for the first time. That proved to be an extremely fruitful meeting when it was firmly decided that the project could proceed and which led to the production of a Business Plan which was finalised last month.

For my part, I have always been a strong advocate of the need for such a centre but I will leave it to others to tell you what facilities it will provide.

Many, many people have been involved in bringing the project thus far. Primarily it has been the work and drive of Sir George & Lady Martin who have been responsible for the major part of fundraising for this Cultural Centre. Without their hard work this project
simply would not have got off the ground. There is still much to be done towards fundraising but I know that Sir George is confident
that we can now start work on the construction phase.

Others have been involved in fundraising and I am grateful to the British Government for its substantial contribution towards the project. There is also the Montserrat Foundation who are working extremely hard to mount yet another major fundraising event which will take place in London on 18, February. In addition, there is the Grand Raffle taking place and will continue until March.
The raffle has been organised to allow all Montserratians to contribute towards the seating at the Centre. It is extremely important that all the people of Montserrat feel involved with the project from the outset.

The Government of Montserrat has made a major contribution by donating precious land at Little Bay as the site for the Centre. DFID have also contributed by undertaking to prepare the ground and provide the services and facilities to the site, and the Iveson Brothers have made major contributions by providing their skills under very generous terms. We must thank all these organisations and people and everyone elso who have contributed to making this day a reality".

Dr Howard Fergus pointed out at the ground breaking ceremony that the Centre would become a home for our artists, a recreation centre, a centre of learning, a symbol of national pride, a symbol of our progress, a seed bed of culture and economy and a monument of volunteerism.