DFID TEAM TO BE RESTRUCTURED

The British Government has decided to streamline the way it handles its assistance to Montserrat with the aim of increasing the responsibility of the Government of Montserrat (GOM) for managing the island's financial affairs and releasing some resources which can be made available for development projects on the island.

The office at Manjack, known as 'DFID Montserrat', was set up in 1997 to help coordinate and manage UK support during the volcanic crisis. It is currently run by a team of 12, comprising 6 Montserratian and 6 UK appointed staff. They are part of a larger DFID team for Montserrat and other Overseas Territories, most of whom are based at DFID Headquarters in London.

The Montserrat based group will be halved in 2002, leaving 4 Montserratian and 2 UK appointed staff in post by this time next year. Amongst those leaving is Barry Kavanagh, who has been Head of DFID Montserrrat since May of last year. Mr Kavanagh explained

"This adjustment to our local capacity reflects discussions with the Government of Montserrat. It represents a step towards realising the twin goals of more self-determination by Montserrat and less direct management by DFID, which are shared fully by our two governments. It does not signify any reduction or weakening of DFID's committment to support the people and Government of Montserrat in the many difficult development challenges for them that lie ahead."

Since the onset of the crisis, DFID has committed over £135 million to Montserrat. Much of the money has been used to establish basic infrastucture, in the 'safe' northern area of the island, to help return some normality to economic and social life. DFID has earmarked an additional £72 million between now and 2005 / 2006, for further development. Mr Kavanagh added

"Originally, the role of the office was to help with the emergency needs of the tragic disaster that struck the island and its people. The nature of that work required a substantial presence on-island by DFID personnel. While there is still much to do, and our resolve to help remains as firm as ever, the nature of the challenge is changing. In particular, as your Chief Minister and our Secretary of State discussed recently, we are now entering a new phase in which the focus will be upon sustainable development and increasing self sufficiency for Montserrat. We are adjusting our staffing to meet the new challenge and, by economising on the cost of our in-country office, we can also release some more funds for essential development projects".

DFID's London-based team for Montserrat will remain largely unchanged. Some members of this team are currently visiting the island for the talks on the next Three Year Country Policy Plan (CPP) which got underway on 17 November. During the visit there were also discussions with the GOM on the detailed implications of the changes in DFID's management arrangements.

CREDIT UNION DAY CELEBRATED IN MONTSERRAT

International Credit Union Day was celebrated in Montserrat on Thursday 18, October when the St Patrick's Credit Union had an open day and exhibition at their office in Davy Hill.

The theme for 2001 is "Cooperation - The Power of Many to Change the World" and this was reflected in the local day of activities. The day focused on the ideals of credit unions - cooperation amongst members. Credit Unions throughout the world stand for the principles of one member - one vote, committment to service, social responsibility, member owned, not for profit, the cooperative spirit and member education.

Throughout the day, the St Patrick's Credit Union had a stream of visitors as members joined in with activities being shared with 108 million members world wide. Especially interesting was the exhibition of documents from the inaugural meetings of the St Patrick's Credit Union in Montserrat which visitors found fascinating. Door prizes were also awarded during the day of activities.

INVESTITURE CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Three persons received awards at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House on Thursday 1, November.

Former Chief Minister, Mr Bertrand B. Osborne received the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) which was awarded in Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2001.

Two people received the Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour. They were Dr Carol Tuitt who was recognised for contributions to Education, Culture and Counseling.

The second recipient of this Honour was the former Governor of Montserrat, now Governor of BVI, Mr Frank Savage CMG, LVO, OBE. Mr Savage received the award for his outstanding contribution during his term as Governor and in particular during the early days of the volcanic crisis.

All the Honours were bestowed on the recipients by His Excellency the Governor Mr Tony Longrigg.

DTEZ OPENS BUT MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE CAREFULLY

The Day Time Entry Zone (DTEZ) comprising Bashan Ghaut, Corkhill, Delvins, Weekes Road, Elberton, Foxes Bay and Richmond Hill is now open for vehicular access for adults only on Mondays to Saturdays from 6 am to 6 pm.

However, motorists are being warned that roads inside the zone are in very poor condition and that several of them are undermined. Motorists who wish to travel beyond Corkhill are currently being advised to take the road through Delvins and Elberton and on to the Foxes Bay Road as these roads are in a safer condition. Care must be taken at all times when driving in the DTEZ and speeds kept to a minimum.

Motorists entering the zone are asked to keep their radios tuned to Radio Montserrat for updates on the volcano and if there is a reported increase in volcanic activity or if heavy rain is falling they should immediately leave the DTEZ. The zone will not open if there is an increase in volcanic activity or heavy rainfall at the designated time of opening.

Motorists can call the Salem Police Station at 491 2555 to check the status of the DTEZ before starting their journey.

Everyone is reminded that entry into Plymouth and St Georges Hill & beyond is not allowed as these areas are part of the Exclusion Zone. Anyone found in the Exclusion Zone is liable to be arrested.

POLICE COMMUNITY WEEK HUGE SUCCESS

The Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF) together with the Fire Service held a hugely successful week of activities from 28, October to 3, November to celebrate Police Community Week.

A senior officer of the RMPF said "The activities were geared towards fostering better police relationships and showing the public that the police are part of the community".

Activities for the week included, church parades in several churches, poster competitions, visits to the elderly, high visibility patrols, youth activities at Festival Village, a police open day at the Salem Police Station,
best driver competition, fire and search & rescue displays, sports day, concert, and a charity ball.

All of Montserrat's communities were included in the activities as the RMPF feels that they and members of the communities should work together. One police official, Inspector Errol Hazel said on Radio Montserrat that the RMPF rely on the public to do their jobs. He went on to say

" Police Officers are the ones who keep law and order, maintain a stable society, protect the vulnerable, stop perpetrators from committing further offences and thus it is important that communities work together with the police".

The "Buckle Up Campaign" was launched during the week and Commissioner of Police, Mr Alex Elder is urging all members of the public to wear their safety belts when driving cars or when passengers in cars. Cable & Wireless is sponsoring the campaign which has been jointly planned by the RMPF and the Road Safety & Transport Board.

CELEBRATING A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

In early November, Baroness Amos the Foreign Office Minister with responsibilities for the UK Overseas Territories including Montserrat, announced that the FCO working in collaboration with the Overseas Territories and the UK Territories Conservation Forum has sponsored an environmental education pack. The training pack is called 'A breath of Fresh Air' and its aim is to assist the territories in promoting the importance and value of the environment.

Baroness Amos said "The natural environment of the Overseas Territories is a rich heritage. The territories contain a range of habitats and wildlife of global significance. At the same time, the natural environment also provides a source of livelihood for many people in the territories, whose economies depend heavily on, for example, fisheries or the tourist industry".

She added "These habitats and environments are under pressure. Throughout the territories the natural resources on which people rely are being undermined by the destruction of coral reefs and mangroves, introduced species, land and marine pollution, excessive use of water and an increase in waste resulting from commercial development and tourism".

Baroness Amos concluded by saying " The UK has worked with its territories to prepare an educational resource which is imaginative and entertaining as well as educational. All the arts - music, drama, poetry and vivid images have been used to tell the story".

MEETING OPENS

The ninth meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Natural Resources Management Unit (NRMU) of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) opened in Montserrat on Monday 19, November at the Vue Pointe Hotel.

The meeting is being hosted by Montserrat's Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment and has attracted delegates from throughout the OECS.

The mission of the NRMU is to be a dynamic facilitator for effective utilisation and management of natural resources for sustainable development in the OECS through collaboration among member states.

The opening ceremony featured an address by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment, Mrs Margaret Dyer - Howe.

NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX LAUNCHED

A new Consumer Price Index (CPI) was launched in October for countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union which includes Montserrat.

The CPI is a measure of the average change in the price index paid by consumers for a specific basket of goods and services over time.

This 'shopping basket' represents a mix of consumer goods and services purchased by the average household. The imprtance (or weight) of each item in the 'basket' is determined by the amount spent on them by households.

The CPI is important because many of its applications affect most persons in some way. It is used by employers and other agencies for the adjustment of wages and salaries; by labour unions in collective bargaining; by economists as a guage for assessing the current performance of the economy; as a measure of inflation by government in formulating and evaluating many economic policies.

Sir K. Dwight Venner the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank recently said that the launching of the new Consumer Price Index marked the beginning of a new era of policy making and analysis in the Currency Union. He added that there is an urgent need for conceptulising and implementing good policies to achive the goals of economic growth and development.

In Montserrat, the Statistics Office situated within the Development Unit of the Chief Minister's Office will be responsible for collecting the data to calculate the CPI.