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O.T.'s
CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL MEETS In her opening address, Baroness Scotland said "I warmly welcome the new and evolving relationship developing between HMG and the Overseas Territory Governments and I recognise the need for continuing and strengthening the partnership still further." Baroness Scotland acknowledged a steep change towards a real partnership developing over the past year. She encouraged all Territories to conduct a review of their constituents based on a recognition of mutual responsibilities of the UK and Overseas Territories governments and to reflect modern expectations and standards of governance including transparency in public life and an efficiently functioning public service. HMG recognised the importance of international financial services to the economies of the Overseas Territories. It was agreed that the Overseas Territories' success in attracting financial services rests on their reputation for sound administration, effective legal systems and political stability. Maintaining a reputation for attracting clean business is vital. Discussion on immigration and nationality issues focused on the necessity for the uniform operation of British nationality law and the tightening of links between immigration controls and nationality in the territories. HMG confirmed its commitment to the offer of British citizenship to British Dependent Territories Citizens. The timing of legislation to implement this was however uncertain. The international nature of crime was discussed and the need to develop and strengthen co-operation to fight it. HMG offered help in the way of technical advice and access to training. The topic of sustainable development highlighted difficulties for the more remote territories, lack of resources and access problems. Economic self-sufficiency was the aim of all territories with the need of sharing experiences and innovative ideas. Other issues discussed by the Council included policing and internal security, access to justice and human rights. It was agreed that the Overseas Territories Consultative Council would next meet in October 2001. TPS EXTENDED FOR MONTSERRATIANS IN USA In an official notice published in early October in Washington DC, the United State's Immigration and Naturalisation Service said that the U.S. Attorney General, Janet Remo has extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Montserratians in the USA until 27, August 2001. TPS was first granted to over 300 Montserratians in August 1997 at the height of the volcanic crisis and those interested in remaining in the USA have until 1, November 2000 to re-register. The US Government said that the TPS extension was granted following a recent assessment which found that volcanic activity on Montserrat was disruptive to normal life with poor living conditions as a result of the environmental disaster. It added that the island continues to be unable to handle adequately the return of its nationals. CITIZENS & FRIENDS OF MONTSERRAT IN ANTIGUA CONTINUE THEIR WORK
The Citizens & Friends of Montserrat continue to work amongst the Montserrat community in the neighbouring island. The Non Government Organisation (NGO) is registered as a Friendly Society in Antigua and was set up in the early days of the volcanic crisis to assist Montserratians who had relocated there. It is estimated that there are currently around 1200 Montserratians living in Antigua. The Citizens and Friends of Montserrat have an elected committee headed by its President, Mr Franklin Margetson (elections are due next month). In addition their office in downtown St John's has a staff of four which are funded, for this financial year, by contributions from DFIF and TAMEC. The office includes the Business Unit which has been assisting Montserratian entrepreneurs who are keen to run small businesses in Antigua. The office serves as a focal point for the Montserrat community based in Antigua and also promotes Montserrat, its products and its culture (it recently mounted the theatre production ASH). In addition it organises lectures, discussion groups and tries to assist Montserratians in need in the Antigua community.
NEW HELICOPTER TIMES ANNOUNCED Montserrat Aviation Services have announced the following helicopter schedule commencing 28, October 2000. The helicopter does not operate on Wednesdays. MONTSERRAT TO ANTIGUA
Antigua to Montserrat Depart
Check in is one hour before departure at the Carib Aviation Desk at VC Bird International Airport in Antigua and at the Gerald's Heliport Terminal Building in Montserrat. For further information / reservations please contact Montserrat Aviation Services at Telephone 664 491 2363 or Fax 664 491 7186.
HEALTH SURVEY UNDERWAY The United Kingdom's Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) based in Edinburgh, Scotland is carrying out a survey of the health of workers who were exposed to large amounts of ash during the volcanic crisis. The DFID supported project got underway here in Montserrat on 10, October. The survey is to determine if there is any respiratory ill health amongst workers on island. The health survey is the latest activity in the continuing effort to monitor the health of residents who have been exposed to ash emissions from the Soufriere Hills Volcano which has been erupting since mid 1995. The voluntary survey will target some 400 persons who, because of their jobs, were exposed to abnormal amounts of ash. These include members of the Royal Montserrat Police Force, former members of the RMDF, MWA and MONLEC workers, Port Authority and Rice Mills staff, roadside and garden workers. The IOM team, led by Dr. Peter Baxter, will ask volunteers to undergo a breath-test, and a chest x-ray using international standard procedures. The findings of the survey will be made available to the participants with recommendations for follow up treatment by a Doctor if considered necessary. It is expected that the clinical findings will be ready for dissemination to those involved in the survey within three months. The survey is being conducted in conjunction with Montserrat's Ministry of Health and it is hoped that it will reassure Montserratians about the state of their lungs and respiratory health. The survey will take about three months to complete and any data collected will be held in the strictest confidence by the research team. Since the start of the survey, one Montserratian worker has been flown to the UK for further investigation at a hospital there. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE SUPPORTS YOUTH CRICKET FOR 2001 Montserrat will compete in the first ever Leeward Islands Under 17's Cricket Competition in 2001 thanks to a donation of $25,000 to the Montserrat Cricket Association (MCA) from the Governor's Office. The Leeward Island's Cricket Association (LICA) has for a number of years held an Under 19 competion, this was inaugurated in the early 1980's in Montserrat and a couple of seasons ago they also added an Under 15's competition. The new Under 17's programme is in line with the West Indies Cricket Board's decision to introduce a competition for this age range. This means that West Indies cricket will now have an Under 15's, Under 17's, Under 19's and a Senior competition each year. The Leewards will therefore need to field teams in all four competitions and to enable this to happen it will require a LICA competition in each of the four age ranges during 2001. Montserrat, as an integral part of LICA, will thus have to also field national teams in these four age ranges. This is an expensive proposition and the MCA is pleased that the Governor's Office is able to assist in a tangible way. Last year Montserrat provided one player, Lionel Baker, for the West Indies team in the inaugural Under 15's World Cup held in England which the West Indies went on to win. This shows that investment in our youths is the way to go and as such the Governor's office is pleased to be able to assist in the development of our young players. MONTSERRAT'S FIRST SHELTERED HOUSING OPENS
What is considered to be the first sheltered housing for the elderly in Montserrat officially opened earlier this month. The housing unit is to be named Garling Hill House and is in the Davy Hill area of the north of the island. Research shows that the Garling is a local bird which was often seen in the area. The sheltered housing building was originally constructed a few years ago as a hostel for immigrant workers and has been extensively modified with funding from DFID to turn it into the building for current use.
The opening ceremony on 19, October saw speeches from the Hon. Adelina Tuitt the Minister of Education, Health & Community Services, the Hon. Rupert Weekes the Minister of Communications & Works with brief remarks from Ms Kay Jardine, Community Care Co-ordinator, Ms Sarita Francis, Director of Housing with prayers led by Pastor Abraham Riley. Ms Maudline Sweeney, the Principal Community Development Officer was the chairperson for the opening ceremony and residents of the home Ms Alice Antoine and Mr Charles Jeffrey spoke on behalf of all those who are living there. Other guests at the opening ceremony included H.E. the Acting Governor, Dr Howard A. Fegus. Sheltered housing is not to be considered a residential home, it is in fact, a key resource in which frail, disabled older people can maximise their independence in security and support, yet remain empowered to live a normal life. Sheltered housing provides an environment that enhances the quality of life. It is expected that a further 30 sheltered housing units will be constructed at Look-out starting later this year.
As part of the official opening of Garling Hill House, there was a fruit tree planting campaign in the gardens to the rear of the house. The fruit trees are expected to be part of a backyard garden where residents can grow their own food to supplement their diets. Garling Hill House provides a home for eight elderly persons and they
have a full time caregiver in the person of Ms Joycelyn
FISHERMEN BENEFIT FROM GIFT The Montserrat Fisherman's Co-operative is to purchase a storage container for their equipment, thanks to a donation from the Governor's Office. The Secretary of the Co-operative, Mr John Jeffers recently collected a cheque for £900 (approx EC$3500) to allow them to buy the secondhand container to be placed in the Carr's Bay area. The container will allow for the safe storage of nets, fishing equipment, radio equipment, etc which up to date have been exposed to the elements. The latest gift is one of several made by the Governor's Office to assist fishermen who play a vital role in the nation's economy. MONTSERRAT BENEFITS FROM UWI PROJECT Montserrat is benefiting from a new project instituted by the University of the West Indies. The project "Scholars and Artists in Residence" is designed to give non-campus territories like Montserrat the benefit of having a scholar or artist living and working on island for the good of society as a whole. A-dZiko Simba has been funded by the University and is coming to the end of a five week appointment on island under the scheme, operating under the auspices of the University Centre. During her tenure, Ms Simba not only practiced her skills as a performer and writer, but also shared techniques with various persons and groups including teachers. Ms Simba, who is no stranger to Montserrat having been part of the cultural scene for many years, has also been interacting with the newly appointed Director of Culture, Ms Shauna Harley, in the elaboration of a National Cultural Policy. SIMPLIFIED ENTRY PROCEDURES FOR UK VISA HOLDERS On 2, October 2000 the British Government introduced a new type of visa designed to help visitors enter the UK more easily. This reflects the British Government's commitment to a "fairer, faster, firmer" entry clearing process. Until now, a visa has been issued at a British mission abroad but the decision to give a visitor permission to enter the UK has been taken by an immigration officer at a port of entry. That is now changing. Since 2, October the entry clearance officer issuing a visa abroad will also grant leave to enter. The immigration officer at the port of entry will now simply verify that the visa is valid and in a genuine passport. This change has another benefit for travelers. The new standard visa will cost the same as the current single entry visa. But it will allow for unlimited travel in and out of the UK during its validity. Visitors can, for example, go to continental Europe and back regularly without having to reapply for a visa. The new visa will usually be valid for 6 months from the date of issue. However, early applications are to be encouraged to avoid delays at peak periods. An applicant may therefore, ask for the visa to come into effect up to three months after its date of issue. Frequent travelers and business visitors can still apply for multiple entry visas, valid for one year, two years or five years. Each visit during that period can last a maximum of six months. The British Government's Home Office Minister Responsible for Immigration, Barbara Roche said "These new arrangements ensure that bona fide passengers will benefit from a more streamlined approach to our immigration controls whilst providing the opportunity for resources to be better directed to areas of greater concern." Airlines and other passenger carriers have welcomed the British Government's efforts to speed up the arrivals process for visitors to the United Kingdom. Keith Vaz, Foreign Office Minister responsible for entry clearance work overseas said recently "This is a great improvement in services for travelers to the United Kingdom. We are working hard to ensure that the visa issuing process is as straightforward as possible, and this new visa and the resulting more streamlined entry to the UK is part of the process. CARIBBEAN CONFEDERATION OF CREDIT UNIONS PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY OCTOBER 19, 2000
Today is International Credit Union Day and the Caribbean Credit Union Movement takes pleasure in joining our other members of the world credit union community in celebrating the positive changes that credit unions have been making to the lives of people around the world. Our theme for this year is "Join Us 100 Million Credit Union Members Worldwide." The Credit Union movement evolved out of an initiative taken by twenty-eight (28) weavers from Rochdale, England, 157 years ago to form a cooperative venture in which they pooled their financial resources and democratically managed same to improve their social and economic well being. Their humble experiment in 1844 became the launching pad for this world-wide movement, which currently spans some 90 countries providing a wide range of financial services and assistance to some 101 Million members. The Caribbean movement, which began in 1941, currently spans 19 countries in which credit unions are making positive contributions to nation building, through the increased access to credit union economic resources by their 1.4 million members. Here I wish to commend St. Maarten, the designated location for the 2001 Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions' Convention, on the recent formation of their first credit union and to say thanks to the league of the Netherlands Antilles for their efforts in this regard. I look forward to continued growth of the movement in our Region and to welcoming new associates of the Caribbean Confederation, as together we work towards continued improvement of the living standards of our people. Our movement has indeed been making notable strides in the economic and social development of its members and their communities throughout the world since its inception, about which we can be truly proud. It is therefore fitting, that a special day be designated each year when members of the movement throughout the world take time out to reflect on our achievements and contemplate the challenges of the future. That day is today. As we celebrate therefore, let us give thanks to the Almighty for the vision and fortitude of the founders and past leaders of our great movement and pray for His continued guidance in the years ahead. On behalf of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions, I wish for all, a fruitful International Credit Union Day and echo the invitation to "Join us 100 Million Credit Union Members Worldwide". SAND MINING TO CEASE IN TRANTS AREA In a broadcast to the nation on Radio Montserrat on Wednesday 25, October, 2000 H.E. the Acting Governor, Dr Howard A. Fergus announced that the Exclusion Zone in the east is to be strictly enforced and that all sand mining in the Trants area is to cease immediately. Dr Fergus told listeners "Residents will have been aware that in March 2000 there was a dome collapse at the Soufriere Hills Volcano and since then the dome has been growing and that rockfall activity has been increasing down the Tar River Valley. MVO Scientists have explained on Radio Montserrat that the growth on the dome is taking place on the eastern side and that the dome could collapse without notice. The large size, structure and steep sided nature of the dome have raised concerns about the safety of the area around Bramble Airport if the dome were to collapse. The MVO has canvassed the opinion of a number of senior scientists who have worked at the Observatory including Dr Gill Norton, the substantive Director and Professor Steve Sparkes and all are in agreement that the area around the airport is at risk. For a number of months contractors have been allowed into the designated Exclusion Zone to remove sand from Trants Bay to assist in the reconstruction effort. However, because of the risks associated with the area, scientists have advised the Government of Montserrat that continued operations in this area are very dangerous. I called a meeting of the Volcano Executive Group this Wednesday morning to discuss the scientist's concerns and we have decided that the Exclusion Zone in the eastern side of the island must now be strictly enforced. This means that farming and sand mining operations in the area are to cease immediately. The Police must also discontinue the use of their Firearms Range in the Trants area. The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment will shortly announce alternative arrangements for obtaining sand for the vital construction industry. We are not unmindful of its importance to the economy and to our social rehabilitation. In addition, the Marine Exclusion Zone is to be strictly enforced and fishermen are asked to stay clear of this area. Farmers entering the Exclusion Zone on the western side of the island to water their animals are not affected as the major dangers from a collapse of the dome are currently in the east. Everyone is asked to please co-operate with officials in keeping the Exclusion Zone in the east of the island clear to prevent injury or other mishaps in the event of a dome collapse. Let me emphasise that nothing has changed for the general population in the inhabited area. All we are doing is to ask persons to keep out of the vulnerable eastern section of the Exclusion Zone. We regret the inconvenience, but as a responsible administration, we must err on the side of caution. As soon as the volcanic situation changes for the better, we will again relax the rules of exclusion, but not the caution which we as a people must continue to exercise. Thank you for listening and I look forward to your understanding and co-operation."
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Baroness
Scotland of Asthal, Minister for the Overseas Territories assisted by
George Foulkes MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International
Development hosted the second meeting of the Overseas Territories Consultative
Council in London on 3 and 4 October. It brought together seven British
Ministers and ten Chief Ministers and their equivalents of the Overseas
Territories, including the Hon. David S. Brandt.
