SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRESENTS PRELIMINARY REPORT

In late September, the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) met for their review of the status of the Soufriere Hills Volcano. On 28 September the members of SAC presented the following preliminary report.

During the first week of August 2005 a lava dome began to grow in the crater, following a period of increasingly vigorous ash emission and explosions that began in June. This was the first extrusion of lava in two years, following the giant collapse of July 2003. It confirmed our belief expressed in recent SAC Reports that the volcano was still capable of renewed dome growth. This resumption of dome growth represents the start of the third episode in ten years.

MVO observations indicate that the rate of lava extrusion is less than one cubic metre per second. This low rate was anticipated in the last SAC Report. This rate could increase as it did in 1995 - 97. The rate of extrusion is important for several reasons. If the rate is maintained at this low level it suggests that the forces driving the eruption are lower than in the two previous episodes. A low extrusion rate also reduces the likelihood of explosions and extends the period during which the dome is confined within the crater.

At the current rate of growth it would take well over two years for the dome to overtop the crater rim and become a potential threat. The renewal of dome growth at this rate does not significantly increase the present overall level of risk to the people of Montserrat calculated six months ago.

We have also assessed the levels of gas, based on recent measurements, such as would be experienced by people in the former DTEZ, and tourists and workers in Plymouth. These levels, on occasion, appear to exceed World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

The full Main Report is now available on the MVO website as is the Technical Report.

YOUTHS CELEBRATE CARICOM YOUTH DAY

The March, organised by the National Youth Council (NYC), saw the youths take to the road from Brades corner to the Governor's Office Car Park. The youths, chanting 'Youth Empowerment' congregated in the Car Park to hear messages from Her Excellency the Governor, the Hon Chief Minister and the President of the NYC Mr Alric Lynch. A message from the Henry Charles the Regional Director of the Commonwealth Youth Programme for the Caribbean was also read at the gathering.

In her words to the youth, the Governor, Mrs Deborah Barnes Jones urged them to take advantages of the educational opportunities available to them. She challenged them to make use of the newly opened Community College. " Visit the college, see what it has to offer" urged the Governor "you are the leaders of tomorrow - the future of Montserrat is in your hands. Complete your education and take your rightful role in society" she added.

NYC President Alric Lynch challenged the youth to be "skilled, courageous, adventurous and responsible young men and women as Montserrat needs them at this time. Montserrat requires that we apply the educational opportunity which she has bestowed upon us at great cost, and the intelligence, strength and energy which are used by the Gift of God".

The Chief Minister echoed these sentiments and urged the youth to strive in their endeavours as we try to rebuild the nation after the volcanic eruptions of recent years.

Teachers, principals and youth workers all joined the march which was good humoured and disciplined. School youths were given the afternoon off from classes to allow them to participate in the activities.

FIRST ROUND OF MONTSERRAT’S CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW TALKS COMPLETED

These first round of talks was based on the 2002 report of the Montserrat Constitutional Commission and the decisions taken by the Legislative Council Committee on the recommendations contained in the report. The two sides had useful discussions, which were conducted in a frank and friendly atmosphere.

The talks enabled the two parties to identify issues on which there was already a meeting of minds, subject to agreement on a final overall package; and areas on which further work was needed. Both sides agreed to look further at the outstanding questions, with a view to holding further discussions when they were ready for them.

MONTSERRATIAN BORN BRITISH SOLDIER KILLED IN IRAQ

Donal, the son of Jacinta Meade formerly of St Patrick's had emigrated to Britain because of the volcanic crisis and had always wanted a career in the military. His funeral service was held at St Patrick's RC Church in Plumstead London and was attended by hundreds of Montserratians. The funeral was a military affair and was attended by Donal Meade's Commanding Officer Lt Colonel JCE Whitwam MBE.

Lt Col Whitwam spoke at the funeral of the exceptional personality of Donal Meade in his short military career of just three years."He was extremely popular and was everyone's friend" added Lt Col Whitwam. The funeral service eulogy was read by Donal's Godfather, Bennette Roach who had flown over to London from Montserrat for the funeral.

Earlier, Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs Deborah Barnes Jones had sent a message of condolence to Fusilier Meade's family as had Montserrat's Catholic Community.

Donal Meade served with the Second Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

BEST VILLAGE COMPETITION

Residents and others now have all the details of the competition and from feedback many are excited over the prospect of their village possibly emerging winners in the competition that will be announced 9 December 2005.

For the purposes of the Competition all the inhabited areas have been divided into two (2) Zones. Zone One include the villages of Lookout, including Bottom, Point and CARICOM Village, St. Johns to include Peaceful Cottage, Dick Hill, Polly Willix, Upper Sweeneys starting from Cable and Wireless, Mongo Hill, Barzeys, Geralds, Drummonds and Judy Piece. Other areas in Zone One include Davy Hill starting from Lower Sweeneys to Carrs Bay and Cudjoe Head including Soldier Ghaut, Forgathy, Baker Hill, Nixon, Banks, Brades, Shinnlands, D.C. Fenton Heights, Manjack, Cavalla Hill and from Caines River to Carrs Bay.

Zone Two (2) covers St. Peters including Mars Hill, Virgin Island, Church Hill, Providence, Jones Hill, Forgathy to the Bank of Montserrat, Bunkum Bay and Cheap End. It also includes Woodlands from Cheap End, Upper and Lower Woodlands, Palm Loop, Mahogany Drive to Runaway Ghaut, Salem from the Montserrat Secondary School and Hope, Glebe, Flemming, the Salem Park area, Upper and Lower Friths to Happy Hill and Olveston to include Old Towne and Lime Kiln.

Four (4) broad categories are being considered for the judging criteria. These include Sanitation and Cleanliness, General Appearance of the Community, Home and Gardens and Evidence of Community spirit and positive response towards the appeal.

GOVERNOR RECEIVES PETITION OVER YOUNG MAN’S DEATH

“We the undersigned members of the family and the entire community of the late Kahil Iron Baptiste who was found dead in a septic pit in the Salem area on 2, May 2005 are hereby petitioning you to seek international assistance in resolving the death of the late Iron Baptiste.

A considerable time has elapsed since the report of Iron’s death without any indication that the investigations to date, by the authorities have revealed no substantial evidence leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone associated with this crime.

Our community is too small to be subjected to an unsolved crime of this nature and the family and community would like to bring closure to this unsolved mystery.”

All the members of Executive Council expressed their concern over Mr Baptiste’s death and wished that this matter be cleared up as soon as possible.

The Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF) are continuing a thorough and exhaustive investigation into Mr Baptiste’s death under the supervision of Acting Superintendent Margaret Lee, the Senior Investigating Officer and Inspector Ivan Duberry, the Deputy Senior Investigating Officer. A dedicated team of officers has been appointed to work solely on this case.

Mr Larry Covington, OBE the UK FCO Overseas Territories Law Enforcement Adviser for the Caribbean Overseas Territories has carried out a review of the investigation so far and has made several recommendations including bringing to the island a British Home Office Forensic Expert.

Mr Covington, a senior detective who was based at New Scotland Yard for many years, has extensive experience in serious and organised crime investigation. In recent years he has reviewed murder cases in Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands. He has also put together Task Forces of police teams from other Overseas Territories to work to support local police when required. If any member of the general public has any information pertaining to this case they are urged to contact the Police immediately on telephone number (664) 491 2555.

MONTSERRATIAN BORN GREATER LONDON ASSEMBLY MEMBER VISITS THE ISLAND

Mrs Arnold was the guest of the Governor's Office who made her available to the youth of the island to discuss active civic participation. Mrs Arnold, a dynamic public speaker, worked with students at the Montserrat Community College and a number of youth groups on the island. Her motivational speeches left students enthralled and provided an insight into the level of participation that youths can attain in the political structure of the island.

Mrs Arnold, who is the niece of Sir Howard Fergus and was making the first visit back to her homeland since leaving as a child, was impressed with the level of development of the island. She was accompanied by her husband Steve who volunteered his time at the MVO during the visit. Mrs Arnold also attended a meeting of LEGCO, was a guest on Rose Willock's programme on Radio Montserrat and met with the island's political directorate at a cocktail party hosted by the Acting Governor, Sir Howard Fergus.

Picture shows Mrs Jennette Arnold with some of the island's youth.

ECCB CORNER

Are you feeling overwhelmed with money matters? Looking for ways to control your spending? Have you ever thought about a personal budget? A budget will help you to keep track of your expenses.

A personal budget is a financial plan that sets limits on the amount of money that you could spend in a given month. A good budget will take into consideration such factors as: the amount of income you receive, outstanding debts to be paid, retirement savings and an emergency fund.

Creating a budget can be a very challenging task. Here are a few ways that you can make it easier.

1. Identify your monthly sources of income.
2. Identify your monthly expenses.
3. Rank expenses in order of importance.
4. Make sure you budget for those special occasions e.g. birthdays, holidays etc.
5. Total your expenses and weigh that against your total income. It is important to ensure that your total monthly expenses do not exceed your monthly income.
6. Make budgeting a family affair; involve your mate and your children.
7. After you have created your budget it is very IMPORTANT that you STICK TO IT. Control your impulse buying!

Here are a few pitfalls that you must watch out for.

• Credit cards – These little pieces of plastic are great temptations. A handy credit card can lead to unwise impulse buys.
• Impatience – Patience is virtue. Often when we set a financial goal it is difficult to see it through. It takes discipline to stick to a budget, so stay focused and remember your goals.
• Lack of Adjustments – A budget is not one size fits all for 12 months. Expenses change monthly, income can change too. Make sure your budget reflects your current situation.
• Holidays – Unfortunately, many people do not consider holidays at the point they are creating their budgets. As a result, quite often, sufficient money has not been set aside for presents, food etc. These items should be factored in and budgeted for throughout the year.

GOOD GOVERNMENT FUNDS ASSIST PRISON

GGF has assisted the prison in creating recreational facilities (a gym) and income earning activities for shorter term prisoners. These include, a block making plant where concrete blocks are produced for sale to the private sector, a shadehouse for the germination and growing of ornamental plants which are sold on to the general public for landscaping, and a prison farm / vegetable patch. The produce from this patch is used to help feed the inmates of Her Majesty's Prison. GGF has also helped to construct a perimeter fence around the vegetable patch.

All the facilities are at the prison site in Brades. The Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Peter White has reported that some of the proceeds from these type of commercial activities go into a special fund to help the inmates on their release from the prison.

The vegetable patch and shadehouse have associated with them a small dam, constructed by the prisoners, which collects surface water from around the prison compound and from where water is pumped for irrigation purposes in the dry season.

Around six inmates are currently employed in these types of activities allowing them to learn new skills which could be put to use after their release from the prison.