Public Statement by William H Bramble II

Greetings to the people of Montserrat.

My name is William Bramble and I crave your indulgence for a few minutes while I outline some context to recent events involving International Pairs and the Government of Montserrat.

In the summer of 2008 I, along with Mr Owen Roach and Mr Ross Honey of International Pairs visited Montserrat to hold discussions with Government officials about the possibility of establishing a partnership between International Pairs and the Government of Montserrat

The objectives of this partnership would be to promote Montserrat as a destination that was open for business and to establish such sporting, cultural and educational links with other countries that would have the effect of promoting sustainable business opportunities for Montserratians.

The only reason that Montserrat was a focal point for this concept is that both Owen and myself are sons of Montserrat and we saw an opportunity through our association with Mr Honey and International Pairs to develop a series of projects that would create significant opportunities for Montserratians, and returns for the Government of Montserrat as well. Mr Honey and International Pairs had already established similar partnerships with great success with the Governments of Wales, Ireland and Scotland.

It is important to understand that Owen Roach is not just another little black boy from George Street. He is the Montserrat Secondary School alumnus who, having performed outstandingly for Montserrat in the Leeward Islands Cricket Tournament, had he been given proper handling could have been another Clive Lloyd. Like myself, the volcanic eruption forced him to take leave of absence and go to Britain where he studied and excelled at Law. Owen is now a practicing Barrister at the English Bar with the path to excellence on his mind and the welfare of Montserrat in his heart.

On a personal note, let me make it abundantly clear and pellucid that I brought to bear in the preparation of this project the sum total of my creative energies. This was propelled by a compelling drive to do justice to the name I bear. I witnessed the destruction of the wonderful property development programme of the nineteen sixties and seventies which resulted from the negotiations of my late grand father, William Henry Bramble, CBE. That project which enjoyed first class international participation gave Montserrat an economic base of considerable strength. Also destroyed was the impressive employment and tourism-generating Medical University, a testament to the foresight of my father, P. Austin Bramble.

In preparation for our visit to the island we held discussions with various business associates of Mr Honey, travel consultants, tourism consultants, golf tourism consultants, investors and event management consultants.

We were fully aware of the challenges that Montserrat’s special circumstances presented as destination to be developed. Small airport, active volcano, developing infrastructure etc etc.

However, as we examined what was possible through existing business relationships and contacts, we realised that several exciting opportunities were available.

At the centre of the business model was the golf data base owned by International Pairs. This extensive database would have enabled us, in partnership with Montserrat to target a demographic which would be inclined to visit Montserrat and would have the disposable income to do so. This far-reaching data base would have provided a unique global reach to the marketing efforts of Montserrat which would not have been otherwise affordable. This was an exceptional opportunity to generate a massive return on investment in a transparent and affordable way.

This crucial point was made by Mr Honey in our meeting with government officials which included Dr Lowell Lewis Chief Minister, Mrs Roslyn Cassell Sealy, Minister of Education, Mr John Skerritt Financial Secretary, Mr Eugene Skerritt Permanent Secretary Chief Ministers Office, Mr John Osborne and Mr Easton Farrell.

Like most successful business ideas this was a simple plan with three distinct but related strands, developed by International Pairs through their previous and ongoing partnerships with the governments of Wales, Ireland and Scotland;


1. Mr Honey would introduce senior Government officials to his network of business associates which would provide the government with a unique opportunity to sell Montserrat and its investment potential to a completely different market. Additionally, Ministers from Montserrat would hold meetings with senior officials in the Scottish government so that the experience of Scotland might be guide for what was available to Montserrat.

2. The main thrust of the programme in the first 18 months would be the development of a series of events. These new events would be promoted internationally and run on Montserrat. At that time the information we had indicated that including available villas and hotel rooms, there was accommodation on the island for around 270 visitors. The plan was simply to arrange events around times of low visitor activity, to get groups of between 50 and 100 people at a time to visit Montserrat for 4 – 6 days. These events would have been created to be televisual with the subsequent programs broadcast internationally. This aspect of the proposal would have had two major effects: (i) It would have created immediate economic activity on the island and (ii) subsequent broadcasts of these events would raise and build a positive image of Montserrat as a happening destination as opposed to simply being a volcano ravaged island.

3. The third strand related to attracting major development, building on the first two strands, and the eventual development of an 18 hole golf course in the north of the island. This was a strategic objective which would have been a major boost to Montserrat and would also have made an emphatic statement about its future and economic prospects.

Overlaying all of this was the possibility to establish a social contract that would benefit the young people of Montserrat. This would have included twinning schools in Montserrat with Schools in the UK, encouraging business partners and corporations to get involved in schemes that promoted cultural and sporting opportunities for the youth of Montserrat, so that the whole society would benefit in the short medium and long term from this association.

All of the assessments and modelling carried out in preparation for this proposal, indicated that with a population of around 5000, it would not have been difficult to have made positive and significant impact on the Montserrat economy. We estimated that by July 2009 events would have been up and running with local entrepreneurs and businesses already reaping financial and other rewards.

I have no desire or intention to become involved in the current political situation in Montserrat.

I can say that during my visit to Montserrat, at every level of our discussions I acted in good faith. In all of my conversations and communication with the then acting Chief Minister and Minister of Finance Mrs Roslyn Cassell Sealy, it was my impression that she acted with sincerity and honour, always focussing on the benefits of the project for the people and Government Montserrat.

There are matters before the courts at this point in time. International Pairs remains a client of mine and I cannot speculate, comment or discuss any aspects of those matters.

I can however categorically state that at all times, we behaved with the utmost professionalism and integrity, and notwithstanding rumour or innuendo, the current situation does not accrue to any action that Owen and I have taken.

We brought a company which is known in the United Kingdom, a company with an international name and reputation to protect; a company with the experience, expertise and resources to fulfill any commitments it would enter into. That is the kind of company International Pairs is and continues to be, and that is the company Owen and I brought to Montserrat because we believed and still do believe, that there was much for Montserrat to gain.

I can confirm that the Department for International Development has exhaustively and extensively investigated every invoice submitted by International Pairs in this matter, and have even visited some the contractors to International Pairs. Every thing has been above board and straight as an arrow.

I am yet to hear of any cogent argument to explain why what we did in any way was wrong or improper.

Let it not be forgotten that what is now being rebuffed is a non-resource squandering, income and revenue generating project prepared and proposed by International Pairs, Owen Roach and William Bramble. We offer no apology for our ability to gain the genuine friendship and confidence of a top class English entrepreneur who is willing to join with us in a bold scheme which would apply feasible ideas, the new technology, first class business acumen and available financial resources to the rebuilding of Montserrat.

We reject totally the idea that those who would be our colonial masters on Montserrat have the unfettered right to suppress and ruthlessly discard at will, any feasible ideas and initiatives which emanate from the black sons and daughters of Montserrat. International Pairs, Owen Roach and I have at all times acted with conviction and with integrity, and we simply tried, to initiate a project which we still believe would have generated significant benefits for Montserrat.

Finally, let me drive home the point that projects like ours which factor-in the experience, resources and technology of the developed world into the strategic attempt to create sustainable development on Montserrat deserve the active encouragement of the Administering Power, and in particular the official who represents Her Majesty's Government on our island

Thank you

The case for Electoral Reform & engaging the Diaspora in our political process: by Jeevan Robinson

For this week’s article I decided to bring further to the fore the voting issue and the case for the inclusion of the Diaspora in the electoral process & re-development initiatives in Montserrat.

I listened to ZJB radio’s In The Pit programme hosted by Mr Basil Chambers, where I heard a political candidate stating that the case for absentee voting is an emotional one; that individual even going further in stating that he is very much against the expansion of voting rights for the Diaspora as there are too many Montserratians abroad.

These points of view are often repeated and they do have their merits. However, what I will suggest is that the argument for seeking electoral reform for the future goes beyond the limitations of emotional discourse. The discussion has to elevate beyond that.

There are certain misconceptions that I aim to dispel at this moment; the first being the view held by some that those in the Diaspora who seek electoral reform of the current laws are expecting this to be a process completed for the Sept 8th elections. This is certainly not so. What is being advocated is an active re-engagement on this issue via a consultative process whereby Montserratians in the Diaspora and also those at home can debate & discuss possible reform in an analytical and knowledgeable fashion. Any reform of the voting act to include the Diaspora is a dynamic constitutional issue and we should aim to take this above mere dismissive talk of emotions and the basic argument of more Montserratians are abroad than in. The harsh reality is that the current electoral act amended and passed in the house back in 2000 does not serve our sustainable interests.

The elections commission who reviewed the then existing legislation back in 2000 was led by Sir Howard Fergus. The report contained 12 recommendations. Recommendation 1.4. stated that the Government of Montserrat proposed that a short period of residency should be added to the criteria for Montserratians overseas to be able to cast a vote.

Additional statements were released by the then sitting Governor stating: "After careful deliberation it has been accepted that it would be extremely difficult to put in place a workable and verifiable arrangement to establish such a period of residence. The Government of Montserrat has therefore decided not to accept Recommendation 1.4 of the Elections Commission's report.”

First Nominated Member of Parliament, Mr Frank Edwards, in the Legislative Council when the matter was being debated went so far as to raise concerns about the voting rights of Montserratians overseas. Mr Edwards stated in Parliament that “Montserratians overseas have a right to vote and it should not be easily taken away from them.”

Now imagine we have a situation in Montserrat where the laws of the land state that for the qualification of voters a person must reside in Montserrat for 36 months immediately preceding the date of registration as a voter. That by definition excludes the Diaspora.

The case for Electoral Reform becomes even more focussed because we may get angry at the foreigners’ plans to take over our country but the laws of the land are making this permissible! If the government of the day does not realise the gross travesty of these current electoral laws and if we have non elected members of the legislature that seek to make our island a free for all bunny, then let us organise ourselves and make representations to higher levels to lobby for these dreadful laws to be repealed.

We hear daily about the re-development of Montserrat and I contend that our re-development is intricately linked to the engagement of the Diaspora in our social, economic and political processes back at home. This is a time for unity and I beg to understand why the deep opposition in some instances to an active engagement of the Diaspora on all of these three fronts?

It is not inconceivable that we put a process in place that recognises the concerns on both sides of the fence. Advocates of Electoral Reform to include the Diaspora are not in any way suggesting a carte blanche inclusion of every Montserratian abroad to vote in local elections. By discussion and analysis, a system can be worked out whereby we set conditions that could either include: - ownership of land in Montserrat, continued presence of immediate family members on the island, financial holdings, frequency of travel to Montserrat, property ownership, being abroad due to studies, having evacuated within the last 14 years due to volcanic activities, and other parameters that can be decided upon through consultation & collaboration.

Universal suffrage as a right for every Montserratian was first attained in 1952 through the sacrifice & vision of great men in our ancestry and simply through an Act of Parliament without the thorough consultative processes that sought the Diaspora’s views on this, it was taken away?

Many speak of information and communication barriers. Well, I say to that, that every obstacle presents an opportunity and this will be the ideal opportunity to put into action the revised communication strategy for Montserrat where we utilise the internet and its many applications, we improve upon our broadcast infrastructure, we train and equip our communication practitioners to meet the new realities ahead.

Going forward, we should seek to embark on a consultative process to re-engage the Diaspora. Strategy wise, representatives of political parties at home should seek to proactively outline their agendas and manifestos to the Diaspora, thus raising the level of our political dialogue. This can be done via town hall meetings and e-forums in the various jurisdictions where Diaspora resides. These are not difficult to set up.

By including the Diaspora in the political process, it can be the beginning of the process of unification towards a common goal of a better Montserrat. Montserratians in the Diaspora will feel a sense of inclusion and can thus be energised to lobby on behalf of policy directives from the government of the day. What we should be aiming towards is the creation of a movement for change and prosperity both at home and in the Diaspora. Electoral Reform will not solve all the issues but it can be an empowering step towards the sustainable development of our island.

An eye opener for all Montserratians: by Jeevan Robinson

Just recently, I and a few other Montserratians found ourselves taken up in a discussion on Facebook with an individual who lives in Montserrat who describes himself as someone who has relocated to Montserrat within the last 10 years. Having consulted the other persons who par-took in this exchange, we thought it prudent to share with a wider audience what was discussed. It is beyond shocking the thoughts being expressed by the individual in question. It is not that those of us as Montserratians have an issue with Caricom nationals in our island but what is frightening are the thoughts that some non Montserratians seem to be harbouring regarding the future of our island and their plans to outnumber and replace us Montserratians. I am posting the contents of the discussion to serve as an eye opener for us all as to why more than ever we need to make a concerted effort to ensure that the future of our island is not given to misguided individuals to direct. The conversation goes as follows:

Forbes Adams:
It is funny that Montserratians living abroad want to be able to control our destiny. But that will never ever happen, they should not be allowed to vote then go back in their green pastures to feed.

Jeevan Robinson:
Montserratians living abroad are very much concerned with the re-development of Montserrat as much as those living there. I struggle to understand the divisiveness that seeps through our society with the "us" & "them" mentality. The right to vote that was taken away from Montserratians who relocated only to seek a better condition for themselves, their families, their children etc. was a travesty against what great men like W H Bramble & Bob Griffith fought for in the advocation of universal suffrage as a right for all Montserrat nationals. Why do Montserratians at home feel like the country is theirs only and those abroad should butt out? It seems we sometimes suffer from short term memory as to why people had to leave in droves at the height of the crisis. The voting issue is not a simple matter of exclusion for nationals abroad. Why is it we are the only commonwealth country that excludes its citizens the right to vote by absentee ballot? A debate on this matter is necessary.

Avonelle Howe:
Well said and to the point Jeevan. I do share your views! Thank You Very Much!
You are out of order and I am not sure if you are from Montserrat. Montserratians abroad deserve an apology from you and from all accounts we all are now awaiting your apology.

Myrle Roach:
My address may no longer be in Montserrat but my place of birth and the 30+ years I spent living there gives me the right to claim a say in the future of the island. How dare anyone question this right? Montserrat's future is my destiny. Strange that "residents" who have come to the island to "feed" and then to move on to greener pastures are allowed this right and Mr. Adams has questioned that.

Forbes Adams:
I'm right in order Ms. Howe, are you and Jeevan aware that the population of Montserratians living out of Montserrat is close to a hundred thousand, and do you think it will be fair for those individuals to determine who manages our lively hood. What do you all want to do, come vote and then leave us in what ever mess of your liking, hell NO. Let us paddle our own canoe. I am living here long enough to have a say, because I am a registered voter.

Jeevan Robinson:
My first question to you Mr. Adams is this: where do you draw your statistics from that the Montserrat population abroad tops over 100,000? Please state your source of reference if you wish to engage in a discussion of this nature. The 'mess' you refer to was very much created without the Montserrat nationals who live abroad being there to create. From your statement I can see that it seems you are a non national. So whilst your opinion on the matter is noted, I think by right of birth, by right of continued interest in what goes on in our island, those of us abroad who hold firm that our voting right should not have been taken away are very much qualified to make such statements. Montserrat belongs to us all and because some of us may live abroad we will not be curtailed in expressing our views on the redevelopment of our island and that includes the voting issue. It was wrong to take it away in the manner it was done. Because we live abroad we should not have a say? I disagree. Plus you fail to realise the context of Montserrat's situation, people who left did not leave just because they wanted to. The volcanic situation and its consequences forced loads into leaving back in '96/97. All will not come back but surely we are still very much keen on what goes on in our island. We are still very much believing that our island can be great again. We are still very much appalled at the stalled state of affairs back at home. We are all still seeking ways in which we can make an impact and our voice be heard. This is our island and we love her and want to see her rise again. The voting issue is not just a simple matter that those of us abroad should be excluded. We were not properly informed or made to be a part of that decision and I feel it was hasty and not given proper due diligence. Surely, a strategy should have been developed to include Montserratians abroad in the re-development instead of cutting them off. We have to be mindful, Mr. Adams, of short-terminism.

Regena Francis:
As with Avonelle I think that Jeevan is on point with his earlier comments. Montserratians living abroad are not just concerned about what goes on in our island but are rather passionate about it. This them versus us mentality achieves nothing aside from trying to alienate the Diaspora. You fail to acknowledge Mr. Adams, the reason many of us left in the first place. You also fail to acknowledge that what has transpired on the island in the last few years and whatever mess the island is in now is nothing to do with us. What we should be doing those of us who live abroad and those who live on Montserrat is working together for the common good of the island. We need to come together to devise strategies for using the skills and talents gained abroad for the redevelopment of our island. Of course we will not all return to live in Montserrat we will hold her forever dear to our hearts.

Regena Francis:
We are also of the firm view that the rights our forefathers fought for should never have been taken away from us. We all deserve a say in the future and redevelopment in the island that we love and that includes re-instating our right to vote.

Forbes Adams:
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that u all shouldn't have a say, of course u should, but to VOTE, hell NO. Maybe 100,000 might b stretching it a bit, but I can guarantee u it's over 40,000 after I checked with the statistic department this morning. I am sure Montserrat is the only country that has so much more of its natives living outside, hence the reason why my adopted island can't allow you to vote. Sorry my friends, if you want to have the same privilege as I do, please come and join me, and help to populate the island just like a lot of my country men are doing and keeping the island alive for you. Since I have been here I have heard that the British government, was about to close the island down because the population was getting too small. Thanks to us who can now vote.

Jeevan Robinson:
How long have you been living in Montserrat Mr. Adams & where are you from? Please enlighten us. Thanks for checking with the stats dept as you say you have. I think we may need independent verification of that number though. There are flaws with some of your statements because I can safely say that many Jamaicans for instance live outside there country in the USA, Canada, UK etc. They may not have had a natural disaster but they too have there mitigating factors. What bugs me Mr. Adams is not that you are living in Montserrat as the island is open to all. But more so your assumption of more rights and privileges to our island than those of us who are Montserratians. I do not think you are in line to say we cannot vote who live abroad. Hell No! Are you familiar with our history? And not just recent history. Are you familiar with such great names as W H Bramble, Bob Griffith & what they have fought for on our behalf to see it taken away by a shambolic committee of self interest?

Nathalie Weekes:
Well if I may put my two cents in here I will agree with my fellow Montserratians and I would think it is morally wrong that the right to vote is taken away from the Montserratian people because we have left the island and may I point out it was not a decision that was taken lightly seeing that the majority was forced to move because of the volcanic crisis. Please don’t get me wrong I am not against foreigners from coming to the island but put yourself in the shoes of Montserratians and ask yourself if it is fair for you to state such and also ask yourself if not for the volcanic crisis would you have left your country to come to Montserrat? So many ex patriots have left their country and still have the right to vote and also have the right vote in Strat’s election so why can’t Stratians abroad have the same rights? Also bare in mind that whatever happens to Montserrat is felt heartily by Montserratians at home and abroad also bare in mind that if ALL Montserratians had to come back home where would that place the foreigners? I guess one would think it unfair for us to come back to reclaim our Island but is our island and yes That Day Will Come.

Forbes Adams:
Hello Nathalie, by the time you decide to come back here we will be in charge of the island. The calling of early elections took us off guard, but I can assure you my friend by the next elections we will be more than ready to form our "non born Montserratian party" and with the dynamics of the population here, there is no doubt that we'll win more hands down. Now you see that the authorities made the right decision in preventing non-residents from voting. I am living here for now 10 years, and this is what I think would be the best for my adopted island, you will be more than welcome to join us.

Jeevan Robinson:
Thank you Nathalie & Gena! Mr. Adams with that last comment you made I think that signals an end to this conversation. I thought you were interested in a serious debate but it seems you have descended to emotional baiting because either you are grossly deluded to think that foreigners will ever be elected to high office to run our country or perhaps you just made that comment to annoy the hell out of patriotic Montserratians. You have only been in Montserrat 10 years, you think you have earned some right of passage to claim her as your own? Those of us who are commenting were born there, know our island before she was destroyed by that lady on the hill and still love our island and trust me if this is your attitude and it is shared by your fellow countrymen, then do believe this to be so that we will fast come back to reclaim our island.

Forbes Adams:
Jeevan, you sound like a practical person I will like to meet you when ever you come home for the usual two weeks that Montserratians usually do. But on a very serious note, are you not aware that we will most likely out number the born Montserratians as voters in the next 5 years, at the last parent teachers meeting that I attended at MSS we had 64% of the students attending the school who were not born of Montserrat parents. I think you are smart enough to do the math. And more is coming!!! We are in the process of forming a real political party, not one that is just put together for election purposes, so that it will continue for years & years to come, get the picture my friend. I heard of Mr. W H Bramble & Mr. Bob Griffith since I have been here, because I am serious about politics so I must learn the history of my new home, I am sure that you have done likewise & learn the history of your new home also. I got a British passport since I have been here, and I am here to stay.

Jeevan Robinson:
All I will say to you Mr. Adams is that you harbour very elusive dreams. Don't be fooled. Foreign entities will not gain control of our island. The youths of Montserrat will not permit such a gross travesty to happen. You come to our island, you have gained occupation, passport to European Union, a better quality of life and now you plan to take her moreover? How? You are wrong mate! You have no idea how many Montserratians you have angered with your talk. Please go read my blog kindly at http://www.mni-alive.com/.

Forbes Adams
Well my friend Jeevan, all I can say is that time will tell and it is surely on my side. I still can't understand y you would call it a "travesty" seeing we are the reason y there is a functioning Montserrat, as I said earlier, if it's wasn't for us there would not be an island for you to come to, so at least you owe us that gratitude. As I said earlier I am living here for 10 yrs and I have bought a piece of "the rock" even though I can easily go to Europe to live in "greener pastures"? I have read your blog, and I think that we might be able to work out something. It would be a good strategy to have one or two born Montserratian on the team, I need not spell out the reason y. I am not planning to take over OUR island I just want to have the opportunity to run it properly.

Myrle Roach
I have just realised the direction that this "discussion" has taken and am appalled at what I am reading. Mr. Adams is not only delusional but arrogantly so. You have made your feelings concerning native Montserratians who have chosen to immigrate since the volcanic crisis clear. What you should be expressing is eternal gratitude to us who realised that some people needed to leave in order for the island to survive. If we had all stayed the situation would have indeed been dire and most of all there would have been no room for you. I thank you for making your views and intentions known because they will serve as a bigger catalyst for those of us making decisions as to our time frame for returning home. Oh yes Mr. Adams ... there are many of us who have every intention of returning to our native land and not you or any other foreigner can stop this from happening. Your arrogance defies belief ... "a good strategy to have one or two born Montserratians on the team"..."

Democracy In Practice: Beyond Government To Solve Our Problems: by Jeevan Robinson

The other day a friend rang me seeking to engage my thoughts on certain issues concerning Montserrat. Whilst the conversation did interrupt me listening to my Jam Band music, it left me considering a few poignant things that my friend mentioned. He was of the particular assertion that the practice of democracy is not just a process in and of itself, but it also is a way of life; a lifestyle if you may. I must say that I agreed with my friend as I do think that there is viability to his views.

Over the past few weeks we have all heard the rumblings about the criticism being directed at some individuals who seek to avail themselves for political office in the 2009 elections. I do believe that criticising just for the sake of doing so, or to encourage the demise or public humiliation of a person is morally objectionable.

However, harping back to what my friend mentioned about democracy being also a lifestyle; I mentioned I agree with him, as I do think that the process & practice of democracy affords for active debate & discussion in the political arena on such important matters as electing individuals that will be charged with our nation’s affairs. It is the right and privilege of the media & the citizens of a functioning democracy to ask tough questions, seek clarification, demand higher standards and accountability and weed out the persons that they feel are not fit to hold the prestige and responsibility of elected office.

Political spin doctors and press manipulators may choose to be economical with the truth and give the impression that their candidate or party is fully suited to solve all of our problems. Caution needs to be exercised with this notion. My contention is that the re-development for Montserrat will not be completed in the lifespan of any single elected government. The process of democracy in our island must ensure that haste is not the order of the day for any elected party or person to get things done, so that they can use it for political mileage.

I hold firm to my earlier statements in previous articles of the need for action. However, this action has to be well planned, decisive and constructive for the long term gain of all Montserratians and our friends.

On the subject of action, I think it is time for a pro-active Big Think. When I say Big Think, I am making reference to the fact that we, as a collective people, who claim to love our island and wish to see it grow and prosper once again, should all seek to find ways to pool resources and see in what ways we can make a viable contribution to the redevelopment efforts back home.

I am a subscriber to the view that government alone cannot fix all our problems. The cycle of dependency on government is one that we should aim to look outward from. We are currently faced with challenges in Montserrat that are common place to us all. Going forward, we as Montserratians at home and abroad should seek to find even more ways where we can work together to produce tangible results that will be a source of inspiration & benefit to us all. That means that NGO’s, the private sector, the diaspora & community organisations, we have all got to knock brains together within our own quarters & see how we can get this ship moving off dry dock.

It is retrogressive to our progress when individuals who live in Montserrat view some nationals who live abroad with a degree of misplaced patriotism with names such as foreigners & deserters being thrown around. We are all Montserratians and we should quell this divisive ethos & work together, finding ways of promoting a united front, a one Montserrat policy. We are in the bastions of creating what I often refer to as a virtual community/nation because I am real enough to know that we will not all go back home but we can all work together to make Montserrat viable once again.

Calypsonian Hustler once sang of solidarity. I agree with him. Montserrat needs collective action, not just from Government, but from the people whom she has borne and who love her. Development is not within fixed realms, ultimately development is about the people and improving conditions and standards; it is constantly emerging and the modus operandi too constantly changes.

For us Montserratians at home and globally, the attitude or way forward is not just to concede our fate in the hands of local government or the British government and cast blame to either. It is now that we should chart a new course for progress as history will judge our demise or reconstruction as a country of merit if we do not take a pro-active stance. Yes, there will be hurdles along the way but if we can put malaise & self interest aside we can surely make some sacrifices and move towards complementing and supporting each other to ensure our island gets back on its feet. For too long now we have been denied.

Montserrat Elections 2009: Leadership, Suitability & Accountability: by Jeevan Robinson

I am sitting here about to write my new blog entry and I am muddled with thoughts as to where to begin as I am thinking to myself that it is vital that this piece brings forth the ideas that are floating around in my mind pertaining to the upcoming elections in Montserrat.

Right! I have two questions. What qualifies an individual to be a leader of men, much less of a country? Secondly, what are the attributes a person should possess to be considered for elected office?

I have been acutely in tune to the multitude of developments & announcements from both independent as well as party affiliated candidates for the elections in September. I have a view that these upcoming elections can be said to be ill timed and does not serve the best interest of the country taking into account the circumstances that led us here in the first place. It should be a consideration possibly that when the dust settles, an enquiry be held to ascertain the facts from all sides of the playing field. We have heard claims and counter claims but somewhere in the midst of all the noise, there must be the truth.

Since the onset of the volcanic crisis we will have had at least four changes of government, with the same characters once again coming to the fore. Realistically, if we put their records up to scrutiny can we say that they will pass the test of accountability and achievement with high marks?

My concern is that if begs belief that our politicians seem not to be tuning in to the fact that it is not and cannot be any longer politics as usual. Montserrat needs leadership and sound vision. We need a government of accountability to run the affairs of Montserrat. Too often in the past we have been deluded by individuals who promise much on the political platform but deliver little. If it is going to be more of the division & fighting, attempts at character assassination, trying to score personal points and all that folly, then surely the election process and system of governance that we have in place should be subject to review and overhaul.

Many parties and independent candidates are coming forward to be ‘saviours’ of our island. I say that with much scepticism as it is all well and commendable to have these plans to take the country forward but a key part of leadership is that politicians must be able to cross over party lines and work together for the benefit of the country. Effective governance is about the proper implementation of the governing party’s policies that will assist in improving the lives of the general population.

It borders on reckless that we have a country of less than 5000 people that is minute, even by Caribbean standards, yet still we cannot find the cohesion and collective unity to work together to bring about positive change for Montserrat? Something surely is wrong.

Let me speak here of the issue of change. Yes, I can be counted as one who believes that we need change in our politics and more so in the calibre of our politicians. We need new ideas, new faces yes, new vibrancy and a new style of leadership. Change is good in most instances but to contextualise the change we need, I would say that change without substance, vision and an action plan for execution of that vision is pointless.

What I find disingenuous and even scandalous is the obvious ploy by some political parties to involve individuals of questionable competence, character and commitment in the political process to simply acquire a certain segment of the vote. I have no problems with political strategy, it is the hallmark of running an effective campaign. However, if individuals are being presented to the electorate we need to know more from them, hear them speak more, hear them answer questions from the electorate. These elections are not a joke. The future of Montserrat is not some sort of sordid experiment in political tactics. That is treasonable.

From all parties and persons coming forward, we need to know point by point what their plans are. How do they intend to bring about and affect change in government policy? How do they intend to provide jobs? These are the issues we wish to hear about.

Someone please tell me why should the electorate turn on ZJB radio and listen to jingles that are all about self promotion and no substance? This is madness. If political parties & independent candidates can’t make decisions now in the campaigning stage that show good judgement then what good will they be in charge of our affairs? Am I being a cynic here, or is there some rational to my argument?

My views go beyond emotion. Our people are suffering. That does not mean that they are living in abject poverty but can it be right and fair that an airfare to Antigua for a 15 minute journey is so expensive? Who is responsible for that? Can someone in all fair conscience excuse customs charges that are raising the cost of goods and services, stifling our people’s progress & disposable income? Can someone kindly explain why our tourism product is not being given ample push abroad so that we can take full advantage of having an active volcano on our doorsteps?

We need to foster an economic climate to promote growth. Everyone needs to come to the party and play their role. We have a unique and unprecedented opportunity to make Montserrat not just a good island to live but a great one! It will take sacrifice and unselfishness but politicians must accept that here and now we need to foster a new economy with sound ideas, a healthy and vibrant workforce, and efficient structures to attract and retain investment to the island.

A forum of honesty must be one of the key tenets of this election. Particularly we need the media outlets to play their roles and not be in coercion in duping the public. Tough questions, uncomfortable questions need to be asked. A party’s manifesto must stand up to scrutiny and if any party or person has feelings of disquiet about defending their manifesto then it is clear that they do not have the best interest on Montserrat and its people at heart and are not fit to be considered for elected office.

Montserrat does not belong to a selected few. It belongs to us the people. The power to decide Montserrat’s fate lies with us the people. More than ever before in our history we need to exercise that power to maximum effect and bring those that are vying to lead our country to account.

The Importance Of Education For The Long Term: by Jeevan Robinson

Normally on a Sunday morning, I peruse various news publications. I have just been reading the Montserrat Reporter and was very warmed by the number of headlines about education on the island that were being featured.

It is then that I started to think back on Montserrat’s long standing tradition of excellence in education. Our educational system and the results from such have always been in the top quartile of performance in the Eastern Caribbean. Apart from the academic achievement of the island’s youths, there were also high achievers in sports and a host of other extra-curricular activities.

I recall too that discipline was of paramount importance and the best example of behavioural attitudes was expected from all students. Of course, I am not saying that the system was perfect but that system has borne individuals of great acclaim throughout various sectors of our society and also on the international stage. I am sure that many of us were proud to wear our various school uniforms.

As we take a look now at the current stalemate in which we find ourselves as a country, the education and socialising of our young people is still of significance today as it was in previous years. I am not saying that our educational system is now mediocre by any means. But I do not think that I need to highlight in this article some of the reported instances of indiscipline and bad behaviour that we have heard reports coming forward on.

The long term success of Montserrat as a viable country requires educational development and planning to reflect the changes in the structure of our society. Without a doubt such forward thinking is critical and should be viewed as a vital footstool for progress.

I am drawn to sight the example of a country far removed from ours, but still I think there are starking similarities. Japan, after the devastation endured during the last world war sought to guarantee the long term sustainability of their island state and proceeded to invest heavily into the educational development of its people. The benefits were not immediate as that country was in the throws of redevelopment and rebuilding infrastructure that was destroyed due to bombings.

However, what fascinates me about Japan’s example is that it is clear that the politicians who were governing that country at that point in time were visionaries. Additionally, I would dare to say that they were not defeatist in any measure to assume complacency and an attitude of economic dependency on the West. The educational and social investment in Japan’s youth & people was executed so proficiently that Japan emerged to be one of the world’s strongest economies lasting way into the early stages of the 21st century.

I say into the early stages of the 21st century as I think it is important that I mention here that Japan’s economy has nose-dived over the past 8 years or so. Analysis has shown that that dip is due more to fiscal irresponsibility, changes in attitude of its current workforce and inept political leadership.

The model Japan has shown is that if your people are one of your prime resources then it is vital that proper planning and investment be dedicated towards getting the educational system competitive in order to prepare the youths for the challenges of the future. So too we must seek to prepare the youths of Montserrat for the responsibilities of our future and theirs. Of course, we may not become another Japan, but they showed the power of what educating your people can do.