Ferry MV Fjortoft

Twin Islands Ferry Service Ltd (TIFS) says the ferry will not be available for another two weeks.
According to a press release issued today by the company, the investigative work, evaluation and repair work on the ferry are still ongoing.
The company is emphasizing once again that the damage to the engine was quite extensive and that the ongoing repair work has been very time consuming.
It says the Engineers and crew are working very hard to complete the necessary works so as to return the ferry to service as soon as it possible to do so.
The MV Fjortoft therefore will continue to be unavailable for the next two weeks.
TIFS says in keeping with its policy of keeping the public informed it will issue a further update in the course of next week.

TIFS again apologizes for the inconvenience caused and is asking for the continued cooperation of the public.

The Sunday Times Travel Magazine

(Brades, Montserrat – September 2, 2010):  Montserrat’s unique tourism product offer and laid-back charm is currently being featured in the October 2010 edition of the glossy Sunday Times Travel Magazine in the UK.  The full colour, 7-page piece entitled “Montserrat – The Real Caribbean, Quirky and Crowd-free”, was written by award-winning UK journalist Nigel Tisdale.  Nigel visited the Montserrat as a guest of the Montserrat Tourist Board during the St Patrick’s Week Festival in mid-March 2010.  The numerous colourful images that accompany the piece were taken by photographer Steve Davey who was in Montserrat in May 2010.

The feature in the Sunday Times Magazine highlights many of the distinctive attributes that make Montserrat a must-see tourism destination.  The island’s Irish connections, its annual St Patrick’s Week celebrations and the fact that it is the only country in the world outside Ireland where St Patrick’s Day is a national holiday, are given significant coverage.  The writer also focuses on the island’s recent volcanic history, explaining that despite this, the island remains very safe to visit and volcano watching is one of the main activities that visitors engage in. The secluded beaches of the island, lack of commercialism, natural beauty, rock star history, friendliness and cuisine, are also showcased.  Transportation to the island is also highlighted, with the MV Fjortoff fast ferry service from Antigua, as well as flights on FlyMontserrat and WinAir are also cited.

Numerous tourism business operating on the island are mentioned including Olveston House, the Oriole Café, the Green Monkey Dive Shop, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Arrow’s Manshop, the Montserrat Cultural Centre, FlyMontserrat and WinAir.  The travel box at the end of the piece provide details on tour operators in the UK and Antigua that sell stayover and day trip packages to Montserrat.

“We are extremely pleased with the positive coverage of Montserrat in this Sunday Times piece,” said Ernestine Cassell, Director of the Montserrat Tourist Board.  “This shows that the public relations and promotions strategy that we have been executing over the past few years is working and we hope to see this translate into some additional persons visiting our shores – we are sure persons visiting will agree that Montserrat is one of the best kept-secrets in the Caribbean.”

About the Sunday Times Travel Magazine
The Sunday Times Travel Magazine is a monthly glossy UK-based travel magazine, filled with inspirational and practical holiday solutions, from city breaks to barefoot luxury. Its varied editorial features cover holiday types; countries; city guides and deals. It also features travel equipment reviews, gadgets, celebrities and books.  The demographic profile is ABC1 adults aged between 25 and 50, affluent with money to spend on their lifestyle. Its readers are more adventurous than the norm, people who book holidays independently where possible and those who take two to three holidays a year.  Latest available figures put the paid circulation of the magazine at 66,391.

(left to right) Mary Kirwan, Beulah Riley, Josephine Rodney, Francis “Mamafan” Ryan were honored on Sunday at the St. Johns Church of God of Prophecy. During the month of September, church members who are seniors are being honored for their dedication to God, their families and the community.

BRADES, Montserrat (September 6, 2010) – Sunday morning’s service at the Church of God of Prophecy in St. Johns had an old time feel as senior citizens led the worship with hymns that several people remarked hadn’t been sung in a long time.

The church is honoring its senior members during the month of September. Under the direction of the pastor, Bishop Melroy Meade, a committee has been working to organize the special activities and to honor the elderly.

This past Sunday, the honorees were Mary Kirwan, Beulah Riley, Josephine Rodney and Francis “Mamafan” Ryan.

Mrs. Kirwan was a former women’s ministry leader and was commended as a woman that taught her children the word and to love God. Mrs. Riley’s sense of humor, her strong work ethic and a giving spirit were highlighted during the service. Mrs. Rodney a mother of sex was known as a firm disciplinarian and believed children were to be trained up in the way they should go. Mrs. Ryan, who is lovingly called “Mamafan,” was honored as a woman who always had an encouraging word for anyone who came to visit.

Mrs. Riley admonished young people to get an education as it was important to a good future, adding that a relationship with Jesus Christ was necessary as well.

Each woman was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a gift basket by member of the Senior Citizens Appreciation Committee.

Oh, put the darn phone away. Asking for whereabouts and “who, when, why, what” will not stop anything. People can have sex while talking to someone else on the phone, saying they’re cleaning the house or walking on the street or sleeping.

Take my advice: go home without notice, then let me know what takes place.

“It’s not what it seems,” is what he or she would tell you.

Anyway, have any of you people ever had that experience by the way? Catch your lover having sex with someone else – the whole action? I am not talking about kissing or hugging. I am talking about raw, raw, sweaty, overtime sex.

I guess not because if you did, you would not be reading this column. Most likely you would either be in prison, the mad house or dead (by suicide).

I had a similar experience though.

One day, I forgot a very important document home, and I needed it for work. I tried calling my ex, just to make sure it is home so I won’t waste my time driving two miles home for it. Unfortunately, I had to drive two miles because I could not reach her. Her phone was off. Well, I gave her the benefit of the doubt. I thought probably the battery died or she turned it off to get some sleep because it was her day off.

Well, to me, it would mean surprising her so I bought lunch for both of us, and headed down the country path.

When I arrived, I noticed a car pull up like 200 feet from our gate, which was weird because no other house existed within a mile of us. But I gave “the scenery” the benefit of the doubt.

“Aww maybe someone went into the forest to sh***… naughty peeps,” I thought.

When I reached the door it was locked. I knocked three times but got no answer. No surprise. Maybe she was sleeping, I thought. I went on to open the door to my two-bedroom apartment. As I entered quietly, I was shocked to hear the bed squeaking and faint moaning and kissing (quite loud I may add). First thought is that she is watching porn because both of us are freaks.

I am even freakier so I decided not to say anything. I wanted to peep to see what she was doing because no girl watches porn by herself at that time of the day and is not doing something to herself.

But as I got closer to the door, the squeaking, moaning and kissing got louder. By then, I knew that was no porn movie. That was reality porn!

Alas! My girlfriend was having sex with another man.

OK, immediately I felt a mixture of emotions: my heart was beating fast, I was sweating, I got nervous and then red-hot angry. My knees were shaking, I felt my hands trembling. I pushed the door suddenly.

In front my eyes, I saw something I never saw before: my girlfriend making out with another woman.

I did not faint. I simply joined in the action.

But that was a dream – a dream I still wish could be repeated. When I woke up that early morning, I was sweating and shaking like I was actually there. I wish it was real. But it was a good suspense-thriller-turned-porn-movie. I am not sure if I ended up being the star of the movie – or the dream – but I sure know it would’ve been a lot of fun.

Well unfortunately, not a lot of people are that lucky. Some have experienced the real deal. Catching your man with another man; catching your woman with another man; or catching your man with another woman. And I am sure it is devastating.

The woman-on-woman episode is hardly ever heart-breaking but the suspense can kill.

I have been asking a few peeps what they would do if they caught their lover with another person. Some say they would kill, others say they would walk away or just join in.

But we can say anything when it is not happening to us. When reality hits home we may react totally opposite to what we thought.

Personally, I believe someone’s reaction is dependent on how much you loved the person. If it is someone you wanted off your back then that is a perfect scenario to take off from the sour relationship. If you were in love or loved deeply, chances are you would evoke deadly rage.

Here are some reactions from a few peeps I spoke to (names changed to protect identity):

FF: I would probably faint but it would be quite devastating though.  I would be very angry and I would feel betrayed.

DG: Beat both of them.

SNAPPER: If she lives with me… I will make sure she knows I caught her… and I will continue to live with her and never talk about it. I will continue to be myself in the house but I will never sleep with her. Basically I will fraustrate her a** so much she will go crazy. The hardest thing is to not know what I am thinking, then when she cannot take it no more she will leave and I will blog her a** away pictures and all. If she does not leave with me, same ting but I will just go straight to blogging her a** away. She will never have another man again because the whole world will know. Boss doh worry with me na. I will just shoot her. End of story.

Alana: At first I will laugh. I am at my calmest when I am most angry.  Then somebody would be badly beaten.

Tan: Seriously, I would not let them see me, and go and get some boiling water and douse the two of them. That would be my first reaction.

Ven: Of course after I collect myself and recover from shock I would start throwing things at him. If I don’t have a gun in my hand then he should consider himself lucky, and leave him of course.

AN: Nothing out of the ordinary. Take my immediate needs and find somewhere to go and free myself; would not even want to discuss it.

Dwayne: Not sure.

Georgi: I’d take a pic and walk away. I would need the pic for proof.

Kev: Depends on whose bed it is. Mine? Probably go on the attack because das just disrespectful. Hers? Walk out and leave.

Laden: Beat he den walk out den probably mash up he house.

Helen: I would walk away and never look back.

Lish: Would just walk away
Someone else said would beat them both

Lish: If it is in my bed lol trust me they will be dead.

Lil Pimp: Mmm that’s a hard one.  Wow, I don’t know.

Sherl: I probably would just burst out in tears and then look for the closest weapon in my reach.

Nicky: Shoot em.

Sabby: I would get angry at first but ultimately just let it go. Every person free to do as they please … if my man chooses to cheat on me then that is him. I just have to get rid of him and say screw that. It has other fish – bigger, better fish in the sea.

Teo: Make their lives a living hell.

Jose: I’m gonna kill her! lol

Terry: If it’s a man, it’s pretty much over. If it’s a woman, the question is do you want me to join, watch or go away. If the latter, I’m gone for good.

My conclusion is that if something like that happens to you, it makes no sense being violent because at the end of the day, you’re getting yourself into lots of trouble. And what’s more heartbreaking than being imprisoned and allowed to pay for your lover’s crime? And while you’re there languishing in jail, he or she will be having much more booty calls – possibly with the same person.

I covered a story once where a dude beat up another dude because he allegedly touched his girlfriend’s vagina in a crowded place. Without concrete proof, and basing his actions only on his girlfriend’s words, he went on a punching spree – almost killing the young man. He got several years in prison. When he was released he was killed shortly after (not sure if it was related to his imprisonment). And where is the girl now? She has another man. He is now like a dust in the wind.

Violence is not the answer. Just walk away and vent your frustration on something else.

See ya next week.

Aedes aegypti the mosquito that transmit dengue fever

The Environmental Health Department is on high alert for the Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

This comes after a number of persons returned from dengue affected countries in the Caribbean on their summer vacations.

Principal Environmental Officer Trevor Howe confirmed today that the department will increase its surveillance activities to reduce the Aedes Aegypti mosquito population on island starting today Friday September 3rd.

“The Environmental Health Department is aware of the serious threat of Dengue in the region and deaths arising from Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Given the return of many residents from their summer vacations in the Caribbean and the travel of persons to and from affected countries, the Department has increased its surveillance activities and hence will be utilizing one of its strategies to reduce the Aedes Aegypti mosquito population in high populated activity areas, said Howe.

The Environmental Officer added that these areas include and sea and airport, schools, health centers, government headquarters to include the commercial areas en route to the Cudjoe Head center and guest houses.
He assured the public that there are no confirmed cases of dengue on island and that the fogging of these areas is just a proactive measure.
He appealed to the public to continue to do self inspection of their premises to ensure that there are no breeding places.

Former Chief Minister the Honourable John Osborne

The office of His Excellency the Governor has expressed best wishes for the speedy recovery to former Chief Minister Dr. John Osborne.
Her Excellency Acting Governor Sarita Francis wrote a letter to the wife of the former Chief Minister Thursday on behalf of the substantive governor Peter Waterworth, herself and the government and people of Montserrat.
The letter states that Mr. Osborne is always in our thoughts and prayers during his current illness and everyone is hoping for a swift recovery.
The letter further states that it must be a testing time for the family but they can take strength in the knowledge that everyone in Montserrat is praying for a full recovery and is hoping to see a fully fit Mr. Osborne back in Montserrat shortly.

Mrs. Francis says Mr. Osborne’s record of public service to Montserrat is well known and asked Mrs. Osborne to pass on Montserrat’s thanks and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Eligible candidates must come from humble beginnings, who, through hard work and wise money practices were able to realize their dreams of owning a home.

Nominees must also have started and is operating a successful business, educating themselves or their children or any other financial venture they undertook to improve their living conditions.

The winner will receive a cash prize of US$2000 while second and third place winners will receive EC$1500 and EC$1000 respectively.

Stories must be 300-500 words and must be emailed to the Eastern Caribbean Agency Office, ECCB at eccbmni@candw.ms.

The deadline for submitting entries is October 20th 2010.

MV Fjortof Ferry

(September 2, 2010 – Brades, Montserrat): Travellers coming to Montserrat for the winter 2010-2011 period will benefit significantly from an expanded ferry service to the island from Antigua. From December 1^st, 2010, the MV Fjortof ferry will operate a six (6) day schedule from Monday to Saturday. The ferry currently operates a four (4) schedule between the two islands. The schedule outlined below will allow visitors and returning residents flying into Antigua, to easily make same-day connections to Montserrat by ferry.

FERRY SCHEDULE BETWEEN MONTSERRAT & ANTIGUA FROM DECEMBER 1, 2010*

* MNI = Montserrat ANU = Antigua

The MV Fjortof is operated by Twin Islands Ferry Service Ltd (TIFS) and commenced regular ferry services to Montserrat from Antigua in December 2009, with a one-way trip time of approximately 90 minutes. The fares for the ferry service are EC$125.00 for a one-way-trip, EC$250.00 for an adult return trip and children under 12 pay EC$120 (US$1 = EC$2.65). Each passenger is allowed 2 pieces of baggage free of charge and any additional baggage is charged at EC $50.00 per piece.

No advance ticketing is required, as travelers can purchase their tickets upon check-in. To facilitate ticketing, check-in and other clearances at the point of sale at the ports, passengers are asked to check in 90 minutes in advance when travelling from Antigua and 60 minutes before the scheduled time for departure in Montserrat. In order to ensure continuity of service during the busy upcoming winter season, TIFS will have a backup ferry available to provide cover as may be required.

Passengers travelling to Montserrat are reminded they can also get to Montserrat by air with FlyMontserrat (www.flymontserrat.com) and WinAir (www.fly-winair.com) providing daily scheduled flights.

For further information on the service contact Twin Islands Ferry Service Ltd by phone at (268) 464 8474 or email tifs.antigua@gmail.com . Additional information on the ferry service, updates, as well as general tourism information can be found at www.visitmontserrat.com

Former Chief Minister the Honourable John Osborne is reported to be in a critical, but stable condition at a hospital in the United States.

A statement issued by his family states that Mr. Osborne has been hospitalized for the past weeks.

He has undergone testing and treatment for an illness for which he had received preliminary care at the Glendon Hospital in Montserrat.

According to the family, over the past weeks the former Chief Minister has undergone surgeries of varying levels of seriousness and has baffled and astounded physicians on several occasions with his ability to recover.

The statement states that it has been a difficult and painful time for Mr. Osborne and a challenge for his doctors as they continue to attempt to arrive at a firm diagnosis.

Following this, a prognosis for his recovery will be delivered.

The statement says Mister Osborne is being attended to by a team of some of the most meticulous and capable physicians and by his family and the expectation and hope is that he will make a good recovery.

The Osborne family conveys gratitude to everyone for their concern, their expressions of empathy, their prayers and their wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Mister Osborne is the longest serving politician in the Commonwealth.

Telecommunications company, LIME says it will update customers today on progress being made to restore service in Look Out and the Salem area.

Country Manager Joseph Cassell says due to power problems related to the passage of Hurricane Earl, the mobile site at Garibaldi Hill is now offline.

As a result mobile customers in Salem, Frith, Olveston and Old Towne will be unable to get mobile signal from that site.

He says unfortunately it will be some days before LIME technical staff are able to safely cross Belham to effect repairs or for the mains electricity supply to be restored to that area.

LIME is also advising that due to damage sustained by a pole antenna at Silver Hills the broadband service to customers in the lower parts of Look-out has been degraded.

As a result they may experience interruptions to the high-speed Internet service.

Mr. Cassell says the dangerous conditions on the road to Silver Hills will also be addressed to some extent when LIME provides for some work to be completed by the Public Works Department on parts of the damaged road to Silver Hills.