Long term sustainability of Montserrat is key, says Chief Minister

Wednesday, February 11, 2004

BRADES, Montserrat (GIU): Mr John Osborne, Montserrat's Chief Minister, says the issue of long term sustainability of the island will be a key focus area during the next three days of talks about the Country Policy Plan (CPP) with British officials.

"I have always maintained that in Montserrat we cannot achieve the level of sustained development on our own. We have to have some help if we are get anywhere," Chief Minister Osborne said Tuesday during of the CPP talks here.

Mr Osborne was successful in negotiating a 15 million pound increase last year in the Department for International Development (DfID) Aid framework for the three year period 2003-2006.

The Chief Minister says his government believes that Montserrat can be as prosperous as it once was, but in order to do so " we must receive more funds to invest in key areas such as tourism, private sector development and the Little Bay Town Centre project.

He believes major emphasis should be placed in rejuvenating the tourism industry.

" Montserrat had a thriving tourism industry prior to 1995. Earnings from tourism represented approximately 25 % of the island's gross domestic product. The volcano has caused some destruction to this industry, but it has also created a niche market in which we can capitalise," he said.

Montserrat's underwater world is healthier than ever, according to the island's official tourist guide 2002-2003. The volcano has created not only incredible sights to see on land, but also a spectacular underwater paradise.

Chief Minister Osborne says government views the private sector " as the engine of growth" and is committed to providing the necessary tools "for the continued development of the sector."

"The GOM (Government of Montserrat) thinks the following areas are vital to the development of this sector: access to loan financing, provision of incentives and population growth," said the Chief Minister.

The Montserrat leader also referred to the need for increased factory space at the Industrial Site, improvements to Port Little Bay and the Carrs Bay beachfront.

He feels that Montserratians overseas will return home " if they can see some form of evidence that Montserrat is on its path to recovery."

Chief Minister Osborne notes that by regional standards Montserratians are being " over burdened by high taxes in order to balance our budget."

" It is the desire of this government to ease this burden. I truly hope and wish that we will be able to receive enough funds from donors so that this burden can be reduced. This will increase the disposable income available to tax payers so they can spend locally and boost the economy," concluded Chief Minister Osborne.

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