Left to right: Coordinator of Culture Herman Francis, Government Backbencher David Brandt, Chief Minister Dr Lowell Lewis

This follows a recent visit to Havana by the Chief Minister Dr Lowell Lewis and a five member team comprising the Minister of Education, Health and Community Services John Osborne, Government Backbencher and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Council David Brandt, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gopal, Director of Culture Herman Francis and Regional Affairs Officer Claudia Skerritt.

Lewis says the Cuban Government is keen to assist Montserrat with clearing up its backlog of 400 persons waiting for ophthalmology assessment, some of whom will require surgery.

He says they are also willing to consider exchanges in the area of sports and culture and hopes that they will be able to assist Montserrat with its basketball development program and that Montserrat will be able to enhance Cuba's cricket development program.

Lewis explained: "We expect to have offers from the Government of Cuba, of scholarships for Montserratians at home and abroad, and we will ask for the provision of short term technical staff for our para-medical, language, performing arts and craft skills training programs. I will also attempt to identify a major infra- structure project which may become a special gift from the people of Cuba, to the people of Montserrat."

The Chief Minister has highlighted that Montserrat has been encouraged to strengthen links with its Caribbean and regional neighbours, and will do so in an open, transparent and non political way.

He says this is consistent with Montserrat's full membership of CARICOM and the OECS and a desire for free association with countries in the areas for which the Government of Montserrat have direct responsibility.

Lewis has also indicated that the discussion with the Government of Cuba is part of his administration's strategy to supplement the development aid being provided by the United Kingdom, European Union, and CARICOM and OECS partners, in order once again to balance the budget and end the current dependence on 70% budgetary aid.

Whilst in Cuba the Montserrat delegation used the opportunity to share the experiences of the people of Montserrat who continue to live and work alongside an active volcano, whilst rebuilding the community in the safe northern area which is free of risk from the volcanic events.

They also provided an overview of the current situation in Montserrat, in relation to the impact of the Soufriere Hills volcanic eruption and Montserrat's economic outlook.

The trip to Cuba also allowed the Montserrat officials to gain insights into Cuba's geography, heritage, history, politics and government, the country's extensive high quality healthcare system, and provided a first hand experience to the facilities and arrangements in place for persons from Montserrat who travel to Cuba for medical care.

The trip to Cuba was organised and paid for the Government of Cuba.