Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Cuba pledges to step up aid for Montserrat’s development

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

by: Karen 'Lioness' Allen
Caribbean Net News Montserrat Correspondent
Email: karen@caribbeannetnews.com

BRADES, Montserrat: Based on advice to strengthen transparent non-political links with Caribbean and regional neighbours, the governments of Montserrat and Cuba plan to explore ways of assisting each other.

According to Montserrat's Chief Minister Lowell Lewis, “The Cuban Government is keen to assist Montserrat with clearing up a back log of 400 persons waiting for opthamology assessment, some of whom will require surgery.”

Lewis added that Cuba is also interested in exchanges in the area of sports and culture and hopes that they will be able to assist Montserrat with its basketball development program. In response, Montserrat will be able to enhance Cuba’s cricket development program.

Lewis further elaborated, “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.”

Montserrat’s elected leader reassures would-be doubters that the action of his country is consistent with Montserrat’s full membership in CARICOM and the OECS, and strategically supplements the development aid being provided by the United Kingdom. This budgetary aid reflects 70 percent of Montserrat’s operating budget.

A Government Information Unit (GIU) press release says that Montserrat has a desire for free association with countries in areas for which the Government of Montserrat has direct responsibility.

During his visit to Cuba, Lewis used the opportunity to share experiences of the people of Montserrat, who continue to live and work alongside an active volcano, while rebuilding new communities in the safe northern area that is free of risk from volcanic events.

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