Speeches
Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Objectives Outlined
BRADES: Margaret Dyer-Howe, Montserrat's Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment Minister, says this year the Ministry is focusing on four specific areas -all of which are in keeping with the island's sustainable development plan and strategic objectives.
The areas highlighted are agricultural diversity, the Little Bay Development, Housing Development and Environmental Management.
The Minister notes that there is a link to the Participatory Poverty Assessment and the current DFID Aid Framework.
"It is our intention to use available tools and resources to manage agricultural development, effective use of scarce land resources, housing strategy and environmental management into development planning and strategic objectives for Montserrat," according to Minister Dyer-Howe. in her presentation at the opening of the Country Policy Plan (CPP) talks here Tuesday.
Agricultural Diversity
New areas will include value added products, establishment of greenhouses and hydroponics systems. The arrival of two tractors shortly is expected to significantly improve crop production throughout this year and beyond.
The Hon. Chief Minister and myself visited a couple of animal farmers and I am pleased to report that we were encouraged by the work of the animal farmers.
The 2004 agricultural exhibition later this year will show case agricultural goods produced by farmers and craftsmen and women and also some services provided by the ministry.
Little Bay Development
The development of the town center in Little Bay is a key priority for the Ministry. It is time to cut the long talk and put our talk into action. This year is going to be very decisive for my ministry in terms of development of Little Bay.
If we need to build capacity let us do so because nothing is going to happen in Little Bay unless government takes the lead. The services must be installed this year, followed closely by the surveying of lots for the various sections, i.e. housing, commercial, recreation and social amenities.
Work has started on getting Little Bay in readiness for development and commitment has been received from Sir George Martin that work on the Cultural Centre is expected to start this year.
Housing Development
I am pleased to report that a preliminary report for the development of a new housing strategy has been completed. I am pleased also that the strategy has included provisions for the mentally challenged, and also the poor and vulnerable among us.
For too long the poor has remained invisible and marginalized. In order to for us to gain credibility of our people we must help to make the paradigm shift to give poor people dignity through the planning processes. In other words, people must be at the centre of our development strategy.
This new strategy will ensure that the new housing strategy will embrace the aspirations and concerns of the government and people particularly those who took part in the survey in order to provide a clear picture of the housing needs of Montserrat at the present time.
The Sales policy is proceeding gradually, and it is expected that the majority of houses in Lookout 1, in particular, will be sold.
I am deeply concerned with the setback in Lookout 2 regarding the provision of lots for the construction of homes for those who have not been able to purchase land at market value. I am assured however, that efforts are being made to move forward with this project very soon. Here again if capacity is a problem let us deal with it expeditiously.
Environmental Management
The integration of environmental management in all areas of government development and planning processes is critical to sustainable development. Environmental Management must not be seen only as protecting a few trees or birds but as an integral part of our development strategy.
Now that we are given an opportunity to rebuild our key infrastructure, houses, and roads etc, it is our duty to secure resources for environmental management and establish legislative framework with enforcement mechanisms to ensure that our environment is not further threatened.
The Government recently approved a National Environmental Management Stategy Committee to assist the Ministry in the management of our natural resources as well as our physical and built environment. Our environmental strategy is linked to the St George's Declaration and the U.K. Environmental Charter.
Environmental Management includes hazard mitigation, efficient use of natural resources and establishment of a funding envelope for disaster mitigation to ensure that the gains achieved are not lost due to lack of planning and EIA's on development projects.
In conclusion, I would like to make a few comments regarding the situation within the Ministry. We require a proper office building and senior level staff to carry out the work of the Ministry.
The temporary wooden building that was hastily constructed to house the Ministry has long outlived its usefulness. The floorboards are rotting, rendering the building unsafe and senior level staffing is inadequate to carry out the myriad of work that is expected. The short answer is that, there are no new funds available for implementation of projects and programmes outside the Aid Framework.
I therefore recommend that development packages that include concessions be developed to provide much needed services for the island and its people. Development packages could include a mix of incentives and joint venture initiatives.
It is impossible to expect the UK government alone to provide the level of funding that is required for the rebuilding of Montserrat. (Feb 11, 2004)
Home | GOM Home | Photo Gallery | Contact Us
This site is designed by Golden Communications for Government Information Systems (GIS). All rights reserved. Copyright 2004.