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REMARKS PRESENTED BY THE HONOURABLE DR. JOHN ALFRED OSBORNE, CHIEF MINISTER OF MONTSERRAT ON THE OCCASION OF THE SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOSTON PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY HELD ON SATURDAY 5 JUNE 2004 BOSTON, MASS, USA

Mr. Chairman, President and Executive Members of the Boston Progressive Society, honoured guests, fellow Montserratians, CARICOM nationals, friends, partners, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening.

I am indeed privileged to be here with you to mark this significant milestone, the seventieth anniversary of your Society, as well as to be afforded the opportunity to visit with you, participate in your activities and to address you.

Seventy years is a great achievement for any organization. Fueled by the passion for service, the pioneers created this Society. I understand that at various stages of your development, members have assisted those in need, taken care of the sick and helped in the spiritual and social upliftment of people. You have opened the doors of opportunity for many and your society continues to serve and evolve in creative wasys. This year you have extended the awarding of annual scholarships to deserving applicants at home. I extend sincere appreciation to you from the Government and people of Montserrat. No doubt you found meaningful challenges but you applied your talents and gifts in the form of service. Your continuing existence and track record are testimonies of your unwavering dedication and commitment to be “our brothers keeper”.

Ladies and Gentlemen: I think it is useful to update you on the situation at home. The Scientists have confirmed that the volcanic activity at the current time is at its lowest since the beginning of the eruption in 1995. Their Report of March 2004 further confirmed that the individual risk per year, for someone living in the Day Time Entry Zone: that is, in Richmond Hill, Fox’s Bay, Cork Hill, Delvins and Weekes, was low. As a result these areas were opened up for 24–hour access from 1 May 2004 while, St. Georges’s Hill is now open for daytime entry from 6 am to 6 pm.

Just last week a group of consultants contracted by the British Government, explored with stakeholders the feasibility of cleaning up and making their former homes habitable by restoring roads, water and electricity. In addition, hopeful discussions have occurred relating to the opening up of areas such as, Lees and Dyers. Like you, I continue to thank the Almighty Father for His continued blessings and favour on our beautiful island, which at present is green and peaceful We hope that the slogan, “the way the Caribbean used to be” will soon be a reality.

Over the past three years, Government has sought to rebuild the economy in a systematic and structured manner. But these years, as you are well aware, have been extremely difficult and challenging for several reasons. These include: the acceleration of the processes of globalization and liberalization which have steadily eroded regional trade preferences and resulted in weakened regional financial institutions and economies; the continued conflict in the Middle East and its influences on the price of oil, as well as the effects of our reduced population, has resulted, among other things, to our low revenue base.

Despite these complexities, in my 2004 Budget Address, I declared to the world that Montserrat is ready to rise from the ashes and to become the place of choice for those who value Safety, Peace and Tranquility. We are indeed poised for redevelopment. Following are a few highlights, which will assist you in putting things in perspective.

The new terminal building in Geralds is almost completed and the new roads as well as the tunnel are well advanced. This will allow the rapid construction of the 540metre strip, which meets the requirements of the Directorate of Civil Aviation for the operation of twin otter aircrafts. Preliminary studies are being undertaken to determine the method and cost of future extensions to the runway.

The port land-based infrastructure project is nearing completion. It consists of a large steel framed shed with associated two story offices. The building will greatly assist the Montserrat Port Authority with the proper storage and for processing inbound and outbound freight, as well as provide permanent accommodation for the Port Authority. The Facility will also be used for the processing of “sea faring” passengers. My Government considers the jetty extension critical to sustained economic growth. This facility will serve to increase port vessel calls and trade generally. We have therefore agreed to make initial funds available for implementation of this initiative.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Montserrat Electricity Limited purchased two new packaged generating sets and this year will commence the construction of a 1.8-megawatt permanent power station to ensure dependable power supply to all consumers. Similar investment is being considered to maintain our good quality water sources. Government awarded a contract to British Company to explore and determine the amount of ground water in the Belham Valley. It is anticipated that this will produce at least two hundred thousand gallons of water per day. In addition, the British Government has approved the procurement and erection of several water tanks to improve water storage in the north. Full liberalization of the telecommunication’s market is one of my government’s goals. This will provide our consumers with reliable and cost effective technological services. Therefore, Government has taken the initial steps to ensure this happens.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the provision of housing solutions continues to be a critical theme of Government’s strategy to retain and increase the population. We approved the sale of Government’s Housing stock at Davy Hill, Shinnland and at Lookout Phase I and II. Further, we acquired four acres of land at Drummonds, which has been subdivided into thirty-six lots. Eleven houses have been constructed; nine are under construction and the remaining sixteen lots will be allocated for sale to persons who have had difficulty finding serviced lots.

Under Lookout Phase II we anticipate approximately seventy-five serviced lots will be available for allocation and sale during this year as soon as the infrastructure is installed. The European Union has approved EC$16.3 million to fund a site development and another housing development project at Lookout designed to deliver a total of sixty: two and three bedroom houses. These houses will be offered for sale and the proceeds will be re-invested in additional housing. The final detailed design of the Little Bay Area Plan was also approved for the construction of roads and utilities to be completed during 2004.

Government continues to view the Tourism Industry as the lead sector for long-term economic growth and transformation. As such we have earmarked about EC$7 million over the next three years to fund projects that will facilitate growth in this industry. We are committed to working with the private sector to achieve sustained economic growth and so we continue to provide budget support for the Chamber of Commerce.

In the areas of education, health, agriculture, mining and quarrying, sports as well as culture positive activities are occurring. For instance:

ü The Montserrat Community College is under construction and is expected to begin operation later this year. Teaching positions are currently being advertised;

ü Our health services has been recognized within the region for its efforts at promoting and achieving 100% immunization;

ü This year a second young, talented Montserratian has been awarded a Basketball Scholarship from a United States College and of course we anticipate other scholarships from your Society;

ü Selsi Limited, a mining and quarrying company, headed by a Montserratian, has been operating from the Belham Valley area producing mainly sand and aggregate for the domestic construction industry. This year, the Company is keen in enhancing its production levels for export to regional markets utilizing the Plymouth jetty;

ü In April the Ministry of Agriculture showcased our island’s finest livestock, vegetables, fruits, flowers, as well as value added products and finally;

ü At the moment plans are a foot to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the volcano in 2005. This is expected to attract scientists and general visitors. Come visit with us and bring your American friends. Like Canadian visitor, Richard Holmes let them "get hooked on the sights, the smells, the people and the emotions”

Ladies and Gentlemen: Montserrat is indeed ready to rise from the ashes and be a place of safety, peace and tranquility. However, it requires the input of all patriotic Montserratians and residents. I challenge you this evening to recommit to development of the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean. For those of you wishing to return on a permanent basis, duty free concessions on personal possessions are available on furniture, household appliances and motor vehicles, as well as on tools of trade.

For those of you who have made Boston and its environs your permanent home, I urge you to invest at home. Our island’s successful redevelopment requires the contribution each of us. My government continues to encourage and facilitate local investment in the economy. We offer suitable packages consistent with our Fiscal Incentive Ordinance to stimulate economic growth.

Your investment may take one or more of the following forms:

A savings account in one of our financial institutions such as the St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union or the Bank of Montserrat;
Your annual subscription to organizations on island committed to the development of sectors and people. For example the Montserrat Cricket Association, the Montserrat National Trust, the Montserrat Red Cross Society or the Sir Howard Fergus Scholarship Fund;
Your regular visits to the island and participation in local functions and showing your commitment to the island with the younger generation;
Further, it may be sharing your time, talent and expertise for short periods with an organization such as the Montserrat Festival Committee, the St. Patrick’s Day Committee, the St. John’s Hospital, the Montserrat Welfare Association or the Margetson Memorial Home;
It may well be the construction of a home or investment in the tourism industry;

These are just a few of the investment opportunities. No doubt some of you have identified your niche and your interest. Work on it, develop it, liaise with individuals, groups and organizations that can assist in making your investment in Montserrat a reality and; Never forget, Montserrat still nice, still home.

Tonight Ladies and Gentlemen, I salute all honourees of this evening’s event. I urge all recipients, indeed all here present to continue your diligent service as well as encourage others to serve so that together we can contribute to better communities and a safer world.

On behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat, I extend sincere congratulations to the President, the executive and all members of the Boston Progressive Society for your endurance, dedication as well as your commitment to serve. Congratulations on a job well done. You have demonstrated your love, promoted our culture and you market our island. Continue to be good ambassadors for Montserrat. The Government and people thank and applaud you. Long live the Montserrat Progressive Society of Boston Incorporated and may the good Lord bless you all. (June 6, 2004)

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