2006 Christmas message by the Chief Minister

2006 Christmas message
by the Honourable Chief Minister
Dr. Lowell Lewis

Hon. Chief Minister, Dr. Lowell Lewis

Fellow Montserratians and Friends of Montserrat! It is the time of year when we offer our thanks to God and our fellow men for the many acts of blessings and kindness to our island. Christmas is indeed a time for sharing joy and goodwill, so I would like in this my first Christmas Message as Chief Minister to wish all families, friends and supporters, both near and far, a Blessed Christmas and a bright 2007.

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My Government, although only in power for 7 months, has been making major strides in getting Montserrat on the Move. We have engaged with a number of Governments and Non Governmental agencies in the Caribbean, North and Central America, the United Kingdom as well as Europe and they have offered assistance in several areas. These include promotion of Montserrat through Tourism Marketing, Port Development, Arts and Culture, Historical Research and Educational Opportunities.

We have facilitated the visit of the Caribbean Community’s Secretary General and the Director General of the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States and have outlined most convincingly the need for deeper collaboration in assisting Montserrat to benefit from the Petroleum Stabilisation Fund. We are hopeful that we will gain approval of a draw down by the end of the year.

We have fully engaged with Her Majesty’s Government to ensure that they understand the need for a special package of capital aid over the next 3 years, that will provide the infrastructure and housing that will allow us to be sustainable. In addition we have reiterated the importance of the relevant entrustment for Montserrat to sign the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramus.

At the same time, Montserrat has been engaging in bilateral discussions with a number of Caribbean Territories that will enhance mutual interests in areas such as sports, culture health and education.

We have provided support to ensure that the Cultural Centre, a symbol of the resilience of Montserrat, is opened, albeit on a limited basis, to facilitate some year end activities. We are also engaged in talks with a number of agencies and individuals in the USA, US Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean to ensure maximum use of the facilities throughout 2007. We will ensure that Cultural Talents on Montserrat will be exposed and marketed throughout the world.

During the last six months we were informed that the European Union Funding for the development of Little Bay has been approved. Therefore, the Government of Montserrat has moved forward the process for the Development of Little Bay as a Centre of Commerce and Tourism. By January, we expect to receive bids for the design of the Safe Harbour/ Marina which will accommodate small yachts that will make a difference to Tourism arrivals.

I know that during 2007, the people of Montserrat will expect some bold and decisive actions, for me to deserve the honour and privilege that you have given me, to serve as your Chief Minister, I and my colleagues must deliver the activities required to revive our economy.

The barge ramp for the export of volcanic material from Foxes Bay, Isles Bay areas must be built soon, the marina/safe harbour at Little Bay must be constructed, the designs for the Port development must be completed, Air services to and from Montserrat must be improved.

The Ash Tile Factory must be up and running, we have to start exporting bottled water in larger quantities, and feeder roads to more agricultural lands must be completed.

We have to start the research and development of geothermal derived electricity and the revival of wind and solar energy derived electricity.

We must get the offshore medical schools and other educational institutions in Montserrat up and running, and we must provide locations for these to proceed.

The shelters must be emptied, proper houses provided for the people of Davy Hill and the start of a lease purchase arrangement for the sale of Government owned houses.

We have to improve facilities and increase capacity at our schools, improve the service at our hospital, build a new Radio Montserrat and provide a national cemetery.

We have to spend our capital aid money and make sure that these provide employment opportunities for our skilled and professional people, both at home and abroad.

And last but not least, we must put in place the legislation and constitutional reform that will ensure good governance and integrity in public life, so that we can receive effective development aid from our donor partners.

We have reasons to be optimistic for 2007. With the continued support of Her Majesty’s Government, the European Union and all our friends in the region and further abroad, we will make strides in the development of Montserrat. There are challenges, but we know that with fortitude, teamwork and proper planning we will overcome them and succeed.

Honourable Dr. John Osborne, Minister of Education, Health and Social Services is tackling head on, the problem of antisocial behaviour at the secondary school with the appointment of school wardens and I will support him with the necessary finance. I believe our passionate plea for increased budgetary aid will make possible an increase in the payments made to our social welfare recipients.

Honourable Idabelle Meade, Minister of Communication and Works is pushing ahead with the tasks of port development, the establishment of Montserrat Utilities Limited and their headquarters building at Little Bay, and preparing the public works for early start of work at Little Bay, so that our capital aid funds, start reaching the incomes of our people from January.

Honourable Mrs Annie Dyer Howe, Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Housing has the difficult task of providing affordable housing as well as raising enough money for further home construction. I hope to convince her and DFID that lease purchase arrangements, at low interest rates is one way of finding more housing solutions. We expect another spectacular Agricultural Exhibition in 2007, and under her guidance our energy policy (including development of our geothermal resource) and the climate change initiatives will flourish.

Honourable Mr David Brandt, our fearless backbencher, who keeps us on our toes, will continue to be the people’s watchdog and spokesperson, and as Chairperson of my Advisory Committee on constitutional issues, will spearhead improved public education on such issues, and a better deal in the reform of our constitution.

I am grateful for their support, as I am also grateful for the support and counsel of my political colleagues in the Montserrat Democratic Party and the Coalition Caucus of the Government of Montserrat.

I have been particularly impressed with the calibre of leadership and enthusiasm that has been exhibited by the youth during the just concluded Youth Parliamentary Elections. We have a cadre of young leaders in Montserrat who require the support of the Government of Montserrat in the promotion of the Voice of the Youth in this Country.
To this end my Government will actively pursue plans for the establishment of a well staffed youth secretariat which would promote and coordinate youth activities across the island.

Finally, let me welcome home all our relatives and friends who have come to share with us this Christmas Season. The Government has provided support to the Montserrat Taxi Drivers Association, to ensure that adequate transport is available at reduced cost throughout the season.

I am sure that you will find many activities for entertainment, as well as areas of need in our country. While you join with us in celebrating, we urge you to consider ways in which you can offer support to individuals, organisations, communities or government as you too is an important component in the rebuilding process of our beautiful island.

On behalf of the Government, my family and staff, I thank you for your support and I wish all a Blessed, Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2007! Thank you.

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