Spirit of Montserrat Online

Montserrat’s Premier signs off on 10th European Development Funds Agreement

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:47 +0000

BRADES, Montserrat – Montserrat on Tuesday signed a new agreement to receive 10th European Development Funds (EDF) which have been earmarked to support the government’s development goals.
The Honourable Premier Reuben T. Meade signed on behalf of the government after which Ambassador Valeriano Diaz, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean added his signature.
A total of 15.66 million Euros or 55.9 million Eastern Caribbean Dollars will be disbursed to the island for the period 2011-2014.
Premier Meade said a portion of the funds will be used on the development of the new port project at Little Bay. He added the agreement stipulates that the contract to begin the works must be signed off by June 2013 or Montserrat will lose the amount allotted for that project. The government leader said Halcrow has already been awarded the port design contract and it is the intention to have the next phase agreed upon to meet the June 2013 deadline.
“The port development project is a major one for Montserrat and cannot be funded by one single funding agency,” Meade told the press Tuesday. Utilising the grant support from the EU and the Department for International Development “will limit the amount of funds we need to borrow to complete the project.”
The premier said the just opened ferry terminal in Antigua which was done with EU support alongside the Government of Antigua & Barbuda still needs to have the onshore facilities completed and it is hoped they will be ready for the 50th Festival celebrations this Christmas.
Ambassador Dias said he was impressed with the rapid development after the volcanic devastation adding his pleasure that the EU is able to contribute to Montserrat’s reconstruction effort.
Over the last decade, the EU has contributed grant funding of approximately EURO 24.2 million or EC$ 84.4 million to Montserrat. These funds have been used to establish the Montserrat Community College, the construction of 60 homes under the Montserrat Resettlement Programme, and support for the island’s tourism programme, among others.
According to an official statement from the Ambassador, “the funds under the 10th EDF are 100 percent grant financing and are transferred directly to the budget of Montserrat upon demonstration of progress and results achieved in implementation of the SDP and the Sustainability Roadmap.
“The specific performance benchmarks that the EU and the Government have agreed to achieve …include:
• The construction of additional units of affordable housing for Montserratians
• The establishment of a labour market survey and realignment of the labour market with the education curriculum
• The definition of an energy regulation framework for proper development of the geothermal energy sector
• A reduction of Government tax arrears
• The provision of property tax services on the Government’s website
• The merging of the Port and Airport authorities for improved service delivery and efficiencies.
“Technical assistance funds to the tune of EURO 170,000 or EC$ 670,201.1 have been ring fenced to help with Montserrat’s achievement of the performance benchmarks.”
Dependent on the fulfilment of actions to be undertaken by the government in 2012, an initial sum of EURO 5.13 million or EC$ 18.3 million will be disbursed. The remaining disbursements will be subject to the eligibility criteria and scheduled to be released in equal sums of EC$ 18.3 million in the fourth quarters of 2013 and 2014.

PHOTO CAPTION: Honourable Premier of Montserrat Reuben T. Meade signs the 10th EDF Single Programming Document as Ambassador Valeriano Diaz, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean looks on. The EU is granting Montserrat EC$ 55.9 million over the next three years towards its Sustainable Development Plan.

Special Ferry Service on Friday, May 18th 2012

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:57:50 +0000

BRADES, Montserrat – On Friday May 18th 2012, there will be a special ferry service to Antigua to accommodate persons who are desirous of applying for a visa for the UK. A special ‘Clinic’ will be held on Antigua on that day from 9:00am to 5:00pm to facilitate the process and a special ferry fare of EC$200 round trip is being offered. The Ferry will depart Montserrat for Antigua at 6:30am and will depart Antigua for Montserrat at 6:00pm.
Persons are reminded that no advance ticketing is required, as travellers can purchase their tickets upon check-in. However, to facilitate ticketing, check-in and other clearances at the point of sale at the ports, passengers are asked to check-in 90 minutes in advance when travelling from Antigua and 60 minutes before the scheduled time for departure from Montserrat.

For further information on the service contact Mr. Roosevelt Jemmotte at 664 496 9912 in Montserrat and Mrs. Jennifer Burke in Antigua at 268 778 9786.
Additional information on the ferry service, updates as well as general tourism information can be found at www.visitmontserrat.com or email info@montserrattourism.ms

Governor’s Office releases A Visitor’s Guide to Consular Services

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:57:06 +0000

BRADES, Montserrat – The Governor’s Office, in collaboration with the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Royal Montserrat Police Service recently launched a leaflet entitled “Welcome to Montserrat: A Visitor’s Guide to Consular Services.”
The guide is issued to all first time arrivals and those who have not visited Montserrat for a few years. It explains who to turn to in the event of an emergency.
“Visitors or tourists to Montserrat would be extremely unfortunate to run into difficulties during their time here – the greatest challenge for them is likely to be deciding which beach they want for themselves on any given afternoon. That said, some of our visitors may not be aware that, as an Overseas Territory, the Consular services normally provided by an Embassy or High Commission are in fact provided by the local government. The leaflet is designed to give visitors the reassurance of knowing who to turn to when miles away from home, and should provide some comfort in an emergency,” Tom Regan, Staff Officer to the Governor, explained.
The leaflet is being handed out to all new visitors to the island at the air and sea terminals, and is available at all local hotels and guest houses.
To receive a copy of the leaflet contact Tom Regan at Thomas.regan@fco.gov.uk or on 664-491 2688. It is also available for download here.

Montserrat’s Governor Davis now on Twitter

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:56:10 +0000

BRADES, Montserrat – His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis is now using the popular social media tool Twitter.

Governor Davis at his monthly press briefing said he’s been using Twitter for about a week now and is still learning more about it. To date, he only has 24 followers but hopes to increase that as he goes.

Since taking office in April 2011, the governor has been committed to using as many different forms of communication to reach the residents of Montserrat and nationals abroad. He has held several town hall sessions in various communities, increased the publication of the Government House newsletter and meets monthly with the local press corps. He also said he wants to increase the number of media releases from his office, so the public can stay abreast of what is happening.

During his recent visits to the UK, the governor met with 50 Montserratians living in the London area to discuss issues relating to life on island and how they can get involved by investing in the emerging economic opportunities and returning home.

You can follow Governor Davis on twitter at his handle @UKinMontserrat or http://twitter.com/UKinMontserrat.

Attorney General calls for public education campaign to encourage healthy lifestyles

Shirlian — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:14:01 +0000

Montserrat’s Attorney General, Esco Henry, believes nurses need to do more to get the message out to the public about practicing healthy lifestyles.

Miss Greer says nurses, in their role as advocates, play a critical part in educating residents about quality health care.

The Attorney General suggests the use of short radio spots to convey vital health information that would grab the attention of listeners.

US$ 100,000 needed to medivac shooting victim for further care in the UK

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:20:48 +0000

BRADES, Montserrat – The family of Ezra David needs to raise $100,000 US in four weeks to be able to medivac him to the United Kingdom for further medical care.

David was found March 18 in a ghaut in Carrs Bay, Montserrat after being missing from the day before. His mother Mary Allen said it was upon arrival in Antigua that she was told he’d been shot in the head. “The doctors did not expect him to survive the night,” she said. “Now almost two months later he is still alive and improving and we are thankful to God for that.”

David, 33 was Medivacked to Trinidad & Tobago after the Antigua hospital was unable to treat his condition. Now in a Port of Spain hospital, which is not being named for security reasons, he has undergone two surgeries; one to relieve the swelling on his brain and the other to insert a shunt through which liquids can drain.

“He is listed as critically stable and the bullet has not been removed,” Veta Wade, David’s girlfriend said. “Doctors believe he can make a full recovery with consistent health care.”

Wade said the cost of caring for her boyfriend is escalating in Trinidad and he needs to be moved to the UK where he can be cared for through the National Health Service.
The cost to medivac David is US$100,000 because of all of the elements critical to keep him stable during the flight.

The family is appealing for public and private entities, friends and residents to contribute to raising the funds. A bank account has been established at the Royal Bank of Canada in the name of Mary Allen and Veta Wade to receive donations. The account number is (09615) 7181035.

Further information on other fundraising initiatives will be announced in the coming days on ZJB Radio.

Photos: Ezra David born George Allen Jr. is listed as in critically stable in a Trinidad hospital after being left for dead in Montserrat. His family is seeking public support to raise US$ 100,000 to medivac him for further treatment in the United Kingdom. Doctors said his remarkable physical health has contributed to his body fighting off infections and steadily improving following the surgeries to relieve the pressure on his brain.

Labour Department to review Minimum Wage

Shirlian — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:02:28 +0000

In an effort to ensure that all workers on Montserrat are treated fairly, the Department of Labour is undertaking a review of the minimum wage.

This is in keeping with Labour Month, which is being observed under the theme “Promoting a fair and harmonious working environment.”

Labour Minister, the Honourable Charles Kirnon, says the Labour Advisory Board will conduct the review and make the necessary recommendations.

Festival 50 – Interview with Miss Montserrat 1973 Ruthlyn Gerald-Wyke

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:20:50 +0000

Ruthlyn Gerald-Wyke, who won the Miss Montserrat competition in 1973, talks about her experience as Festival Queen.

Montserrat moves forward with Geothermal Development

Shirlian — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:05:17 +0000

A team from Iceland Drilling Company spent some time on island recently looking at the island’s geothermal potential.

The company, which is currently in Dominica carrying out exploratory geothermal work, visited several sites here including the Corkhill/Foxes Bay area.

Following the visit of officials from Iceland drilling, a decision will be make on whether or not it will tender for the project.

The two member team also held meetings with Government Officials and various stakeholders.

On May 1^st, Montserrat received the United Kingdom’s green light and assurance of financial support for geothermal exploration.

In a press release, The Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development and the Rt. Hon. Alan Duncan, Minister of State for International Development announce that the UK government will support Montserrat’s plan to “prove the size and potential of geothermal reserves on island.

It says the funds will support Phase one of an exploratory well drilling programme over a 12-month period starting May 2012.

The release says the DFID funding will cover all necessary site preparation and access works, all drilling, supervision and well testing, and the technical assistance required by the Government of Montserrat to manage and implement the project successfully.

It states that if exploration proved successful the wells could be used for production. The release says while there now seems a good chance that the exploration will prove the resource, it’s not yet certain that Montserrat will be able to move to the production phase.

Montserrat’s Reigning Festival Queen to participate in two regional pageants

Shirlian — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:50:02 +0000

Festival Queen 2011 Claris Yearwood has confirmed her participation in two regional pageants this summer.

She is scheduled to compete in the 7^th Annual Caribbean Cultural Pageant in Nevis on August 6^th and in the 51^st staging of the Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show on Friday August 3^rd.

Dubbed “Culturally Yours”, the Caribbean Culture pageant will include a swimwear segment where the delegates will parade in a creatively styled swimsuit of their choice.

Other segments are Cultural Wear, performing talent, evening wear and interview.

At Jaycees, Miss Yearwood would first attend a pre-show where there will be an elimination process.

Only the 10 best delegates will go forward to the finals
On the night of the finals a further selection of the top five contestants will be made.

Robekah Lindsay represented Montserrat at both pageants last year.