Karen McGeough receives farewell gift from Angella Greenaway
by Bennette Roach
On Thursday, September 19, 2013, the Hon Premier Meade hosted primarily Ms Karen McGeough, DFID’s country manager for Montserrat to say goodbye. The reception at Pont’s Beach Bar and Restaurant (Ponteen’s Cabin) served also to welcome Moira Marshall to the country manager’s position.
The first visit we recall by Ms McGeough was as Head of Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID) Economic & Budgetary Aid Mission in February, 2011. She met with members of the press at the conclusion of a week of meetings with the government’s budget team to look at the island’s needs for the coming fiscal year and beyond.
At the time Karen McGeough said resources would be better spent on capital investments and technical capacity than maintaining the government of Montserrat’s recurrent budget. Since then the birth of a strategic growth plan grew strength.
Mrs. Angella Greenaway, Cabinet Secretary and head the Premier’s office led a very brief farewell ceremony that provided gifts to the departing Karen. She noted Karen, “has been with us for the past three years as the program manager DFID,” but she also wanted to give a warm Montserrat welcome to Moira, who takes over from Karen.
She remembered and similarised the condition that seemed seamless between Roger (Clarke) the previous country manager, and Karen, as she observed then that Karen was small in stature, like I am..”
“We established a very good relationship very early on; we seemed to have wanted the same things etc…” Mrs. Greenaway said.
She said that “she (Karen) was very professional in what she did and I think the bottom line was we knew that she had Montserrat’s interest at heart.” Concluding, “I just want to say how much we appreciated the time and effort that you have dedicated to the Montserrat cause we really appreciate it…”
She then said to Moira, “Welcome, don’t feel left out, no pressure, you’ll be back with us in another two weeks and that’s when the real pressure will start…”
l-r: Moira Marshall, Karen McGeough and Premier Meade
Premier Meade did not disappoint saying a little more than brief words. He told Karen, “For the past three that we’ve worked together I’ve enjoyed tremendously working with you, we had our differences of opinion but they have always been very amicably dealt with… but we really do appreciate the work that you have for and with us on our behalf…We’re not saying farewell to you, we’re just showing you appreciation for the services that you have given us…” After some more words, the Premier called for a gift to be presented.
Dr. Kato Kimbugwe who serves as DFID’s private sector advisor and in-country representative following a few brief words, saying he would not comment to the Premier’s friendly accusation of suggesting that Karen be sent to Africa for the experience on that side, also asked for a gift to be presented on behalf of the local DFID office to Karen.
Its a heavy one – DFID staff gift
In her response, Karen said she felt, “very overwhelmed and even emotional.”She said, “I’ve really enjoyed working with the Montserrat program,” informing that she has been working with DFID for over 30 years.
She said, “this is the best by far job, and I’m not just saying that because I’m here and I’m under pressure to say something nice, I really do mean it.”
She said that she isn’t leaving the program in hands she doesn’t trust, “…so Moira is here, she will be fighting for you in Montserrat’s corner as best she can within the confines of working in a UK government department,” calling for Montserrat’s support.
“It isn’t that easy some days,” she said, “but she’ll try her best and with your support she’ll be able to justify the developments that need to take place.”
Karen thanked everybody, “that’s here, I’ve really enjoyed working with you, I’m goanna miss you,” promising that she will return. “…I’ll come back and see you all and hope to see you with a port, a town, geothermal energy and the place thriving and buzzing…” she finished.
