From left to right. Moira Marshall, Karen McGeough (former program manager), Premier Reuben Meade
The following is a report by ZJB Radio on the announced visit at the Governor’s recent press conference of the DFID budgetary aid mission to Montserrat and runs from February 19 to 26. The mission held its first meeting of the Department for International Development on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
The Economic and Budgetary Review team comprises Laure Beaufils Head of OTD, Moira Marshall Program Manager, Heather Ferrie Deputy Program Manager, Mary Thompson Senior Social Development Adviser, Razi Latif Climate and Environment Adviser, Colin Gourley Infrastructure Adviser and Kata Kimbugwe DFID Resident Representative.
The team is holding talks with the leader of Government business here, Premier and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the Honourable Reuben T Meade, other Government Ministers and senior public sector officials.
Also on the agenda for discussion, the Review budget out turn for 2013/204 against estimates, variations in revenues and spending plans, including the impact of external developments, and a Review of macroeconomic and fiscal forecasts for 2014/2015.
The meetings will also review the 2014/2015 budget estimates including domestic revenue projections and policy objectives, discuss an approach to multi-year recurrent budget settlement, performance of the capital projects portfolio, as well as agree a model and content for Sustainable Group Plan MOU Phase 11.
Discussions will also focus on the review of retention issues, establishment and non-establishment numbers, Government of Montserrat public sector reforms and reviews, and pensions.
Multi-year approach to budgeting, capital projects portfolio, departmental policy priorities and spending plans for 2014/2015 and indicative plans through to 2016/2017 as well as maintenance are also down for discussion.
On February 26th, the DFID team will also meet with the Opposition and Ministries and Departments.
An Aide Memoire highlighting the presentation of findings will follow.
A press conference will close out the aid mission’s visit.
