Mikael Barfod, EU Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
A Government Information release has informed that Mikael Barfod, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, is scheduled to visit Montserrat on Tuesday to entwine in the discussions with the Department for International Development on its budgetary package to Montserrat.
In May 2012, the Honourable Premier Reuben Meade signed an agreement to receive 10th European Development Funds (EDF) totalling 15.66 million Euros or EC$55.9 million, earmarked for Montserrat over a three-year period until 2014.
During his visit Ambassador Barfod will hold discussions on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Plan and the progress on the Little Bay Port project, the EU is co-financing.
Following the disbanding of an earlier design, Premier Meade earlier this week announced that Halcrow, the company contracted to design the new port, which is currently at 60% and expected to reach the 90% phase by mid-March, 2013. Government must sign off on the next phase of the port by June 2013, in order for the island to receive the funds allocated in the 10th EDF for the project. A month ago there was an announcement that
The EU has a long-standing history of cooperation with Montserrat. Over the last decade, the EU has contributed grant funding of approximately EURO 24.2 million or EC$ 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.
Photo caption: EU Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
