Reprint: April 18, 2001
See the whole issue – it is a flashback that can inform us greatly today, that, particular issue. (See below) The question to be answered: “How and have we made use of these offers?”
http://www.montserratreporter.org/fra0501-3.htm
Secretary General of CARICOM, Mr. Edwin Carrington, expressed his pleasure with “the enthusiasm and the interest” shown by Chief Minister John Osborne and his ministerial team during an official visit Monday.
He confirmed to the press that his visit was to discharge the responsibility of briefing any newly elected head of government of Caricom, on matters of a regional nature in which they as members of CARICOM are involved. Other reasons for his visit was to obtain Mr. Osborne’s perspective regarding the Community, how he believed it should grow in the future, and to get his views on Regional Integration.
In expressing the island’s thanks for the visit, however, Dr.
Lowell Lewis, Minister for Communications and Works, took the opportunity to seek CARICOM’s pledge of solidarity.
Dr. Lewis said the NPLM government is willing to accept the assignment of portfolio to share responsibility in looking at sustainable development and disaster management. Then he added, “We are hopeful that all our colleagues at CARICOM will continue to support Montserrat, which is a founding member of CARICOM. We have a special relationship with them and we’re hoping that they will lobby on our behalf, and make clear to our British partners that here in Montserrat, we need the infrastructure to allow us to be economically viable.”
In response to when he thought CARICOM would complete the construction of the remaining 10 houses of the 25 it promised to Montserrat, Mr. Carrington told the media, “I wish I could give you a time, but I share with you the concern which underlies your question.’
After a visit to the site at Lookout, Mr. Carrington said, “We are taking back the message from the Chief Minister and his Government; please can we finish what we have begun? I can’t give you a date, but I can give you an assurance I’m not going back silent on this.”
Montserrat has not asked for much over the years, he said. “The strength of my concern is that, the little you asked for, at least you should get it, especially when we have promised.”
Mr. Carrington called the Single Market and Economy the flagship of Regional Integration. “That Single Market and Economy,” he said, “essentially involves the freedom of movement of goods, services, skilled labour and the right to establish businesses across the Community. We call it the right of establishment.”
He said there is already virtually 100 percent free movement of goods, but free movement of services such as those of a doctor, teacher, architect or a builder remain to be freed of restrictions.
