Governor Elizabeth Carriere
In last week’s issue of The Montserrat Reporter we published in brief “Governor Carriere arrives to a businesslike welcome, as we told, “Montserrat on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, welcomed her new, and 2nd female Governor in Miss Elizabeth Carriere at her swearing-in as Governor, . during a full session of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly. There while being gracious in her acceptance to the words of welcome quickly informed of her intention to adhere to structures and the things that should bring Montserrat progress
There were some disappointments along the way from our readers who since then that there were no details, having wet people’s curiosity as to what the new Governor had to say in her first address while formally accepting her appointment as Governor to Montserrat, upon arrival in Montserrat.
We reported briefly the events of the swearing ceremony at a sitting of the Territory’s Legislative Assembly held for the occasion during which the Governor was sworn after the Warrant appointing Miss Carriere, OBE as the Governor, read by the Clerk, her oath of office then administered by the Hon. Attorney General, Keith Friday
Miss Shirley Osborne
The Hon. Speaker of the House Miss Shirley Osborne had the first privilege as she acknowledged to address the new Governor. She began by reciting for you a few lines of songs written by Montserrat’s, Everton Reality Weekes, one of Montserrat’s best songwriters, who sang of Montserrat, “If you search for it on the map, It is much smaller than a dot. But never mind the size, She will always be my paradise”
She continued with more lyrics on Montserrat as she gives mention, “Our Drs. Fergus and Irish know exactly what we feel about our little island, despite our volcano experiences, so they wrote and we now sing: Come well or woe, come friend or foe, To you your people cling,…” lines from what we refer to as the Territorial Song (commonly understood as the “National Song”.
“Mr. Kenneth Allen,” she continued, “in his ode to Montserrat: And on it placed the most wonderful people That ever there could be…”
She noted on the way, “I was heartened to read that you have committed to doing, and I quote, (speaking from an earlier address the Governor reportedly made in the UK to Montserratians there) “all I can to help Montserrat back on the path to economic success and to enhance its reputation as a safe place to live, visit and do business.”
“I understand that to mean, among other things, that you are now our ally,” she said.”Good. Thank you. In this work of strengthening our institutions and rebuilding our country, we could do with some very strong and committed allies and partners.”
She closed: “You will find, Governor Carriere, that that is still very true. Neither the losses and grief we have endured these past 20 years, nor the advances in modern technology have been able to change that; that’s just the way Montserratians are; and we intend that that never changes. And it is thus that we welcome you.”
Mr. Alric Taylor
The ex Ag. Governor, Deputy Governor Alric Taylor gave his address to the Governor. He ended his welcome. “You can count on my support,” after he also began by welcoming the Governor, “to our island home, one which Mrs Pat ‘Belonger’ Ryan, a treasured Calypsonian penned as “Still home, still nice! Paradise with a touch of ash….” And it is to this place that I extend to you a hundred thousand welcomes.”
The DG acknowledged the Governor’s experienced past. Reminding that she is, “the second female to hold this high office in a chain of male Administrators and Governor – I believe that your choice as Governor was well considered having regard to Montserrat’s current context. As you take up the mantles of steering the affairs of this island, we know that you bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, tact and diplomacy; indeed the full complement of skills to this job.”
He too also advised. “This was an important activity considering all that we have been through and despite the challenges and obstacles, despite living on an island with an active volcano, Montserrat is still the best place in the world to live and work.”
After mentioning that “Partnership is a much talked about arrangement,” He proceeded to tell her one after the other, beginning with the words, “You are coming to us at a time… when we are engaged in a wide range of activities to modernize our Public Service to make it more efficient; we would have celebrated emancipation.(noting as the Speaker did) We are a proud people, with dreams and aspirations and high ideals; when Montserratians who remained have certain perceptions of those who were forced to leave and are now returning; when Montserrat is in budgetary aid,” concluding, “There are challenges that impact us, but there is that deep expectation among us that improvement will come…We are keen to see this lovely island rebuilt; we welcome you to work with us and leave a rich legacy that will contribute significantly to Montserrat’s sustainability”
The proceedings already showed it was not going to be all pleasantries and nicety talk. The Hon. Premier Donaldson Romeo was next to bid his welcome, and as leader of Government business he sure addressed.
Hon. Premier Donaldson Romeo
The Premier began with a biblical note: “…the eighth month of the year, referred to as the month of new beginnings, a time of restoration, fruitfulness, the laying of new foundations and new opportunities. Therefore, it is no coincidence that you are starting your journey in this season,” he observed.
He began with the inescapable reminder, seen in every Government-HMG or whomever, the Business Case, as justification for support to Montserrat. “Over the last 20 years, our country has confronted problems on a scale that we had never seen before.” Giving some tribute to predecessors, he continued, “We owe gratitude to your predecessors who have all been involved in the task of getting this country back to self-sufficiency… You stand today…in the aspiration of their dreams and goals that were not fulfilled or realized!”
“Your track record encourages us to have great expectations; expectations that you will use your resourcefulness, influence and good judgment to act on behalf of Montserrat in ensuring our success,” he compliments. “And like the others,”This Government looks forward to working with you as we continue on our path to self-sufficiency.”
The premier also stressed that the need for an effective partnership between the Government of Montserrat and the United Kingdom, noting his optimism that the governor’s past relationship with the Department for International Development (DFID) would be critical in helping Montserrat’s development efforts.
He said, noting also his understanding of her prowess: You are described as a woman of action. This is fitting as your work in Montserrat begins with challenges. However, I believe these challenges are entirely in our God-given willpower to overcome, especially if we work together in partnership…I am reminded of the UK Government’s White Paper on the Overseas Territories that speaks of forward looking Partnership, and reminds us that Partnership carries with it “obligations and responsibilities”, on both sides.”
“Montserrat stands at a turning point in history,” he declared, as he set out what he referred to as: “Government’s policy objectives are simple”. These he said are: “people are our first resource;…we must jumpstart, renew and indeed transform our economy; …this involves key sectors, issues and projects such as housing, ports, access, tourism, ICTs and infrastructure,” closing, “all of this therefore involves,” (we pause to emphasise), “good governance,(it encompasses so much) properly managing risks, taking care of our environment and providing good value for money for aid received.”
The Premier closed with the commitment of extending, ”afresh the hand of partnership as we look forward to working with you as our Governor.”
The Hon Opposition at its turn of welcome was represented by Hon. Joseph Farrell, in the absence of the. Opposition Leader, Reuben T. Meade.
Hon. Joseph Farrell
In welcoming the Governor Hon Farrell echoed the 20-year volcanic activity as of course the centre of Montserat position. He notes, “While Government and Opposition will have their difference on policies and ways to achieve those policies, we aspire for the same thing, for the good of this country,” he implored the Governor..,” and we expect you Your Excellency to involve members of the Opposition in discussion and consultation in advancing the future of this country.”
He noted: “…we require aid from the British Government not just aid for aid sake, but aid that will contribute to a sustained economy for growth and development… aid that would help us to move from a situation of dependency to one where we become self-sufficient and out of granting aid.” He acknowledged, “This I believe is the focus of the present Government and members of the Opposition,” offering. “As Opposition we will strive to work with Government and Her Excellency and other funding agencies to achieve this.”
Her Excellency Governor Carriere was gracious at the beginning, thanking all in her acceptance and response to what she called, “…your warm and generous welcome.”
She acknowledged her great honour “to take up this responsibility, having sworn the Oath of Allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen, and having been sworn in as the 14th Governor of Montserrat.”
Her Excellency Elizabeth Carrere continuing, said she was taking on her responsibility, as “In doing so I believe I have come to a hopeful place. I am an optimistic person and, judging by your achievements in the face of so much challenge, I believe Montserratians must also be optimistic people.” She expressed the view to be as she too notes the 20-year-crisis, “On the positive side so much has been achieved in Montserrat since the start of the volcanic eruption 20 years ago.”
Already upbeat and seemingly ready to go she said still on the positive, “Also on the positive side, there is so much more work to be done…by all of us.”
Setting the challenge, she continued: Why is this positive? Because together, Montserratians, with their government, their community institutions and with the UK Government – and with me, your Governor – can achieve – with cooperation and careful planning,” offering a new approach. “What is needed for this island to build a new success. And I want to emphasise the word new because Montserrat, while building on and honouring its past, will be a success if it rebuilds with a clear vision of the future.”
The Governor was cognisant of herself and was humble as she said: “I have much to learn and, now I am here, I will focus on getting to know the island and its people;” warming herself to the people, “ and most importantly the people’s views, hopes and aspirations – and also what they worry about.”
She said will lose not time. “I will begin my learning visits immediately, and hope to have visited every possible corner of the island within my first couple of months,” she declared, as we recall that some previous Governors said and did similar, yet leaving with no personal legacy for themselves.
As she dove further into the duties of her business, she introduced the fact that she had already spoken to and made contact with ‘many Montserratians,: she she said she has so far, and who “tell me that they feel they are very much a part of the wider British family,” noting, “And the 2012 UK Government White Paper emphasises this.”
She spoke to the 2012 White Paper which she sees as calling, “for a partnership – working together – to address challenges.”
As if to answer the call and hope of the Premier, “I want to foster this notion of partnership, of shared responsibility and mutual commitment, and help to promote a mature relationship between the Government of Montserrat and the Government of the United Kingdom. Effectively addressing the serious issues of safety, security and good governance is central to this relationship.
Touching on some of the basic things spoken of repeatedly, considering that “Montserratians are also part of the wider world – they travel, some live elsewhere, and they are connected by family ties, friendships and businesses. Events that happen in the region and globally affect them,” she described, expressing confidence that, “If we all – both the Government of Montserrat and the UK Government, work in partnership to put in place all the necessary preparations, then I am confident that in the not too distant future, all on the island should be able to connect more quickly and reliably with family and friends, and conduct business, much more effectively through a new fibre-optic cable.”
She spoke of a new hospital, housing and schooling offering that she will “give priority to supporting these programmes as well, as investing in its people is fundamental to the future of Montserrat.”
She touched on the strengths of her previous positions, pointing out, “I am sure you will agree that children and other vulnerable people need care and attention and protection – so they can feel safe and empowered to develop their potential and to contribute to the present and future of the Island. This is something I will be paying a great deal of attention to.”
Speaking to all she sees that requires and underpins a vibrant economy. “They are mutually important and beneficial. Poised as it is to grow economically again – there are barriers and setbacks to Montserrat’s growth that need to be addressed realistically. I look forward to hearing from Montserratians their vision and priorities for getting the economy going again,” she posits.
Then she sounds that some of this will depend on local expertise and entrepreneurial spirit and know-how, and some will need foreign investment. “But we all know one thing for certain,” she said, “none of this will succeed if the conditions for business are not sound. This is about good governance,” which she describes as – a well functioning and efficient civil service, sound legal practices, probity, transparency and accountability, good and well-functioning systems for financial and material investments and a safe and secure environment in which to flourish.
Assuring and without casting judgment, she asked, “Do these all exist in Montserrat presently? You might answer that some do and some don’t. Without safety, security and good governance, investors (the right kind) will not come, infrastructure will be poorly built and maintained, businesses will fail, and Montserrat will not be able to promote itself as a sound place to do business. Without such a reputation – investment, energy, enthusiasm, ideas and talent will not yield productive and sustainable results. I am committed to working with you to continue to improve the environment for business, and to help make Montserrat vibrant and self-sustaining again.”
As to her own direct responsibilities, Her Excellency at her first opportunity said: “Montserrat is rightly proud of its reputation as a low crime jurisdiction, but it cannot rest on its laurels,” as she notes: “As economic development increases, so do the risks of violent crime, susceptibility to natural and man-made disasters and threats to safe communities.”
“With my constitutional responsibility for security and defence, I will ensure that these considerations are at the forefront of all economic development decisions.”
Speaking tough, “And, as you know, this may sometimes require decisive action by the Government of Montserrat to make sure we continue on the right path,” as she speaks for herself, “I am a firm believer that there is no substitute for good governance; when things get off track, I will be prepared to take action in my role as Governor.”
“It is impossible not to notice the incredible, pristine beauty of this island. Montserratians and visitors emphasise this is what they particularly love about Montserrat,” she remarked with only hours already on the island.
She summed it all up at the end. “I believe very strongly that Montserrat’s future lies in the hands of its most valuable resource: its people,” as she promises as she was pursued. ”I will work with the Government of Montserrat to support its plans to realise a safe, sustainable and prosperous Montserrat built on good governance,” seeking acceptance of her further pledge, “…as your new Governor, to work with you with enthusiasm and commitment for the betterment of this Emerald Isle and its amazing, resilient people!
So much is her interest in an interaction with, and her belief Montserrat, she said at one point showing her humility, “if there is a corner I miss, I am sure Montserratians will tell me where that is, and I will do my best to get there. But bear with me. Despite this being a small community, there is much to see, do and learn. It will take me time.
Miss Elizabeth Carriere arrived in Montserrat to begin her tour as Governor on the morning of August 4, 2015; was met on arrival in Montserrat by HE the Acting Governor, Mr Alric Taylor, Hon. Premier Donaldson Romeo, Hon. Speaker Ms Shirley Osborne, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Steve Foster. She later was sworn in at the Montserrat Cultural Centre, where after inspecting a Guard of Honour met officials, members of the press and others at a small reception in her honour.
