Adated
Governor Davis at first press conference
GIU – His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis in his first press conference have said, For Montserrat’s economy to have a chance reliable access has to be a priority
The new Governor was speaking to reporters during his first press conference since becoming governor, Davis said there is no other way to encourage travellers and also to reduce the costs of shipping without improving the options for persons and goods to get to the island.
He noted that as a first step, a quick win was to extend the opening hours at the John A. Osborne Airport for the summer months from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. This will be in place until the end of August. “Extending the hours was always an option but no one bothered to use it,” he stated.
Governor Davis, an economist with a long career with the Department for International Development (DFID), admitted that Montserrat’s present investor climate resembles that of the chicken and egg story, which comes first. “We must provide an environment that is profitable to do business in.”
As it relates to working as part of the Executive Council, the new governor said he was rather disappointed at the papers being presented for debate. He said in his first three weeks the Executive Coucil (ExCo) papers have not been substantive and would like to see them being more aligned with the strategic goals of the government. “ExCo papers should be more focused on the commitments we have made towards the goals and I want to work with the chief minister to accomplish that.”
Governor Davis said he would like to hold monthly press conferences to inform the general public of what is happening, adding that the more information we provide, the better you can explain to people what you are doing on their behalf.
