Governor Adrian Davis
Like the Chief Minister later, on June 1 Governor Davis was asked about the idea of government subsidizing the cost of petrol that could lessen the burden of the increased cost to the consumer and the electricity charges relative to the fuel surcharge.
The Governor responded, “I think you need to actually address that really to the government, to the other ministries.”
He offered however, what I would say is there are not funds available to subsidize electricity prices, there isn’t money in the budget and we have seen also in the past that kind of approach really isn’t sustainable.”
The response was not unlike many he gave at his town hall meetings as residents showed their burning desires to pose questions and get answers to the bread and butter issues that concerned them and some general on the stagnant and degrading situation of the economy.
The Chief Minister at his later press conference, having undoubtedly discussed the matter with the Governor who had promised to raise the issue with him immediately after his (the governor) press conference, was adamant there was nothing he would or could do to satisfy the suggestion.
Ferry access
The Governor meanwhile at the press conference addressed also the issue the ‘ferry access’ to Montserrat. He said then that Government was going to discuss the matter at the next Executive Council meeting. He said he was aware of the history of the ferry acknowledging what has been said, “…the very obviously one that the British government who has helped with the subsidies, has spent more in subsidies over the years than it will cost to buy an appropriate ferry…”
The governor expressed uncertainty on the new focus has developed, “…I have focused on it, it doesn’t seem very sensible and maybe we can change that in the future,” he concluded, adding that the matter was to be discussed at EXCO the next day.
Chief Minister Reuben Meade
Press Conference with Chief Minister
The Governor entertained a question about him meeting in press conference with the Chief Minister as so many of the questions being put to him would be more for the government’s direct remit.
“I’m pretty certain that’s a sensible idea and its one I will put to him,” he responded, “ I think in the beginning I was keen to establish the principle of monthly press conferences.”
He said further, “I was kind of aware that these hadn’t necessarily happened for the frequency they might have perhaps could have done in the past…”
