The Physical Planning Unit is currently updating Montserrat’s Physical Development Plan (PDP) for the period 2012-2022. The PDP is a land-use plan that provides a framework to help deliver the goals of the Sustainable Development Plan, addressing issues such as pressure on land, limited resources and infrastructure development. In one way or another everyone on the island will be affected by the content of this plan – it sets out the vision and direction for development across Montserrat, it influences planning application decisions and it influences government projects.
The Draft PDP is now almost half way through the public consultation process between 24th October and 22nd December. You are able to visit the PDP content and the Launch Exhibition online at www.ppu.gov.ms and we encourage feedback and comments.
As part of the consultation process and to help raise awareness around the PDP 2012-2022 the PPU is holding a picture competition for Montserrat’s school pupils. There are two categories:
- All Montserrat Primary school pupils in Grades 4, 5 and 6, with a theme of ‘What will Montserrat look like in 2022?‘
- 2. Any Montserrat Secondary School pupils who are interested, with a theme of ‘How can Montserrat develop sustainably to 2022?’
Entries must be hand drawn or painted on 8.5 x 11 inch paper using any materials you like. The deadline for entries is 4 p.m. on Friday, 9th December and they should be submitted to the Physical Planning Unit office in Brades. Each entry must have the candidate’s name, school and form number written clearly on the back.
Entries will be judged by a panel associated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Land and the Environment (MAHLE) and the PDP. The winners and runner’s up will be selected and announced by the following week, before schools break for the Christmas Holiday.
The first place prize for each of the two categories are of the value of EC$ 350 and the two winning pictures will be included in the Final PDP, the document that will be the government planning framework until 2022. The runners up for each category will receive an EC$ 150 value prize. Prizes are donated by the consultants IMC Worldwide Ltd who are assisting the PPU with the PDP 2012-2022 project.
The main themes running through the PDP and to be considered for the picture competition include:
- planning for future growth
- avoiding badly planned settlements which compromise future opportunities
- avoiding or minimising negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity
- community and social inclusion
- equal opportunities and access to services and recreation
- agriculture, food security and meeting Montserrat’s food production targets
- creating opportunities for economic growth
- minimising the risk to natural hazards such as the volcano, hurricanes and flooding
- low carbon development, improving air quality and minimising climate change
So get scribbling, sketching or painting. The team at the PPU looks forward to receiving your entry soon!
