Editorial – February 20, 2015 :
Does this People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) or who else we ask, understand or noticed that we wrote and published warnings and suggestions, over and over again, but in particular, Modify the SGP as suggested by DFID since September, 2012, when we said: “Yes, scrap the new master plan, develop the 5-star resort in Rendezvous, and begin the future of Montserrat, while getting jobs underway. The previous plan modified was never considered as ambitious, and the mistakes are before us. The town centre can begin from back of Murphy (North Davy Hill, pushing the road onto a bit of Pipers Pond, preserve it. Nature had provided that already. Messing around with the biodiversity of the island is bad business, discouraging funders and investors.
That was then and here we are now, But too, there were numerous times even to the point of being threatened with court action, including an article: “Save Little Bay and Carrs Bay from their Executioners,” we published. We pointed out that everything was based on the information, recommendations, offers and suggestions from our funders, constrained always by the ‘partnership’ they have entered into with the Overseas Territories including Montserrat, who was on the special treatment list because so much was there to gain as a result of the tragic events of the volcanic crisis which is about to hit the record 20 year mark, with little more to show to date but mere survival.
In addition to the two captions which you may be read at www.themontserratreporter.com or Facebook and Twitter. Do look at Premier returns from Dubai, Brussels and UK upbeat.
It may seem drastic as there appears to be some apprehension and even concern that activities at the MDC were halted. That is no different to HMG saying to Montserrat, you are ‘high risk’ corrupt (suggested by reports) and bordering on destruction, and passing on to Montserrat what they did six or so years ago to Turks and Caicos Islands. We warned it could happen to us and it appears that General Elections saved Montserrat last year. Our present Premier fell for that in or around May 2013, the jobs loss without realising, the people he was concerned about were not at all benefiting.
On May 2, 2014 in the Editorial, we suggested to scrap the master plan which is exactly what had happened when DFID Minister Alan Duncan had halted port and other development funding. He drew to GoM’s attention their refusal to accept technical assistance to obtain private investment, hence the failure to get any, which was required for their continued committed developmental support.
We noted, again read the above captioned, the things that could begin right away, to begin to make this island viable. And of course there are more while we wait for geothermal fulfillment, fibre optic cable, and the sensible move of L/B, Rendezvous and Carr’s Bay. Let the ambition be a long term, sustainable one. Back to phasing. The fantasy plans did not have Montserrat future at heart. Not in 2016 nor 2020! Just fill my cup now…
Some of the following DFID recommendations in July last year are not new! “MDC –
“Be more visible and proactive within the local community to counter negative perceptions of MDC and sell Montserrat’s inclusive economic development vision more widely. MDC’s public relations programme should be implemented without undue delay.”
They must have lied to DFID about a PR program, because it is our understanding they didn’t have one. The CEO again, or they lied to us when they said it did not include speaking to the press (the people – not just what is put on MDC website. Not everyone has a computer; many do not know about it unless directed from the obvious information provider/s; we can go on and on). The funding is more than adequately provided.
“Take a broader look at opportunities of wider economic development, against the risk of the port investment not materialising in the remaining two years of this project.” That is modify as they did and we concurred and reiterated.
“Consider what other tourism-related infrastructure work outside the Little Bay area needs to be undertaken, such as trails, refurbishments and community building work. With the integration of tourism under MDC it is now a good time to consider developments beyond Little Bay that would help enhance Montserrat’s tourism product.” Note well as you go back and read.
“Working closely with the Governor, bottom out with the Financial Services Commissioner the process that needs to be followed to secure a legislative amendment…” There is the CEO’s earlier failure but yet he was given that higher job. More questions and there are answers. Hidden truths why MDC is where it is at.
“Produce a clear plan of what other Little Bay development will be led and/or quality assured by MDC. This should include the contingency planning against a scenario of no port by 2016.” This tops the list and that is where we are, less than six months later.
In one of the stories coming out of St. Kitts-Nevis following the ending of Douglas’ 20-year rule, are the words of the new Prime Minister Dr. Harris, Premier Romeo should note it is not at all late to borrow them, as he waits for divine inspiration to get them out. It is what he promised, but he needs to deliver, even as he waits or else all will perish.
In a telephone interview Prime Minister Dr. Harris said: “we are better together and we shall deliver!” He reaffirmed to the people the commitments made to them during the campaign, that they would be honored. “I will try very hard, very, very hard to keep faith with the people and to keep faith with this country I love,” he said speaking on WINN FM.
He spoke of “…reconciliation and healing particularly bringing the political tribalism at long last to an end,” something Montserrat has not known yet, but mentioned here to make that point, because of whispers by those who would wish it was the case. That is something experienced in some places possibly because of the party system. But, if that is the case, why would CPA election observers call on our little island to establish proper legal parties?
He went on to speak to the police, the Army, the Coast Guard, the Fire, for everyone to accept their responsibility and by and large, that they have long established protocols that governments change. “I want to give the assurance to those who are committed to work, and to give proper service that there’s nothing to fear from a Team Unity government,” they are, “…the nerve centre of keeping governments functional must do their very best at all times in respective of the government in power.”
