CARICOM SUPPORT FOR MONTSERRAT

The Chief Minister of Montserrat, the Honourable David Brandt, has praised his CARICOM colleagues for the support given to Montserrat. He specifically referred to the building of houses on the island since the disruption caused by the Lang Soufriere volcano.

Speaking on the first working day of the 20^th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, held in Trinidad and Tobago, the Chief Minister reminded that Montserrat has had a hard time since the Lang Soufriere volcano started to act up about four years ago.

He also informed that some 330 Montserratians continued to live in temporary housing. He further pointed out that, in addition to those at home, Montserratians who were living in other countries, and who wanted to return home, also needed housing. He continued to stress that the volcanic activity, which resulted in the confirmed loss of 19 lives, continued to have a negative impact on people's existence.

Mr Brandt said that he was particularly pleased at the hand extended by Barbados, in lending assistance to deal with the housing situation in Montserrat. He revealed that, only recently, the Government of Barbados had sent a team of workers, to Montserrat, to continue construction on a number of houses. He added that it was expected that these would be completed by the end of August

The Chief Minister commented that, even as CARICOM Member States lend a hand with the housing situation in Montserrat, assistance of another kind was also needed.

"We are seeking assistance from some of our Caribbean colleagues, and others for technical assistance. Most of our persons who are trained in the various areas have left the island and, although there is the money, we do not have the experts to give us the right kind of service,' said the Chief Minister.

Commenting on the overall development of Montserrat, Mr Brandt referred to the three development plans that have been prepared for the country. He added that these were done in conjunction with the British Government. These plans are The Sustainable Development Plan, a Country Policy Plan and a Physical Development Plan. Once again, the Chief Minister stressed that expert assistance was needed to work, with the government, towards realization of these plans.