The Government of Montserrat is working on a policy to reverse the decline in the island’s population.
Montserrat lost roughly 60 per cent of its population since 1995 when volcanic eruptions devastated the island.
Most of the population migrated to the United Kingdom for what they hoped was a temporary settlement. However 30 years on, very few have returned, and the migration trend continues with mainly young adults seeking education and job opportunities elsewhere.
The issue has come to the forefront with a proposal to increase the qualification time for residents.
Appearing on the “What’s On Your Mind” radio programme on Thursday, Minister for Agriculture Hon. John Patrick Osborne hinted that this is part of a broader policy to grow the population.