A former chief economist with the government of Montserrat suggests that the island has a long policy road to travel given the shifting in global development trends.
Canadian Raja Kadri says the elements of development are visible but Montserrat must chart a course that has a climate finance element in its mix of policy-making, and a clear path to get out of dependency from UK fiscal support.
Mr Kadri says he has been keeping a keen eye on Montserrat, especially as it prepares to move from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the Treasury in January 2026.
The former chief economist states that Premier Meade and the government of Montserrat has a tough road ahead but must remain focused.
He urges Montserrat’s leader of government business to challenge conventional wisdom whenever he can, making a deal when the elements are aligned, and walking away when it serves no purpose.
Mr Kadri calls on Premier Meade to be specific in his asking, but must also make sure that government is willing to cooperate when it serves the interest of Montserrat.
The former chief economist advises that Premier Meade must keep an eye on the proverbial “sharks” that circle his government stating that this was, as he puts it, “Ceasar’s biggest blind spot.”
Mr Kadri is impressing on the government to communicate as often as possible because people do not like secrecy.
The former chief economist calls on the government to be consistent when communicating it vision, emphasizing that the opposite argument must be cut in half through lethal logic and response.
Mr Kadri said government must keep an eye on the big picture while making sure that small things are also being done.
He calls for a reaching across the aisle when needed, and involving others in the “One Montserrat Project.”
Mr. Kadri’s main role in Montserrat was to provide economic advice and analysis to the Premier and the Cabinet as well as to oversee the development of an economic growth strategy for the government of Montserrat.
His two-year tenure with the Government of Montserrat, spanned 2017 to 2019.