UK Minister of State, Dignitaries Witness Commissioning of Marine Vessel

(left to right) Minister of State, Lord Ahmad, H.E Governor Andrew Pearce, Premier Donaldson Romeo

Also Photoed: Hon. Deputy Premier Delmaude Ryan and Hon. Speaker of the House Shirley Osborne 

The UK Minister of State for the Overseas Territories Lord Tariq Ahmad joined the Governor, Premier, Government Ministers and other High Level Officials for the Commissioning of the MV Heliconia Star at the Port in Little Bay on Friday.

The vessel which arrived in May was officially handed over to the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police Steve Foster.

As is customary for a ceremonial launching of a ship, a bottle of champagne was poured over the Heliconia Star for good luck at sea.

The traditional gesture was preceded by the blessing and a ceremony, where Lord Ahmad emphasized the vessel’s importance in addressing Montserrat’s border security threats and challenges.

The Honourable Premier Romeo spoke specifically of the vessel’s role in helping to preserve and protect the marine environment.

Premier Romeo extended his best wishes to the Commissioner, the captain and crew of the vessel.

Commissioner of Police Steve Foster revealed that the vessel’s first mission would be to conduct a hydrologic survey mapping of Montserrat’s sea bed.