Former PM Calls on Britain To Invest in Montserrat

A former Chief Minister has called for more investment by Britain as consultations continue on Montserrat’s relationship with the UK.

Dr. Lowell Lewis, in his submission said appropriate investment in the rebuilding of Montserrat and the economy, should be based on the needs of the island and not the UK. He notes that to rebuild communities affected by the volcanic eruptions, investment is required in infrastructure, housing and services.

This he says is based on financial returns from mortgages and taxes for roads, infrastructure and public services.

Mr. Lewis says Montserrat would also appreciate non repayable grants to replace lost houses, build essential infrastructure such as the Port, Airport, Roads, Utilities, Government buildings, and training of essential personnel.

He says the grants should be comparable with those provided to other colonies such as St Helena at the tip of South Africa, and the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Mr. Lewis posits that building up the road infrastructure would encourage housing developments for a population of 30,000 which he believes is needed to support a sustainable economy. He remarks that this is an acceptable objective, based on the undeniable fact that the northern 50% of Montserrat is at negligible risk of impact by any volcanic eruption.