Tough Decisions and Prioritization Urged Amidst the British Government's Commitment to Assist Montserrat... as the Curtains are Drawn on the Financial Aid Mission Talks
Photo Credit: Jenzil Skerritt
It is still not clear how projected Overseas Aid cuts will affect Montserrat and the other Overseas Territories (OTs).
However, Governor, His Excellency Andrew Pearce is reiterating the United Kingdom government’s commitment to assisting Montserrat and not to allow the island to fall through the cracks.
Speaking at a press conference at the end of the 2021/2022 Financial Aid Mission (FAM), Governor Pearce says the British Government is committed to strongly support the key areas of need in Montserrat and the other OTs
Governor, His Excellency Andrew Pearce.
Meantime, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Economic Adviser, Senior Responsible Owner – Finacial Aid, Shailaja Anamraju followed on Governor Pearce’s discourse by reiterating that the current economic challenges that the UK is facing will play a role in what the final aid package will look like for Montserrat.
The annual Financial Aid mission allows for an agreement to be made on the budget allocation, and for key discussions on the Government of Montserrat’s strategic plans, and progress being made on priority areas.
The discussion also made provisions for a review of the 2020/2021 budget, including issues raised during the year.
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And in light of the proposed cuts to Overseas Aid budgets, Montserrat’s leader of government business, Premier, the Honourable Joseph Farrell says that in the grand scheme of things, governments are expected to adhere to prudent spending.
Photo Credit: Jenzil Skerritt
However, Premier Farrell emphasizes that his government, while being cognizant of the need to manage, is not expected to place added pressure on the population to raise additional revenue.
He says the management of the available resources must redound to the benefit of the masses.
Premier, the Honourable Joseph Farrell