The Government of Montserrat Sees a Roll Out of a Number of Critical Projects Over the Next Several Months as a Boost to Economic Activity on Island
Montserrat’s Premier and Minister for finance has hinted that the economy is picking up on other fronts despite the missed vibrancy and economic activity which had become the norm during the month of March for the St. Patrick’s Festival.
While providing an update on his government’s operations earlier this week, Premier, the Honourable Joseph Farrell, spoke of some projects which would be ongoing over the next several months to generate economic activity on island.
Premier Farrell is optimistic that the roll out of these projects will provide the economic impetus for the local economy to rebound in a meaningful way.
Premier, the Honourable Joseph Farrell
Meantime, Premier Farrell has announced a further delay in the resurfacing of the runway at the John A. Osborne airport.
The project, was originally expected to be initiated in February but had been pushed to March 12th is now expected to start April 11 through 22nd.
This means that there would be an anticipated 10 days of down time for air travel.
Officials have explained that the delays in the arrival of the hot mix plant is the primary cause for the further delay.
Premier, the Honourable Joseph Farrell said the original plan had been to provide a ferry service while the airport is closed for resurfacing. However, he said every effort was made to secure a ferry, but in the end the effort had to be shelved based on prevailing circumstances in some neighboring islands, coupled with the small number of persons travelling.
Premier Farrell has since confirmed that Cabinet has decided that continued access during the airport closure will be provided via a helicopter service.
He states that the helicopter will be on standby to undertake medivac and passenger travel between Montserrat and Antigua.