Government To Establish Data Bank of Montserratians In The Diaspora

The Government of Montserrat says it is following through with plans for a data bank.

Premier, the Honourable Joseph Farrell says they are also finalizing a survey tool to collect data of Montserratians in the diaspora.

He says this would enable the Government to determine the numbers and skill set, and encourage them to invest in Montserrat.

According to the Leader of Government Business, these persons will be able to provide technical support, capacity development, and exposure in many areas such as, customer services, modernization of processes, and representation on local committees and boards.

The data bank will be launched by the Montserrat UK Office during this financial year.

Meanwhile, the Government was unable to undertake a number of critical surveys which provides the premise for some major policy decisions.

These include the Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment which includes, the Survey of Living Conditions or Household Budgetary Survey, which will set the baselines for numerous policies such as minimum wage and social transfer levels, and allows the Government to negotiate more effectively with donor partners.

The Census, a critical tool in policy development has also been deferred.