Government of Montserrat Developing Population Policy

The Government of Montserrat through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, will embark on a national consultation for the development of a Population Policy. 

This effort is supported by the UN Joint Programme on "Integrated Population Data and Policy Solutions to Accelerate SDGs Achievement in Barbados and Montserrat".

A statement from the Ministry says the programme aligns with the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-2026), Priority Area 2 which targets Equality, Well-being, and Leaving No One Behind.

This Priority Area commits the United Nation's support to Caribbean Governments for a human-centred, gender equality, and human rights-based approach, prioritizing the most vulnerable groups in order to ensure that no one is left behind in sustainable development efforts.

Moreover, according to the Ministry of Finance, this project, will facilitate increased access and availability of quality, real-time population data for SDG monitoring and development of population policies, focusing on SDG 3 (health) and SDG 5 (gender).

The expected outputs of the Joint Programme are directed toward creating or enhancing national capacity to develop and execute population policies and initiatives grounded in human rights principles while incorporating comprehensive insights on population trends, sexual and reproductive well-being, gender equality, and their interconnections with national sustainability goals.

Work on this initiative commenced in May last year with a site visit by consultants to conduct research and data gathering for the Population Situation Analysis in collaboration with the Statistics Department and Policy and Planning Division. 

Stemming from this work, Dr. Guzman of NoBrainerData, was contracted by UN for the period November 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024.

He will develop a Population Situation Analysis of demographic transition and human mobility based on data previously collected and curated; and formulate a sustainable Population Policy and Action Plan Montserrat, based on the main results of the Population Situation Analysis.

The first set of consultation meetings with national stakeholders for the Population Situation Analysis Validation and Population Policy Workshop will take place February 26 - 27, 2024.

Sensitization of the general public about the process will take place during the consultation period.

On February 26 focus group sessions will be held with Montserratian residents in the diaspora, members of the Legislative Assembly and youth representatives.  While on February 27, the national stakeholder workshop will take place at the Montserrat Cultural Center. 

To learn more about the process and how to become involved, contact the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management at (664) 491-2777 or by email at minfin@gov.ms.  Information regarding the consultations will also be made available via www.gov.ms.