Martin Dawson, the current DFID Resident Representative is scheduled to end his tour of duty to Montserrat in August.
According to a release from the Governor’s and DFID offices, “after almost three years in Montserrat, Martin Dawson, DFID Resident Representative, will be leaving in August 2017. He has been asked by DFID to take up the senior post of Deputy Head of DFID’s Office in Kabul Afghanistan.”
Martin said: “I am very pleased to have been offered this opportunity by DFID and to return to a country which I first worked in 10 years ago and know well. I have thoroughly enjoyed working and living in Montserrat and the experience I have gained over the last three years. I have worked tirelessly with the Government of Montserrat and strongly believe, through partnership, we have made some real progress. I wish everyone the very best and hope I will get the opportunity to return one day and see the fruits of our labours. I shall miss the people I have worked and socialised with.”
It is unclear what Dawson considers “real progress”, given the fact that Montserrat still does not have a private sector investment programme, no tourism marketing promotion, and no port or hospital developments have been approved.
Martin’s successor will be Moira Marshall, who is well known to many on Montserrat, as the DFID lead on Financial Aid. She will take up the post at the beginning of August 2017 accompanied by her husband, David.
