Members of the public will have an opportunity to make an input in the Economic Growth Strategy and Delivery Plan for Montserrat, before it is finalised, says the Government of Montserrat (GOM).
The growth strategy and implementation plan is being developed with the aim of providing a self-sustaining economy for Montserrat. The consultants are expected to complete the plan before the end of 2017.
Consultancy firm, Mott MacDonald, appointed through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management to produce the plan, will conduct a two-hour session on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 6PM to 8PM at the Montserrat Cultural Centre.
During the meeting, the consultants will provide an update on the plan development process and the areas of focus for economic growth. They will also engage the audience for their input which will be taken into consideration before the team finalises the Growth Strategy and Plan for Cabinet approval.
Chief Economist in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Mr. Raja Kadri explained that the public engagement is an extremely important aspect of the plan development process. He said, “The fundamental purpose of the plan is to assist Montserrat to develop its own unique local economy and build on its assets while gradually allowing the island to reduce its dependence on the UK Government. To do this, the public must take ownership of the plan, therefore it is imperative that they have a say in what they envision for Montserrat’s future.â€
He further noted that the plan must have the full support of all sectors for its goal and objectives to be realised. “The plan must be a document that the Government of Montserrat (elected members and officers), other public agencies, private businesses and residents can all get behind and support. It will act as a clarion call for a renewed focus on the island’s economic development and, importantly, signal to private sector investors that Montserrat is open for business,†stated the Chief Economist.
The plan development process involved a mixed methodology approach, which included desk based research, on island and telephone consultations and utilising established regional and international best practices to guide its development.
The main objectives of Mott MacDonald’s consultancy are to:
 Develop an Economic Growth Strategy with the overall aim of developing a self-sustaining economy over the next 10 to 20 years.
 Translate the Economic Growth Strategy into a prioritised Delivery Plan that demonstrates a practical, realistic and realisable path to self-sustaining economic development model.
The Economic Growth Strategy and Delivery Plan should be a clearly defined and goal-oriented growth plan to provide a long-term roadmap for the government, businesses, donors and, potential investors as to how, by working together, the goal of creating a strong and sustained economic growth for Montserrat is achievable.
