Montserrat 411 News

Written by Alvin Gerald; Courtesy of: MNIalive
Dear Potential Legislator,

As persons in Montserrat, it is imperative that we not only exercise our right to vote but also help to shape the landscape of our island and the direction of our destiny. It is critical at this juncture with the thrust of performance management within the public service; the same challenge is issued to the political directorate who should lead from the front.

In our present climate the populace appears disenchanted with the political machinery and seems unwilling to vote. This accountability tool serves as an impetus to stimulate voter confidence while at the same time it demonstrates the commitment of politicians to work on behalf of all persons living on Montserrat.

Attached is a document that while not exhaustive, outlines several issues that are pertinent to the redevelopment of Montserrat and to the enhancement of life for all of us. Signing of this agreement is a commitment to the people of Montserrat that you as a potential member of the Legislative Council will seek to address the issues in the attached document throughout your political tenure. Refusal to sign the document by August 27, 2009 indicates your unwillingness to be held accountable should you be voted to political office and speaks volumes to the electorate.

Thank you for your commitment to this island we all love so dearly.

Copy of referred contract with people of Montserrat:
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CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PEOPLE OF MONTSERRAT
This Contract is made on this ___________ day of __________________________
between________________________________whose address is
_____________________________________________________ and
_________________________________________________________ whose address is
___________________________________________________ as an advocate on behalf
of the people living on Montserrat.
WHEREAS
The people of Montserrat will go to the polls on September 8, 2009 with the desire to
seek a government who will work in their best interest.
AND WHEREAS
_________________________________________has agreed to offer himself/herself as a
candidate in the September 8, 2009 General Elections.
IT IS HEREBY AGREED THAT
1. ENGAGEMENT
1.1 This contract seeks to bridge the divide between the politician and the electorate
given the disenchantment of the populace with the political machinery and the
seeming unwillingness to vote. This accountability tool serves as an impetus to
stimulate voter confidence while at the same time it demonstrates the commitment
of politicians to work on behalf of all persons living on Montserrat.
1.2 This engagement is made and accepted upon and subject to the terms and
conditions set out in this Agreement.
2. FUNCTIONS
2.1 __________________________________________agrees to undertake
the following activities should I become part of the government following the
outcome of the September 8, 2009 General Elections.
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A. REGULATION, REVIEW AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE UTILITY
SECTOR
I. Regulate the service industries such as Delta Petroleum Ltd; Landline Internet
Mobile Entertainment (LIME); Caribbean Cable Communications Montserrat Ltd
(Cable Television) and the Montserrat Utilities Ltd through the implementation of
the appropriately functioning regulatory bodies to govern these organizations to
ensure that consumers receive value for money.
II. Review the Montserrat Utilities’ Fuel Surcharge Policy
III. Install or facilitate affordable electrical installation (including three phase
electricity) to assist private sector development.
B. REVIEW OF THE SAND MINING OPERATIONS
I. Increase the returns to Government from this national resource so that all
Montserratians significantly benefit. All persons living on Montserrat have been
negatively impacted as a result of volcanic activity therefore the positive spin-off
should be felt by all.
II. Govern the transportation of the sand (this may necessitate amendment of the
Traffic Act) in relation to times of operation; maintenance of the vehicles and the
road etc.
C. ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS
I. Improve access to Montserrat (review travel costs to Antigua; consistency of
flights; review ease of flight reservation).
II. Implement the Port Development Project.
III. Develop a Road Strategy that addresses all aspects of road development and
maintenance.
D. TOURISM REFORM
I. Review of the current tourism thrust to increase visitor arrivals.
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II. Maintenance of tourist attraction sites
E. AGRICULTURAL REFORM
I. Undertake a comprehensive review of the incentives offered to farmers and
regulate prices to ensure that benefits are passed on to the consumers.
II. Focus on the preservation, marketing and exportation of local fruits and
vegetables such as mangoes and breadfruit.
III. Focus on tree cropping within the public sector for selected items such as citrus,
pineapple and tomatoes etc. with potential for export in varied forms.
IV. Increase focus on Food Security.
F. PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM
I. Strengthen performance management systems.
II. Foster a shift in the public service culture to one that is customer focused and
results based.
III. Ensure that there is transparency in the operations of government.
IV. Ensure that policy development is for the public good as opposed to targeting
only specific groups.
G. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
I. Broaden the Duty Exemptions Policy offered to construction industry (and tools
of trade for that purpose) to small businesses to stimulate the private sector.
II. Facilitate better interest rates to small businesses in an effort to stimulate the
private sector.
III. Provide support to the development of small businesses.
IV. Establish of a National Registry of construction workers where a grading system
is used to distinguish workers in specific categories based on their skill level and
competence in an effort to protect the home owner.
H. EDUCATION REFORM
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I. Ensure that appropriate and current methods are used to improve the teaching and
learning environment.
II. Strengthen the security systems at all government school compounds i.e. fencing,
security guards, crossing guards, secure drop-offs with sheltered walkways etc.
I. SOCIAL REFORM
I. Ensure Zero Tolerance Policy towards sexual abuse of minors.
II. Ensure Zero Tolerance Policy towards domestic violence/abuse.
III. Ensure Zero Tolerance Policy towards Class A Drug Trafficking.
IV. Encourage corporate citizenship in the development of Montserrat especially in
the areas of health and education.
J. HEALTH CARE REFORM
I. Ensure appropriate levels of trained health care staff.
II. Provide modern health infrastructure and equipment.
III. Increase access to the public dental services at a cost.
IV. Provide a more consistent and comprehensive specialist programme locally at a
cost.
V. Institute improved environmentally friendly waste management methods such as
recycling.
K. LEGISLATIVE REFORM
I. Amend existing legislation to ensure that they are current and in tandem with
regional and international standards. This includes the enactment or review of
specific legislation such as
a. Consumer Protection Legislation by January 2010 to address the sale of poor
quality products; expired products; product labels not written in English etc.
b. Integrity Legislation
c. Litter Legislation
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L. HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
I. Ensure that all housing projects for rental or resale irrespective of the value
benefit from duty exemptions.
II. Duty exemption should be extended to all persons constructing their first dwelling
house in the safe zone as a mechanism to address the housing need.
III. Offer incentive packages to persons who have unfinished basements to increase
the availability of housing on Montserrat.
IV. Facilitate the access to private financing to construct more low income housing.
V. Encourage the Bank of Montserrat (an indigenous institution with Government
being a large shareholder) to
o Earmark a percentage of funds to specifically target a low income housing
scheme.
o Reduce the interest on existing mortgages.
VI. Reform Government Housing Sales Policy to allow only persons in nonpermanent
housing solutions to benefit.
VII. Improve the mechanism for the collection of revenues for Government Housing.
M. CULTURAL REFORM
I. Institutionalize national pride within the school system through the introduction of
a national cultural curriculum.
II. Constantly instill the principles of national pride into the population of Montserrat
not only for specific festivals but all year round.
III. Encourage the establishment of community grouping within the Diaspora.
N. POPULATION GROWTH AND RETENTION POLICY
I. Develop specific policies targeting the increase in the indigenous population e.g.
increase maternity leave and reduce or waive the duty on goods associated with
infants.
II. Develop Retention Policy that will encourage stability and reduce migration.
O. IMMIGRATION REFORM
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I. Institute financial, physical and cultural security to ensure that while our shores
are open to our CARICOM neighbours, we secure our own interests as it relates
to health controls; reduction in financial outflows; stimulating spending locally;
payment of social security; and the collection of income taxes. This will help to
avert the social burden on the state and the small working class to all working
class persons on Montserrat.
P. DEVELOPMENT
I. Complete at least three phases of the Little Bay Town Centre Development
ensuring the involvement of ordinary citizens at all times.
3. CONCLUSION
3.1 While this list is not exhaustive, the pursuit to achieve the aforementioned areas
will result in a revitalized Montserrat giving hope to its citizens. Signing this
document indicates my willingness as a parliamentarian to undertake the
challenges to represent Montserrat and lead the charge in taking these issues
forward.
Signatories
_______________________________ ________________________
Candidate Date
_______________________________ ________________________
Witness Date
_______________________________ _______________________
Alvin Gerald Date
_______________________________ ________________________
Witness Date

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