Navigating the Development Challenges Facing Montserrat in the New Global Economy.
Montserrat has faced several challenges in the almost 30 years it has been struggling for redevelopment, post-volcano. As the island stands, waiting for a yet another General Election, there is a stark question that voters, and Montserratians the world over must ask and give serious reflection to: Where does the island wish to position in the new global reality?
The fact is, our island has been presented with a multitude of Leaders who have all had their turn these past 30-years to channel a new dawn for the people, yet there is very little to show by way of real, impactful and defining development. We are talking about here, towards development initiatives and programmes that would have set Montserrat on a sure footing for sustainable growth, citizen enrichment; self- empowerment; political autonomy; social creativity and enterprise; cultural identity exercise and wider export.
We have had the following Leaders throughout our 29-year struggle for redevelopment:
1) Reuben T. Meade: October 1991 to November 1996 (1st term
2) Bertrand Osborne: November 1996 to August 1997
3) David Brandt: August 1997 to April 2001
4) John A. Osborne: April 2001 to June 2006
5) Dr Lowell Lewis: June 2006 to September 2009
6) Reuben T Meade: September 2009 to September 2014 (2nd term)
7) Donaldson Romeo: September 2014 to November 2019
8) Easton Taylor-Farrell: November 2019 to present
Question is: Which of these Leaders has set Montserrat on a pathway to real sustainability in this volcano redevelopment era?
As we step into a General Election for 2024, the world around Montserrat has changed even more drastically. Development practice, economic growth indicators; foundations of economic development; social infrastructure and enterprise; plus, a host of other factors to be considered all now have a different mode of operation. The politics and policies of a post-1995 Montserrat; much more so a Montserrat of 5 years ago CANNOT be the policies and programmes to guide her future moving forward.
The island requires a new impetus of Leadership to steer her in the right direction, where the people are empowered, considered, and facilitated to reap the benefits of a new world where economic opportunity, and growth are for the taking of those who dare. But more so, any Leadership for Montserrat coming forward must recognise the challenge that old-school politics, and regurgitated policies of 10, 15, or 5 years ago is not a showing of any deep thought towards a Montserrat of the future. The island and her people must be allowed to breathe and break free from restrictive, archaic practices that select only a few but ignores the rest who are not on their side.
As we step into the complexities of the new global economy, the path to sustainable growth and prosperity is fraught with obstacles – ranging from economic vulnerabilities to environmental threats. To ensure that Montserrat can thrive, it’s crucial to address key issues head-on, fostering resilience and innovation.