Vote for Stable Government on October 24 th Not a Random Group of 9

Montserrat requires at this critical stage in our development, stability in governance and leadership.

Voting in any random grouping of persons heading into these very crucial elections will possibly spell disaster for Montserrat and do a deep disservice to our island’s development goals and objectives.

Historically, coalition governments in Montserrat emerged from a necessity to unite diverse political factions. These coalitions, while intended to foster cooperation, have frequently succumbed to internal conflicts and power struggles.

One primary reason coalition governments have failed in Montserrat is the lack of cohesive policy direction. Parties within a coalition often have divergent priorities and visions for the island’s future. This fragmentation could often lead to ineffective governance, as coalition partners struggle to agree on critical issues such as economic development, infrastructure, and social services. The focus shifts from addressing the pressing needs of the population towards navigating the complexities of coalition dynamics.

Here are some examples of the failures of coalitions in Montserrat.

1) 1996: Former Chief Minister Hon Bertrand Osborne and Reuben T Meade formed a coalition. It only lasted one year and crumbled in August of 1997 as three Ministers withdraw their support. We see here it does not work.

2) Former Chief Minister David Brandt then formed a government and two Ministers resigned in February of 2001, which forced a general election. AGAIN, we see here it does not work.

Then from 2006- 2009: Chief Minister Dr Lowell Lewis – his government collapsed after only lasting two and half years, with Rueben T Meade allegedly being behind that collapse

Another thing to note is that we have had 8 leaders in the almost 30-year struggle for redevelopment. This again, shows instability in our governance structure:

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 Osborne: April 2001 to June 2006
5. 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

For Montserrat to achieve stability and progress, stable and decisive governance is essential. A government with a clear majority would be better positioned to implement long-term policies and projects, fostering an environment conducive to development. This is what the island requires moving forward. Vote PDM on October 24 th for Stability and Growth!