There will be a ferry service as well as flights between Montserrat and Antigua by the festive season, Montserrat’s new premier has promised.
“We will have the access matter sorted out, so you can go ahead and buy your tickets…Let’s enjoy Montserrat,” Reuben Meade said on ZJB Radio on 29 October.
In a short morning interview with host Basil Chambers, the premier gave an overview of some of his priorities in his first few weeks of leadership.
Access is at the top of his list, he assured, and said there will be a ferry operating by mid-November.
“It will not be one of these expensive ferries where government is paying $10 and $15 million for. It’s a ferry which will be acceptable and appropriate,” he said.
Meade told listeners that Veronica Dorsett-Hector, the government’s new transportation minister, will be responsible for making decisions on the ferry.
“Currently, we’re examining the legal aspects of it, and we will have a full determination on that by the end of this week,” he said.
The premier also said that his government is “going to sort out the air access one way or the other” and that discussions will be had this week on the viability of using Twin Otter aircraft.
Public holiday
Traditionally in Montserrat, a public holiday is held on the day following the general election, however, this year it was not officially instated.
Meade said this is because he had to follow processes and procedures, but he will ensure that the people will “get back the day”.
“I only become the premier when I when I’m sworn in and I have my papers, so I cannot go and order a public holiday,” he explained.
The premier said there will be a meeting of Cabinet this week when a decision will be made on the public holiday.
“Let’s forget about how it’s done traditionally. People say I don’t follow rules, I break rules, [but] I’m following rules, and I’m ensuring that the people get back the day.”
One Montserrat
Meade said he will be calling on one of the members of the opposition to support the government as a parliamentary secretary.
“We’re not necessarily asking that person to join the United Alliance team,” he said. “You can remain with your team… but come and help work as part of the ‘One Montserrat’ project.”
The premier said his team will also need another member of the opposition to help to deal with the diaspora, and if they are not willing, he will seek another candidate’s support.
During the interview, Meade added that he does not want to lose those Montserratians who had to surrender their jobs in government to enter the political arena.
But he said, the decision on what to do is not a matter for him alone, as the public service is under the auspices of the deputy governor.
“We’ll be having a discussion this afternoon with the governor and the deputy governor, and that will be one of the areas of discussion,” he said.
Health issue
The premier experienced a health scare at the close of the swearing-in ceremony for the new government at Montserrat Cultural Centre in Little Bay on Friday, 25 October.
He was taken to Glendon Hospital to be evaluated and kept overnight for observation.
During his interview, Meade thanked those who showed concern about his “little incursion” at the hospital.
“This is a case of driving a vehicle for too long without putting in gas. So I ran out of gas,” he said.
“Thanks to Ingrid Buffonge and along with her colleagues and the nurses for doing a fantastic job to check out everything.
“They found that I had a brain, I had a heart, everything was working well, but they wanted to keep me overnight for observation and to ensure that I did not transgress and I took my rest.
“So thanks again for all of those who showed concern. I am back on my feet up and running.”
