Premier Rueben Meade met with dozens of Montserratians living in the United Kingdom during his recent visit to London for the Joint Ministerial Council.
On 17 November, he and Minister of Agriculture John Osborne visited the Montserrat UK Office headquarters to engage with the diaspora community.
During the meeting, the premier introduced his ‘One Montserrat’ initiative, an ambitious plan to unite Montserratians globally and harness their collective capacity for the island’s progress.
Keima Allen, fundraising and communication executive for Montserrat Overseas Peoples Progressive Alliance (MOPPA), described the meeting as “incredibly productive and inspiring.”
She said the initiative aligns with MOPPA’s mission to empower Montserratians at home and abroad by fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting economic development.
Central to the ‘One Montserrat’ initiative is the creation of a collective trust fund, independently managed by trustees.
The fund will encourage contributions from Montserratians worldwide, with investments structured to generate long-term returns.
By keeping the fund separate from government oversight, the initiative aims to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth.
The plan also includes developing a comprehensive skills database to catalogue the expertise of Montserratians.
This tool will prioritise local talent for projects, preserving cultural cohesion while supporting economic empowerment and community-driven development.
Meade outlined additional strategies to strengthen Montserrat’s infrastructure and economy during the meeting.
Plans for affordable housing, including condominiums, will target essential professionals such as doctors, nurses, teachers, and young residents, aiming to attract and retain key workers.
On transportation, the premier proposed reducing ferry service costs by moving toward regional certifications, potentially expanding services by late November to improve access and connectivity.
In a significant update for public health, Meade announced that contract approval for Montserrat’s long-awaited new hospital is expected before Christmas.
This development marks a milestone in enhancing healthcare infrastructure on the island.
The premier’s call to action emphasised collaboration among Montserratians, both at home and abroad.
He urged the overseas community to support efforts aimed at unified progress, underscoring their vital role in shaping Montserrat’s future.
