GoM Release
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 - A 15-member delegation of Government officers from St. Kitts and Nevis visited Montserrat today as part of a retreat activity aimed at strengthening relations with Montserrat.
The delegation, led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation in St. Kitts and Nevis, Ms. Kay Bass, was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Communication, Works, Energy and Labour and the Office of the Premier. As part of their schedule of activities, they were taken on a day tour which included a courtesy call to the Honourable Premier and Cabinet Ministers, a guided tour of Government offices, a lecture on the island’s ‘volcanic experiences and effects’ at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and an island tour of sites to include, Plymouth, the Geothermal Wells, Quarry Site and Runaway Ghaut.
During the courtesy call to the Office of the Premier, the delegation was officially welcomed by the Honourable Deputy Premier, Delmaude Ryan and the Honourable Acting Minister of Communication, Works, Energy and Labour, Gregory Willock.
The two Ministers held discussions with the team about Montserrat’s history, volcano as well as the development and investment opportunities that exist on the island. Mrs. Ryan encouraged the delegation to not only enjoy the site seeing activities, but to also consider investment opportunities while here. Mr. Willock highlighted the importance of establishing a close relationship and the need to take a unified approach as Caribbean islands, especially as it relates to the implementation of similar development projects, such as the Geothermal projects on both islands.
Permanent Secretary of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, Ms. Bass explained that Montserrat was decided as the island of choice for this retreat because most members of her staff had never been to Montserrat and the visit would also strengthen the relationship between the two islands. She said, “It is important and necessary that we establish these relations and deepen ties and bonds between us.”
Mrs. Ryan was pleased that Montserrat was chosen as the island for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs retreat. She said, “I am very happy that they have chosen Montserrat for their day of retreat…so they can have firsthand information about Montserrat and can speak more positively about Montserrat and promote Montserrat as being open for business.”
Before continuing their tour of Government offices, the delegation was able to meet and greet the honourable Premier, Donaldson Romeo who had returned to the Office after attending a scheduled meeting. The delegation also had a photo opportunity with the Premier and the Deputy Premier.
As a token of appreciation, the delegation presented the Government of Montserrat with a gift bag containing items made in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The delegation departed the island at 5:30p.m.
