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The people of Montserrat will vote for a new government on October 24, following the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. The exact date for Nomination Day has not yet been announced.
“Today marks a pivotal chapter in Montserrat’s history as we formally dissolve the Government, paving the way for the upcoming elections. I am honoured to accept the leadership of the Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP) and to follow the exemplary guidance of the Honorable Joseph E. Taylor-Farrell, who has led our island with unwavering commitment as Prime Minister for the past five years,” said Dr. Samuel Joseph.
MCAP won five of the nine seats in the general election held on 18 November 2019. The British Overseas Territory is a nine-member single constituency where voters can vote for up to nine candidates on their ballot papers under a first-past-the-post voting system.
To be elected, a candidate must receive at least 6% of the vote. If fewer than nine candidates receive more than 6%, a runoff election will be held within 21 days.
Political observers say the MCAP is expected to face a strong challenge in the upcoming elections from the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), led by outgoing opposition leader Paul Lewis, and the United Alliance, led by former prime minister Reuben Meade, which has already released its manifesto.
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In his statement, Joseph praised the outgoing administration and said, “Looking ahead, our path forward will not be without challenges, but I am ready to meet them in a bold and proactive way.”
He said rising living costs, access and use issues and the need for better education and higher wages all require immediate attention.
“If I am lucky enough to be your next Prime Minister, I will continue our work advocating for increased economic support in the UK to ease the financial burden on our people, while creating investment opportunities and providing strong support for the private sector.
“Our vision is to rebuild Montserrat, not just to restore it, but to surpass its heyday when it thrived without financial assistance, through patriotism, resilience and determination. By prioritizing sustainable development and social progress, we will ‘move forward together’ as a united community.
The ruling party announced a list of nine candidates on Thursday evening, six of whom are newcomers, and Joseph called on everyone to support them.
“I ask for your trust and support. Together we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Under my strong and decisive leadership, and with the help of a dedicated team, we will forge a path toward a prosperous Montserrat where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed.”
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Donaldson Romeo has written to the UK Secretary of State outlining the serious risks to Montserrat’s lives and economy.
Opposition MP Romeo said in a statement that he had written to David Lammy on August 4, outlining the unresolved security issues and current air and sea access restrictions to the island, and requested immediate action.
Romeo called for the reinstatement of the Twin Otter aircraft for safer and more economical flights to Montserrat; and the reinstatement of a regular and affordable ferry service between Montserrat and Antigua.
He also wants an independent, transparent assessment of Montserrat’s access issues and needs, and strong protection for whistleblowers, with the right to interview all those involved, including the local governor and his superiors.
Romeo said the requests were supported by documents, including brief notes on security, which he had submitted to the Montserrat Legislative Assembly’s “Special Committee on Access”.
Romeo said that to ensure full transparency and facilitate timely cooperation, all communications with the UK Secretary of State, including supporting documents, were copied to Governor General Sarah Tucker, Prime Minister Joseph Farrell and the Leader of the Opposition.
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