Caribbean News Now!

By Nerissa Golden

BRADES, Montserrat (GIU) -- The European Union ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mikael Barfod, is expected in Montserrat on Tuesday to be a part of discussions with Britain's Department for International Development on its budgetary package for the territory.

In May 2012, Premier Reuben Meade signed an agreement to receive 10th European Development Funds (EDF) with a total of 15.66 million Euros or EC$55.9 million earmarked for Montserrat over a three-year period until 2014.

The visit of Barfod is expected to include discussions on the implementation of the sustainable development plan and the progress on the Little Bay Port project, which it is co-financing.

Earlier this week, Meade announced that Halcrow, the company contracted to design the new port is expected to reach the 90% phase by mid-March 2013. By June 2013, the next phase of the port must be signed off in order for the island to receive the funds allocated in the 10th EDF for the project.

The EU has a long-standing history of cooperation with Montserrat. Over the last decade, the EU has contributed grant funding of approximately Euro 24.2 million or EC$84.4 million to Montserrat. These funds have been used to establish the Montserrat Community College, the construction of 60 homes under the Montserrat Resettlement Programme, and support for the island’s tourism programme, among others.

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