The Government of Montserrat has started work on Little Bay, the area for its planned new town center, to accommodate the restart of a ferry service to the island.
The Honourable Chief Minister Dr. Lowell Lewis has revealed that modifications are being undertaken within the existing Little Bay Development Plan to accommodate such a service.Chief Minister Lewis said during a recent sitting of the island’s Legislative Council:
“All the roadways at Little Bay are within the existing Little Bay Development Plan. Several improvements are being made in preparation for the restart of a ferry service and to make the area more attractive and usable by tourists, visitors and motorists who drive through the area. We understand that modifications are to be made to the Little Bay Master Plan, and that work in the area will commence some time in 2008 or 2009. I am not prepared as Minister of Tourism to have conditions at the seafront which deter cruise ships from visiting us this year, and consider that investing $80,000 in an attempt to attract business to Montserrat, while at the same time providing employment through a community self help project as justifiable.”
The Honourable Chief Minister explained that discussions with the newly appointed Little Bay project manager have confirmed that the work being done, is consistent with the proposals being considered. He said when the proper financing is available, the quality of the infrastructure will be upgraded and improved. The eighteen million East Caribbean dollar (EC $18 million) Little Bay Infrastructure Project is the main focus of the newly formed Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC). The MDC has recommended the production of a new master plan, and a short delay of the start of work on the Little Bay Project Phase One.
