Above: Dr. Kato Kimbugwe (centre) and Governor Adrian Davis (left)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The government of Montserrat and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development are closer to finalising a new aid package for the upcoming 2012/2013 budget year.

Last week, Head of Overseas Territories Tom Kelley visited the island, and DFID Private Sector Representative Dr Kato Kimbugwe said it is hoped that the business case can be completed by the end of this month.

In October, Montserrat’s government committed to the creation of a Strategic Growth and Development Plan, which is linked to receiving future DFID support.

Some of that plan’s reforms included a streamlined tax administration system to increase tax collection and compliance, an eGovernment strategy and increased accountability in the public service, among others.

Kimbugwe said he was impressed with the level of work completed on a revised Master Plan on the new town at Little Bay, and the port project spearheaded by John Cox.

While the government invited bids for geothermal exploration, no private sector companies have expressed interest as yet, he said.

A paper is now being drawn up to request that UK ministers approve the use of public funds for the project.