By the Caribbean Journal staff

Montserrat has completed the first phase of a project aimed at gauging the interest of the island’s diaspora in potential investments.

The project was initiated by the government as what it called an “initial step” in assessing the Diaspora as a potential source of investment for the development of the new town and port in Little Bay and Carr’s Bay.

The project is being headed by Leon Isaacs, head of Developing Markets Associates, Ltd, along with the firm’s research manager, Nana Yaa Boakye-Adjei.

Over the past five years, DMA has worked on a series of research projects for government and multilateral organizations, including the World Bank, the UK’s DFID and the European Commission.

Last week, DMA consultants met with nationals who have returned to the island in the past 10 years.

The project will also include a promotional campaign to target Montserrat nationals in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the Caribbean to engage and respond.

While the primary purpose of the survey is investment, questions will also explore the members of the Diaspora’s interest in returning to live, visiting, or offering philanthropic services to the island.