By the Caribbean Journal staff

Montserrat is continuing work on the development of a National Cultural Policy.

The policy would offer a framework for developing Montserrat’s culture offer the next 10 years.

The process is being led by Sir Howard Fergus.

Beverley Mendes, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Premier, said she would provide policy guidance for the team along with the Montserrat Tourist Board.

“The public will be given ample opportunity for input and feedback throughout the development of the policy,” Mendes said. “A wide cross-section of stakeholers will be contacted to make a contribution.”

According to guidelines, the policy should be “relevant to the current economic and social situation, but also sufficiently robust to accommodate changing environments.”

The policy should yield some recommendations for institutional arrangements which would help in its implementation, along with the identification of potential sources of funding.

It will ultimately need to be presented to the government for approval.