Members of Cabinet met on Monday July 28, 2022 and discussed a number of matters of national importance as follows:
UPDATE ON RECRUITMENT TO ROLES IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Cabinet noted that a monthly update is now available to access on the HR system by Permanent Secretaries/Heads of Departments on recruitment status so that PSs could update Ministers. This will remove the need for these questions to come to Cabinet.
Cabinet noted that, in relation to the position of Director of Agriculture, a Psychometric Test Report was forwarded to the Ministry and feedback was awaited on how to proceed. With regards to the Private Sector Advisor post, an offer was made earlier in the week and feedback was expected within the next week.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CABINET FOR ADJUSTMENTS IN ALLOWANCES
Cabinet discussed the need to support the nursing staff and agreed to make an increase in the sessional rate from $150 to $300.
APPLICATION FOR DUTY FREE CONCESSIONS – FUNN TOWN
Cabinet approved:
- an exemption from the payment of Customs Duty and Consumption Tax under Section 19(2) of the Customs Duty and Consumption Tax Act, in relation to an application by Omari Riley, trading as Funn Town, for Duty Free concessions for items specified;
- the concessionary period spanning twelve (12) months, expiring on 30 July 2023.
APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR TO THE BOARD OF MONTSERRAT INFO-COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY
Cabinet approved the re-appointment and Gazetting of Mr Paul Payne as Chairman to the Montserrat Info-Communications Authority Board of Directors, for a period of three (3) years, effective 1 September 2022 and expiring 31 August 2025.
UPDATE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF AIR AND SEA ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY STRATEGY
Cabinet noted the contents of the paper and agreed to the requirement for a revised Strategy to be developed.
APPLICATION FOR LANDHOLDING LICENCE TO HOLD SHARES AND DIRECTORSHIP IN MERIDIAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (MONTSERRAT) LIMITED
Cabinet approved:
- the grant of a Landholding License to Henry Richard Crichton Starkey, Barbara Maureen O’Neal and Percival George Rhoden by the Governor, under the provisions of Section 16 of the Landholding Control Act No.2 of 2015, to allow them to be Directors and to hold shares in the company to be incorporated in Montserrat named Meridian Construction Company (Montserrat) Limited;
- the payment of the licence fee of $2,500, by the applicants, upon the grant of the licence.
REGISTRATION OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONER – DR DORETTE DANIELE HUSBANDS-ANDERSON
Cabinet ratified Round Robin decision taken on 25 July 2022 to approve the registration of Medical practitioner – Dr Dorette Daniele Husbands-Anderson of Guyana to entitle her to practice on the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat, as provided for in the Medical Act Cap.14:02.
CHAIRMANSHIP OF OECS AUTHORITY
Cabinet noted that the Premier had taken over the role of Chairman of the OECS Authority with effect from 28 June 2022. The next meeting of the Authority was scheduled to take place on Montserrat during 28-29 September 2022.
FINANCIAL AID MISSION (FAM)
Cabinet noted that the next Financial Aid Mission (FAM) was proposed for late November/early December 2022. Members were urged to reserve a space on their Calendar for the purpose.
VISIT OF HMS PROTECTOR
Cabinet was notified of the expected visit of HMS Protector, in Montserrat waters, during the month of August 2022.