Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2018, publiée 108ème session CIT (2019)

Convention (n° 82) sur la politique sociale (territoires non métropolitains), 1947 - Montserrat

Part III of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes with interest the Economic Growth Strategy (EGS) and Delivery Plan for Montserrat, developed in 2017. It notes that the EGS aims to boost economic growth, productivity and employment by investing in key areas such as the visitor economy, building an enterprise culture, specific economic sectors (sand mining, agriculture, financial services and power generation) and infrastructure. The Government indicates that the EGS lays out the path for an inclusive and sustainable economic development to raise the standard of living. The Committee notes that, through a partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank, the Government has developed a poverty assessment as well as a Survey of Living Conditions. According to these assessments, the economy of Montserrat, is in a period of recovery following the volcanic eruptions. In addition, according to the data provided in the EGS, Montserrat’s population grew from 4,775 in 2011 to 5,045 in 2016. The Committee further notes that the Government has substantially increased the size and capacity of its Social Services Department to respond to the psychological needs of those in vulnerable situations. The assistance provided includes: rental assistance; monthly financial benefits to those in need; foster care allowances; subventions for senior citizens’ associations; and medical assistance. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the economic and social development of Montserrat, including information on the impact of the measures adopted under the Economic Growth Strategy, illustrating that the improvement of standards of living has been regarded as the principal objective in the planning of economic development (Article 6 of the Convention).