'More support needed for Montserrat, Anguilla' - Caribbean360.com

[Anguillan newsboy]

Sir John Bourn LONDON, England, November 16, 2007 - A watchdog agency said that the British government should be doing more to mitigate financial and disaster risks in its overseas territories such as Anguilla, Montserrat and others in the Caribbean and Falkland Islands.
The National Audit Office said that since its last report in 1997 there has been some progress in managing and mitigating these risks but more needs to be done.
The issue came to the fore at the height of the volcano eruptions in Montserrat and during an "eruption" by a then British government officials who said that the tiny Caribbean dependency as regarding the British government as a "cash cow".
Since the economy was destroyed by the volcano the island is one of those which is reliant on UK budgetary aid. They receive £28m annually - that is half of the total budget allocated to investment in the territories. Other islands reliant on budget aid include St Helena and Pitcairn.
"The UK government has a responsibility to ensure the security and good governance of the overseas territories, and I'm encouraged by areas of progress made in the last ten years," said Sir John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office.
"Though they share many challenges the Overseas Territories are a very diverse group. There is more that can be done to help all Territories consistently reach the best standards already to be found amongst them."
A new report was released on Friday.
The report to Parliament has found that progress has been made in improving the standards of safety and security of transport links, and in the regulation of offshore financial services in the territories.
"It is important, however, that the UK should reinforce its close working with Territories to manage risks in government finances, disaster and crisis management, and in law enforcement and security," it stated.
"Although the responsibilities for the territories are UK Government-wide, the degree of involvement by UK departments is variable.
"Though the Foreign and Commonwealth Office leads policy for the Territories, active participation from a wide range of UK agencies is needed to ensure that all responsibilities are covered and risks are well managed," it added.
Some of the other territories in the Caribbean - Bermuda and Cayman Islands - have one of the highest GDPs in the world but the report said despite the differences in wealth with places like Montserrat they are all prone to natural disasters and most depend on one or two key industries.
It also said that although the nature of the challenges facing the territories can vary, there are similarities and opportunities for greater sharing of information and good practice.
"As such the UK should promote and facilitate greater links between the territories. Territories should also follow the lead being set by Bermuda and the Cayman Islands in identifying, monitoring and evaluating risks."