35 • Continued from previous page a focus on our rich heritage, natural beauty, eco-tourism opportunities, the transformative volcanic experience, and our very safe environment. This strategic approach will help us to attract more visitors and strengthen the island's economic resilience. Madam Speaker, with these opportunities for our enhanced tourism potential, our vision must include additional accommodation for our visitors. We face a significant shortage of hotel accommodation, limiting our ability to host the growing number of tourists and making it increasingly challenging to secure lodging, especially during peak travel seasons. To address this pressing issue, your government is exploring the feasibility of developing a hotel in the Little Bay area with a capacity of approximately 120 rooms, as well as engaging with investors to explore other possibilities. The aim is to enhance our accommodation infrastructure, meet growing demand, and further boost our tourism sector. Madam Speaker, there are other factors which must be considered to boost the tourism sector. This Government has already taken proactive steps to address access challenges, making it easier for both people and goods to move in and out of Montserrat. These efforts are designed to attract more visitors and strengthen business connections with neighbouring islands. We will continue to explore medium and long-term improvements to both air and sea access, ensuring they support the sustainable growth of our economy and enhance our connectivity on a regional scale. As part of our growth thrust, the necessary infrastructure must be in place to attract and retain our population. In that regard, this government remains committed to expanding and improving the island’s housing stock. Ongoing discussions with contractors are centred on the construction of twoand three-bedroom units, tailored to meet the needs of single working individuals and returning nationals. This initiative aims to provide affordable, high-quality housing while supporting community development and social stability. Madam Speaker, Montserrat continues to grapple with a persistently high cost of living, a challenge that may be further exacerbated by the ripple effects of geopolitical tensions. Our heavy reliance on imports, geographical constraints, and small population are key contributing factors. Additionally, high energy costs, driven largely by our dependence on imported diesel, place an added burden on households and businesses. These pressing realities call for decisive and strategic action from your government to mitigate economic pressures and build a more resilient future. Madam Speaker, to meet the challenges and address some of these issues, this Government will seek to implement targeted fiscal relief initiatives designed to ease financial burdens on our people while fostering economic growth. Key measures will include Construction Support, Import Tax Relief, and the Reintroduction of a Tax-Free Child Allowance. We will seek to lower tariffs on essential building materials, making homeownership and development more accessible. We will seek to reinstate a taxfree child allowance to provide relief for working parents. We will seek to adjust Customs Duties and Consumption Tax by reducing the freight component used to calculate the Customs Value. This adjustment will directly lower the cost of imported goods, making essential items more affordable for consumers and businesses alike. Madam Speaker, this Government will continue the renewable energy thrust, ensuring a more stable and affordable future for all residents. By investing in solar Phot Voltaic (PV) and geothermal power, we will reduce our reliance on imported diesel, which is vulnerable to global price fluctuations and drives up the cost of living. This shift will stabilise electricity prices, lower household and business expenses, and help control inflation. My Government will implement these initiatives responsibly to ensure long-term economic stability, energy security, and a better quality of life for our people. We are committed to harnessing Montserrat’s natural resources to build a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous nation. The future may be filled with uncertainty, but with competent leadership providing a steady hand at the helm, we will navigate these challenges and emerge stronger. Your Government is committed to ensuring a future of growth, sustainability, and prosperity for all Montserratians and residents. Together, as “One Montserrat’, we will embrace opportunities, invest in our future, and build a selfsufficient and thriving economy. Let us all remain united in our efforts to make this vision a reality, for the betterment of our island and future generations.
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