Over the years, the Government of Montserrat (GoM) has made several strides to develop a robust QI. This of course, has not been without its fair share of challenges. Most recently, extensive work has been done on updating draft QI legislation, i.e., Standards Bill and Metrology Bill. These critical pieces of legislation are intended to outline the framework of Montserrat’s QI and propel the development of a quality culture. Furthermore, work is currently being undertaken to source funds for the development of a National Quality Policy (NQP) to support the country’s QI development thrust.

As one of the smallest islands within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Montserrat is at a less advanced stage in the development of Quality Infrastructure (QI). However, more and more, it is becoming important for quality to form part of the island’s national development priorities. The Government’s Policy Agenda 1.10 is clear in its stance- “Enhanced market competitiveness, through the implementation of a robust quality infrastructure, which underpins the development of standards across industries. Furthermore, the desire for a more defined QI is posited in Policy Agenda 1.4 – "Develop strategies for addressing obstacles to doing business and implement sequenced plans for the removal and mitigation of these obstacles".

METROLOGY SERVICES

In 2020, the Trade and Quality Infrastructure relaunched its annual Metrology Programme after a 10-year hiatus. This reinstatement now provides for regular quality assurance specific to areas of mass and capacity. Additionally, the Division has realized that since the relaunch, much interest has been observed from persons within the private and public sectors who are desirous of the service.

ABATTOIR OPERATION

The Ministry of Agriculture currently manages a state of the art abattoir, averaging at 4,100 square feet and was designed to international standards to meet the requirements for export. Since then, the Ministry has facilitated a number of training opportunities, both for staff and interested stakeholders within the private sector on how to prepare animals for slaughter and techniques in meat handling, cutting, deboning and packaging. The facility allows for manufacturing products such as hamburger patties, sausages and hams. It allows for slaughtering of sheep, goat cattle and pigs.

OTHER TESTS

The Environmental Health Department alongside the Montserrat Utilities Limited usually conduct the following inspections and testing:

Food related testing

The Environmental Health Department carries out regular inspections of supermarkets, food establishments and the abattoir for sanitary and hygienic purposes. The Department does not have a testing lab, and so scientific tests pertaining to food are not carried out.

Water testing (potable and bottled)

The tests below are generally conducted by the Montserrat Utilities Limited at source but are also available to the public:

• Chlorine residual testing
• Bacteriological testing
• Turbidity levels
• Total Coliform Testing
• Fecal Coliform
• Enterococci
• Temperature and PH
• Calcium and Magnesium
• Nitrate and phosphate specific for waste water- also done at source
• Hardness
• Chlorine residual testing

Given the size of the island, the QI function sits within the Trade Division, however, the technical expertise is dispersed throughout the different GoM entities, but a more coordinated effort would need to be taken as legislative thrusts become more forthcoming.

The desire is evident, the overarching legislations and policies are being developed, but there is need for the key implementers and facilitators to be thrusted into the QI field to allow for the impact to be prominent in Montserrat.

Although the island is heavily serviced based, the agricultural industry continues to generate much needed support given the Government’s thrust in promoting food security. In October 2016, the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD) partnered with the Government of Montserrat (GoM) to develop an Agricultural Strategy and Marketing Plan. This document presents a framework for a policy of food import substitution in Montserrat with a commitment to the exploration and development of niche market opportunities for selected commodities.

Agro-Processing was a key pillar of focus in this strategy and a SWOC analysis highlighted the following:

During the strategic development process, the main stakeholders highlighted the following issues and support requirements:

• Easy access to affordable packaging
• Support for processing-facilities and equipment
• Technical support
• Support for promotion and marketing
• Training in specific products and techniques
• Oversight and regulation of hygiene practices

Goal 4.2 of this policy document was very specific to the quality aspect of agro-processing in an attempt to increase export potential. Since the development of this strategy, the Department of Agriculture has prioritized the need for trained personnel in this area. As a result, The Department now has a qualified Agro-Technologist and Quality Officer whose primary job function is to assist agro processors in their development efforts.

This however, is not without setbacks, as there are still challenges related to acquiring suitable equipment and an appropriate facility to conduct requisite testing. One can arguably contest that demand would be a driving force for this level of development, but, with the current slate of agro-processors, the quantity and sophistication of equipment required is not likely to be exorbitant. The Agriculture Department sees the need for a small scale facility to support developmental thrusts of its agro-processors and to build on the quality assurance aspects, inclusive of health and safety requirements.

Within the agro-processing industry, common commodities produced are: oils, condiments, fruit spreads, honey, wines, cassava bread, fudges, local juices, sugar cakes, ginger sticks, tamarind balls, pepper sauce, meat and fish. Notwithstanding, most of the products are not offered consistently on the market due to seasonality of crops and other individual challenges faced by the producers.

Ordinarily, however, these bi-products are found in supermarkets on a small scale, and are typically not readily available for purchase from producers. Most notably, these products are more highly demanded around the peak times of the island’s cultural celebrations in March, July, and December. In these instances, there should be greater focus on packaging and labelling requirements to emphasize and promote the Montserrat brand. The Government of Montserrat in 2021 launched a trade show dubbed, Produced in Montserrat Expo- PRIME. This expo has exposed a number of food and non-food manufacturers to the local market and has cemented the need for a local quality-focused programme.

Even as the GoM commits its resources to building the sector, there are drawbacks surrounding transportation linkages throughout the region if agro-processors were to eventually expand their boundaries. This is a common issue facing smaller islands within CARICOM. The cost factor involved with exporting, must also be considered as a major challenge.