BRADES, Montserrat (January 18, 2011) – International ratings and evaluations company, Standard & Poor’s is scheduled to visit Montserrat in February to conduct the annual rating surveillance.

According to a notice from the Ministry of Finance, the S&P will be on island February 16 and 17 to meet with public and private sector groups to “discuss the different issues and views concerning Montserrat’s economic prospects, achievements and challenges.”

The team plans to meet with officials in the Office of the Chief Minister, the Ministry of Finance, media and telecommunication representatives, financial institutions, statutory bodies and other private sector groups.

In 2010, S&P’s moved Montserrat’s rating from stable to positive citing expectations that “Montserrat’s economic growth prospects will improve gradually while its low debt levels and economic assistance from the British government and the European Union remain in place,” explained S&P’s credit analyst Richard Francis.

Montserrat’s improved rating will allow international agencies to look more favorably at the island and more attractive to investors, Chief Minister Meade said after last year’s report was released.