Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Harriet Cross has presented the inaugural Governor’s Award to Mrs Shanyon McPherson, a farmer whose passion has grown from a secondary school backyard garden into a thriving five-acre operation putting fresh, locally grown food on tables across Montserrat.
The award was presented at the King’s Birthday Party at the Governor’s Residence on 11 June 2026, before an audience of community leaders, government representatives, and members of the public gathered to celebrate His Majesty The King’s official birthday under the theme of Community and Partnership.
Mrs McPherson’s journey began while still a secondary school student, when she cultivated her first backyard garden; a small but telling sign of a passion that would shape her life. She went on to balance her role as a Port Security Officer with a growing commitment to farming, expanding her operation after purchasing her home in Salem.
The turning point came in July 2025, when she was selected to participate in an OECS-sponsored agricultural training programme in Saint Lucia, immersing herself in modern techniques including crop production, pest control, greenhouse operations, drone technology, and water harvesting. That September, inspired and convinced of the path ahead, she resigned from her post to farm full-time.
Governor Harriet Cross said: “Shanyon’s story is one of quiet determination. She did not wait for the conditions to be perfect. She built something meaningful, step by step, season by season. In recognising her with this inaugural award, I want to celebrate not just what she has achieved, but what she represents: the entrepreneurial spirit, the commitment to community, and the belief that Montserrat’s future is worth investing in.
Established by the Governor’s Office to honour individuals making a meaningful contribution to community life in Montserrat, the Governor’s Award will be presented annually. Mrs McPherson whose work contributes directly to the island’s food security and long-term resilience, is a deserving first recipient and an inspiration to young people and women considering a future in agriculture.