Herman Sargeant

The Office of the Premier is pleased to host the official visit of Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, M.D., MPH, Regent of the Abagana Kingdom in Anambra State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, scheduled to take place in Montserrat from March 15–18, 2026. Dr. Anakwenze was appointed Regent following the passing of the previous traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Igwe Patrick Mbamalu Okeke. He formally received his Regent Certificate from the Government of Anambra State through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs. Prior to his appointment as Regent, Dr. Anakwenze, an American-based medical practitioner and businessman, served as the Onowu (Traditional Prime Minister) of Abagana Kingdom, a distinguished leadership role within the traditional governance structure. In his capacity as Regent, Dr. Anakwenze has championed community advancement initiatives including, medical outreach programmes, and other developmental efforts aimed at strengthening social cohesion and public health within Abagana. Dr. Anakwenze has also served in numerous leadership roles promoting African and diaspora interests. He is the Founding Chairman of the Igbo World Assembly, the umbrella body representing Ndi Igbo across more than 20 countries worldwide. His tour of Montserrat and other Eastern Caribbean territories forms part of this outreach entitled the Global Igbo Reconnection Initiative. The visit seeks to deepen structured and sustainable partnerships between the Igbo homeland in Southeast Nigeria, Igbo diaspora communities, and Caribbean societies with shared historical and cultural ties. Purpose of the Visit During his official visit to Montserrat, Regent Dr. Anakwenze and his delegation are expected to: • Pay courtesy calls on Senior Officials of the Government of Montserrat; • Engage with members of the Nigerian community resident in Montserrat; • Conduct a sacred ceremony honoring the memory of Igbo ancestors who were enslaved on the island and unveil a plaque to Igbo Abolitionist, Writer Olaudah Equiano who bought his freedom on Montserrat in 1766; and • Participate in select events associated with the island’s annual St. Patrick’s Festival. Cultural and Development Partnerships The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) is the central institutional partner in the Igbo Reconnection Initiative. Through the leadership of Professor Chris Agbedo and its high-level Committee on the Igbo Cultural Village Project and Igbo Landing Monument Initiative, and the proposed Igbo–Gullah–Caribbean Cultural Heritage Institute (IGCCHI), are developing a formal framework to institutionalise academic, cultural, economic, and diplomatic linkages between: • The Igbo homeland in Southeast Nigeria; • Igbo diaspora communities; • The Gullah-Geechee communities of the United States; and • Caribbean territories with Igbo heritage connections, including Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, and Barbados. The strategic partner organizing and curating Igbo reconnection in Montserrat is Museum Without Walls Alliouagana a history and heritage entity led by Dr Clarice Barnes. Strategic Benefits for the Eastern Caribbean The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Barbados, and other Eastern Caribbean territories stand to gain tangible and long-term benefits through partnership with the University of Nigeria UNN as the institutional anchor of the Igbo Atlantic reconnection agenda. These benefits include: • Strengthened historical documentation and authentication of Igbo ancestry and heritage sites; • Enhanced museum, archival, and curriculum development supported by scholarly research; • Expanded cultural tourism opportunities rooted in verified African heritage connections; • Increased academic exchanges and research collaboration; and • Broader diplomatic and economic engagement between West Africa and the Caribbean. By grounding reconnection efforts in credible academic research and structured institutional collaboration, the initiative advances heritage preservation while opening new pathways for cultural diplomacy, education, and sustainable development. The Office of the Premier welcomes Regent Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze and his delegation to Montserrat and looks forward to meaningful engagements that further strengthen the bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.

The Montserrat National Trust is preparing for its annual Flower Show and Tea Party during the St. Patrick’s Festival. Under the Theme, “Alliouangana Adorned – Accents of Our Traditional Yard”, the flower show is set for March 11th and 12th, starting at 12:00 PM each day. Entry costs $30 per person. The Tea Party will be held on March 12th under the theme, “Petals and Parasols”, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The dress code: Fancy hats, and bright, solid colours. Tickets for the tea party are $70 per person, or $500 for a table for eight. Tickets can be purchased from the Montserrat National Trust Oriole Gift Shop. Persons wishing to register their interest in taking part in the Flower Show competition can call the Trust on 491 3086 or email them at info@montserratnationaltrust.ms.

Prestige Rentals MNI has made a timely donation to Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS). Mr. Ralph Remi of Prestige Rentals MNI recently made the significant contribution to national security and community development by donating a 40-foot shipping container to the RMPS for use at its gun range. A press release issued Monday afternoon, a copy of which was made available to ZJB News, stated that the container, valued at US$7,500, was sourced at the request of the RMPS to support operational and training needs. According to the release, Rather than proceeding with a sale, Mr. Remi made the personal decision to donate the container as an act of giving back to Montserrat. Speaking on the donation, Mr. Remi said that he could have sold to the RMPS but made a personal choice of giving back to the island where he was raised, and one that he holds dear to his heart. The says that the Government of Montserrat and the Royal Montserrat Police Service have expressed sincere appreciation to Mr. Remi and Prestige Rentals MNI for this generous gesture, which reflects strong civic pride and commitment to national development. It says that this donation underscores the important role that private sector partners and members of the diaspora continue to play in supporting public institutions and strengthening community resilience across Montserrat.

As part of the Montserrat National Honours and Awards 2026, the Government of Montserrat will honour Thirteen (13) Auxiliary Personnel who worked alongside the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) with the Humanitarian & Emergency Services (HES) Medal, in recognition of their distinguished assistance provided to the RMDF during the height of the Soufrière Hills volcanic eruptions between 1995 and 1997. The award recognises the vital efforts which these persons would have put forward in assisting the RMDF to be as effective as they were during the volcanic crisis.  These persons undertook roles of cooks and provided other key support, such as clearing and cleaning ash from roads; residential buildings, shelters and government offices; clearing field trails and providing manpower in recovering items from buildings in the evacuated areas.  All of this to ensure that the Force was able to carry out its mandate during the response to the volcanic eruption. The Humanitarian & Emergency Services Medal is conferred upon individuals whose service during a national emergency is deemed to be exceptional and worthy of national recognition.  2026 marks the first year that this criterion has been recognized as part of the Montserrat National Honours and Awards.  This is a fitting recognition for the sacrifice that members of the Force would have made in the service of Montserrat during one of its most challenging times. AUXILIARY PERSONNEL The RMDF extends its sincere congratulations and appreciation to all recipients and their families. Their service during a period of national crisis remains a lasting testament to commitment, sacrifice, and national pride. Details regarding the official investiture ceremony will be announced in due course.All Auxiliary recipients, or their representatives, are asked to contact the Royal Montserrat Defence Force via email at rmdf@gov.ms as well as the Office of the Premier via email at op@gov.ms to confirm contact details and facilitate coordination ahead of the ceremony.

Work is ongoing to advance new legislation that will address performance and misconduct in the Royal Montserrat Police Service. A UK-based specialist is on island this week working with local authorities to engage police officers directly, ensuring they understand how the new regulations will work, and to address any misconceptions. The consultations include holding sessions to explain the proposed changes and gather feedback. According to Commissioner of Police Mark Payne, the new legislation is aimed at strengthening public confidence in how complaints against police officers are handled, while also ensuring officers themselves have clear, fair, and modern rules to work under.   Commissioner of Police Mark Payne.