Herman Sargeant

Government Takes Further Steps To Ease The Cost Of Living For Residents Here

The government of Montserrat has further lived up to its promise to ease the cost of living pressures on residents here. On August 14th the Cabinet issued the Customs (Control and Management) (Amendment of schedule) Order. This means that for the three-year period, September 1, 2025 through March 31, 2028 only 50% of transport costs and 50% of loading and handling charges will be added to the purchase price of goods imported. In July this year the Government of Montserrat had announced a 50% reduction in freight tariffs across the board in a move to reduce the cost of living for residents. Premier, and minister for finance and economic management, the Honourable Reuben T Meade had confirmed the reduction on a “What’s on Your Mind” radio Programme. Premier Meade said then that the island’s cost of living is largely shaped by international factors, and as such, he urged residents to reconsider their consumption habits and utilize more local products.

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Montserrat Gets State-of-the-art Tissue Culture and Greenhouse Facility

Montserrat is set to construct a state-of-the-art Tissue Culture and Greenhouse facility as part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States’ (OECS’) Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) initiative. This major agricultural development forms part of the OECS’ mission to drive sustainable development through regional integration, collective action, and development cooperation. The project, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Housing, Environment and Youth and Sports (MALHEYS), is expected to take approximately five months to complete. Once operational, the facility will provide a reliable source of disease-free planting material, preserve genetic material for both agricultural and environmental purposes, and strengthen the Ministry’s capacity and efficiency. It will also allow for the production of food crops and native plant species, supporting Montserrat’s push for food security, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem preservation. In a press release, the Ministry stated that the initiative will also broaden opportunities in the agricultural and environmental sectors. It is expected to create alternative career paths for young people with strong backgrounds in science, particularly chemistry and biology. Additionally, the facility will foster closer collaboration with conservation specialists through the propagation and preservation of rare or endangered species. By enabling the consistent and reliable production of preferred crop varieties, the project will promote sustainable agro-business while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides by controlling and eliminating plant viruses in a controlled environment. Funding for the facility comes from the “Integrated Landscape Approaches and Investments in Sustainable Land Management in the OECS” (ILM project), supported by the European Union under its Global Public Goods and Challenges Programme.

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Montserrat Secondary School Reports Improved CSEC Results

The Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) has recorded a notable improvement in its overall performance in the May/June 2025 CSEC Examinations. Preliminary results show that of the 406 subject entries written by 57 students, 318 were awarded passes in Grades I to III, producing a pass rate of 78.3 percent. This marks a significant increase from the 69.7 percent achieved in 2024. Students excelled in several subject areas. Of the 23 subject proficiencies taken, nine recorded a perfect 100 percent pass rate. These included Agricultural Science, Caribbean History, Technical Drawing, Principles of Accounts, Office Administration, Principles of Business, Food Nutrition and Health, Physical Education and Sport, and Industrial Technology (Building). Biology and Information Technology also performed strongly, with pass rates ranging between 90 and 93 percent. Physics recorded an 88.2 percent pass rate, while Integrated Science followed with 83.3 percent. One of the most encouraging improvements came in English A, where students attained a pass rate of 80.7 percent, a significant rise from the 63.8 percent recorded in 2024. Mathematics, however, continued to be a challenge for students, with the pass rate falling to 41 percent compared to 52.7 percent in the previous year. The Business subjects, Physical Education and Sport, Agriculture, Food Nutrition and Health, and other technical areas once again stood out with consistently strong results. The final analysis of student performance will be conducted when the official results are released later this year. Passes in eight subject areas were obtained by students: Shekinah Persaud – 7 Grade 1s 1 Grade 2 Shemariah Irish – 6 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s Arrisa Dyett-White – 6 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s Kaylee Greenaway – 6 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s Muskaan Jeswani 5 Grade 1s 3 Grade 2s Demi White 4 Grade 2s 4 Grade 2s Alana Kassie 4 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s 2 Grade 3s Juanique Roach 5 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s 1 Grade 3 Neron Wilson 1 Grade 1 1 Grade 2 6 Grade 3s Xhanna – Lee Abdul Aiyanna Destouche Alyssa Duberry Jasmine Gilford Gessella Louis-Charles Maha Ryner-Graham Natasha Weekes Jeveena Williams, all obtained passes in seven subject areas Fourteen students recorded passes in 6 subject areas, while 11 students recorded passes in 5 subject areas. Forty-two of the fifty-seven students (73.7%) who wrote the exams obtained passes in 5 or more subject areas. Seven Form 4 students wrote a total of 8 subject entries in the areas of Information Technology, Technical Drawing, Spanish and Food Nutrition and Health. A pass rate of 100% was obtained with 62.5% at the Grade 1 level. At CCSLC Level, twenty-three (23) students from the Form Five cohort wrote thirty (36) subject entries. Competent and Master levels were achieved for 26 of them yielding a pass rate of 70.2%. The better performing subject areas were Integrated Science and Social Studies which returned pass rates of 100%. Math returned a pass rate of 75% while for English it was 50%. A key indicator for education is the percentage of students in the year five cohort who obtain 5 or more CSEC passes including English and Math. This year 35.8% the year five cohort obtained 5 or more CSEC passes including Math and English. This performance is comparable to the 36.1% obtained in 2024. The school extends congratulations to the students who were successful, to their parents for their support and to the teachers for their hard work and dedication. The school also extends sincerest gratitude to the members of the community who assisted by tutoring our students in the absence of their substantive teachers.

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Montserrat Secondary School Reports Improved CSEC Results

The Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) has recorded a notable improvement in its overall performance in the May/June 2025 CSEC Examinations. Preliminary results show that of the 406 subject entries written by 57 students, 318 were awarded passes in Grades I to III, producing a pass rate of 78.3 percent. This marks a significant increase from the 69.7 percent achieved in 2024. Students excelled in several subject areas. Of the 23 subject proficiencies taken, nine recorded a perfect 100 percent pass rate. These included Agricultural Science, Caribbean History, Technical Drawing, Principles of Accounts, Office Administration, Principles of Business, Food Nutrition and Health, Physical Education and Sport, and Industrial Technology (Building). Biology and Information Technology also performed strongly, with pass rates ranging between 90 and 93 percent. Physics recorded an 88.2 percent pass rate, while Integrated Science followed with 83.3 percent. One of the most encouraging improvements came in English A, where students attained a pass rate of 80.7 percent, a significant rise from the 63.8 percent recorded in 2024. Mathematics, however, continued to be a challenge for students, with the pass rate falling to 41 percent compared to 52.7 percent in the previous year. The Business subjects, Physical Education and Sport, Agriculture, Food Nutrition and Health, and other technical areas once again stood out with consistently strong results. The final analysis of student performance will be conducted when the official results are released later this year. Passes in eight subject areas were obtained by students: Shekinah Persaud – 7 Grade 1s 1 Grade 2 Shemariah Irish – 6 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s Arrisa Dyett-White – 6 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s Kaylee Greenaway – 6 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s Muskaan Jeswani 5 Grade 1s 3 Grade 2s Demi White 4 Grade 2s 4 Grade 2s Alana Kassie 4 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s 2 Grade 3s Juanique Roach 5 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s 1 Grade 3 Neron Wilson 1 Grade 1 1 Grade 2 6 Grade 3s Xhanna – Lee Abdul Aiyanna Destouche Alyssa Duberry Jasmine Gilford Gessella Louis-Charles Maha Ryner-Graham Natasha Weekes Jeveena Williams, all obtained passes in seven subject areas Fourteen students recorded passes in 6 subject areas, while 11 students recorded passes in 5 subject areas. Forty-two of the fifty-seven students (73.7%) who wrote the exams obtained passes in 5 or more subject areas. Seven Form 4 students wrote a total of 8 subject entries in the areas of Information Technology, Technical Drawing, Spanish and Food Nutrition and Health. A pass rate of 100% was obtained with 62.5% at the Grade 1 level. At CCSLC Level, twenty-three (23) students from the Form Five cohort wrote thirty (36) subject entries. Competent and Master levels were achieved for 26 of them yielding a pass rate of 70.2%. The better performing subject areas were Integrated Science and Social Studies which returned pass rates of 100%. Math returned a pass rate of 75% while for English it was 50%. A key indicator for education is the percentage of students in the year five cohort who obtain 5 or more CSEC passes including English and Math. This year 35.8% the year five cohort obtained 5 or more CSEC passes including Math and English. This performance is comparable to the 36.1% obtained in 2024. The school extends congratulations to the students who were successful, to their parents for their support and to the teachers for their hard work and dedication. The school also extends sincerest gratitude to the members of the community who assisted by tutoring our students in the absence of their substantive teachers.

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Montserrat Community College Students Excel In CAPE Exams

The Montserrat Community College (MCC) has reported an Overall Pass Rate of 100% in the 2025 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Twenty-four students wrote the CAPE Examinations in thirteen subject areas. These were: Biology Unit 1, Caribbean Studies, Chemistry Unit 1 and Unit 2, Communication Studies, Computer Science Unit 2, Entrepreneurship Unit 1, Geography Unit 1, Information Technology Unit 1 and Unit 2, Management of Business Unit 1, Physics Unit 1, and Tourism Unit 1. In total, there were sixty-two exam sittings and sixty-two passes. According to a press release from the college, this is the second time in three years that MCC has achieved a perfect pass rate — the last being in 2023. This consistent level of excellence underscores the dedication of the students, the commitment of their faculty, and the supportive environment fostered at the College.

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Montserrat To Miss CARIFESTA XV

Montserrat will not be participating in the Caribbean’s premier festival of arts and culture, scheduled to take place in Barbados later this month. The Montserrat Arts Council, in a statement, has confirmed Montserrat’s absence from CARIFESTA 15, citing the decision was made after careful consideration and in consultation with the Office of the Premier. The statement said it was determined that Montserrat’s immediate focus must remain on the effective delivery of this year’s December Festival and the 2026 St. Patrick’s Week of Activities, which are central to the island’s cultural calendar. It continues that given the timing and level of preparation required, participation in CARIFESTA 15 would have placed undue strain on both logistical and financial resources. Instead, MAC is turning its attention to the early planning and preparation for CARIFESTA 2027. The MAC says work will begin this year to develop a comprehensive plan and budget to ensure that Montserrat is well-positioned to make a strong, high-quality showing at the next regional festival. The Council says it remains committed to promoting Montserrat’s vibrant culture at home and abroad, and believes that quality representation, rather than rushed participation, best serves the island’s long-term interests. CARIFESTA, which brings together artists, performers, and cultural practitioners from across the region, offers a platform to showcase national talent and heritage. This year’s festival will celebrate the vibrancy, creativity, and innovation of Caribbean culture while addressing global challenges such as sustainability, resilience, and peace-building. CARIFESTA 15 will be held under the theme “Caribbean Roots…Global Excellence” and aims to position the Caribbean as a global leader in cultural diplomacy and creative excellence.

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Applications for the UK Government’s CheveningScholarships now open

Applications for prestigious Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open from 5 August to 7October 2025. The programme offers fully funded master’s degrees at UK universities to individualswho are ready to lead positive change in their home countries and around the world.For more than 40 years, Chevening has attracted hundreds of thousands of applications globally.Successful applicants are individuals who can clearly demonstrate outstanding leadership, influence,and networking skills through compelling, evidence-based examples.Emma Hennessey, Head of The Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth andDevelopment Office (FCDO), said:“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become CheveningScholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UKto create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges ormaking a tangible impact in their own communities.“If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them – outstanding leadership, influence, andnetworking skills – I strongly encourage you to apply. If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you totake the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive.“I’m continually inspired by the dedication and drive of the Chevening community, and I look forwardto seeing what the next generation of leaders will bring.”Prospective candidates can submit their applications via chevening.org/apply.Before applying, candidates are strongly encouraged to review the resources available atchevening.org/guidance and assess whether they are ready to present a competitive application.Since the programme started in 1983, over 60,000 professionals have advanced their careers throughChevening, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow.

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DMCA Launches WhatsApp Channel

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has launched a WhatsApp channel dedicated to ensuring the public have access to official and accurate information during emergencies. According to a press release from the DMCA, residents and visitors on Montserrat will be able to have access to critical, accurate, reliable, timely, and official information during emergencies or crises. DMCA’s Information and Education Officer, Shirlian Queeley, access to accurate information, during a crisis or emergency, can save lives and reduce risk- especially for the island’s vulnerable population. The DMCA encourages the public to copy the link, share it, or scan the QR code to follow the WhatsApp channel. QR codes and links will be displayed at various locations across the island and shared on the DMCA’s social media platforms and website. For additional queries or for further assistance joining the channel, individuals can call the DMCA at 491-7166.

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Darenthea Sweeney Awarded Chevening Scholarship

The Governor’s Office has announced that Darenthea Sweeney has been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year. She is one of six recipients across the British Overseas Territories and will represent Montserrat in the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme. Sweeney will pursue an MSc in Climate Change Science and Management at Loughborough University. She currently serves as a Graduate Trained Teacher at the Montserrat Secondary School and also teaches part-time at the Montserrat Community College. She holds a BSc in Agricultural Technology & Geography and a Postgraduate Diploma in Geography/Social Studies Education. Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Harriet Cross, met Sweeney recently and offered her congratulations. She says her commitment to education and environmental sustainability is inspiring. According to the Governor Her studies in climate change are especially timely, and vital to Montserrat’s resilience and long-term development.

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Governor’s Office Gets New Head Of Programmes

The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce the appointment of Solomon Nyamande as the new Head of Programmes. Solomon brings to the role a background in commercial and public sector leadership, with expertise in international relations, donor engagement, infrastructure development, and climate resilience. His career spans strategic roles in programme and project management, including procurement, finance, IT, and evaluation, across both private enterprises and UK government departments. Solomon takes over from Matthew Noble, who served as Interim Head of Programmes from March 2025, and played a key role in advancing UK-funded programmes in partnership with the Government of Montserrat. The Governor’s Office extends its appreciation to Matthew for his dedicated service and warmly welcomes Solomon as he begins this role.

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