Herman Sargeant - ZJB Radio

Foundation Being Built For A Resilient & Diversified Economy

Parliamentary Secretary Honourable Dwayne Hickson says the United Alliance administration is building a modern, resilient, and diversified economy. While making his contribution to the 2026/2027 budget Honourable Hixon stated that the financial plan for the year is underpinned by investments in several sectors to include infrastructure, tourism and social transformation. He is confident that the budget is moving Montserrat forward despite the reality of being a small import dependent economy. ‘That is not accidental, that is leadership. No nation develops without strong infrastructure and this budget reflects the understanding through continued investment in road rehabilitation and expansion, modernizing of public infrastructure and we see what’s happening to the cultural center. Straightening utilities and energy systems, we saw what happened in the palm loop and now it’s in the Germans and lookout area. Infrastructure is not just cement and steel and I am well poised to speak about that. It is the foundation, which opportunity is built. Every road connects to people. To the people, it’s a possibility to do something. Every facility improves service delivery. Every investment, Madam Speaker, strengthens national resilience, Hon. Hixon explained. During his budget presentation Premier Meade said the people of Montserrat should expect, among others, more employment opportunities in construction and related fields because of the capital programmes, opportunities to invest in agriculture, fisheries and business initiatives because of the loan programme, more opportunities to increase small business earnings through a larger number of tourists and other visitors, and expanded export opportunities.

Foundation Being Built For A Resilient & Diversified Economy Read More »

Minister for Agriculture Praises Soft Loan Programme

Government, News

The minister for Agriculture here has praised the recently rolled-out Montserrat Business Progressive Fund (MBPF) Soft Loan Programme. During the budget debate on Tuesday, Hon. John Patrick Osborne spoke on the impact of this programme thus far on the sector. Minister Osborne said the programme was designed to address funding issues for persons in agriculture. He explained that ‘for years our farmers and our fishers found themselves locked out of traditional financing. Historically, financial institutions were reluctant to take on the perceived risk of agriculture and fisheries, leaving some of our most productive citizens without a pathway to capital they needed to grow their operations. This Government said that that was unacceptable. We designed this off-loan programme precisely to close that gap, to inject capital into the productive economy, and to create a real avenue of access for the men and women who feed this nation. And Madam Speaker, it is telling, and it is a matter of pride for this Ministry, that the majority of applicants under the programme are our fishers. That is what practical, targeted support looks like. That is what a Government that understands its productive sector does.’ The approved soft loans span a broad cross-section of Montserrat’s productive economy, namely Fisheries, Agriculture / Farming, Hospitality & Tourism, Construction & Trades, Information Technology & Technical Services, and Consultancy & Professional Services. The programme’s first wave of approvals brings both direct and indirect economic benefits, including increased local production in fisheries, agriculture, and services; job creation and retention across multiple sectors; improved household income for approved borrowers and their families, capital investment in productive assets; stronger formal business activity, a boost to government revenue over time; and community confidence from a visible government commitment.

Minister for Agriculture Praises Soft Loan Programme Read More »

Minister For Agriculture Praises Soft Loan Programme

Government, News

The minister for Agriculture here has praised the recently rolled-out Montserrat Business Progressive Fund (MBPF) Soft Loan Programme. During the budget debate on Tuesday, Hon. John Patrick Osborne spoke on the impact of this programme thus far on the sector. Minister Osborne said the programme was designed to address funding issues for persons in agriculture. ‘For years our farmers and our fishers found themselves locked out of traditional financing. Historically, financial institutions were reluctant to take on the perceived risk of agriculture and fisheries, leaving some of our most productive citizens without a pathway to capital they needed to grow their operations. This Government, Madam Speaker, said that that was unacceptable. We designed this off-loan programme precisely to close that gap, to inject capital into the productive economy, and to create a real avenue of access for the men and women who feed this nation. And Madam Speaker, it is telling, and it is a matter of pride for this Ministry, that the majority of applicants under the programme are our fishers. That is what practical, targeted support looks like. That is what a Government that understands its productive sector does,’ explained Honourable Osborne . The approved soft loans span a broad cross-section of Montserrat’s productive economy, namely Fisheries, Agriculture / Farming, Hospitality & Tourism, Construction & Trades, Information Technology & Technical Services, and Consultancy & Professional Services. The programme’s first wave of approvals brings both direct and indirect economic benefits, including increased local production in fisheries, agriculture, and services; job creation and retention across multiple sectors; improved household income for approved borrowers and their families, capital investment in productive assets; stronger formal business activity, a boost to government revenue over time; and community confidence from a visible government commitment.

Minister For Agriculture Praises Soft Loan Programme Read More »

Government Committed To Completing The Montserrat Port Development Project.

Uncategorized

Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade says the government is committed to completing the Montserrat Port Development Project. His comments on the United Alliance radio programme Wednesday evening, followed the dismissal of Meridian Construction Limited, which has made little progress on the project. ‘We have some lawyers from the UK here. We can’t go into too much detail in terms of what’s happening there. But what I can say to the people of Montserrat, we are committed to complete the construction of that port or that jetty. The British government is also very supportive of us in terms of completing the construction of that jetty. We are working on various options and once those options become available, then we will bring those to the public. But at this time, because of possible litigation issues, we cannot go into too much detail on the port project. We can say for a fact that the contractor has been expelled from the site. That’s as far as I can go on that,’ explained Premier Meade. The Ministry of Finance & Economic Management announced on April 11th that, following the expiry of the contractual notice period, the contract with the current contractor in respect of the Montserrat Port Development Project was terminated in accordance with its terms.

Government Committed To Completing The Montserrat Port Development Project. Read More »

Montserrat’s Business Progressive Fund Achieves Major Milestone: First Loans Approved, Injecting New Capital Into the Island’s Economy

Government, News

BRADES, MONTSERRAT — The Government of Montserrat, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, is proud to announce that the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund (MBPF) Soft Loan Programme has approved its first wave of loans — a landmark achievement that represents a significant injection of concessional capital into the island’s agriculture, fisheries, and small business sectors. In under 45 days from the programme’s official launch, the MBPF’s Soft Loan Committee (SLC) has reviewed and approved fourteen loan applications across multiple productive sectors of the Montserrat economy. This milestone marks the first time the island has offered a dedicated, government-backed, no-credit-check, low-interest lending facility specifically designed for the businesses that form the backbone of Montserrat’s economy. “This is exactly the kind of transformational investment that Montserrat needs. The MBPF is not just a loan programme — it is a statement of confidence in our people, our entrepreneurs, and our island’s future. When we invest in our farmers, our fishers, and our small business owners, we invest in Montserrat itself. I am proud that this government has delivered a programme that is already making a tangible difference in the lives of our people, and I encourage every eligible Montserratian to come forward and take advantage of this opportunity.” — The Honourable Reuben T. Meade, Premier of Montserrat About the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund The MBPF Soft Loan Programme was established by the Government of Montserrat to provide accessible, affordable financing to entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers, and small business owners who have historically been underserved by traditional lending institutions. The programme is managed by Dr. Gary Morton and administered by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, with oversight from a dedicated Soft Loan Committee comprising representatives from government ministries and relevant sectors. Key features of the programme include: Programme Dashboard — Key Statistics Figure 1: MBPF Programme Dashboard — Applications by sector, fund utilisation, capital pool breakdown, and key programme metrics as of April 2026. Programme Achievements at a Glance Since its launch in early March 2026, the MBPF has demonstrated exceptional momentum: These results speak to both the depth of unmet demand among Montserrat’s business community and the effectiveness of the programme’s design and delivery. “These first approvals mark a major milestone for Montserrat. These loans are going directly into the hands of farmers, fishers, and entrepreneurs who will elevate their businesses while directly helping to grow our economy. We are proud of what has been achieved in such a short time, and we are committed to ensuring that every eligible Montserratian or Permanent Resident of Montserrat has access to the support they need to thrive.” — Dr. Gary Morton, Programme Manager, MBPF Sectors Supported — Building a More Diverse Economy The approved loans span a broad and strategically important cross-section of Montserrat’s productive economy: Fisheries: The largest number of approved loans fall within the fisheries sector, reflecting both the sector’s economic importance and the depth of unmet need among Montserrat’s fishing community. Approved loans will fund the purchase of engines, fishing equipment, and vessels — directly expanding Montserrat’s local seafood production capacity, creating employment, and improving food security. Agriculture / Farming: Approved agricultural loans will support productive farming activity, contributing to local food production and reducing the island’s dependence on imported produce. Hospitality & Tourism: Investment in the hospitality sector supports Montserrat’s growing tourism economy and strengthens the local service offering for visitors and residents alike. Construction & Trades: Approved loans in this sector will expand the capacity of skilled tradespeople to serve the local construction market — a sector in high demand given ongoing development activity across the island. Information Technology & Technical Services: Investment in tech and IT services reflects the government’s commitment to positioning Montserrat as a modern, diversified economy. Approved loans in this area will expand local technical capacity, create employment, and meet rising community demand for skilled service professionals. Consultancy & Professional Services: Loans supporting professional services businesses, including renewable energy and technical consultancy, signal a commitment to building Montserrat’s knowledge economy alongside its traditional productive sectors. Economic Impact — What This Means for Montserrat The MBPF represents far more than a lending facility. It is a catalyst for broad-based economic development on Montserrat — one that addresses structural gaps in capital access that have constrained business growth for generations. The direct and indirect economic benefits of the programme’s first wave of approvals include: With EC$1,457,000 in capital still available and strong community interest continuing to build, the programme is well-positioned to deliver even greater impact in the months ahead. “The breadth and quality of applications we have received reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that exists on this island. There are capable, ambitious people here who simply needed access to affordable capital. This programme is providing that — and the results are already clear.” — Mr. Jerson Badal, Chair, Soft Loan Committee Capital Is Still Available — How to Apply The MBPF Soft Loan Programme remains open for applications. Entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers, agro-processors, and small business owners across all sectors are encouraged to come forward. Who is eligible? The programme is particularly and actively seeking applications from: To apply or to find out more, contact the MBPF Programme Manager: Email: MBPF@gov.ms The application form, programme guidelines, and full eligibility criteria are available on request. About the Government of Montserrat The Government of Montserrat is committed to building a vibrant, resilient, and diversified economy through strategic investment in its people, businesses, and productive sectors. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management oversees a range of economic development initiatives, including the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund Soft Loan Programme. For media enquiries, please contact: MBPF@gov.ms MBPF Soft Loan Programme | Ministry of Finance and Economic Management | Government of Montserrat

Montserrat’s Business Progressive Fund Achieves Major Milestone: First Loans Approved, Injecting New Capital Into the Island’s Economy Read More »

Teachers Engage In Child Online Protection Workshop

Education, News

Teachers across Montserrat’s primary and secondary schools were engaged in a Child Online Protection Workshop last Friday. The programme, sponsored by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean states (OECS) and UNICEF, is taking place in each of the OECS states. This workshop was co-facilitated by guidance counselor at the Montserrat Secondary School Vandina St. Helaire, and education transformation project manager with the Ministry of Education, Hyacith Bramble-Browne. In a conversation with ZJB News, St. Helaire said, “the reason for conducting these workshops is because across the region, we’re in a situation where our children are online and they’re not safe. So, what the workshop is designed to do is to educate and also basically provide us with the tools as educators to basically support our children when they do go online. Remember we’re in the age of technology that we want our children to be safe and that is basically what the workshop is about.” Participating teacher Inez Daley-Knights, who teaches health, integrated science, and biology at the Montserrat Secondary School, highlighted the necessity of the workshop to prepare teachers to help students in a vulnerable situation. She said “the workshop has prepared us to help students who are somehow getting entangled online in a way that not only they’re becoming addicted, but some have been led astray into situations that can harm them in many ways, including sexually. It is very important for us as teachers to have knowledge regarding this topic because we need to be prepared for when students share things with us that demonstrate to us that they’re in a compromising position. Senior social worker at the social services department, Teshawn Matthews, who also participated in the workshop, spoke on the timeliness of the workshop, adding that it was a “very timely workshop because even in our caseloads, we have been seeing an escalation around social media with our young people and how it is being used and the disadvantages added to that.” The workshop was co-facilitated by Mrs. Hyacinth Bramble-Brown.

Teachers Engage In Child Online Protection Workshop Read More »

Good Deeds Day – A Resounding Success

Community, News

Close to 40 people came together last Sunday to mark Good Deeds Day, here on Montserrat. Good Deeds Day is an annual international day of community service aimed at uniting people from around the world in doing good deeds for others and the planet. Giving his feedback, Island Coordinator Sandrae Thomas, expressed gratitude for the support, describing the initative as a success. “It was a fantastic day. I am truly, truly grateful to see the outcome. The persons that came out from different organizations to do a good deed for somebody else. We started the day by cutting the yards of two persons in Fleming’s. They were both happy with the outcome of that. While that was happening, there was also a clean-up of Lime Kiln Beach that was being led by the Montserrat Tourism Authority. We had persons who visited the Margetson Memorial and Golden Years Homes, where we had conversations with the elderly just gave them a bit of cheer as we passed through.” Thomas says persons can still get involved outside of the official day of activities. He said additional events are being planned for later this year as efforts continue to promote volunteerism on island.

Good Deeds Day – A Resounding Success Read More »

National Hospital Project Almost Two Thirds Complete

Government, Health, News

Acting Minister of Health Hon. Dwayne Hixon has provided an update on the ongoing hospital project. Speaking at a town hall meeting last Thursday, Hon. Hixon said the structure is currently 64 percent complete, with visible progress already made on the ground and first floors. He said work is now advancing on the upper levels of the building, despite being four weeks behind schedule. “So far, they’re actually four weeks behind, and it’s due to the fact that in December the supervisors, and managers went home for Christmas, and so they had that little period. Plus there’s weather and other little bits and pieces that actually hamper them. Mr. Hixon says, “most of the materials, at least 85% of the materials for the hospital, such as the equipment, the air-conditioned units, because there are about 200 units, the elevator, they are actually 85% finished. The hospital is going quite nicely, the ground floor, the first floor, already there. They’re now working on the second floor upwards.” The more than 75,000 square foot, state-of-the-art healthcare facility will provide world-class services to the people of Montserrat. As part of the project, the New National Hospital will feature a comprehensive range of services, including a diagnostics and treatment center, pharmacy, catering and laundry facilities, sterilization areas, patient wards, birthing center, operating theater, laboratory, mortuary, administrative offices, as well as on-call rooms, a plant room, and maintenance facilities. All of which are designed to deliver high-quality healthcare and ensure patients have access to the latest technology for diagnosing and treating various conditions.

National Hospital Project Almost Two Thirds Complete Read More »

Montserrat’s Leader Of Government Business Reveals That Efforts To Secure A Ferry Service Will Restart Soon.

Government, News, Tourism

The tendering process for a ferry service restarts next month. This is according to Montserrat’s premier, Hon. Reuben T. Meade, who was speaking at a Town Hall meeting on Thursday. In giving an update on Montserrat’s access situation, the premier noted the challenges faced in procuring a ferry service over the past few months. Speaking about the upcoming tendering process, Premier Meade said this would be a sub-regional ferry service, providing access to islands other than Antigua. “One of the things with transportation this last period is that the entire galaxy collided. We were getting a vessel out of Venezuela, and just about when we were ready to get it out, we had the issue with Venezuela…..So we’re going back out to tender next month. We’re doing it very, very early, so that we can get the kinks out of the procurement process. The funding is already approved for it, and we will be working very hard towards getting some form of ferry.” Premier Meade says the ferry will provide a regional service but the principal route would be Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Antigua.

Montserrat’s Leader Of Government Business Reveals That Efforts To Secure A Ferry Service Will Restart Soon. Read More »

Efforts Continue To Stabilize The Montserrat Football Association.

Sports

The Montserrat Football Association (MFA) is continuing efforts to restore stability within the organization. Earlier this year, FIFA stepped in and placed the MFA under the control of a special Normalization Committee after it was determined that there was an “exceptional crisis and institutional paralysis” within the MFA. The move, made with support from Concacaf, is aimed at getting the association back on track. One of the committee’s main tasks now is to sort out the MFA’s debts. In a notice issued Tuesday, the committee, said all creditors with outstanding claims against the MFA must submit a formal proof of claim using the prescribed “Form A,” along with supporting documentation. These submissions will be reviewed and determined by the Normalization Committee. The notice makes clear that any creditor who fails to submit a claim will not receive payment under the MFA’s proposed arrangements. The deadline for submission is April 30, 2026. To obtain the required form or for further information, creditors can contact the MFA via email at mfa.generalsecretariat@gmail.com or by telephone at (664) 415-3697.

Efforts Continue To Stabilize The Montserrat Football Association. Read More »