Herman Sargeant - ZJB Radio

The Government of Montserrat Seeks Proposals For New Passenger Ferry Service

The Government of Montserrat has announced that it is seeking proposals for a new passenger ferry service to support travel during the upcoming peak season and beyond. An official Invitation to Tender (ITT) was published on Friday, September 12, 2025, outlining plans for a ferry service to operate from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. The move aims to strengthen connectivity for residents and visitors during the busy months. Tender documents can be accessed via the Government of Montserrat’s website at https://tenders.gov.ms or on the UK-based www.mytenders.co.uk portal. Interested bidders are encouraged to register early and submit proposals electronically through the portal. The deadline for clarification requests is Monday, September 22, 2025, while completed tenders must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025. Submissions may also be delivered to the Public Procurement Board at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management in Brades. The contract is expected to commence on November 1, 2025, though officials note this start date may be subject to change.

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Government of Montserrat Has Awarded Five Scholarships For 2025/2026 Academic Year.

Government, News

The Government of Montserrat has awarded five scholarships for 2025/26 academic year. Under its Annual Country Training Scheme (ACTS), scholarships have been awarded to read for a BSc in Pharmacy, a BSc in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, a Certificate in Agriculture and a B.Tech in Computer Engineering. The awards reflect the government’s renewed policy approach to scholarships, which is based on aligning students’ natural abilities and genuine interests with areas of national development. The government of Montserrat scholarships are assessed against a Cabinet-approved list of priority study areas, with consideration given to fields outside the list, if candidates can demonstrate how their chosen programme could add value to the island’s development. The selection criteria include acceptance into a recognized institution, a strong personal statement, a proven academic track record, and the ability to articulate passion and commitment during an interview. Scholarships are open to Montserratians and legal residents and cover a wide range of costs including tuition, housing, travel, and living expenses.

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Rebel Rock Media Launches new Podcast

News

Rebel Rock Media Ltd. has announced the launch of Flourish – The Wellness Podcast for Caribbean Women, a new series dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of women across the region. Hosted by Nerissa Golden, author, strategist, and editor of Discover Montserrat, and Sonia Charles, President of Pink Ribbon Montserrat Inc. and a UK-based Clinical Specialist Sonographer, the podcast is now streaming on Spotify and the Discover Montserrat YouTube channel. Episodes will also air on ZJB Radio Montserrat. Flourish builds on Sonia Charles’ longstanding work of raising awareness and funding mammograms through Montserrat’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. The podcast expands this mission by addressing the support women need before, during, and after a diagnosis, and by tackling broader conversations on health, self-care, and wellness. The first season features candid conversations with experts and advocates across the Caribbean on topics ranging from cancer awareness and children’s health to mental health and wellness coaching. Guests include Author and Health Coach Vanessa Farrell, Paediatrician Dr. Sylvia Paz, Psychologist Mr. Adeboyega Bamisile, and Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation of St. Maarten. Golden says Caribbean women are natural caretakers of their families and communities, and in the process, they often neglect themselves. She explains that flourish is about more than fitting in spa days, it’s about the daily choices that give women the energy and capacity to continue being there for the people who matter most. Meanwhile, Ms. Charles says for years, she has been been helping women access mammograms, but wellness is more than just screening. She adds that Flourish provides support, information, and encouragement for every stage of a woman’s health journey. Produced by Rebel Rock Media Ltd., Flourish – The Wellness Podcast for Caribbean Women offers real stories, expert insights, and practical tools to help women prioritize their wellbeing and thrive. Listen now on Spotify, ZJB Radio or at Discover Montserrat on YouTube.

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Ministry of Health Hosts Community Discussion and Foot Screening

Government, Health, News

The Ministry of Health and Social Services will be hosting a Community Discussion and Foot Screening focused on Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.). The event will take place on Wednesday, 17th September, at 6:30 p.m. at the Davy Hill Community Centre. Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Left untreated, the condition can cause chronic pain, wounds that don’t heal, severe infections, and in extreme cases, amputation. Early detection and proper management are critical in preventing these complications and maintaining mobility. Guest speaker, Minister for Health Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, will lead the session, sharing vital information about recognizing symptoms, understanding risk factors, and exploring treatment options available for P.A.D. In addition to the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to undergo foot screenings to check for early signs of the disease. The Montserrat Red Cross is providing a free shuttle service, which will depart from Salem at 5:30 p.m.

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The Ministry of Health and Social Services Hosts 3rd Annual Research Day.

Health, News

Slated for Wednesday, September 10, the event will be held virtually, under the theme “Inclusive Health Research: From Clinic Settings to Community Integration.” Research Day serves as a forum for sharing the latest findings from health research conducted in Montserrat and the wider region. The full-day program promises to be an engaging opportunity for health professionals, and members of the community to explore ways to strengthen healthcare delivery and community integration in Montserrat. It will be livestreamed on the Government Information Unit’s YouTube channel and the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ Facebook page.

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Opportunity For Montserratian Youth In The UK To Represent In House Of Commons

Community, News

Young Montserratians living in the United Kingdom are being given a chance to make their voices heard in the House of Commons. Applications are now open for Montserratians aged 11 to 18 to represent the island at the UK Youth Parliament sitting on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The initiative offers young people the opportunity to observe proceedings and deliver a two-minute speech from the iconic despatch box during a special session dedicated to the UK Overseas Territories. Interested candidates are required to submit a one-page letter of interest highlighting their Montserrat heritage, their current educational journey, and their reasons for wanting to participate. Travel costs within the UK will be covered for successful participants. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, September 28, 2025. Applications and questions should be sent to admin@montserrat-gov.org The UK Youth Parliament brings together young representatives from across the country to debate and raise issues affecting their communities. For Montserrat, the event provides a unique platform for young voices to be heard on a national stage.

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Parcels and Small Packets Bound for the United States Suspended

News

The Montserrat Postal Service has announced the suspension of all parcels and small packets bound for the United States, including the United States Virgin Islands. The move announced on Monday comes into effect immediately and until further notice, in accordance with article 17-013 of the Universal Postal Union Convention Regulations. The decision follows Executive Order 14324, signed by the U.S. Administration on July 30, which ends the long-standing de minimis rule that had allowed packages valued under US$800 to enter the U.S. without duty. As of last Friday, August 29, all international parcels must be cleared under the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) tariff system. Under the new policy, only designated international carriers or “qualified parties” will be authorized to collect and remit customs duties on postal shipments. Ordinary letter mail is not affected. Montserrat’s announcement mirrors that of other Caribbean postal authorities who implemented similar suspensions as the new U.S. regulations take global effect, early last week.

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MoHSS Dominators Win Exciting Rounders Competition

News

The Department of the Community, Youth and Sports Services Rounders finals came to an end Sunday, 31st August 2025. At the formal closing Ceremony, the event was chaired by Ms Claris Yearwood with remarks by the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Environment, Youth Affairs and Sports, John P Osborne and the Director of the Department of Community, Youth and Sports Services – Mrs Anne Thomas. The main aim of the venture was to get persons becoming more physically active, while fostering greater camaraderie and promoting joint recreational events. This is in keeping with the Department’s mission to facilitate the development and growth of a dynamic and resilient society by exposure of our people to a wider range of sports and establishing the nexus of sports to health and wellness. The Rounders game initially began as a Departmental activity, spearheaded by Ms Claris Yearwood, the Community and Development Worker and Mr Kenton Weekes, Sports Therapist. As a result of the great interest shown by the public, the Department opened up to having competitive games, starting with nine (9) teams in January 2020. For the 2025 competition, four (4) registered teams participated – MPA Warriors, MSO Titans, MoHSS Dominators and Interact Spartarz All-Stars to compete for the championship. The games are played at the Salem Park. The finals on Sunday August 31st saw MoHSS Dominators winning the competition after a keenly fought match with MSO Titans. Second place went to MSO Titans and third place to Interact Spartaz All Stars. The following results: Prize Description Awardee Team Stats Best Fielder Appiland Destouche MoHSS Dominators Best Keeper Denoy Campbell MoHSS Dominators Most Catches Appiland Destouche and Mark McPhoy MoHSS dominators and MSO Titans 3 catches each Most Rounders Nehemiah Younge MSO Titans 5 rounders Most ½ Rounders Tequan Roach MSO Titans 9 rounders Best Bowler Tassia Roberts MSO Titans 80% Good Balls/20% no balls Most Points Females Tassia Roberts and Elise Gerald MSO Titans and Interact Spartaz All Stars 0.5 point Most Stumps Miguel McPherson Interact Spartz All Stars 12 stumps

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Work To Resume On The Montserrat Port Development Project

Uncategorized

Some very good news for the people of Montserrat both at home and in the diaspora. It is official that work will resume on the port development project at little Bay. Minister for Building, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour and Transport (B.U.I.L.T), Honourable Veronica Dorsette-Hector made the announcement Monday afternoon. She told ZJB News that the government signed an agreement with Meridian Construction Company Limited which will allow work on the port facility to re-start. The project’s restart was pending a decision from the UK’s Overseas Territories Minister, Stephen Doughty and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The newly-signed agreement has now cleared the way for the project works to resume. ZJB News will provide more updates and the restart date as soon as the information becomes available.

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

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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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