Paulesa Ryner - ZJB Radio

Government of Montserrat Advances New Measures to Strengthen Child Safeguarding

The Government of Montserrat is advancing a series of measures aimed at strengthening child safeguarding and reducing vulnerabilities among students here. Minister for Health and Social Services, Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge made the important announcement during Meeting No. 14 of the 18th Parliament on Tuesday. She outlined initiatives focused on student welfare, safety and support, particularly within the education system. The education minister said a breakfast programme is set to be introduced at the Montserrat Secondary School- MSS, to address food insecurity among students. She explained that the programme will provide students with a healthy breakfast to support their well-being and learning. Dr Buffonge stressed that the government and the Ministry of Education are adopting a firm, zero-tolerance approach to child safeguarding. Addressing after-school safety concerns, Dr Buffonge noted that the government is currently seeking funding for structured after-school programmes to ensure students are kept safe and engaged during these hours. The minister further revealed that additional funding will be requested at the upcoming Budget Support Mission for another Safe Summer Programme.

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MOU Signed to Expand Tertiary Education Opportunities for Montserratians

Community, Education, Government, News

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Government of Montserrat and Monroe University as part of efforts to strengthen the local workforce and support local students transitioning into tertiary education. The announcement was made by Minister of Education, Dr, the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, during the 18th Parliament, Tuesday, where she outlined the agreement as a key component of the United Alliance administration’s strategy to build human capital and grow the economy on Montserrat. Dr Buffonge said the memorandum establishes a partnership with the New York–based Monroe University, which also operates a campus in St. Lucia, and includes scholarship opportunities for Montserratian students. She noted that a virtual meeting is scheduled for March to finalise plans ahead of the university’s first official visit to Montserrat. According to the minister, the partnership aligns with the ministry’s strategic objective of improving the transition from secondary to tertiary education, an area she described as critical for student success and workforce development. In addition to the Monroe University agreement, the minister said the government has sought support from the Montserrat UK Office to assist students preparing for post-secondary education, including connecting current MSS students with Montserratians who have successfully completed tertiary studies, either through in-person engagement or virtual mentorship. She added that the Montserrat UK Office has committed to providing mentorship support, and that assistance has also been requested from Chevening alumni to further strengthen guidance for students pursuing higher education.

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Government Details Next Phase of Construction for Montserrat’s New Port

Community, Government, News

Minister for Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour, Transport and Energy (B.U.I.L.T.E), Honourable Veronica Dorsette Hector has provided an update on one of government’s most significant and complex infrastructure investments……… the new port development project. Speaking in Parliament Tuesday morning, Mrs Dorsette Hector spoke of unfortunate delays and the deliberate efforts being undertaken by government to ensure the completion of the project. She also explained some of the ongoing works as the new port project enters a critical phase of construction. Mrs Dorsette Hector further highlighted what she refers to as “the normal and necessary aspects of managing any infrastructure of this scale and complexity.”

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Minister of BUILT Calls for Continued Excellence at Montserrat Utilities Limited

Community, News

The Minister for Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour, Transport, has underscored the critical role of the Montserrat Utilities Limited- MUL in the island’s long-term development. Honourable Veronica Dorsette-Hector was speaking at the organization’s recent biennial dinner and award ceremony, where six employees were recognized for their dedication and service to the MUL. The minister called on staff, especially new team members, to remain committed to delivering safe, affordable and reliable energy and water services as part of a wider vision for a green, connected and thriving Montserrat.

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Mobile Clinic Screens 84 People for HIV on World AIDS Day

Community, Health, News

84 persons got tested for HIV through the Ministry of Health’s Mobile Clinic on World AIDS Day last week. This was reported by Community Nursing Manager, Nurse Alex Ackie on the Talking Health Radio Programme. On December 1st, the mobile clinic went to three locations on Montserrat to provide safe and confidential HIV testing to the public. Nurse Ackie shared details about the day, highlighting the large amount of men that got tested.

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UK–Montserrat Compact Discussions Pending, Public Input Promised

Community, News

Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade says there has been no firm commitment on the commencement of discussions on a compact with the British Government. Speaking in Parliament this week he stated that, as with the White Paper, this document will be made public once they’ve started the process. Discussions on the compact started at the recently concluded Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. The Premier said he was unaware of what the proposal would be, but once this is forthcoming from the UK, there will be public discussions and consultations on such a compact. The UK and the Territories agreed at the JMC to develop Partnership Compacts between the UK and any Territory that wishes to. Partnership Compacts are intended to provide tailored, practical frameworks for advancing shared priorities, and to signal a renewed commitment to partnership. The Territories noted the development of a UK Government Charter on Engagement with the Overseas Territories which seeks to reinvigorate and strengthen how the UK Government engages with the Territories.

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Drone Training Enhances Montserrat’s Emergency and Surveillance Capacity

Community, News

Two members of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force- RMDF recently completed a week-long drone operations and certification programme aimed at strengthening the island’s capacity in emergency response, surveillance, and modern aerial technologies. From November 17 to 21, Lieutenant Darion Darroux and Lance Corporal Darius Lewis, joined other personnel from several frontline agencies in Montserrat to participate in a rigorous curriculum covering airframes, aviation law, safety regulations, meteorology, basic and advanced drone operations, airspace management, payload use, and best practices from the UK, EU, and US. The programme was funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), facilitated by expert trainers from the United Kingdom, and coordinated locally by the RMPS. The programme also saw participation from the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS), the Montserrat Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS), the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA), and the Montserrat Customs and Revenue Service (MCRS). The training combined classroom instruction with practical exercises, including live drone flights conducted alongside active manned aviation- a key real-world scenario that requires careful coordination to ensure both safety and mission success. Trainees also carried out limited Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) flights over land and sea, an increasingly important capability as local agencies look to modernise operations. The week concluded on November 21 with a joint exercise involving Search and Rescue trainees, where drone operators supported a simulated missing-person mission and demonstrated the skills gained during the course. All participants received certificates recognizing their successful completion of the programme. Officials say the training has significantly enhanced Montserrat’s readiness to use unmanned aircraft systems in critical areas such as emergency response, public safety, tourism support, and disaster management.

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Former Chief Economist Urges Montserrat to Prioritise Climate Finance and Reduce UK Dependency

Community, Finance, News

A former chief economist with the government of Montserrat suggests that the island has a long policy road to travel given the shifting in global development trends. Canadian Raja Kadri says the elements of development are visible but Montserrat must chart a course that has a climate finance element in its mix of policy-making, and a clear path to get out of dependency from UK fiscal support. Mr Kadri says he has been keeping a keen eye on Montserrat, especially as it prepares to move from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the Treasury in January 2026. The former chief economist states that Premier Meade and the government of Montserrat has a tough road ahead but must remain focused. He urges Montserrat’s leader of government business to challenge conventional wisdom whenever he can, making a deal when the elements are aligned, and walking away when it serves no purpose. Mr Kadri calls on Premier Meade to be specific in his asking, but must also make sure that government is willing to cooperate when it serves the interest of Montserrat. The former chief economist advises that Premier Meade must keep an eye on the proverbial “sharks” that circle his government stating that this was, as he puts it, “Ceasar’s biggest blind spot.” Mr Kadri is impressing on the government to communicate as often as possible because people do not like secrecy. The former chief economist calls on the government to be consistent when communicating it vision, emphasizing that the opposite argument must be cut in half through lethal logic and response. Mr Kadri said government must keep an eye on the big picture while making sure that small things are also being done. He calls for a reaching across the aisle when needed, and involving others in the “One Montserrat Project.” Mr. Kadri’s main role in Montserrat was to provide economic advice and analysis to the Premier and the Cabinet as well as to oversee the development of an economic growth strategy for the government of Montserrat. His two-year tenure with the Government of Montserrat, spanned 2017 to 2019.

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Montserrat Government Improves Access to Key Heritage and Tourism Site

Community, Government, News

The Government of Montserrat has successfully completed the clearing and rehabilitation of the access road leading to St. George’s Hill, one of the island’s most historically significant and scenic locations. This initiative forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance Montserrat’s tourism product and expand opportunities for local tour operators. The improved access will allow new bus tours and guided excursions to operate safely to and from St. George’s Hill, providing both residents and visitors with an unparalleled view of the island’s transformation and resilience. The works included clearing overgrown vegetation, stabilizing the roadway, and improving drainage along key sections. These upgrades were carried out by the Public Works Department with the support of local contractors, ensuring employment opportunities for community members while strengthening the island’s tourism infrastructure. Premier, the Honorable Reuben T. Meade, commenting on the initiative, noted that reopening the road to St. George’s Hill is about more than just improving access, it is about reconnecting people to a part of Montserrat’s history and creating new experiences that showcase Montserrat’s strength, beauty, and potential for growth. St. George’s Hill overlooks the buried capital of Plymouth and the Soufrière Hills volcano, and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Caribbean. The site stands as a symbol of Montserrat’s resilience and has long been a point of pride for citizens and visitors alike. The Government of Montserrat says it remains committed to developing sustainable tourism initiatives that highlight the island’s natural and cultural heritage, while providing new avenues for economic activity across communities.

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Parliamentary Secretary Highlights Need to Diversify Visitor Demographics

Community, Government, News

Parliamentary Secretary, Honourable Crenston Buffonge says Montserrat must widen its tourism source markets. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, he stated that just over 13,000 visitors came to the island in 2024. However, Mr. Buffonge, who has responsibility for Tourism, noted that the majority of those visitors were members of the Montserrat diaspora. He remarked that while this is important, the island must broaden the demographic to reach the adventure traveler, and attract cultural enthusiasts who want the Montserrat experience.

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