As expected there was a mixed reaction to the issue of allowing Montserratians living overseas to vote in elections in Montserrat. Addressing the recent public survey launched by the Electoral Commission, Supervisor of Elections Barrington Chalmers says persons came down on both sides of the argument.
Montserrat’s efforts to use local health data to combat cervical cancer have been highlighted in an international case study. Published by the Data to Policy Navigator, a global platform supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the case study showcases how the Ministry of Health and Social Services, in partnership with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), used local research and data analysis to guide the development of a national cervical cancer elimination strategy. According to the report, titled Using Data to Support Cervical Cancer Elimination in Montserrat, the island has faced challenges in cervical cancer prevention due to low screening rates, limited uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and reliance on costly overseas testing for Pap smear samples. To address these challenges, the Ministry conducted an HPV prevalence study among women aged 25 to 64 between 2024 and 2025. Using geographic information system technology and data from the 2023 Population and Housing Census, researchers identified households across the island and invited eligible women to participate in the study. Samples were tested locally at Glendon Hospital using GeneXpert technology, reducing result turnaround times from several weeks to just a few hours.The study found that 14.6 per cent of women tested positive for high-risk HPV, meaning approximately one in seven women of screening age on the island were at an elevated risk of cervical disease. Researchers also recorded a 92 per cent participation rate among eligible women who were invited to take part.The findings are now being used to guide decisions on HPV vaccination, screening programme design, diagnostic equipment investment, and the development of a national cervical cancer elimination strategy. The study also established on-island HPV DNA testing capability, significantly reducing both costs and waiting times for patients. The report notes that Montserrat’s experience may serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States facing similar healthcare and data challenges.It highlights the island’s innovative use of census and geographic data, rapid local testing, and evidence-based policymaking as examples of how data can be used to improve public health outcomes. The entire report can be found on www.datatopolicy.org.
Case Study Highlights Local Partnership Behind Cervical Cancer Strategy Read More »
The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, will host it’s Annual Open Day activities next week. Under the theme“Hurricane Preparedness is Everyone’s Business”, the activities are carded for June 2nd and 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily at the DMCA Parking Lot. Information and Education Officer at the DMCA, Shirlian Queeley, says the open day aims to increase public awareness and community preparedness. Speaking ahead of the event, Queeley noted that preparedness is a shared responsibility and that community involvement is essential to building national resilience during the hurricane season.
DMCA to Host Annual Open Day Read More »
Head of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Elizabeth Riley has commended the growing focus on sector readiness, community resilience, and the strengthening of institutional frameworks as key components of Montserrat’s disaster preparedness strategy. Speaking during an interview with ZJB News, Riley pointed to the significant investment in Montserrat’s Disaster Management (CDM) Country Work Programme (CWP). She also touched on the growing role of individual sectors in strengthening national resilience.
CDEMA Praises Montserrat’s Strengthened Disaster Preparedness Efforts Read More »
The Legislative Assembly of Montserrat is participating in the 2026 Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference (COTSC), in the Cayman Islands this week. Honourable Speaker, Ms. Marjorie Smith, and Dr Judith Baker, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly are representing Montserrat at the May 24–30 conference. The Conference brings together Speakers and Clerks from across the Overseas Territories and the UK House of Commons to examine shared challenges and strengthen parliamentary governance, resilience, and future readiness. Delegates are exploring how legislatures can modernize their institutions, safeguard democratic processes, and ensure stable, high quality parliamentary administration in a rapidly changing environment. Participation in this year’s meeting supports Montserrat’s ongoing efforts to strengthen procedural standards, enhance administrative capacity, and deepen collaboration with Commonwealth partners.
Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Dr. Graham Ryan is currently participating in one month Visiting Fellowship at the Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford. As part of the fellowship, Dr. Ryan is working alongside the ReSET project team to combine newly collected ReSET data with previous research and datasets to improve the understanding of Montserrat’s geothermal system(s). While there Dr. Ryan also made a presentation at a geothermal workshop in the Department of Earth Sciences, where he shared insights from Montserrat’s unique volcanic environment with researchers and students from around the world. The ReSET (Rethinking Natural Resources) programme is a University of Oxford initiative exploring how Montserrat’s Soufrière Hills Volcano can be used to generate geothermal power and extract critical metals (like lithium, copper, and gold). It aims to transition the island away from imported diesel while boosting the local economy.
Director of MVO Participates in Visiting Fellowship at University of Oxford Read More »
Montserrat could soon see a major boost in community development activity under the latest cycle of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund programme. The 11th cycle of the BNTF was launched here on Tuesday under the theme, “Catalyzing Change: Scaling Impact Through Community-Driven Development.” Project Manager Mervin Browne said the 12 proposed projects earmarked under the BNTF initiative, target critical gaps in areas such as education, water, sanitation, infrastructure, and support for vulnerable groups across the island. Portfolio Manager at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) George Yearwood explained the role the bank plays in approving projects under the programme. With the programme scheduled to conclude by December 2028, Browne and Yearwood spoke on efforts to ensure projects funded under the initiative are completed within the timeline.
11th cycle of BNTF Programme to Address Critical Community Gaps Across Montserrat Read More »
Renovation works at the Montserrat Cultural Centre are nearing completion. That’s according to Project Manager Damion Williams. Giving an update on Wednesday, Williams outlined the extensive upgrades already completed. While most renovations remain on schedule, Williams expressed delays in the arrival of several materials due to supplier shipping issues. He said however that the team is striving to complete all works by the end of July this year.
Montserrat Cultural Centre Renovation Works Near Completion Read More »
Two of Montserrat’s youth have been selected as awardees for The Caribbean Global Youth Awards 2026. They are Nia Golden and Sandrae Thomas. Golden has received the Excellence in Arts & Cultural Preservation Award, while Thomas has received the Vanguard in Legislative and Climate Innovation Leadership Award. The Caribbean Global Youth Awards 2026 Gala Night will be held in St. Lucia on 6th June. These Awards recognize extraordinary young leaders, innovators, creatives, and changemakers shaping the future of the Caribbean and beyond.
Two Montserrat Youth Selected for Caribbean Global Youth Awards 2026 Read More »
The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is reminding residents of the proper procedure when experiencing earthquakes. In an interview on ZJB Radio earlier this week, public information and education officer at the DMCA, Shirlian Queeley discussed the drop, cover,and hold-on protocol endorsed by emergency agencies. She also explained that different actions should be taken depending on a person’s situation. The interview came after two recent earthquakes were felt across the island: a volcanic earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 on May 9th, and a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 on May 16th.
DMCA Reminds Residents of Proper Earthquake Procedure Read More »
