Victoria Chalmers

Governor’s Office Announces Chevening Scholars from Montserrat for the 2026/2027 Academic Year

The Governor’s Office has announced that three Montserratians have been selected for Chevening Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year. Chosen from a highly competitive global pool, these scholars represent the calibre of leadership and ambition that Chevening seeks in future changemakers. Alverna Weekes, Budget Director at the Ministry of Finance, Government of Montserrat, will pursue an MSc in Economics, Finance and Management at the University of Bristol. Alverna was drawn to Chevening for the opportunity to join a globally connected network and build lasting professional relationships to support Montserrat’s development and resource sustainability. She aims to return with advanced skills, knowledge, and connections to influence positive change through the public service. Denecia Furlonge, Compliance Officer at St. Patrick’s Co-operative Credit Union, will study an MSc in Banking and Finance at Newcastle University. Encouraged by a close friend who recognised how her passion for strengthening systems aligned with Chevening’s mission, Denecia plans to return to Montserrat with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and meaningful partnerships to strengthen the island’s institutions and communities. Georgette Skerritt, Medical Officer with the Government of Montserrat, will pursue an MSc in Reproductive Science and Women’s Health at University College London. Inspired by family and friends who are Chevening Alumni, Georgette aspires to join this influential global community and bring back knowledge and skills to positively impact the residents of Montserrat. Together, their fields of study reflect Montserrat’s most pressing development priorities: economic resilience, financial integrity, and public health. Their selection adds to a legacy of over 40 Chevening Scholars from Montserrat, with one scholar currently studying in the United Kingdom. Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Harriet Cross remarked, “Alverna, Denecia and Georgette represent the very best of what Montserrat has to offer. Their selection by Chevening is not just a personal achievement, it is a reflection of the talent, ambition and determination that exists on this island. I have no doubt they will return with skills, connections and perspectives that will benefit Montserrat for generations to come.” About Chevening Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships and fellowships programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. It offers future leaders and influencers from around the world the opportunity to study in the UK, gain a world-class education, and build global networks. The programme is highly competitive and seeks individuals with strong leadership potential and a commitment to driving positive change. Applications for the 2027/28 Chevening cycle open on 04 August 2026. To find out if you’re eligible for a Chevening scholarship, visit www.chevening.org/scholarships/who-can-apply/

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Island-Wide Clean Up Initiative to Commence on Saturday

The Office of the Premier is organizing an island-wide collection of unwanted white goods and old televisions. This collection, to be coordinated by the Disaster management Coordination Agency (DMCA), forms part of Montserrat’s 2026 Hurricane Preparedness Programme. The islandwide collection will be carried out in phases. The first collection will take place on Saturday 25 July, and Sunday 26 July, 2026 beginning at 8:00 AM each day. This collection will cover Salem and the surrounding communities of Old Towne, Olveston, Friths, Hope, Flemmings, and Isle Bay Hill. Collection dates for other areas will be announced. Items to be collected include: refrigerators, freezers, stoves, washing machines, clothes dryers, microwave ovens, and old televisions. Vehicles and scrap metals will not be collected as part of this cleanup. Residents are encouraged to place eligible items at the roadside before 8:00 a.m. on collection day to ensure they are picked up.

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MOPPA Family Funday Deemed a Success

The Montserrat Overseas People’s Progressive Association (MOPPA) is celebrating the success of its Family Fun Day, held on Saturday, July 11. Speaking on the ZJB Breakfast Show, Monday, MOPPA UK spokesperson Keima Allen expressed appreciation to the volunteers and attendees whose support helped make the event a success.  Allen said the event also helped raise the profile of MOPPA, an organization that has served the Montserratian community since 1969.  Looking ahead, Allen confirmed that the Family Fun Day will remain an annual event. She said MOPPA plans to continue hosting events throughout the year while promoting Montserrat’s culture across the United Kingdom. She added that the organization remains committed to strengthening the Montserratian community in the UK and ensuring the island’s heritage continues to be proudly showcased.

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Two Senior Nurses Wrap Up Four-Week Observership in United Kingdom

The healthcare system in Montserrat is now better equipped to serve people within the community. Two senior nurses have acquired new skills having just wrapped up a four-week clinical observership at the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) in England. Hospital Nursing Manager Brenda Daley and Staff Nurse/Midwife Jeanette Lee participated in the placement through a managed education partnership with National Health Service (NHS) in England. During the experience, both nurses Daley and Lee worked alongside NHS teams while observing best practices in leadership, operating theatre services, maternity care, infection prevention and control, and digital healthcare. Over the four weeks, the nurses explored topics centred on CHFT’s nursing ambitions, including Leadership in Every Seat, Lifelong Learning, Professionalism, Inclusivity and Civility, and Models of Care. Among the highlights were observing robotic and laparoscopic surgery, experiencing digital systems that support patient care and clinical decision-making, visiting the Calderdale Birthing Centre’s birth pool, participating in infection prevention and fire safety training, learning about sepsis management, staff wellbeing, succession planning and human factors, and attending senior leadership meetings and the Trust’s annual awards ceremony. Nurses Daley and Lee also spent two days with CHFT’s Infection Prevention and Control team, an experience Daley said underscored opportunities for improvement at Glendon Hospital. They described the experience as transformative, and expressed hope that the partnership will continue well into the future. The placement forms part of an ongoing education partnership between Glendon Hospital and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, aimed at strengthening clinical skills, leadership development and the exchange of best practices between healthcare professionals in Montserrat and the United Kingdom.

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Government of Montserrat Restates Position on Not Giving Up Tax Revenue

Minister for finance and economic management, Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade has re-stated categorically that government will not give up tax revenue. Premier Meade made the decision after repeated calls for government of ease of taxes to help residents as they face harsh economic times. He explains that the conditions that they have with His Majesty’s government in terms of their contribution to Montserrat’s budget is that they should raise the remainder of the funds themselves.

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Public Survey Reveals Mixed Reactions to Montserratians Overseas Voting in Local Elections

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.

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Case Study Highlights Local Partnership Behind Cervical Cancer Strategy

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.

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DMCA to Host Annual Open Day

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.

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CDEMA Praises Montserrat’s Strengthened Disaster Preparedness Efforts

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.

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Montserrat Legislative Assembly Participates in 2026 Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference

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.

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