Victoria Chalmers - ZJB Radio

Economic Boost Hoped for as Work Commences on Drummonds Apartments Block

The Government of Montserrat is hoping for an economic boost as work commenced on the construction of four new one-bedroom apartments in Drummonds. Public Relations Officer Jenzil Skerritt says this is an investment that is already generating positive spill-offs across the economy in December. He says as work begins on this project, local contractors, tradesmen, and service providers are being engaged, injecting fresh income into households and businesses at a crucial time of year. Skerritt says the construction activity is not only creating direct jobs; it is also stimulating demand for building materials, transportation, equipment rentals, food services, and other support industries. He notes that every dollar spent on the project circulates through the economy, strengthening small businesses and expanding opportunities for people on the island. Beyond the immediate benefits, the PRO highlights that this development forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to improving housing availability, supporting community revitalization, and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth. He says these new apartments at Drummonds represent more than construction; they represent confidence, momentum, and a clear demonstration that Montserrat is moving forward.

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WINAIR Operates Additional Flights to Montserrat for the Holiday Season

News

To increase access and connectivity, regional airline, WINAIR, is operating additional flights to and from Montserrat. This was confirmed by Premier of Montserrat, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade through a Facebook post on Tuesday. On Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, Winair flies from St. Maarten to Montserrat at 7:00 am, Montserrat to Antigua at 8:25 am, Antigua to Montserrat at 9:20 am, and Montserrat to St. Maarten at 10:45 am. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Winair flies from St. Maarten to Montserrat at 8:30 am, and from Montserrat to St. Maarten at 9:55 am. Additionally Winair will have one additional flight per day on the 17th, 18th, 24th and 31st of December, from Montserrat to Antigua at 8:25 am and Antigua to Montserrat at 9:20 am. Winair will not be conducting afternoon flights due to the unavailability of aircraft. Winair flights are US$133 one way inclusive of taxes. To contact Winair, persons can call 1-721-545-4237 or 1-664-2533 or email reservations@fly-winair.com. To contact FlyMontserrat, persons can call 1-664-491-3434, visit FlyMontserrat.com, or email info@flymontserrat.com. To contact SVG Air, persons can call 1-268-727-2712 or 1-664-392-3877 or 1-664-491-3877, visit bmsvgairways.com, or email bmsvgairways@gmail.com. The increased flights come at a crucial time as visitors surge for the holiday season. Meantime, the Premier Meade noted there is no further update on the procurement of a ferry service for the island. It previously announced that a ferry would beginning operating between Montserrat and Antigua on December 5, however, Premier said the logistical nightmare of getting vessels out of Venezuela continues to plague the process.

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Fly Montserrat Passengers Urged to Notify the Airline of Late International Flight Arrivals

News

Managing Director of FlyMontserrat, Captain Nigel Harris, is urging travelers to contact the airline if their international flights are running late. He says until such is done, FlyMontserrat would equate their absence as a no-show. A number of travelers have had to overnight in Antigua because of late arrival, especially from the United States and England. Captain Harris says that once they receive that critical notice, the airline can then make the necessary adjustments to accommodate them.

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Immigration and Labour Departments Sign MOU to Strengthen Cooperation

News

The Immigration and Labour Departments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation between the two government entities. Chief Immigration Officer, Charles Thompson and the Labour Commissioner (Acting), Marcilla Frith-Mulcare, formally signed the MOU on December 1st. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in areas of shared responsibility, enabling both departments to work more effectively within their respective mandates. It provides for mutual support and enhanced coordination to improve operational efficiency and advance the strategic objectives of each agency. The MoU outlines joint efforts in key areas such as anti–money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It further promotes enhanced information sharing and cooperation to strengthen immigration management, national security functions, border enforcement, and work permit regulation and compliance. Additional priorities include protecting Government of Montserrat revenue collection, supporting economic development, and improving interagency coordination. This agreement forms part of a wider initiative to promote stronger inter-agency collaboration across enforcement bodies, ensuring more effective outcomes and better use of limited resources.

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Government of Montserrat to Host Financial Literacy Management Workshop

Finance, News

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are invited to register for the upcoming Financial Literacy and Management Training Workshop to be held 12th to 16th January 2026. The training by the Government of Montserrat, through the Business Trade and Investment (BTI) Unit, is in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank’s CTCS Network. This four-day training will provide practical guidance to help business owners improve their financial knowledge, strengthen record-keeping, budgeting, and overall financial planning. Each session will run for two hours. Participants will also have the opportunity to qualify for one-on-one technical assistance and support to develop their financial proposals with the intent to access funding from financial institutions. The BTI says spaces are limited and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. For registration or further details, persons can contact the Business Trade and Investment Unit on 491-2066 or email at trade@gov.ms.

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Montserrat Electoral Commission seeks Public Views on Reforming Election Process

News

The Montserrat Electoral Commission is seeking the views of the public on reforming the election process. It has launched a public survey for Montserratians, both on island and across the global diaspora. This consultation seeks views on several important areas, including voting eligibility, the constituency system, and the potential transition to electronic voting. The Commission says the perspectives of Montserratians worldwide are essential to ensuring that future recommendations reflect the needs, priorities, and lived experiences of the entire community. The survey, which can be accessed on the Electoral Commission’s website, is confidential and takes only a few minutes to complete. Meanwhile, supervisor of Elections Barrington Chalmers is encouraging as many persons as possible to participate in the survey.

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Montserrat’s Premier Explains Significance of “Pause” in Graduation from Official Development Assistance

News

Montserrat’s leader of government business, Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade has been explaining the significance of the recent “pause” in graduation secured recently by Montserrat at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. The UK Government confirmed that, “in partnership with Montserrat,” it successfully secured a halt to the island’s removal from Official Development Assistance (ODA) status pending a wider review of graduation criteria. Premier Meade stated that his administration has been working continuously with the British government not to be graduated. This pause is said to protect Montserrat’s access to critical development funding at a time when global inflation, loss of EU development support, and infrastructure gaps place the island at a disadvantage. Premier Meade shares the significance of the recent development, including the timeline for budgetary allocation. Premier Meade, however stated also that all of the projects that had a timeline ending on March 31st next year are still in effect.

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Ministry of Health and Social Services Commissions New Mobile Medical Van and Storage Container for Montserrat

Health, News, OECS

A new Mobile Medical Van and Storage Container for Montserrat were commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Social Services on Wednesday morning. The van and storage container were procured through the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Direct Relief project. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross lauded the developments in Montserrat’s health sector, and thanked the health staff for their work. In his remarks, Premier, the Hon. Reuben T. Meade highlighted the continued support of the OECS, noting the difficulty Montserrat often faces with other funding agencies. Meanwhile, acting permanent secretary, Viona Alexander-Smith explained the purpose of the mobile van and storage unit, saying these support the ministry’s strategic targets by increasing accessibility to healthcare and improving public health outcomes.

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ECCB Reveals Plans to Establish New Reforms

News

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) says its move to establish the new Office of Financial Conduct and Inclusion, along with the Eastern Caribbean Financial Standards Board, comes at a critical time for the region’s financial sector. The initiative is being implemented in response to rising public complaints, technological changes, and the growing need to protect vulnerable consumers. According to ECCB officials visiting Montserrat last week, the decision follows years of reports from customers expressing frustration over their banking experiences, including high fees, service challenges, and concerns about fair treatment. Chief Director (Policy) at ECCB, Tracy Polius, noted that the financial landscape across the currency union has changed rapidly in the last decade- where Banks, credit unions, and insurance companies have increasingly turned to digital platforms to deliver services. This allows customers to access accounts, make payments, and manage policies directly from their mobile phones. Together, the ECCB believes these reforms will help restore confidence, improve consumer protection, and build a more resilient and inclusive financial sector for Montserrat and the wider Eastern Caribbean.

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Montserrat Tourism Authority Encourages Visits to St. Georges Hill Fort

News, Tourism

Marketing Development Officer at the Montserrat Tourism Authority Cherise Aymer is encouraging people from around the Caribbean and further afield to experience Montserrat’s newest tourism offering – the St. Georges Hill Fort. The fort, has been closed for nearly three decades. With access roads, Ms. Aymer says the site, which offers panoramic views of the buried capital of Plymouth and the Soufrière Hills volcano, is an exciting addition to Montserrat’s tourist sites. Ms. Aymer , as well as Marketing Officer at the Montserrat Arts Council Jayesh Sadhwani, were undertaking a series of media engagements in Antigua ahead of Montserrat’s Carnival season.

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