Victoria Chalmers - ZJB Radio

Governor, Her Excellency, Harriet Cross Reflects on First Six Months in Office and Key Priorities

His Majesty the King’s representative on Montserrat has given an overview of her key priorities during her tenure here. Governor, Her excellency Harriet Cross shared these priorities in her six month update interview. Governor Cross says she plans to focus on modernizing the public service, safe-guarding, and access, among other areas. Part one of Governor Cross’ six-month update interview can be found on HM Governor’s Office in Montserrat Facebook page.

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Montserrat’s Leader of Government Business Gives Insights into Investment Opportunities on Island

News

Premier and Minister of finance, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade has shared some advice for persons on Montserrat interested in investing. The premier was speaking with the Eastern Caribbean central Bank (ECCB) country manager, Angela Estwick, on ZJB Radio on Monday, as part of Financial Information Month. Premier Meade is also part of the ECCB Monetary Council. He says there are many investment opportunities on Montserrat, including buying shares from the Bank of Montserrat or investing on the Eastern Caribbean Stock Exchange. The premier continued by discussing small business opportunities on Montserrat. He advised persons to explore investment avenues, such as partnerships in the construction field or creating Bed and Breakfasts from unused spaces. Premier Meade also highlighted the business prospect of preserving fruits on Montserrat.

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Pink Ribbon President Calls for Action on Mammogram Services in Montserrat

Health, News

Specialist Clinical Sonographer and president of Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat, Sonia Charles, has questioned why mammogram examinations are not done on island. Her question comes following the procurement, installation and commissioning of a mammogram machine here. Even though the ministry of health, in response, states that they have to fly in staff, that they are one year behind in mammograms, and are working hard to obtain additional staff to correct the extremely worrying problem, Ms Charles counters that much more could be done. Miss Charles recommends actions that could and need to be taken in the interim to help to manage and improve the current situation.

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AI Strategy and Five-Year Plan Headed to Cabinet for Approval

News

It has been confirmed that a national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and a five-year implementation plan is being drafted, marking a major step toward integrating AI into government operations here. Chief Information Officer John Lewis confirmed this during a radio panel discussion on AI and its impact on small islands, Thursday, in observance with ICT Week 2025. Mr. Lewis said the strategy is now in the process of being submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval. He explained that the proposed framework outlines several key areas, including governance structures, skills development, legislation, and a project-based rollout across ministries. According to Mr. Lewis, the plan also focuses on training and upskilling both technical and general government staff, ensuring that the public sector is equipped to responsibly adopt and manage AI tools. Mr. Lewis added that future work will include identifying and managing data sources, as well as setting protocols for data storage, oversight, and use.

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James “Scriber” Daley Awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire Medal

News

James Richard Daley was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire medal on Wednesday for Services to the Natural World and Tourism in Montserrat For decades, Daley has been a passionate advocate for Montserrat’s unique environment. Through his eco-tourism company, Scriber’s Adventure Tours, he has introduced countless visitors to the island’s spectacular rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and rich biodiversity. His work has not only helped to protect Montserrat’s fragile ecosystems but has also positioned the island as a leading destination for sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. Beyond guiding visitors, Daley has devoted his time and resources to community projects and conservation initiatives, inspiring younger generations to value and preserve Montserrat’s natural heritage. His efforts have created opportunities for local employment while showcasing the island’s resilience and beauty to the world. Upon receiving the award, Daley expressed his gratitude.

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Montserrat’s Leader of Government Business Doubles Down on Efforts to Implement Strategic Plans for Air Access

News

This Government has not abandoned its plans or ideas of extending the runway at the John A. Osborne Airport. Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade says to the contrary, the administration is proceeding with its “Medium Term (1-5 years) plan”. The plan includes setting affordable airfares, providing alternative routes into and out of Montserrat and establishing permanent and reliable air access. He says it is evident that the Government, in alignment with its manifesto promise, is implementing its strategic plans for Air Access. This is evidenced by the Twin Otter flights arriving and airlifting from the John A. Osborne Airport; and the expansion of air routes direct from Montserrat to St. Maarten and St. Kitts. Premier Meade says the Manifesto outlines, under “Long Term (5 Plus years)”, its vision for access from 2025 to 2050. He says the intention is to establish permanent, reliable air and sea access infrastructure ensuring seamless connectivity into and out of Montserrat.

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Local Cricket Players and Coaches Successfully Complete Children’s Foundation Coach Refresher Training

Sports

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots cricket development on Montserrat, as 10 local players and coaches successfully completed a three-day Children’s Foundation Coach Refresher Training over the weekend. The programme, organized by CWI in collaboration with the Montserrat Cricket Association, was designed to equip teachers and entry-level coaches with the tools needed to nurture the next generation of cricketers in Montserrat. The training was facilitated by CWI Coach Developers Brendon Ramlal and Keshava Ramphal. Speaking to ZJB News, Ramlal said the initiative is part of the regional body’s wider strategy to rebuild West Indies cricket from the ground up. He said the training followed a three-part structure, including two virtual modules aimed at improving both child safeguarding standards and modern coaching techniques. Participants in the Montserrat refresher included Raighne Smith, Zawandi White, Stevel Rodney, Jemuel Cabey, Kenford Samuel, Shernyl Burns, Ahijah Daley, Kelvin Ponde, Jemarie Lane, and Julius Fergus. President of the Montserrat Cricket Association, Raymond Cabey, expressed satisfaction with both the turnout and the level of engagement shown by the coaches in attendance.

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Local Educator Promotes the Concept of a Human Library on Montserrat

Community, News

The Head of the University of the West Indies Open Campus, Gracelyn Cassell is promoting the concept of a human library on Montserrat. Cassell says the concept, although not a new one, will be launched at the Alliougana Festival of the Word in November. She explains how it focuses on sharing stories about the island. Radio Montserrat (ZJB) · Gracelyn Cassell – Concept of Human Library

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Montserrat Leading in Ocean Exploration with ‘Project Deepwater’

Environment, News

A local environmental advocate is promoting ocean exploration with the introduction of “Project Deepwater.” Owner of Fish and Fins, Veta Wade, is leading the project, using Maka Niu—an affordable, open-source deep-sea camera to add underwater images to the world’s ocean dataset. According to Wade, “Project Deepwater” is Montserrat’s answer to the call for more inclusive, data-driven ocean conservation. She says that for Montserrat, the barriers to participation in marine research have been daunting, and historically, local perspectives were left out. Wade adds that by co-designing and testing Maka Niu they are proactively changing that equation. Radio Montserrat (ZJB) · Veta Wade – Work of Fish N’ Fins on Maka Niu Deep Sea Camera Montserrat’s waters have been explored before by major oceanographic expeditions, such as those led by EV Nautilus, but the Deepwater project is the first to be powered by local efforts. While earlier expeditions mapped Montserrat’s ocean’s shape, this project brings real-time biodiversity monitoring and local stewardship to the heart of the process. Wade says this marks an historic shift from being subjects of external research, to leaders and narrators of Montserrat’s own ocean story.

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Rounders Competition Applauded for Tackling Lifestyle Diseases

Health, News

A medical practitioner here is applauding the Department of Community, Youth and Sports Services (DCYSS) for organizing competitions such as the ongoing rounders tournament. Dr. Kevin Amsterdam says such activity promotes healthy lifestyles and community spirit. He says it is helping to encourage physical activity at a time when a number of persons on Montserrat face non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Radio Montserrat (ZJB) · Dr. Kevin Amsterdam – Benefits of Rounders Tournament

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