Community

Saint Peter, Montserrat — In a heartfelt gesture of community solidarity, St. Anthony Lodge No. 4684EC and RoyalArch Chapter 4684 collaborated to make a generous donation of $3,500.00 to the Social Services Department, aimed atsupporting vulnerable children in need of assistance to attend school.The contribution, which was presented by Presiding Master of St Anthony’s Lodge, Kenneth ‘Rabo’ Silcott, reflects theLodge’s enduring commitment to social upliftment and educational access for all. The funds will be directed towardessential school-related expenses, including school lunches, uniforms, supplies, transportation, and other critical needsthat often hinder children from disadvantaged backgrounds.“Education is the cornerstone of opportunity and development of a nation,” said Kenneth Silcott, “and we believe everychild deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive—regardless of their circumstances. This donation is our way ofhelping to remove barriers and build brighter futures.”Receiving the donation on behalf of the Social Services Department was the Director, Mrs Teresena Fergus, who onceagain expressed deep appreciation for the donation, noting that the Social Services Department “looks forward to thisannual commitment from the Lodge and the donation will directly impact families struggling to meet the costsassociated with schooling. This year, the donation would be used primarily to support some students who would like tofurther their education at the Community College but need support, as we have some cases that we are looking at. Theannual donation from St Anthony Lodge aligns with the Department’s broader mission to promote child well-being andequal access to education across the territory. We earnestly hope that other NGOs will come forward to collaborate inthis crucial mission of meeting the island’s educational needs.”This act of benevolence underscores the power of civic partnerships in addressing social challenges and, particularly asthe Fraternity celebrates it Centenary, reaffirms St. Anthony Lodge’s role as a pillar of compassion and leadershipwithin the Montserrat community. Witnessing the handover were Past Master Peter W.A. White OBE, MemberEdward Andrew and a representative from the Friends of St Anthony Lodge support group, Mrs. Lorraine François.

Young Montserratians living in the United Kingdom are being given a chance to make their voices heard in the House of Commons. Applications are now open for Montserratians aged 11 to 18 to represent the island at the UK Youth Parliament sitting on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The initiative offers young people the opportunity to observe proceedings and deliver a two-minute speech from the iconic despatch box during a special session dedicated to the UK Overseas Territories. Interested candidates are required to submit a one-page letter of interest highlighting their Montserrat heritage, their current educational journey, and their reasons for wanting to participate. Travel costs within the UK will be covered for successful participants. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, September 28, 2025. Applications and questions should be sent to admin@montserrat-gov.org The UK Youth Parliament brings together young representatives from across the country to debate and raise issues affecting their communities. For Montserrat, the event provides a unique platform for young voices to be heard on a national stage.

Montserrat’s only known book club is turning five this year and is inviting the public to join in the celebration.   The Book Craze Book Club is set to mark its 5th anniversary with a special event called Chapter 5, scheduled for Saturday at the Tropical Mansion Suites Hotel, at 3 p.m.   Founder Adena Johnson started the club in May 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.   Since then, the club has grown to 10 regular members and has tackled over 50 books across various genres—from biographies and historical fiction to romance and thrillers. Radio Montserrat (ZJB) · Adena Johnson – Book Craze Book Club Beginnings To celebrate their fifth year, the club is hosting a special book review event.   Tickets costs $160, and Johnson promises “the full Book Craze experience,” including food, drinks, book-themed cocktails, photography, painting supplies,   While the event is primarily for club members and their guests, a few limited spaces are available for those curious about joining. Johnson encourages interested readers to follow Book Craze Book Club on Facebook or Instagram to learn more and sign up. Radio Montserrat (ZJB) · Book Craze Book Club is Turning Five Adena Johnson.   Interested persons can connect with Book Craze Book Club online to reserve a spot.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has designated seven official buildings across the island as emergency shelters for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1st.   These shelters which include churches and community centers have undergone thorough inspections by both Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross and officials at the DMCA to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards for housing residents during storm events.   They are House of Refuge and Delivery Ministry Church (downstairs) in Salem; Salem Resource Centre; Cavalla Hill Methodist Church – Cecil Weekes Centre Cavalla Hill Methodist Church – Koinakraft Centre in Cudjoe Head; the Davy Hill Community Centre; The Seventh Day Adventist New Ebenezer Church (downstairs) in St. John’s; and the Judy Piece Bethany Methodist Church   As the 2025 Hurricane Season approaches, Governor Cross, recently toured the designated hurricane shelters to assess readiness and ensure the island is prepared for the season ahead.   She accorded special thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Ryan (Director) and Astrid Wade (Senior Disaster Management Coordinator) from the DMCA, for facilitating this important visit.   The DMCA is emphasizing that these public shelters should be considered last resorts.   It says Residents are strongly encouraged to prioritize securing their homes and properties in preparation for potential hurricane impacts during the season which runs until November.   The DMCA adds that those who must seek refuge in public shelters are required to provide their own essential supplies initially.   These include items such as canned food, water, clothing, personal hygiene products, blankets, and sleeping gear, as these provisions will not be available at the shelters. According to officials, during emergencies, trained volunteers will be on-site to manage the operations of these facilities.