Community

The newly appointed Chairman of the Montserrat Red Cross, John Skerritt, says strengthening community resilience and expanding support for vulnerable groups will be central to the organization’s work moving forward. Mr. Skerritt said his focus would be on strengthening the Red Cross’ capacity in crisis management, improving collaboration with key agencies such as the Disaster Management Coordination Agency- DMCA and Social Services, as well as enhancing communication and public engagement. Among his priorities are recognizing and supporting volunteers, improving digital outreach, and developing initiatives that assist the elderly and persons living with disabilities, including renewed partnerships with organizations supporting the blind and deaf communities. Meanwhile, Director Delmaude Ryan, who assumed office in December, said her background in public service has prepared her well for the role, noting that the Red Cross works closely with the government of Montserrat to deliver humanitarian assistance. Mrs. Ryan highlighted disaster preparedness as a key focus area, particularly given Montserrat’s vulnerability not only to hurricanes but also to public health emergencies such as COVID-19. She also pointed to ongoing support for migrant residents and other at-risk groups. Both officials say their vision is to build a stronger, more responsive Montserrat Red Cross that continues to uphold its humanitarian principles while adapting to the evolving needs of the community.

The reintroduction of Police dogs is not off the table. Commissioner of Police Mark Payne says a K9 programme is under consideration, but financial and logistical challenges mean drones will continue to serve as the primary search and rescue tool in the interim. He said while police dogs can also be valuable in search operations, drones currently provide a cost-effective solution capable of covering large areas quickly. Commissioner Payne was responding to questions, on the “What’s on Your Mind” radio programme, about the implementation of cadaver and sniffer dogs.

The Caribbean Cadet Medal was presented to two current members and one former member of the Montserrat Cadet Corp. (Retired) Captain Roosevelt Jemmotte, Captain Glenroy Foster, and Second Lieutenant Carmencita Duberry Farrell, received the medal during a Church Parade held alongside the Royal Montserrat Defence Force at St. James Anglican Church on Sunday. They were awarded in recognition of distinguished service to the regional cadet movement. The service marked the start of the RMDF Training Year and provided a fitting setting to honour leadership, commitment, and service within the cadet community. The Caribbean Cadet Medal is awarded to recognise exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the development of the regional cadet movement. It honours officers and individuals whose leadership, commitment, and dedication have strengthened cadet training, youth development, and regional cooperation across the Caribbean. Commanding Officer of the Montserrat Cadet Corps, Captain Colin Fergus noted that the awards recognise service that goes far beyond the parade ground, honouring leadership, mentorship, and a genuine commitment to developing young people through cadetting. The Montserrat Cadet Corps extended sincere congratulations to the awardees On behalf of the Association of Caribbean Cadet Commandants. The awardees were also thanked for their exemplary service to youth development and regional cooperation.

152 children and adults have a clearer view of the world today. They were the recipients of eye care services provided last week by the Rotary Club of Guadeloupe in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Montserrat and the Ministry of health and social services. President of the Rotary Club Audris Jno Baptiste is ecstatic about the Better Eyes Project, which she says was hugely successful.