Community

A series of public consultations on the development of Montserrat’s Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) and National Development Plan (NDP) begins today, Monday. The new Sustainable Development Strategy and National Development Plan will succeed the Montserrat Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) 2008–2020, and provide an updated framework that reflects the island’s current realities, emerging opportunities, and long-term ambitions. A press release issued by the Cabinet Secretariat outlines that the Government of Montserrat recognizes that effective national development planning depends on broad participation and collaboration. Therefore, every resident and stakeholder has an important role to play in shaping a Strategy and Plan that reflects the aspirations of the people of Montserrat and provides a clear pathway towards a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future. Further information on the consultation schedule, venues, and participation opportunities will be shared through official Government communication channels in the coming days.  The Cabinet Secretariat encourages all interested persons to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute their ideas, perspectives, and expertise to one of the country’s most important national planning exercises. Throughout the development of the Sustainable Development Strategy and National Development Plan, the Government of Montserrat is committed to keeping the public informed and engaged. Regular updates on the progress of the consultancy, consultation outcomes, key milestones, and opportunities for continued participation will be available on the Our Montserrat 2050 website which will be launched as part of the communication efforts of the project. The website will serve as the central hub for information on the SDS and NDP, providing access to project documents, consultation materials, news, and other resources as Montserrat works collaboratively to shape a shared vision for the nation’s future. The consultation process will be facilitated by Dr. Andre Henry of Ideas to Business Initiative, in collaboration with the Policy and Planning Division of the Cabinet Secretariat. Throughout the week, public officers, members of the diaspora, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, community groups, the youth, and the wider public will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the National Development Plan and validate the strategic framework of the Sustainable Development Strategy.

The Rotary Club of Montserrat has officially ushered in a new leadership team for the 2026/2027 Rotary year. The Club held its Joint Handover and Club Officers Installation Ceremony at Olveston House on Saturday evening, bringing together members of the Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs to celebrate the accomplishments of the outgoing executive while installing new officers committed to continuing Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.” The event was held under the theme, “Create Lasting Impact. Outgoing Rotary President Audris Jno-Baptiste reflected on the 2025/2026 Rotary year before formally handing over the leadership to incoming President Michelle Cassell during the installation ceremony. In her inaugural address, President Cassell expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her and pledged to build on the club’s achievements while expanding its impact across the island. Cassell said together, guided by the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self, the organization will build on its achievements, embrace new opportunities and inspire meaningful change. She also encouraged members to remain actively engaged as the club works toward another year of fellowship, service and positive community impact. Joining President Cassell on the 2026/2027 executive are President-Elect and Fundraising Director Glenroy Foster, Secretary and Interact Liaison Officer Siobhan Tuitt, Treasurer and Service Projects Director Deonne Peters, Membership Director Janette Dyer-Meade and Dr. Braimah Kassim. Immediate Past President Audris Jno-Baptiste, will serve as Public Image Director, while Kenford Samuel will serve as Rotaract Liaison Officer. The evening also marked the installation of executives for the Rotaract and Interact Clubs of Montserrat. Returning as Rotaract President is Anna Johnson, who will be supported by Secretary Maretta Greenaway, Treasurer Shania Bryan, Assistant Treasurer Mauricia Barzey, Fundraising Director Carisa Brudy, Community Service Director Dante Daniel, Professional Service Director Shealsha Payne, Club Service Director Keianna Wade, International Service Director Jodi Baptiste, and Assistant International Service Director Vanessa Mark, who also serves as Public Image Director. Leading the Interact Club for the 2026/2027 year is President Juanique Roach. She will be joined on the executive by Vice President Diego Benjamin, Secretary Liana Green, Treasurer Alyssa Dubery, International Service Director Neelesh Sadwhani, Professional Service Director Deverla Browne, Community Service Director Khassidy Wade, Public Relations Officer Jervita Greenaway and Club Service Director Tori-Kay Perkins. The Rotary Club of Montserrat has officially ushered in a new leadership team for the 2026/2027 Rotary year.

Excitement is building for the upcoming Montserrat Overseas People’s Progressive Alliance (MOPPA) Family Fun Day. The day of unity, culture, and community takes place on Saturday July 11th, 2026, from 12:00 to 8:00 PM at Chestnuts Park, Haringey N15 3AQ. MOPPA spokesperson Keima Allen appeared on ZJB Radio on to share information on the event. In detailing the different activities taking place throughout the day, she invited everyone to attend and participate in the many activities including “the bouncy castle, the face painting is going to be there as well, and of course we have all the activities for the kids there too. Also we have gamesletics, so lots of activities around that, sporting activities, tug-of-war events that we talked about, and of course dominoes, the traditional games too that’s going to take place.” There will also be the “live Montserrat Got Talent Taste, which we’ve already showcased some of the performers already, so we’ve got Contagious who’s going to be performing, Adrian’s who’s going to be performing, Swatanaya who’s going to be performing, a lot of people already know that too. And we’ve got some more performances that we’re going to reveal, we’ve got also the masquerades who’s going to be performing, so there’s lots and lots and lots of activities that we’re planning for the day,” reveals Ms. Allen. Entry is free and Ms. Allen says many vendors have registered their interest. “We’ve got over 30, nearly 40 vendors now, so I mean, we’ve got everything there from all the food that you want to enjoy throughout the day, so you could come on out and have a lovely picnic, all the traditional drinks as well, will be there too. Shopping, if you want to do a bit of shopping, we’ve got a couple of new vendors who are going to be doing things like pictures and memorabilia, candles, all of that, so you’ll have full-on day for everybody to come and enjoy in the park, Chestnuts Park. And of course, bus 67 takes you right there, and also you have the Seven Sisters train station, which is quite easy to get to.” Free tickets to the event can be acquired on www.eventbrite.co.uk by searching MOPPA Family Fun Day. More information about the event can also be found on Keima Allen’s social media pages.