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Montserrat to be Represented at CXC Conference and Ministerial Forum

Montserrat will be represented at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Conference and Ministerial Forum on Learning in the Digital Age later this month. Education Officer, Curriculum and Examinations and Local CXC Registrar, Althea Allen, will join over 300 education stakeholders from across the Caribbean, including Ministers of Education, in Jamaica from March 16-19. Both events, originally set for October 2025 on Jamaica’s north coast, were disrupted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa. CXC’s Director of Operations Dr Nicole Manning, says the conference is designed to deepen regional collaboration on how best to navigate the prevailing digital environment for greater learning outcomes in the Caribbean. In the meantime, Pro-Registrar and Deputy CEO of CXC, Dr. Eduardo Ali, who is spearheading the organizing of the Ministerial Forum, also pointed to CXC’s ongoing work with regional employers to plan for future educational needs and skills for the region under its Skills and Employability Signaling System for CXC Qualifications Development. The CXC will sign a landmark Partnership Engagement Agreement (PEA) with the Consortium of Caribbean employer groups at the Ministerial Forum. The inaugural CXC Regional Education Conference and Ministerial Forum has been endorsed by Senator Dr., the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, Minister for Education, Skills, Youth And Information, who will be a keynote speaker during the four days of meetings. Among the featured speakers and presenters at the CXC Conference and Ministerial Forum will be Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the Chairman of CXC and Deputy Chair of Council, Dr Marcia Potter, Dr Wayne Wesley, CXC Registrar, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor, University of Guyana, Dr Luz Longsworth, Senior Corporate Director, Sandals Corporate University and former Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor, UWI Global Campus, Ms Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary General- Human and Social Development, CARICOM, and from the Commonwealth of Learning, Professor Peter Scott, President and CEO and members of his team.

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Government of Montserrat will Assist Property Owners South of Belham

Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade has reassured persons who have properties south of Belham that the government has plans for these areas. He says that the restoration of the Belham Bridge is part of the move to ensure that persons have access to the areas even when there is heavy rain. Premier Meade said that duty free concessions will be provided for those who have properties south of Belham, among other things.

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UK Tertiary Tuition Fees to Increase

Montserrat students currently enrolled at UK tertiary institutions could be facing increases in tuition fees starting later this year. UK university tuition fees will rise annually in line with inflation from August 2026, under UK government plans aimed at stabilizing the finances of the British higher education sector Further legislation will follow within two years to permanently lock in inflation-linked increases. According to reports, a record number of British universities – 45% to be exact – are recording deficits. James White Jr has been following the story

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Montserrat Red Cross Chairman and Director Outline New Priorities and Vision for Charity

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.

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MoHSS Welcomes First Independent Inspection

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) will welcome its first independent health services inspection at the Glendon Hospital which will focus on an assessment framework similar to that used by UK Health Regulators’ during the period February 16-20, 2026.  In a press release, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) said it is committed to building a robust health system through which good quality, cost effective and evidence-based health services are provided.   To achieve this, it is essential for periodic external inspections to be undertaken. The Glendon hospital has undergone previous assessments regarding provision of services in the past however none have focused on this type of assessment framework. The MoHSS therefore regards this inspection as a critical aspect of continued service improvement.  More in this report.

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Government of Montserrat Introduces Soft Loan Programme for Entrepreneurs

The Government of Montserrat, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, in partnership with the Bank of Montserrat (BoM), officially launched the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund (MBPF) on Thursday. The MBPF is a transformative EC$2 million soft loan programme designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance food security, and empower local entrepreneurs. This Fund provides accessible and affordable financing to registered farmers, fishers, agro-processors, and micro and small businesses. With an interest rate of just 2.5% simple interest per annum and repayment terms of up to eight years, the programme removes traditional barriers to capital access and enables productive investment in key economic sectors. More in this report from James White Jr.

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Reintroduction of Police Dogs Being Considered

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.

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Premier Meade Discusses Relocating Wastewater Facility

Premier, the Honourable Reuben T Meade says relocating sewage treatments away from residential communities is a key step in protecting public health. Work has begun on a major project to replace the over 20 year old wastewater treatment facility in Look Out to Margarita Bay. The project will see extensive site development works in the area such as land clearing, construction of access roads, storm drainage systems, underground utilities, lift stations, sludge drying beds, and operational buildings. Speaking on the developments, Premier Meade explained that managing human waste safely is an unavoidable necessity for every community.

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Montserrat’s Issues Highlighted at Recent UK Constitutional Committee Inquiry

The key issues impacting Montserrat’s relationship with the United Kingdom were laid on the table at a brief inquiry by the Constitutional Committee on Wednesday February 11, 2026 in London. The inquiry is reviewing progress against the commitments set out in the 2023 UK-Overseas Territories Joint Declaration. Head of the Government of Montserrat UK Office (GOMUKO), Kei-Retta Farrell was one of a five-member panel representing the OTs. Miss Farrell started out by focusing on the context for which the key issues facing Montserrat emerged – the soufriere Hills volcanic eruptions. The other panelists:- Blondel Cluff, CBE, DL, Overseas Representative and special adviser to the premier, Government of Anguilla; Natalio Wheatley, Premier, British Virgin Islands; Charles Washington Misick, OBE, premier, Turks and Caicos Island; and Kim Wilkerson, JP, Attorney General, Bermuda. The inquiry is set to continue on February 25.

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A New Project to Boost Electricity Network Resilience in Montserrat

The Government of Montserrat is making a major move toward energy independence with the launch of the Transmission and Distribution Network Resilience Building Project. The project, forms part of the 5.9 million pound Green Energy Transition Programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It is executed by the Department of Energy within the Ministry of Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour, Transportation and Ecclesiastical Affairs (BUILT-E) in collaboration with Montserrat Utilities Limited (MUL). Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Colin Fergus, told ZJB News that the project will strengthen the resilience of the electricity network. The Transmission and Distribution Network Resilience Building project runs alongside the Water and Waste Water project. This will see more than two kilometres of electrical infrastructure placed underground, and the replacement of aging water pipelines. Manager of the Water Division, Kenaud Ryan, and before him, manager of the Electrical Division, Kendall Lee

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