Community – Page 3

Montserrat Residents receive Official Donation Information to Aid Jamaica’s Hurricane Relief Efforts

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica continues to receive support from Montserrat and the rest of the world. Honorary consul for Jamaica, Angela Greenaway, appeared on ZJB Radio Wednesday morning to share with the public the official channels to make financial contributions to Jamaica. Along with discussion on how persons can send physical donations, Mrs. Greenaway also highlighted the work of the Jamaica Montserrat Association, the Salem Community Action Group, and Montserrat Red Cross in soliciting donations to send to Jamaica. Mrs. Greenaway also emphasized the importance of ensuring that all persons who have been affected benefit from the donations made. Persons can contact Mrs. Angela Greenaway at 1-664-496-5809 for more information on the needs list, the official Jamaica government portal or other donation channels.

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RMPS Says Probe Continues Into Galloway Hit-and-Run Incident

Community, Crime, News

The Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) is reporting that there has not been any breakthrough in what has been described as a hit-and-run accident involving Nathan Galloway. Galloway was injured in a night-time incident earlier this year in which he sustained substantial in juries. Commissioner of police Mark Payne says the findings from items which were sent off island for forensic examination are inconclusive and as such they are unable to charge anyone with causing Galloway’s injuries. He however says the investigations are continuing

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United Alliance Administration Continues Focus on Sustainable Economic Development for Montserrat

Community, Government, News

The United Alliance (UA) Government is celebrating its first full year in office. The first year in government, following the October 24 victory at the polls, would likely have been dominated by work on significant development projects supported by the United Kingdom (UK) government. The United Alliance’s first year is also marked by their efforts to fulfill campaign promises, such as strengthening the economy and developing infrastructure, as part of the broader UK-Montserrat development partnership. Some of the Key developments in the UA’s first year include the New Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross taking up her appointment here in April 2025, succeeding Sarah Tucker; Continued UK support where the UK-Montserrat development partnership, a £40 million program aimed at supporting infrastructure and economic growth, continued during this period. Additional work on major projects, such as the new National Hospital, continuing under the new government; Focus on economic growth: The alliance’s first year is marked by a continued focus on implementing policies aimed at fostering economic growth and encouraging private sector development; and Strengthening partnerships: The United Alliance government has been focusing on strengthening partnerships with the UK and other international partners, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and economic support. Appearing on the “What’s On Your Mind” radio programme on ZJB Thursday, Public Relations Officer, Jenzil Skerritt stated that the job is far from complete. He called for a united effort to move Montserrat forward into sustained growth and development.

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Bethesda Methodist Church Celebrates 140th Anniversary

Community, News

The Bethesda Methodist Church on Montserrat recently celebrated its 140th Anniversary as a chapel. On October 12th, a special service was held at the Church in Cavalla Hill to observe the special occasion. The service also acknowledged the over 192 years of Methodism on Montserrat. Premier and Minister of Finance and Economic Management, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade, made remarks at the service, highlighting the church’s history and its benefit to Montserrat’s community during the volcanic crisis and hurricanes. In his remarks, President of the Leeward Islands District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, Bishop Reverend Damion Hughes noted the church’s resilience, having faced several natural disasters. Chairman of the Montserrat Christian Council (MCC), Reverend Shane McFarlane also gave greetings, encouraging the church, as they look towards the future, to continue spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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AI Seen as Key Tool for Advancing Montserrat’s Sustainable Future

Community, News

There is a potential for using Artificial Intelligence to leverage the sustainable development of Montserrat. The view of Daniel Edwards, Montserrat’s Chief Fisheries Officer. Edwards, who participated in a panel discussion on the future of AI in small island states, says every sector of the economy can benefit from harnessing the power of AI including fisheries and agriculture.

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Montserrat to Host German Sailing Regatta as Yachting Tourism Expands

Community, News

The Montserrat Tourism Authority has released an exciting and diverse schedule of cruise ship calls for the 2025/2026 season, positioning the island as a premier boutique Caribbean destination. Between November 2025 and March 2026, Montserrat will welcome a distinguished lineup of small luxury vessels, including the Emerald Azzurra, Seabourn Ovation, Explora II, Sea Cloud, and Crystal Serenity. These select arrivals underscores Montserrat’s growing appeal as an exclusive destination offering visitors authentic, uncrowded, and unforgettable island experiences. As a major boost for the yachting sector, the island will also celebrate the return of the Karibik Trophy Regatta. This renowned German sailing event, last visited in 2011 and will bring together a fleet of approximately 14 yachts and more than 80 participants from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The Karibik Trophy is a “fun regatta” that blends friendly competition with cultural exploration and camaraderie across several Caribbean islands. Montserrat’s inclusion in the 2025 route reaffirms the island’s growing reputation as a must-visit stop within the regional sailing community. Cruise and yachting visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of distinct Montserrat excursions — from exploring the historical Buried City of Plymouth and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, to hiking lush nature trails, snorkeling in pristine waters, and immersing themselves in the island’s vibrant culture through local cuisine, music, and craft. Each visit contributes directly to the local economy, generating valuable opportunities for tour operators, artisans, transport providers, and small businesses across the island. Chief Executive Officer Rosetta West Gerald, expressed her optimism for the upcoming season, stating that the MTA is thrilled to welcome these esteemed cruise vessels and the returning Karibik Trophy Regatta for the 2025/2026 season. She says each call is an opportunity to share Montserrat’s unique beauty, spirit of resilience, and genuine Caribbean warmth with the world. Montserrat’s participation in events like Seatrade Cruise Global earlier this year has already created valuable connections with cruise industry partners, and we are confident these relationships will bring even greater benefits once the Port Development Project is completed. Once completed, the upgraded facilities are expected to significantly enhance cruise operations, visitor flow, and overall destination experience. With strong partnerships in place and growing international interest, Montserrat stands poised for a new era of sustainable tourism growth; one that celebrates the island’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm community spirit.

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James “Scriber” Day Congratulated on Recent Award

Community, News

A notable tour operator on Montserrat are commending James “Scriber” Daley on his recent award and his contributions to the hospitality industry on Montserrat. Daley was recently awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal. Speaking on the What’s on Your Mind radio programme on Tuesday, tour operator, entrepreneur, and member of the tour and taxi association, Norman Cassell congratulated the recipient, on what he described as a deserved medal, saying that he himself has learned a lot from Daley. He also spoke about the many ways James “Scriber” Daley has positively impacted the Montserrat community. Cassell, who is also the Chairman of the Montserrat Business Council, voiced his support for teaching the youth about nature so that they could follow in James “Scriber” Daley’s footsteps.

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Government of Montserrat Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Salem Community Action Group for Salem Community Resource Centre

Community, Government, News

In a momentous occasion for the local Salem Community, the Government of Montserrat, and the Salem Community Action Group have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the handing over of the keys to the newly constructed Salem Community Resource Centre. The event took place in the presence of key stakeholders, including the Minister of Youth Affairs, his Permanent Secretary, the Director of the Department of Community, Youth and Sports Services (DCYSS) alongside representatives from the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF). The signing ceremony marked the completion of a long-awaited project that will serve as a beacon for community development and youth empowerment on the Island. The Salem Community Resource Centre is set to become a hub for education, training, recreational activities, and social services, providing residents of Salem and surrounding areas with a space to gather, learn, and grow. Permanent Secretary, Daphne Cassell, expressed great enthusiasm over the signing of the MOU, emphasizing the building’s transformative potential for youth engagement and community cohesion. She stated that Tuesday was a defining moment in the growth and development of the Salem community. Cassell also pointed out that the new facility not only represents a physical space for young people and residents to connect and thrive, but also symbolizes the Government’s commitment to creating opportunities that promote youth empowerment, education, and well-being. The building was funded by the BNTF, as an initiative designed to support sustainable development through infrastructure projects that benefit the community. It was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Government of Montserrat, the BNTF, and local stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the Disaster Management Coordination Agency. BNTF representatives, including local Project Manager Mervin Browne noted that the Salem Community Resource Centre is one of the projects funded under the current round of investment, aimed at providing equitable access to key services for local communities. President of the Salem Community Action Group Barbara Bass, emphasized that the signing of the MOU, and the handing over of the keys, Represent the culmination of years of planning and collaboration, signalling the start of a new chapter for the Salem Community. As part of the MOU signing, the keys to the community centre were officially handed over to local authorities, with the promise of continued support and partnership in maintaining the centre’s operations and programmes. The Salem Community Resource Centre will be open to the public, with plans for various activities and events designed to enhance the local community’s social and economic development. The facility will also offer training programs for youth, workshops, and recreational activities, aiming to provide a safe and productive environment for all age groups.

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Agriculture Minister Pushes for Better Trade Data and Marketing

Community, Government, News

Minister of Agriculture, Honourable John P. Osborne, is emphasizing the need for stronger inter-regional trade as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) works to meet its updated food security target under the 25 by 25 plus 5 initiative. The programme, which originally aimed to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 percent by 2025, has now been extended by five years, reflecting the challenges member states have faced in meeting the original deadline. Minister Osborne, who also serves as Chairman of the OECS Council of Ministers of Agriculture, said one of the key issues lies in how trade data is reported. He explained that while statistics often highlight imports from major partners like the United States, they fail to capture the extent of inter-regional trade within the Caribbean. The agriculture minister also pointed to marketing and information gaps as major barriers to regional trade. He noted that while Jamaica produces large quantities of chicken, regional buyers- including those in Montserrat, are often unaware of these opportunities. Minister Osborne said he plans to continue discussions with the OECS Director General and the CARICOM Secretariat, both of whom have expressed support for his efforts to enhance regional cooperation.

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Montserrat Set to Lead High-Level OECS Trade Discussions This Week

Community, Government, News, OECS

Montserrat will host the Seventh OECS Ordinary Council of Ministers of Trade this week. The Business Trade and Investment Unit, Office of the Premier, says the meeting will take place in Montserrat during the period 15–18 October, 2025. This high-level regional event will convene ministerial delegates and supporting personnel from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). According to the Unit, the meeting is a critical regional forum, used to discuss key trade and economic matters impacting the subregion. The occasion also marks Montserrat’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the Council of Ministers for Trade. This is a significant milestone, reflecting the country’s commitment to regional engagement, and the island’s growing leadership role in regional trade policy development and economic integration. Over the two-day period, discussions will focus on enhancing intra-regional trade, promoting private sector competitiveness and supporting businesses across the OECS, strengthening trade facilitation mechanisms, and advancing collective strategies for sustainable growth across OECS Member States. Reuben T. Meade, Honourable Premier of Montserrat, says it is an honour and pleasure to host such a distinguished delegation of OECS Ministers, and that this gathering underscore Montserrat’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and showcasing its unique contributions to the OECS economic framework. In addition to the formal sessions, Montserrat will host welcome receptions to encourage networking among delegates and a special showcase of Montserrat’s goods will highlight local crafts, agricultural products, and cultural offerings, promoting our businesses and tourism. The Government of Montserrat is proud to host this important engagement, which underscores its continued commitment to regional cooperation and inclusive economic development within the OECS framework.

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