Community

The Royal Montserrat Police Service has received several useful technological upgrades over the past few months. In an interview with ZJB, commissioner of police Mark Payne discussed some of the technology advancements made in the Service. He talked about recent forensics training, noting the benefits of increased digital forensics’ capability. The commissioner also discussed drone training on Montserrat, which he said was done in collaboration with other local departments. Commissioner Payne highlighted the addition of two new sea vessels, explaining their functions. He also explained how the vessels, along with the drone technology, help to secure Montserrat’s marine borders.

Applications are now open for the Miss Tween Montserrat Pageant 2026. This new pageant is being put on by Taylored Productions, and is open to young girls between the ages of 9 to 12. To be eligible for participation, applicants must fall within the age category, be currently living in Montserrat, and be attending a school in Montserrat. Parental or legal guardian consent is also required for all participants. According to Taylored Productions, the Miss Tween Montserrat Pageant 2026 is a confidence-building showcase designed to empower young girls through culture, creativity, leadership, and positive self-expression. The application link can be found on Taylored Productions social media pages. The deadline for application is Friday 13th March, 2026.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has welcomed the unearthing of the Belham Valley Bridge. That’s according to DMCA Senior Disaster Management Coordinator, Astrid Wade. Mr. Wade said the Belham Valley Bridge project improves emergency access to Isle Bay Hill and other areas south of the Belham Valley, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The project was a collaborative effort between the Public Works Department, the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) and the private sector. Waterway and roadway work in the Belham Valley have resulted in the bridge being unearthed and accessible for vehicular traffic during heavy rainfall. Roadways, culverts, and drainage infrastructure along Happy Hill, Dr Wood’s, and Isles Bay Hill Main Roads have also been unearthed, with guttering and culverts cleaned and restored to improve water flow. The main water channels in the Belham Valley have also been excavated in preparation for rainfall, which should reduce impassibility caused by lahars. The Belham Valley Bridge had been buried for over 20 years due to repeated lahar activity. Its restoration now provides permanent access to and from the northern side of the island, especially during extreme weather events, significantly improving safety for residents of Isle Bay Hill, Woodsville, Corkhill, Weekes, Richmond Hill, Fox’s Bay, and Delvin’s, as well as tour operators, sand miners, farmers, and livestock owners.

Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade says there has been no firm commitment on the commencement of discussions on a compact with the British Government. Speaking in Parliament this week he stated that, as with the White Paper, this document will be made public once they’ve started the process.  Discussions on the compact started at the recently concluded Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. The Premier said he was unaware of what the proposal would be, but once this is forthcoming from the UK, there will be public discussions and consultations on such a compact.  The UK and the Territories agreed at the JMC to develop Partnership Compacts between the UK and any Territory that wishes to. Partnership Compacts are intended to provide tailored, practical frameworks for advancing shared priorities, and to signal a renewed commitment to partnership.  The Territories noted the development of a UK Government Charter on Engagement with the Overseas Territories which seeks to reinvigorate and strengthen how the UK Government engages with the Territories.