Diaspora

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.

The Montserrat Government UK Office (MGUKO) says economic diversification and long-term sustainability remain central to its work. In its newsletter, the Office stated that in 2025, it supported early-stage investor engagement, facilitated discussions on infrastructure, innovation, and climate-aligned investment, and continued positioning Montserrat as a destination for sustainable and responsible growth. This work included building a constructive relationship with Lloyds Bank, with discussions underway around retail banking challenges and the potential for improved correspondent banking arrangements to support trade, investment, and financial resilience. MGUKO also used relevant forums to highlight Montserrat’s financial access challenges and the importance of inclusive banking infrastructure. It says this work will continue into 2026 as discussions progress and engagement becomes more structured. The Montserrat Government UK Office is headed by Keiretta Farrell. During the year, the Office also spearheaded the Montserrat Business Directory, which is being developed to recognize and promote UK-based businesses founded by individuals of Montserratian heritage, supporting visibility, networking, and opportunity-sharing. It is also working working towards stronger engagement with Montserratian communities in the United States and Canada, including diaspora mapping and relationship-building with community leaders.

The Government of Montserrat has announced the launch of this year’s Christmas Barrel Concession Programme, which is aimed at easing the cost of living for families here. The initiative provides targeted social and economic support to households during the festive season, allowing each household to import up to two barrels or equivalent containers- not exceeding a total combined volume of 0.5 cubic metres- filled with food items, cleaning and sanitary supplies, one electric iron, and a reasonable quantity of clothing for personal use. This year, the government has amended the conditions of the programme to clarify that households may import goods equivalent in volume to two standard barrels. Officials say this adjustment ensures fairness and consistency in how the concession is accessed and applied. A fixed fee of fifty EC dollars per qualifying barrel or container will be charged, in addition to standard port fees. Persons taking advantage of the programme will also be required to complete a simple Customs Declaration form when clearing their goods. To qualify for the concession, all cargo must arrive at the Little Bay Port between October 30, 2025, and January 31, 2026. The Government says the initiative continues to reflect its commitment to supporting families, encouraging traditional practices, and ensuring that the Christmas season remains affordable and accessible to all.