Government

Premier, the Honourable Reuben T Meade and Minister of Agriculture, Honourable John P. Osborne, conducted a field visit to three farms on the Waterworks Estate. The farms are part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Arable Land for Farmers Programme. The visit formed part of the Government’s continued effort to support and encourage local food production, while assessing the progress made by farmers who have registered under the initiative. During the tour, the ministers met with Mr. and Mrs. McPherson, Ms. Reid, and Mr. and Mrs. Turner, who are planting a variety of crops under the programme. The farmers shared updates on land preparation, cultivation, and the challenges and opportunities presented by the programme. Both ministers expressed their appreciation for the dedication shown by the farmers and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural development across Montserrat. Minister Osborne noted that the initiative is a critical step toward revitalising the island’s agricultural output and improving food security. Premier Meade echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of ensuring farmers have the resources and land access needed to support sustainable livelihoods. The Arable Land for Farmers Programme provides approved persons with access to unused arable land and technical guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture, enabling them to expand local production and contribute to a more resilient agricultural sector. Local farmers are encouraged to register for the programme at the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Government of Montserrat has successfully completed the clearing and rehabilitation of the access road leading to St. George’s Hill, one of the island’s most historically significant and scenic locations. This initiative forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance Montserrat’s tourism product and expand opportunities for local tour operators. The improved access will allow new bus tours and guided excursions to operate safely to and from St. George’s Hill, providing both residents and visitors with an unparalleled view of the island’s transformation and resilience. The works included clearing overgrown vegetation, stabilizing the roadway, and improving drainage along key sections. These upgrades were carried out by the Public Works Department with the support of local contractors, ensuring employment opportunities for community members while strengthening the island’s tourism infrastructure. Premier, the Honorable Reuben T. Meade, commenting on the initiative, noted that reopening the road to St. George’s Hill is about more than just improving access, it is about reconnecting people to a part of Montserrat’s history and creating new experiences that showcase Montserrat’s strength, beauty, and potential for growth. St. George’s Hill overlooks the buried capital of Plymouth and the Soufrière Hills volcano, and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Caribbean. The site stands as a symbol of Montserrat’s resilience and has long been a point of pride for citizens and visitors alike. The Government of Montserrat says it remains committed to developing sustainable tourism initiatives that highlight the island’s natural and cultural heritage, while providing new avenues for economic activity across communities.

Parliamentary Secretary, Honourable Crenston Buffonge says Montserrat must widen its tourism source markets. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, he stated that just over 13,000 visitors came to the island in 2024. However, Mr. Buffonge, who has responsibility for Tourism, noted that the majority of those visitors were members of the Montserrat diaspora. He remarked that while this is important, the island must broaden the demographic to reach the adventure traveler, and attract cultural enthusiasts who want the Montserrat experience.

Minister for Housing, Honourable John Osborne has announced that the government will be assisting several persons with critical repairs to their homes. In a speech in the Legislative Assembly, marking the United Alliance’s first year in office, Mr. Osborne stated that ten persons will benefit in the first instance from the Housing Rehabilitation and New Build Construction project. He stated that more assistance will be forthcoming in phase two. Minister Osborne said the Land Development Authority also undertook corrective maintenance to more than two dozen government social homes. Meantime, Mr. Osborne gave an update on phase one of the Drummonds Infrastructure and New Built Project.

The manager of Montserrat Utilities Limited (MUL), Julian Daniel, has been speaking about the challenges the agency has been facing this year pertaining to its electrical division. The island has been plagued with periodic power outages for the year, and especially in recent times. Speaking to ZJB News, Mr Daniel stated that for the better part of 2025, the challenge has not been with the generation of electricity. He draws particular attention to the issues that they have been facing on the transmission and distribution side of their operations. Manager of MUL, Julian Daniel