Government

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

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.

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

Agriculture Minister Pushes for Better Trade Data and Marketing

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.

Agriculture Minister Pushes for Better Trade Data and Marketing Read More »

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

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.

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

Parliamentary Secretary Warns Against Overuse of Acting Posts

Parliamentary Secretary, Honourable Crenston Buffonge, has raised concern about the use of acting appointments in the public service. Hon. Buffonge says acting appointments should not be used as a substitute for poor planning. He was speaking on a resolution entitled “Terms and conditions of employment including the remuneration and allowances of the Auditor General” that gained the approval of the entire Legislative Assembly.

Parliamentary Secretary Warns Against Overuse of Acting Posts Read More »

Premier Reaffirms Commitment to Support Small Businesses and Ease Cost of Living​

Premier and Minister for finance, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade has reiterated his government’s plans to foster micro and small enterprise development and to ease the cost of living burden on residents. Speaking recently in Parliament, premier Meade stated hat since assuming office, government has enacted a series of physical measures to stimulate micro and small enterprise formation among other things. He was at the time responding to questions posed by the leader of the parliamentary opposition, Honourable Paul Lewis.

Premier Reaffirms Commitment to Support Small Businesses and Ease Cost of Living​ Read More »

ICT Week To Start September 29, 2025

The 2025 ICT Week of activities has been announced. Organized by the Department of Information Technology and E-Government Services (DITES), the annual week of activities will run from 29 September to 10 October, 2025, under the theme “AI & Us: Innovation for Montserrat’s Future.” This year’s programme will highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital tools in driving innovation, education, and development on the island. The week opens on 29 September with the Minister’s official address carried live on ZJB Radio Montserrat, followed by the launch of a Content Creation Workshop for Beginners at the ICT Lab. The workshop, running through 1 October, will feature facilitators and local social media content creators Adena Johnson and Kristen Taylor-Hilton, who will guide participants on areas such as CapCut editing, planning content, growth strategies, and monetisation. Throughout ICT Week, the public will have the chance to engage in a variety of activities, including daily radio quizzes for children and adults; Meta Compliance campaigns targeting public sector awareness; primary schools’ Tech Hunt, designed to spark digital curiosity among young learners; a panel discussion on AI & Us scheduled for Thursday, 9 October. Special emphasis will be placed on practical training and awareness-building, with workshops on content creation, cyber safety, and the use of digital tools in education and government services. ICT Week 2025 also continues the tradition of blending public engagement with professional development, ensuring that Montserrat remains connected, digitally thriving, and prepared for future technological opportunities. For more details or to register for specific activities, individuals are encouraged to contact DITES at 1 (664) 491-2521.

ICT Week To Start September 29, 2025 Read More »

Strong Growth Projected In Visitor Arrivals

Visitor arrivals are off to a solid start with the island welcoming just over 4,000 travelers in the first three months of the year. Figures, released by the Statistics Department, show steady growth month to month.. Between January and March, a total of 4,095 visitors entered the island, split between 3,106 by air and 989 by sea. March was the strongest month so far, recording 2,208 arrivals, more than double January’s 936. Tourist visitors staying overnight continue to make up the majority of arrivals. By the end of March, 3,103 tourists had visited the island, including 3,027 by air and 76 by sea. The month of March once again dominated, with 1,852 tourists, compared to 647 in January and 604 in February. Excursionists, or same-day visitors, also contributed to the numbers, with 127 arrivals over the three-month period. Most came by air 79, while 48 arrived by sea. Cruise and yachting are gradually rebounding with the island welcoming 167 cruise passengers in early 2025, with most arrivals clustered in February and March. Yachting activity was particularly notable, with 698 yacht passengers and crew visiting between January and March; 164 in January, 215 in February, and 319 in March.

Strong Growth Projected In Visitor Arrivals Read More »

The Business Trade and Investment Unit Announces Shift From Manual Import Licence Books To Digital Import Licence Application System.

The Business Trade and Investment (BTI) Unit has announced a shift from manual import licence books to a fully digital import licence application system. The new system, effective Monday 22 September, forms part of the Government of Montserrat’s ongoing efforts to digitize public services, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce our environmental impact. This applies to all import licences issued under the External Trade Act. Under the simplified application process importers and customs brokers can access the digital form online from the Government of Montserrat website or request it via email through trade@gov.ms. The streamlined process saves time for customs brokers, direct applicants, and MCRS while ensuring compliance with import regulations. Additionally, the digital system improves data accuracy and accessibility, allowing the BTI Unit to better monitor import trends and support economic planning. For assistance, importers and brokers can contact the BTI Unit at trade@gov.ms or 491-2066. The Montserrat Customs and Revenue Service Email an be contacted MCRS@gov.ms or on 1-664-491-3816.

The Business Trade and Investment Unit Announces Shift From Manual Import Licence Books To Digital Import Licence Application System. Read More »

The Government of Montserrat Seeks Proposals For New Passenger Ferry Service

The Government of Montserrat has announced that it is seeking proposals for a new passenger ferry service to support travel during the upcoming peak season and beyond. An official Invitation to Tender (ITT) was published on Friday, September 12, 2025, outlining plans for a ferry service to operate from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. The move aims to strengthen connectivity for residents and visitors during the busy months. Tender documents can be accessed via the Government of Montserrat’s website at https://tenders.gov.ms or on the UK-based www.mytenders.co.uk portal. Interested bidders are encouraged to register early and submit proposals electronically through the portal. The deadline for clarification requests is Monday, September 22, 2025, while completed tenders must be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025. Submissions may also be delivered to the Public Procurement Board at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management in Brades. The contract is expected to commence on November 1, 2025, though officials note this start date may be subject to change.

The Government of Montserrat Seeks Proposals For New Passenger Ferry Service Read More »

Government of Montserrat Has Awarded Five Scholarships For 2025/2026 Academic Year.

The Government of Montserrat has awarded five scholarships for 2025/26 academic year. Under its Annual Country Training Scheme (ACTS), scholarships have been awarded to read for a BSc in Pharmacy, a BSc in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, a Certificate in Agriculture and a B.Tech in Computer Engineering. The awards reflect the government’s renewed policy approach to scholarships, which is based on aligning students’ natural abilities and genuine interests with areas of national development. The government of Montserrat scholarships are assessed against a Cabinet-approved list of priority study areas, with consideration given to fields outside the list, if candidates can demonstrate how their chosen programme could add value to the island’s development. The selection criteria include acceptance into a recognized institution, a strong personal statement, a proven academic track record, and the ability to articulate passion and commitment during an interview. Scholarships are open to Montserratians and legal residents and cover a wide range of costs including tuition, housing, travel, and living expenses.

Government of Montserrat Has Awarded Five Scholarships For 2025/2026 Academic Year. Read More »