Government

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ministry of Health Hosts Community Discussion and Foot Screening

The Ministry of Health and Social Services will be hosting a Community Discussion and Foot Screening focused on Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.). The event will take place on Wednesday, 17th September, at 6:30 p.m. at the Davy Hill Community Centre. Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Left untreated, the condition can cause chronic pain, wounds that don’t heal, severe infections, and in extreme cases, amputation. Early detection and proper management are critical in preventing these complications and maintaining mobility. Guest speaker, Minister for Health Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, will lead the session, sharing vital information about recognizing symptoms, understanding risk factors, and exploring treatment options available for P.A.D. In addition to the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to undergo foot screenings to check for early signs of the disease. The Montserrat Red Cross is providing a free shuttle service, which will depart from Salem at 5:30 p.m.

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Renovation At Montserrat Secondary School Completed

The long-awaited renovation works at Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) have officially concluded. Her Excellency, Governor Harriet Cross, on Monday (September 1) was given a guided tour of the upgraded facilities, alongside Acting Director of the Public Works Department Felix Persaud, Principal Cherlyn Hogan, Head of Programmes Solomon Nyamande, and Programme Manager at the Governor’s Office Edella Woodley. The improvements include fully renovated Chemistry and Biology laboratories and adjacent classrooms in Block L, refurbished classrooms in Block M, upgraded staff room and bathroom facilities, and a newly installed, improved U-drain system. The two blocks (L&M) were closed after an assessment of government infrastructures found they were unsafe and posed a threat to life. The project forms part of a wider school rehabilitation initiative under the Capital Investment Programme for Resilient Economic Growth (CIPREG), supported by the FCDO.

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Montserrat Gets State-of-the-art Tissue Culture and Greenhouse Facility

Montserrat is set to construct a state-of-the-art Tissue Culture and Greenhouse facility as part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States’ (OECS’) Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) initiative. This major agricultural development forms part of the OECS’ mission to drive sustainable development through regional integration, collective action, and development cooperation. The project, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Housing, Environment and Youth and Sports (MALHEYS), is expected to take approximately five months to complete. Once operational, the facility will provide a reliable source of disease-free planting material, preserve genetic material for both agricultural and environmental purposes, and strengthen the Ministry’s capacity and efficiency. It will also allow for the production of food crops and native plant species, supporting Montserrat’s push for food security, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem preservation. In a press release, the Ministry stated that the initiative will also broaden opportunities in the agricultural and environmental sectors. It is expected to create alternative career paths for young people with strong backgrounds in science, particularly chemistry and biology. Additionally, the facility will foster closer collaboration with conservation specialists through the propagation and preservation of rare or endangered species. By enabling the consistent and reliable production of preferred crop varieties, the project will promote sustainable agro-business while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides by controlling and eliminating plant viruses in a controlled environment. Funding for the facility comes from the “Integrated Landscape Approaches and Investments in Sustainable Land Management in the OECS” (ILM project), supported by the European Union under its Global Public Goods and Challenges Programme.

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Montserrat Secondary School Reports Improved CSEC Results

The Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) has recorded a notable improvement in its overall performance in the May/June 2025 CSEC Examinations. Preliminary results show that of the 406 subject entries written by 57 students, 318 were awarded passes in Grades I to III, producing a pass rate of 78.3 percent. This marks a significant increase from the 69.7 percent achieved in 2024. Students excelled in several subject areas. Of the 23 subject proficiencies taken, nine recorded a perfect 100 percent pass rate. These included Agricultural Science, Caribbean History, Technical Drawing, Principles of Accounts, Office Administration, Principles of Business, Food Nutrition and Health, Physical Education and Sport, and Industrial Technology (Building). Biology and Information Technology also performed strongly, with pass rates ranging between 90 and 93 percent. Physics recorded an 88.2 percent pass rate, while Integrated Science followed with 83.3 percent. One of the most encouraging improvements came in English A, where students attained a pass rate of 80.7 percent, a significant rise from the 63.8 percent recorded in 2024. Mathematics, however, continued to be a challenge for students, with the pass rate falling to 41 percent compared to 52.7 percent in the previous year. The Business subjects, Physical Education and Sport, Agriculture, Food Nutrition and Health, and other technical areas once again stood out with consistently strong results. The final analysis of student performance will be conducted when the official results are released later this year. Passes in eight subject areas were obtained by students: Shekinah Persaud – 7 Grade 1s 1 Grade 2 Shemariah Irish – 6 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s Arrisa Dyett-White – 6 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s Kaylee Greenaway – 6 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s Muskaan Jeswani 5 Grade 1s 3 Grade 2s Demi White 4 Grade 2s 4 Grade 2s Alana Kassie 4 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s 2 Grade 3s Juanique Roach 5 Grade 1s 2 Grade 2s 1 Grade 3 Neron Wilson 1 Grade 1 1 Grade 2 6 Grade 3s Xhanna – Lee Abdul Aiyanna Destouche Alyssa Duberry Jasmine Gilford Gessella Louis-Charles Maha Ryner-Graham Natasha Weekes Jeveena Williams, all obtained passes in seven subject areas Fourteen students recorded passes in 6 subject areas, while 11 students recorded passes in 5 subject areas. Forty-two of the fifty-seven students (73.7%) who wrote the exams obtained passes in 5 or more subject areas. Seven Form 4 students wrote a total of 8 subject entries in the areas of Information Technology, Technical Drawing, Spanish and Food Nutrition and Health. A pass rate of 100% was obtained with 62.5% at the Grade 1 level. At CCSLC Level, twenty-three (23) students from the Form Five cohort wrote thirty (36) subject entries. Competent and Master levels were achieved for 26 of them yielding a pass rate of 70.2%. The better performing subject areas were Integrated Science and Social Studies which returned pass rates of 100%. Math returned a pass rate of 75% while for English it was 50%. A key indicator for education is the percentage of students in the year five cohort who obtain 5 or more CSEC passes including English and Math. This year 35.8% the year five cohort obtained 5 or more CSEC passes including Math and English. This performance is comparable to the 36.1% obtained in 2024. The school extends congratulations to the students who were successful, to their parents for their support and to the teachers for their hard work and dedication. The school also extends sincerest gratitude to the members of the community who assisted by tutoring our students in the absence of their substantive teachers.

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Premier of Montserrat urges a Focus on Rebuilding the Island rather than the Ravages of the Volcano

Montserrat’s leader of government business, Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade has stated that the Soufriere Hills Volcano should not hinder the rebuilding of the island, especially the northern part. Speaking during the opening of the SHV30 International Conference at the Montserrat Cultural Centre, premier Meade outlined some of the key pillars on which the rebuilding efforts should focus on.  He emphasized that the focus should be on the positives and not the devastation caused by the eruptions. Premier Meade also spoke of focus on micro-enterprise development.

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