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Government of Montserrat Moves to Address Long-Term Population Loss

The Government of Montserrat is working on a policy to reverse the decline in the island’s population. Montserrat lost roughly 60 per cent of its population since 1995 when volcanic eruptions devastated the island. Most of the population migrated to the United Kingdom for what they hoped was a temporary settlement. However 30 years on, very few have returned, and the migration trend continues with mainly young adults seeking education and job opportunities elsewhere. The issue has come to the forefront with a proposal to increase the qualification time for residents. Appearing on the “What’s On Your Mind” radio programme on Thursday, Minister for Agriculture Hon. John Patrick Osborne hinted that this is part of a broader policy to grow the population.

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Government of Montserrat Advances New Measures to Strengthen Child Safeguarding

Community, Education, Government, News

The Government of Montserrat is advancing a series of measures aimed at strengthening child safeguarding and reducing vulnerabilities among students here. Minister for Health and Social Services, Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge made the important announcement during Meeting No. 14 of the 18th Parliament on Tuesday. She outlined initiatives focused on student welfare, safety and support, particularly within the education system. The education minister said a breakfast programme is set to be introduced at the Montserrat Secondary School- MSS, to address food insecurity among students. She explained that the programme will provide students with a healthy breakfast to support their well-being and learning. Dr Buffonge stressed that the government and the Ministry of Education are adopting a firm, zero-tolerance approach to child safeguarding. Addressing after-school safety concerns, Dr Buffonge noted that the government is currently seeking funding for structured after-school programmes to ensure students are kept safe and engaged during these hours. The minister further revealed that additional funding will be requested at the upcoming Budget Support Mission for another Safe Summer Programme.

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Government Addresses Housing Problem with Innovative Approach

Government, News

The Government of Montserrat is planning to make lands available for housing development to help to solve the island’s intractable housing problem. Portfolio Minister, Honourable John Patrick Osborne says sites have already been identified and studied for possible housing subdivisions. He says the aim of the United Alliance (UA) administration is to increase access to affordable housing for low and middle income residents, and to increase the social housing stock.

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MOU Signed to Expand Tertiary Education Opportunities for Montserratians

Community, Education, Government, News

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Government of Montserrat and Monroe University as part of efforts to strengthen the local workforce and support local students transitioning into tertiary education. The announcement was made by Minister of Education, Dr, the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, during the 18th Parliament, Tuesday, where she outlined the agreement as a key component of the United Alliance administration’s strategy to build human capital and grow the economy on Montserrat. Dr Buffonge said the memorandum establishes a partnership with the New York–based Monroe University, which also operates a campus in St. Lucia, and includes scholarship opportunities for Montserratian students. She noted that a virtual meeting is scheduled for March to finalise plans ahead of the university’s first official visit to Montserrat. According to the minister, the partnership aligns with the ministry’s strategic objective of improving the transition from secondary to tertiary education, an area she described as critical for student success and workforce development. In addition to the Monroe University agreement, the minister said the government has sought support from the Montserrat UK Office to assist students preparing for post-secondary education, including connecting current MSS students with Montserratians who have successfully completed tertiary studies, either through in-person engagement or virtual mentorship. She added that the Montserrat UK Office has committed to providing mentorship support, and that assistance has also been requested from Chevening alumni to further strengthen guidance for students pursuing higher education.

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Government Details Next Phase of Construction for Montserrat’s New Port

Community, Government, News

Minister for Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour, Transport and Energy (B.U.I.L.T.E), Honourable Veronica Dorsette Hector has provided an update on one of government’s most significant and complex infrastructure investments……… the new port development project. Speaking in Parliament Tuesday morning, Mrs Dorsette Hector spoke of unfortunate delays and the deliberate efforts being undertaken by government to ensure the completion of the project. She also explained some of the ongoing works as the new port project enters a critical phase of construction. Mrs Dorsette Hector further highlighted what she refers to as “the normal and necessary aspects of managing any infrastructure of this scale and complexity.”

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Montserrat Delegation Represents at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)

Government, News

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Honourable Marjorie Smith led a delegation to the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, India. The January 14th to 18th conference was also attended by Parliamentary Secretary, Honourable Dwayne Hixon – and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly Dr. Judith Baker. They joined the contingent of participants, from 53 national parliaments of sovereign states of the Commonwealth, as well as 14 semi-autonomous parliaments. In a news release the Legislative Assembly states that Montserrat was presented with an opportunity to engage in dialogue with officers from other diverse constitutional, legal, and parliamentary traditions as part of this high-level parliamentary forum of the Commonwealth of Nations. It says a true reflection of today’s environment with its evolving challenges to parliamentary functioning and democratic resilience, the discussions focused on current challenges facing legislatures and modern democratic practices. The bi-annual conference took a deep dive into several themes. They include AI in Parliament – Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation; Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians; Innovative Strategies to enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation beyond voting; and Security, Health and Well-being of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Staff. According to the news release, a key takeaway from the conference for the Montserrat contingent, reflected by the Honourable Speaker, was guided by the timeless Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world is one family. The 28th CSPOC provided a rich platform for Speakers and Presiding Officers to exchange varying experiences and perspectives on issues of vital contemporary importance to the functioning of Parliaments across the Commonwealth, in a congenial environment marked by openness and mutual respect.

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New National Hospital on Track to Meet 2027 Completion

Government, Health, News

Governor Her Excellency Harriet Cross has given a positive review on the construction of the island’s new hospital. Following a recent visit to the new hospital site, Governor Cross said she is encouraged by the level of progress made in just under a year with several floors already being constructed, and the site busy with activity. She said medical equipment is already on order, and that the project is on track to be completed and operational by March 2027. The new hospital is expected to deliver State-of-the-art emergency care, comprehensive management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), on-site cancer screenings and improved systems for medical evacuations. The project is being spearheaded by Saint Lucia-based firm Construction & Industrial Equipment (CIE) Ltd.

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Governor Cross Expresses Confidence In Port Project

Government, News

Governor Her Excellency Harriet Cross is confident in the future of Montserrat Port Development Project. In an interview with ZJB News, Governor Cross acknowledged that the project has faced challenges but said all partners are working collaboratively to ensure strong oversight throughout the execution of the project. Governor Cross said recent on site work is showing encouraging signs of progress. Governor Her Excellency Harriet Cross.

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Government of Montserrat Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries Conduct Site Visit to Belham Valley Bridge and Isles Bay Beach Road

Government, News, Tourism

by Jenzil Skerritt, Press Secretary Montserrat – The Government of Montserrat on January 8 2026, undertook a ministerial site visit to the recently excavated Belham Valley Bridge and the re-established Isles Bay Beach Road, marking another important step in the island’s ongoing programme of infrastructure rehabilitation and resilience building. The site visit was led by the Premier of Montserrat and Minister of Finance, Hon. Reuben T. Meade, and included the Minister of Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour & Transport Hon. Veronica Dorsette Hector; Minister of Agriculture, Housing, Lands, the Environment, Youth and Sports, Hon. John Osborne; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands, the Environment, Youth and Sports (MAHLEYAS), Hon. Dwayne Hixon; and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Premier, Hon. Crenston C. Buffonge. The visit provided Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries with an opportunity to assess first-hand the progress and outcomes of works at both strategic locations. The Belham Valley Bridge, a critical crossing affected by years of volcanic activity and sedimentation, has been excavated, improving connectivity and access for residents, businesses, and emergency services. Similarly, the Isles Bay Beach Road restores access to an important coastal area, supporting community use, tourism activity, and future development opportunities. Premier Meade noted that the works form part of Government’s broader commitment to strengthening national infrastructure while improving safety, accessibility, and economic resilience. He emphasized that sustained investment in roads, bridges, and supporting infrastructure remains a priority for national development. Minister Dorsette Hector highlighted the technical and logistical efforts required to execute works in challenging environments, noting that careful planning and inter-agency coordination are key to delivering durable and climate-resilient infrastructure. The Government of Montserrat continues to advance strategic infrastructure projects aimed at improving quality of life, supporting economic growth, and enhancing resilience across the island. Further updates on ongoing and upcoming works will be shared with the public as projects progress.

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Premier & Agriculture Minister Visit Farmers In Water Works

Community, Government, News

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.

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