Government - ZJB Radio

New Initiative to Improve Understanding of Montserrat’s Forests and Water Resources

Environment, Government, News, Uncategorized

Local Agriculture officials continue to welcome the launch of the Thriving Ecosystems and Communities in Montserrat: Agroforestry and Sustainable Land Management Solutions project. Launched on Tuesday, in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), under the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC), the project aims to improve the understanding of the island’s forests and water resources, support ecosystem restoration, and explore opportunities for climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry and sustainable land management. Speaking at the launch, Director of Environment, Ernestine Corbett, said the initiative would help authorities make better informed decisions about protecting and sustainably managing the island’s natural environment. She explained that the Department had been seeking to advance the forest inventory and climate modeling initiative for some time, and welcomed the support of the RSPB in bringing the project to fruition. Director of the Department of Environment, Ernestine Corbett The new project will bring together local communities, land managers, farmers, government agencies, and conservation specialists to better understand the island’s natural resources and develop practical approaches to managing them sustainably.

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New Project Launched to Strengthen Water Security and Climate Resilience

Community, Environment, Government, News

Montserrat is set to strengthen its water security, forest management and climate resilience through a new project launched under the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC). The initiative dubbed Agroforestry and Sustainable Land Management Solutions, is funded through a UK Government initiative supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Speaking at the launch ceremony at the Montserrat National Trust on Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture Honourable John P Osborne said protecting and restoring nature must be recognized as an essential part of development. The project will focus on four interconnected areas, namely, water, forests, climate and livelihoods. Activities will include assessing springs, boreholes and aquifers, identifying priority watersheds for protection, developing a national forest inventory and collecting more detailed climate data specific to Montserrat. The initiative will also explore agroforestry and sustainable land management opportunities to improve agricultural resilience and create new forest-based business opportunities. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) UK Overseas Territories (UKOT) Officer for the Caribbean, Lyndon John, in giving an overview of the project said it presents a significant opportunity for Montserrat to be the first Overseas Territory possess a forest inventory.

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National Audit Office and Internal Audit Unit Revise MOU to Strengthen Public Sector Accountability

Community, Finance, Government, News

The National Audit Office (NAO) and the Internal Audit Unit (IAU) have reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, accountability and good governance through the formal revision of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), originally signed in 2013. The revised MOU was signed on 1 October 2026 by Auditor-General Marsha Meade and Chief Internal Auditor Romilly Murrain-Daley. The signing was witnessed by Deputy Auditor-General Urica Cassell and Internal Audit Manager Denecia West. The agreement strengthens the framework for cooperation between the two offices while recognising their distinct responsibilities and the importance of maintaining professional independence. A key provision of the revised MOU is the commitment to coordinated annual planning. Both offices will meet annually to develop a calendar of activities aimed at minimising unnecessary duplication of audit efforts, improving information-sharing and promoting the effective use of audit resources. While the NAO provides independent external scrutiny of government operations and accounts, the IAU supports management by evaluating internal controls, risk management and governance processes. These complementary functions play an important role in promoting transparency, accountability and the responsible management of public resources. The MOU also provides for annual review to ensure that the collaborative arrangements remain relevant and effective. Through continued cooperation and respect for their respective mandates, the NAO and IAU reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening public sector accountability and good governance in Montserrat.

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CARICOM Official Highlights Regional Trade as Key to Food Security for Small Islands

Environment, Finance, Government, News, Uncategorized

Assistant Secretary General – CARICOM Single Market Trade (CSMT) at the Caribbean Community Secretariat, Ambassador Wayne McCook has been explaining how small island states like Montserrat can benefit from regional food production and trade. He was responding to a question on how the regional grouping can mobilize to provide meaningful assistance to fledgling states to ensure food security. Ambassador McCook was at the time speaking during an interview while on a recent visit to Montserrat. The Jamaican is also an advisor to the Geneva Trade Platform at the Centre for Trade and Economic Integration of the Graduate Institute of Geneva, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Multilateral Negotiations (CEMUNE). Assistant Secretary General – CARICOM Single Market Trade (CSMT) at the Caribbean Community Secretariat, Ambassador Wayne McCook

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CARICOM Secretary-General Says Montserrat’s Regional Contribution Is Highly Valued

Government, News, Uncategorized

Despite the limitations brought on by its British Overseas Territory status, CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett says Montserrat’s contribution where regional functional cooperation is concerned is highly valued and recognized. She was speaking at the end of a recent visit to the island where she held discussions with government officials and other key stakeholders. Dr. Barnett highlights that Montserrat was one of the original signatories of the Treaty of Chaguaramas and as such has been able to be a part of discussions on the way forward for the region. CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett

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Government of Montserrat Moves to Advance Digital Transformation Focusing on Strengthening Data Protection and Improving Digital Public Services

Community, Government, News, Uncategorized

The Government of Montserrat is working to advance digital transformation, with a focus on strengthening data protection and improving digital public services here. The issues were highlighted during a workshop hosted by the Office of the Premier in collaboration with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, from October 19 to 21 at the Brades Arts and Education Centre. Associate Economic Affairs Officer within the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean- UNECLAC, Demetris Herkleous, said the workshop provides an opportunity to move from policy frameworks to practical implementation, helping Montserrat build the institutional capacity needed to deliver more effective digital services. He noted that Montserrat’s experience could also serve as a model for other small island developing states facing similar challenges. Demetris Herkleous. Meantime, Premier the Honourable Reuben Meade stressed the need for greater progress in using technology to improve government operations, pointing to the paperless government initiative. Premier Meade also highlighted the rollout of the health information system, which is intended to allow authorised doctors to access patients’ medical records when needed, including when they are overseas. Premier, the Honourable Reuben Meade

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Deputy Premier Reports Improvement in Water Production and Storage

Government, News

Improvements to Montserrat’s water infrastructure are already paying dividends. Minister of BUILT-E the Honourable Veronica Dorsette Hector says spring yields have increased since the program began which includes rehabilitation to water sources, storage, and distribution. The project comprises spring rehabilitation, reservoir improvement, and replacing aged pipelines. She reported that the water sources at Fogarty Spring Rehabilitation Works have been completed, and that the catchments are now sheltered and secured with fencing to protect from external intrusion through human or through animals. MUL has reported an increase in the yield of approximately 15,000 gallons per day following its completion. Mrs. Dorsette Hector aid there is also energy-saving benefits, because Fogarty is a gravity-fed source, therefore increased natural spring production reduces the level of pumping required from the Belham wells, reducing electricity demand and pressure on mechanical equipment. The Spring at Hope, has also been completed. The Minister noted that the together, the rehabilitation of Fogarty and Hope reduces the vulnerability of Montserrat’s water system and supports greater use of natural spring production. She said the rehabilitation is intended to capture and protect the available spring flow, more effectively improve water quality and strengthen the reliability of supply from the important natural sources. Meanwhile, the island’s water storage and distribution capacity has been increased. Tanks at Dick Hill, Lawyers, Davy Hill and St. Peter’s total approximately 842,000 gallons. Mrs. Dorsette Hector explained that the island has moved from having less than approximately one day of stored water supply to around three to five days under the improved system, which represents a significant improvement in Montserrat’s resilience.

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Government of Montserrat and Winair Sign Three-Year Air Transport Agreement

Community, Government, News

The Government of Montserrat and Winair have signed a three-year agreement to maintain scheduled air services between St Maarten and Montserrat. Under the agreement, Winair will operate a minimum of three flights per week using its Twin Otter aircraft. The arrangement runs until September 30th, 2029, with annual reviews to ensure continued operational and administrative coordination. The agreement forms part of the Government’s three-year Access Strategy and is intended to maintain reliable air links for residents, visitors, businesses and government travel. The partnership is also expected to support tourism, economic activity and stronger connections between Montserrat, St Maarten and the wider Caribbean. Flight schedules and booking availability will be announced through Winair’s official sales channels. Further information and reservations are available at Winair’s website, winair.sx.

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Government of Montserrat Outlines Several Areas That Will Lead to Economic Growth and Development Going Forward

Government

The government of Montserrat is pursuing a number of areas for economic diversification and growth, including agricultural transformation. So says Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade. The leader of government business also spoke about plans for renewable energy and geothermal development. Speaking during the recent sitting of Parliament, Premier Meade stated that increased attention will be place on domestic food production, agro-processing, fisheries, livestock and horticulture. He said this is intended to reduce dependence on imported food while creating additional income-generating opportunities for farmers, fishers, and businesses involved in the processing and distribution sectors. According to the Premier “energy is another area with significant potential for economic diversification. Government is continuing to work on geothermal development and the wider transition to renewable energy.” He explained that it is “our plan to explore the potential for developing Montserrat’s geothermalresources using technology that could generate electricity while also making productive use of geothermal heat. This represents an opportunity to strengthen energy security, support economic development, and create new opportunities for Montserrat. Human and capital participation.” Government is also focusing on skills development “so that residents are positioned to benefit from the investment taking place on the island. This includes technical and vocational education, apprenticeships, and training in areas where there is current and anticipated demand. The ECCB has similarly identified apprenticeships and specialized training in areas such as carpentry, masonry, and plumbing as measures that can increase local participation in economic activity,” he said. Government is pursuing digital transformation and other emerging economic opportunities as part of the effort to create economic activity that is not dependent on traditional sectors or public construction.

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Legislative Assembly Approves $5 million for Essential Hospital Equipment

Government, Health, News

The Legislative Assembly has approved an additional five million dollars to purchase essential equipment for the New National Hospital. The funds were approved under the Supplementary Appropriation (2026) Bill, 2026, which was debated earlier this week. Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Reuben T. Meade stated that the new funds are in addition to 4.5 already approved for hospital, which is due for completion in 2027. Premier Meade said the Supplementary Appropriation Bill also covers expenditure to address pension payments cleaning of government offices, and Access. He said approval was sought for expenditure of $1.5 million for Programme 120 to address pension and gratuity payments for the balance of fiscal year 2026-27. Mr. Meade explained that of that amount “we’re looking as well as ensuring that persons who are obtaining pensions of less than $900 that that is accounted for. There were shortfalls in gratuity payments. We’re trying to ensure that persons who have served can get their gratuities paid and that persons who are entitled to a pension, that their pension payments are adequately financed. Secondly, to approve expenditure of $443,000 to cover the shortfall in the funds to meet contractual cleaning obligations. Government offices are cleaned by a Co-op that was initiated some years ago. Prices have gone up. Minimum wage has gone up. We need to ensure that they get the additional funds required. And additionally, another company apparently has received a contract to assist in the cleaning. So, it will be split between the co-op and the new company. $443,000, that is between now and March. The Legislature approved the expenditure of $2 million to cover the shortfall in access to facilitate increased air access to the Twin Otter and Islander operations. The premier explained that “these are funds which clearly we needed to put in so that we can keep the cost of travel into and out of Montserrat at subsidized levels.” The Government sought and received approval for $5 million to facilitate the procurement of essential equipment for the new hospital. According to Mr. Meade the Government already provided $4.5 million, and “here is the promise of the additional $5 million. We have a shortfall, which we will address possibly either in another supplementary later in the year, depending on our fiscal space.” $1.5 to cover claims against government arising from ongoing legal costs half a million to cover additional refund payments also got the nod of members of the Legislative Council.

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