Government

BRADES, MONTSERRAT — The Government of Montserrat, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, is proud to announce that the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund (MBPF) Soft Loan Programme has approved its first wave of loans — a landmark achievement that represents a significant injection of concessional capital into the island’s agriculture, fisheries, and small business sectors. In under 45 days from the programme’s official launch, the MBPF’s Soft Loan Committee (SLC) has reviewed and approved fourteen loan applications across multiple productive sectors of the Montserrat economy. This milestone marks the first time the island has offered a dedicated, government-backed, no-credit-check, low-interest lending facility specifically designed for the businesses that form the backbone of Montserrat’s economy. “This is exactly the kind of transformational investment that Montserrat needs. The MBPF is not just a loan programme — it is a statement of confidence in our people, our entrepreneurs, and our island’s future. When we invest in our farmers, our fishers, and our small business owners, we invest in Montserrat itself. I am proud that this government has delivered a programme that is already making a tangible difference in the lives of our people, and I encourage every eligible Montserratian to come forward and take advantage of this opportunity.” — The Honourable Reuben T. Meade, Premier of Montserrat About the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund The MBPF Soft Loan Programme was established by the Government of Montserrat to provide accessible, affordable financing to entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers, and small business owners who have historically been underserved by traditional lending institutions. The programme is managed by Dr. Gary Morton and administered by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, with oversight from a dedicated Soft Loan Committee comprising representatives from government ministries and relevant sectors. Key features of the programme include: Programme Dashboard — Key Statistics Figure 1: MBPF Programme Dashboard — Applications by sector, fund utilisation, capital pool breakdown, and key programme metrics as of April 2026. Programme Achievements at a Glance Since its launch in early March 2026, the MBPF has demonstrated exceptional momentum: These results speak to both the depth of unmet demand among Montserrat’s business community and the effectiveness of the programme’s design and delivery. “These first approvals mark a major milestone for Montserrat. These loans are going directly into the hands of farmers, fishers, and entrepreneurs who will elevate their businesses while directly helping to grow our economy. We are proud of what has been achieved in such a short time, and we are committed to ensuring that every eligible Montserratian or Permanent Resident of Montserrat has access to the support they need to thrive.” — Dr. Gary Morton, Programme Manager, MBPF Sectors Supported — Building a More Diverse Economy The approved loans span a broad and strategically important cross-section of Montserrat’s productive economy: Fisheries:  The largest number of approved loans fall within the fisheries sector, reflecting both the sector’s economic importance and the depth of unmet need among Montserrat’s fishing community. Approved loans will fund the purchase of engines, fishing equipment, and vessels — directly expanding Montserrat’s local seafood production capacity, creating employment, and improving food security. Agriculture / Farming:  Approved agricultural loans will support productive farming activity, contributing to local food production and reducing the island’s dependence on imported produce. Hospitality & Tourism:  Investment in the hospitality sector supports Montserrat’s growing tourism economy and strengthens the local service offering for visitors and residents alike. Construction & Trades:  Approved loans in this sector will expand the capacity of skilled tradespeople to serve the local construction market — a sector in high demand given ongoing development activity across the island. Information Technology & Technical Services:  Investment in tech and IT services reflects the government’s commitment to positioning Montserrat as a modern, diversified economy. Approved loans in this area will expand local technical capacity, create employment, and meet rising community demand for skilled service professionals. Consultancy & Professional Services:  Loans supporting professional services businesses, including renewable energy and technical consultancy, signal a commitment to building Montserrat’s knowledge economy alongside its traditional productive sectors. Economic Impact — What This Means for Montserrat The MBPF represents far more than a lending facility. It is a catalyst for broad-based economic development on Montserrat — one that addresses structural gaps in capital access that have constrained business growth for generations. The direct and indirect economic benefits of the programme’s first wave of approvals include: With EC$1,457,000 in capital still available and strong community interest continuing to build, the programme is well-positioned to deliver even greater impact in the months ahead. “The breadth and quality of applications we have received reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that exists on this island. There are capable, ambitious people here who simply needed access to affordable capital. This programme is providing that — and the results are already clear.” — Mr. Jerson Badal, Chair, Soft Loan Committee Capital Is Still Available — How to Apply The MBPF Soft Loan Programme remains open for applications. Entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers, agro-processors, and small business owners across all sectors are encouraged to come forward. Who is eligible? The programme is particularly and actively seeking applications from: To apply or to find out more, contact the MBPF Programme Manager: Email: MBPF@gov.ms The application form, programme guidelines, and full eligibility criteria are available on request. About the Government of Montserrat The Government of Montserrat is committed to building a vibrant, resilient, and diversified economy through strategic investment in its people, businesses, and productive sectors. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management oversees a range of economic development initiatives, including the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund Soft Loan Programme. For media enquiries, please contact: MBPF@gov.ms MBPF Soft Loan Programme  |  Ministry of Finance and Economic Management  |  Government of Montserrat

The Office of the Premier held a productive meeting with key stakeholders involved in the planning and execution of Montserrat’s premier cultural event—the St. Patrick’s Festival. The meeting was convened by Parliamentary Secretary Honourable Crenston C. Buffonge, who has responsibility for Culture and Tourism. It brought together several local event promoters, alongside senior representatives including Chairman of the Montserrat Arts Council (MAC), Austin Howe, and Press Secretary Jenzil Skerritt. Discussions centered on reviewing the 2026 St. Patrick’s Festival, highlighting both successes and opportunities for growth. Stakeholders commended the level of collaboration between promoters, government agencies, and community partners, which contributed to a vibrant and engaging festival calendar that attracted both residents and visitors. Key points emerging from the meeting included enhanced Collaboration between promoters and government officials to ensure seamless event delivery, and cultural preservation, the festival continues to play a critical role in preserving Montserrat’s rich heritage while expanding its appeal as a unique cultural tourism product. Stakeholders acknowledged the positive economic contributions generated through increased visitor arrivals, local business engagement, and entertainment activities, and identified areas for improvement include marketing reach, logistics coordination, and infrastructure support to further elevate the festival experience. Parliamentary Secretary Buffonge emphasized the Government’s continued support for the festival, noting that “the St. Patrick’s Festival remains a cornerstone of Montserrat’s cultural identity and tourism strategy.” The Office of the Premier says it recognizes the dedication and creativity of all event promoters and partners who contributed to the success of the 2026 festival and looks forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.