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

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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Premier Meade Praises work Done on Montserrat Cultural Center

Culture, Government, News

Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade is praising the refurbishment work done on the Montserrat Cultural Center building. The Center was used for the first time since refurbishment on Tuesday for the Opening of the Eighteenth Session of the Eighteenth Parliament. Premier Meade expressed gratitude to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the funds provided for the building’s refurbishment. He says the building will be used for dual purposes: as the house of parliament as well as a Cultural Center. He thanked the FCDO “for the provision of the funds and also the Speaker of the United Kingdom Parliament, Sir Hoyle, who championed the cause for the financing of a Parliament building in Montserrat.” Premier Meade explained that “unfortunately, we were faced with a challenge when it was determined that Montserrat was to be graduated from Official Development Assistance. This led to a decision by the funders that the allocated monies must be spent by March 31st, 2026. The Leader of Government Business said that this was later extended to June 30th, 2026. “Since there were no architectural renderings available at the time, it was determined in consultation with the FCDO that the best option was to utilise the funds to renovate the rather dilapidated Cultural Centre, which will be used jointly as a House of Parliament and the Cultural Centre. And today, Madam Speaker, we have opened this building as the House of Parliament. Later on, it will be opened for its other use as the Cultural Centre, a dual-purpose building,” he stated. The Premier also thanked those responsible for bringing the refurbishment works to completion including “the project management team led by Mr. Venrick Foster and Mr. Damien Williams, for bringing in the project on time and well within cost, to the various contractors and workers, who in spite of the many challenges of shipping, have completed the works to a satisfactory quality, to the joint government and FCDO project monitoring team, thanks very much for facilitating speedy decision making on all elements of the financing. Through all the challenges, we have delivered a successful project.” Meantime, Premier Meade highlighted the acquisition of a new clerk’s table for parliament. The table was provided by the Canadian parliament at the request of former speaker of the House, Shirley Osborne. Premier Meade expressed gratitude to the Canadian parliament and former speaker Osborne for the initiative.

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Government Paints Positive Outlook for Montserrat in 2027 and Beyond

Government, News

The government of Montserrat is painting a positive outlook for the island in 2027 and beyond. Speaking on the latest “Let’s Talk” radio programme, leader of government business, Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade said among a number of initiatives, the government is expecting movement on the Little Bay Port Development project again in the new year. He spoke also of a spending slow down on a few major projects that are nearing completion but an uptick in others that would boost economic activity on island.

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Government of Montserrat Moves Closer to Securing a Ferry Service

Government, News

The Government of Montserrat has taken another major step to secure a new passenger ferry service for the island. On Tuesday, the government opened tender for operators to provide ferry and cargo services to the island for a six-month period, from December 1st 2026 to May 31st 2027. Under the proposed arrangement, the primary service would operate between Montserrat and Antigua five to six days per week, while a secondary Montserrat-Nevis service would operate one to two days per week. The tender also provides for special voyages between Montserrat and either St. Maarten or Guadeloupe. According to the tender document, the selected operator is required to provide a fully crewed vessel and handle both passenger and cargo operations. The service provider is also responsible for fuel, agency facilitation, port charges and docking fees, while retaining passenger ticketing and cargo revenue. The tender document specifies that the proposed vessel must have a minimum certified capacity of 100 passengers, a service speed of at least 18 knots and be suitable for open-sea operations. The procurement is being conducted under the Public Procurement Act and Regulations 2025. The deadline for companies interested in providing the service to submit their tenders is Tuesday, October 27th at midday.

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Caribbean Development Bank Offers Scholarship in Public Procurement, Montserratians Encouraged to Apply

Finance, Government, News

The opportunity exists for persons here to access world-class training in public procurement through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB’s) scholarship programme. The Bank is currently accepting applications for two fully funded scholarships to pursue an International Masters programme in Public Procurement Management at the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy for the 2026/2027 academic year. These scholarships are open to applicants from the Bank’s nineteen Borrowing Member Countries, including Montserrat. Speaking about the scholarship, Head of Procurement at the Government Procurement Services, Alfredo Landaeta told ZJB News that procurement is an area the government is looking to expand. Explaining the benefits of the scholarship, he stated that “there are very few professionals that can do public procurement, [which] is something that government is actually looking for people to enter into. So, Monserrate is one of those countries. We currently have two vacant positions which we hope to advertise very soon and I will encourage local Monserratians to come and apply….to work with us. I would love that. Landaeta announced that the Caribbean Development Bank is sponsoring a Master Degree in Italy and they “will actually have all expenses paid to Italy, plus the tuition, plus accommodation and they will have a living allowance for meals and so forth. If you need a visa for Italy, then the CDB will also actually help you to go to a country in the Caribbean where the Italian embassy or consulate is there and you can apply for a visa.” He is encouraging “anyone to visit the Caribbean Development Bank webpage, look for the Master’s Degree, the scholarship, and apply for it.” .

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Ministry of Agriculture Strengthens Water Access for Farmers in Blakes Estate

Government, News

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Environment and Youth has completed the installation of an essential water storage and distribution system in Blakes Estate, providing much-needed support to approximately 20 farmers operating in the area. The intervention is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to address key factors of production and create the conditions necessary for farmers to increase and sustain agricultural output across Montserrat. The newly established system includes five 1,000-gallon water storage tanks, connected through a distribution network designed to provide farmers with improved access to water. The system is also supported by dams in the surrounding area, strengthening the overall water supply infrastructure for agricultural production. Speaking about the intervention, farmer Clovis Esberry welcomed the Ministry’s investment. He said that reliable access to water will make a significant difference for farmers and will allow them to produce crops more consistently. The project was coordinated by Ministry of Agriculture Project Coordinator Joseph Espirit, who, together with two of the Ministry’s skilled young team members, Chase and Oswald, worked diligently to install and establish the storage and distribution system. The installation represents a practical investment in Montserrat’s agricultural infrastructure, particularly as farmers continue to face challenges associated with reliable water availability. Minister responsible for Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Environment and Youth, Hon. John Osborne, said the water distribution project forms part of a wider commitment by the Ministry and the UA administration to increase the factors of production available to local farmers. The Minister and his team have been advancing initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ access to financial support through the Small Business Loan (SBL) programme, as well as access to arable lands at Silver Hills, Mongo Hill and Waterworks Estate, with Groves Estate expected to be added to the available agricultural lands. With the addition of improved water access at Blakes Estate, the Ministry is continuing to build the infrastructure needed to support farmers from land preparation through to production. Minister Osborne said these investments are intended to move Montserrat closer to increased domestic food production and greater access to locally grown produce. “We are continuing to put the necessary factors of production in place — access to land, access to financing and now improved access to water — so that our farmers can produce more. The goal is simple: to increase our agricultural production so that we can all eat fresher food.” The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to work with farmers and other stakeholders to identify practical interventions that can strengthen agricultural production, improve food security and create greater opportunities for Montserrat’s farming community.

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Montserrat Advances Geothermal Development Following High-Level Meeting with Enogia

Government, News

The Government of Montserrat has taken a further step towards advancing the island’s geothermal energy resources following a productive meeting between the Honourable Premier of Montserrat Reuben T. Meade, and Guillaume Arnaud of Enogia, a French technology company specialising in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems for converting heat into electricity. The meeting focused on the potential development of Montserrat’s geothermal resources and the opportunity to establish an integrated model combining renewable electricity generation with the productive use of geothermal heat, including the potential development of a spa and related thermal applications. Preliminary Technical Work Underway The discussions were supported by preliminary technical work examining the potential application of ORC technology to Montserrat’s MON-1 and MON-2 geothermal wells. Based on preliminary assumptions from 2025 flow-test data, both wells have been modelled with preliminary flow rates. These figures remain subject to further testing and engineering validation. Enogia has experience with geothermal applications in which ORC systems generate electricity while cooling geothermal water for subsequent uses, including geothermal bathing facilities in Japan and Iceland. Modular Approach The technical discussions have also considered a modular architecture in which ORC units could potentially be deployed close to individual wellheads. Such an approach could allow for progressive development, reduced piping and civil-work requirements and greater operational flexibility. An intermediate heat-exchanger loop would also allow the geothermal brine to be isolated from the ORC equipment, with the final configuration to be determined following further technical assessment of geothermal chemistry, scaling, efficiency, maintenance and cost considerations. A Further Step Towards Montserrat’s Geothermal Future Premier Meade welcomed the discussions as an important step in examining how Montserrat can make productive use of its geothermal resources: “Montserrat has a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop its geothermal resources in a way that strengthens energy security, economic development and creates new opportunities for the people of Montserrat. Our discussions with Enogia have helped to advance our understanding of what may be technically possible, and we look forward to continuing that work on the island.” Guillaume Arnaud said: “We were very pleased to meet with Premier Meade and to discuss the potential for geothermal development in Montserrat. The preliminary technical work gives us an interesting basis for further investigation, and we look forward to visiting Montserrat and continuing the discussions with the Government and its technical partners.” The discussions are non-binding and do not constitute a contractual commitment by the Government of Montserrat or Enogia. The Government of Montserrat will continue to assess any future development in accordance with applicable technical, financial, regulatory and procurement requirements.

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Artificial Intelligence and Technology – the Focus of ICT Week

Government, News

The Department of Information, Technology and E-Government Services, DITES, has set Artificial Intelligence and technology as the focus for this year’s ICT Weeks of celebration. This year’s programme will run for two weeks, from September 28th to October 9th, under the theme, “Empowering Tomorrow: AI for Everyone.” The programme is designed to explore how technology and Artificial Intelligence can help people develop new skills, work more efficiently, create new opportunities and build a more connected Montserrat. The activities will begin with the official launch and an AI practical experience at the Montserrat Cultural Centre on September 28th. An AI for Small Business and Productivity Workshop will also be held from September 28th to October 2nd. This will be followed by a Prompt Engineering and Generative AI Literacy Masterclass from October 5th to 9th. Another activity, Create with AI: Turning Ideas into Content that Sells and Serve, will take place virtually from October 6th to 8th. Weekly AI tips will also be shared online and on ZJB Radio. Throughout the two weeks, there will also be daily radio quizzes on ZJB. The activities are open to students, entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, public officers and anyone interested in learning more about Artificial Intelligence.

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