Government

Public Works Department Commences Road Improvement Works at Jones Hill, St. Peter’s

The Public Works Department (PWD) under the Ministry of Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure and Transportation has commenced road improvement works in the Jones Hill area, St. Peter’s. This initiative is part of the Government of Montserrat’s ongoing commitment to enhance road safety, improve accessibility, and upgrade key transportation routes across the island. The current phase involves resurfacing, drainage improvements, and general road rehabilitation to ensure safer and smoother travel for motorists and residents. Director of Public Works (Ag) Felix Persaud, noted that the Jones Hill project represents another step in the Ministry’s strategic effort to modernize Montserrat’s road network. “We are pleased to continue our road enhancement programme, ensuring communities like Jones Hill benefit from safer and more reliable infrastructure,” the Director said. Minister for the Ministry og Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour and Transportation, Hon. Veronica Kay Dorsette – Hector, also expressed satisfaction with the progress being made. “The Government remains focused on maintaining and upgrading vital infrastructure to support economic activity and improve quality of life. These roadworks are part of our broader effort to strengthen connectivity across Montserrat. The Ministry has heard the cry of the people and this effort marks the beginning of improving the condition of the entire road network of Montserrat.” Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving through the work area and to follow any guidance provided by road crews. The Ministry appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as these necessary works are carried out to provide long-term benefits for all road users. Jenzil Skerritt

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Montserrat Government Improves Access to Key Heritage and Tourism Site

The Government of Montserrat has successfully completed the clearing and rehabilitation of the access road leading to St. George’s Hill, one of the island’s most historically significant and scenic locations. This initiative forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance Montserrat’s tourism product and expand opportunities for local tour operators. The improved access will allow new bus tours and guided excursions to operate safely to and from St. George’s Hill, providing both residents and visitors with an unparalleled view of the island’s transformation and resilience. The works included clearing overgrown vegetation, stabilizing the roadway, and improving drainage along key sections. These upgrades were carried out by the Public Works Department with the support of local contractors, ensuring employment opportunities for community members while strengthening the island’s tourism infrastructure. Premier, the Honorable Reuben T. Meade, commenting on the initiative, noted that reopening the road to St. George’s Hill is about more than just improving access, it is about reconnecting people to a part of Montserrat’s history and creating new experiences that showcase Montserrat’s strength, beauty, and potential for growth. St. George’s Hill overlooks the buried capital of Plymouth and the Soufrière Hills volcano, and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Caribbean. The site stands as a symbol of Montserrat’s resilience and has long been a point of pride for citizens and visitors alike. The Government of Montserrat says it remains committed to developing sustainable tourism initiatives that highlight the island’s natural and cultural heritage, while providing new avenues for economic activity across communities.

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Parliamentary Secretary Highlights Need to Diversify Visitor Demographics

Parliamentary Secretary, Honourable Crenston Buffonge says Montserrat must widen its tourism source markets. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, he stated that just over 13,000 visitors came to the island in 2024. However, Mr. Buffonge, who has responsibility for Tourism, noted that the majority of those visitors were members of the Montserrat diaspora. He remarked that while this is important, the island must broaden the demographic to reach the adventure traveler, and attract cultural enthusiasts who want the Montserrat experience.

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Housing Rehabilitation and New Build Construction Project Rolled Out to Assist Residents

Minister for Housing, Honourable John Osborne has announced that the government will be assisting several persons with critical repairs to their homes. In a speech in the Legislative Assembly, marking the United Alliance’s first year in office, Mr. Osborne stated that ten persons will benefit in the first instance from the Housing Rehabilitation and New Build Construction project. He stated that more assistance will be forthcoming in phase two. Minister Osborne said the Land Development Authority also undertook corrective maintenance to more than two dozen government social homes. Meantime, Mr. Osborne gave an update on phase one of the Drummonds Infrastructure and New Built Project.

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MUL Manager Julian Daniel Highlights Ongoing Transmission and Distribution Challenges Behind Power Outages

The manager of Montserrat Utilities Limited (MUL), Julian Daniel, has been speaking about the challenges the agency has been facing this year pertaining to its electrical division. The island has been plagued with periodic power outages for the year, and especially in recent times. Speaking to ZJB News, Mr Daniel stated that for the better part of 2025, the challenge has not been with the generation of electricity. He draws particular attention to the issues that they have been facing on the transmission and distribution side of their operations. Manager of MUL, Julian Daniel

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MONTSERRAT GOVERNMENT UK OFFICE MOVES TO NEW LOCATION IN LONDON

The Government of Montserrat UK Office (MGUKO) is pleased to announce the official relocation of its London office to a new, modern space in Victoria. The move reflects MGUKO’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility, strengthening services, and deepening engagement with the Montserratian community, business partners, and stakeholders across the UK and Europe. The new Office Address is: Montserrat Government UK Office 162 Buckingham Palace Road London, SW1W 9TR The new Contact Number is: Telephone: +44 (0)20 3031 8067 The relocation creates a more accessible and professional space for hosting business, community, cultural, and diplomatic engagements. Government of Montserrat Representative and Head of the UK Office, Kei-Retta Farrell, said: “Our new location represents not just a change of address but a renewed step forward in our ambition to strengthen Montserrat’s voice in the UK. The office is committed to being a bridge between Montserrat and the wider world—supporting our diaspora, advancing trade and investment opportunities, and showcasing the island’s unique heritage and potential on the global stage.” The Montserrat Government UK Office provides consular services, diaspora engagement, cultural promotion, trade and investment facilitation, and diplomatic representation for Montserrat in the UK and Europe.

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Montserrat Joins Caribbean overseas Territories in preparing for Joint Ministerial Council

The Caribbean Overseas Territories are gearing up for the Joint Ministerial Council with the Government of the United Kingdom in London, England. The leaders are expected to advance shared priorities, including constitutional advancement and good governance, financial services and beneficial ownership, and border security and regional cooperation. Other possible agenda items are climate change and resilience, economic resilience and trade opportunities, and access to healthcare and education in the United Kingdom. The JMC is the main forum for elected leaders from the territories to meet with UK ministers to shape policy and strengthen their partnership.  It is the highest level of political dialogue between the leaders of the Overseas Territories and UK ministers, and involves elected leaders and representatives from all 14 Overseas Territories. These include six from the Caribbean – Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks & Caicos. At last year’s meeting the Leaders welcomed five principles that were set out to guide the UK’s relationship with the elected Governments of the Overseas Territories. They were devolution; listening to the Overseas Territories; partnership with the OT’s based on mutual respect and inclusion; good governance; and defending the Overseas Territories’ security, autonomy and rights, including the right of self-determination. 

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United Alliance Administration Continues Focus on Sustainable Economic Development for Montserrat

The United Alliance (UA) Government is celebrating its first full year in office. The first year in government, following the October 24 victory at the polls, would likely have been dominated by  work on significant development projects supported by the United Kingdom (UK) government. The United Alliance’s first year is also marked by their efforts to fulfill campaign promises, such as strengthening the economy and developing infrastructure, as part of the broader UK-Montserrat development partnership. Some of the Key developments in the UA’s first year include the New Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross taking up her appointment here in April 2025, succeeding Sarah Tucker; Continued UK support where the UK-Montserrat development partnership, a £40 million program aimed at supporting infrastructure and economic growth, continued during this period. Additional work on major projects, such as the new National Hospital, continuing under the new government; Focus on economic growth: The alliance’s first year is marked by a continued focus on implementing policies aimed at fostering economic growth and encouraging private sector development; and Strengthening partnerships: The United Alliance government has been focusing on strengthening partnerships with the UK and other international partners, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and economic support. Appearing on the “What’s On Your Mind” radio programme on ZJB Thursday, Public Relations Officer, Jenzil Skerritt stated that the job is far from complete. He called for a united effort to move Montserrat forward into sustained growth and development.

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Government of Montserrat Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Salem Community Action Group for Salem Community Resource Centre

In a momentous occasion for the local Salem Community, the Government of Montserrat, and the Salem Community Action Group have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the handing over of the keys to the newly constructed Salem Community Resource Centre. The event took place in the presence of key stakeholders, including the Minister of Youth Affairs, his Permanent Secretary, the Director of the Department of Community, Youth and Sports Services (DCYSS) alongside representatives from the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF). The signing ceremony marked the completion of a long-awaited project that will serve as a beacon for community development and youth empowerment on the Island.   The Salem Community Resource Centre is set to become a hub for education, training, recreational activities, and social services, providing residents of Salem and surrounding areas with a space to gather, learn, and grow. Permanent Secretary, Daphne Cassell, expressed great enthusiasm over the signing of the MOU, emphasizing the building’s transformative potential for youth engagement and community cohesion. She stated that Tuesday was a defining moment in the growth and development of the Salem community. Cassell also pointed out that the new facility not only represents a physical space for young people and residents to connect and thrive, but also symbolizes the Government’s commitment to creating opportunities that promote youth empowerment, education, and well-being. The building was funded by the BNTF, as an initiative designed to support sustainable development through infrastructure projects that benefit the community. It was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Government of Montserrat, the BNTF, and local stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the Disaster Management Coordination Agency. BNTF representatives, including local Project Manager Mervin Browne noted that the Salem Community Resource Centre is one of the projects funded under the current round of investment, aimed at providing equitable access to key services for local communities. President of the Salem Community Action Group Barbara Bass, emphasized that the signing of the MOU, and the handing over of the keys, Represent the culmination of years of planning and collaboration, signalling the start of a new chapter for the Salem Community. As part of the MOU signing, the keys to the community centre were officially handed over to local authorities, with the promise of continued support and partnership in maintaining the centre’s operations and programmes. The Salem Community Resource Centre will be open to the public, with plans for various activities and events designed to enhance the local community’s social and economic development. The facility will also offer training programs for youth, workshops, and recreational activities, aiming to provide a safe and productive environment for all age groups.

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Agriculture Minister Pushes for Better Trade Data and Marketing

Minister of Agriculture, Honourable John P. Osborne, is emphasizing the need for stronger inter-regional trade as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) works to meet its updated food security target under the 25 by 25 plus 5 initiative. The programme, which originally aimed to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 percent by 2025, has now been extended by five years, reflecting the challenges member states have faced in meeting the original deadline. Minister Osborne, who also serves as Chairman of the OECS Council of Ministers of Agriculture, said one of the key issues lies in how trade data is reported. He explained that while statistics often highlight imports from major partners like the United States, they fail to capture the extent of inter-regional trade within the Caribbean.   The agriculture minister also pointed to marketing and information gaps as major barriers to regional trade. He noted that while Jamaica produces large quantities of chicken, regional buyers- including those in Montserrat, are often unaware of these opportunities. Minister Osborne said he plans to continue discussions with the OECS Director General and the CARICOM Secretariat, both of whom have expressed support for his efforts to enhance regional cooperation.

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