News

Managing Director of Montserrat Utilities Limited (MUL) Julian Daniel has elaborated on plans to strengthen electricity services on island. MUL is in line to benefit from a series of projects aimed at reducing costs, and minimizing power outages that are plagued the island. In a statement, Daniel said that among the most significant steps forward is the expansion of renewable energy, with solar power already contributing to the grid. MONTSERRAT’S CULTURAL IDENTITY The New Legacy youth group’s recent debate competition further brought conversation to the fore on the importance of having a cultural identity on Montserrat, and how social media may or may not affect shaping it. Jahniqueca Wilkins, first speaker for the proposition, argued that social media platforms such as TikTok expose youth to foreign trends, while local traditions like masquerade and Montserratian dialect remain largely absent online. She noted that 57 percent of the island’s population are social media users. Ms Wilkins warned that cultural imperialism and hybridization were eroding Montserrat’s unique identity, blurring the lines between local heritage and global influences. Meanwhile… First speaker for the Opposition, Aaliyah Weekes, disputed that social media is amplifying and preserving Montserrat’s cultural identity. Using St. Patrick’s Festival as an example, she said that while many now join the celebration virtually through livestreams and online sharing, the core of Montserrat’s traditions such as masquerade, food, music, and heritage remains unchanged. According to Weekes, Montserrat’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its African and Irish heritage, oral traditions, and community values. These, she argued, cannot be created or redefined by social media but only reflected and shared. DR. FIGUEROA RECOMMEND DIET & EXERCISE FOR THOSE BATTLING PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE A medical practitioner has recommended diet and exercise as more persons here struggle with peripheral artery disease, also known as cardio vascular disease. Dr. Maria Figueroa says at risk persons are those who consume alcohol, smoke, are obese and have hypertension and diabetes. She says the disease, which can lead to amputation, occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the limbs, mainly the feet.

Businesses across Montserrat will be able to strengthen their customer service skills when the Montserrat Tourism Authority (MTA) hosts its Customer Service Training Program later this month. As part of this year’s Tourism Week activities, the training will begin on Monday, September 29, targeting business professionals and customer-facing staff from both the public and private sectors. According to the MTA, the initiative is an important step toward improving service excellence, enhancing the island’s tourism experience, and positioning Montserrat as a premier destination in the region. Department heads are asked to submit the names of staff members who will attend. Submissions can be made by calling the Montserrat Tourism Authority at 491-4700/02/03 or emailing info@montserrattourism.ms. The MTA emphasizes that widespread participation will help build a stronger culture of service on the island, creating lasting benefits for both residents and visitors.

The Department of Community, Youth and Sports Services DCYSS has announced Youth Week 2025. The week of activities will be observed from September 22 to 28 under the theme “Breaking Limitations to Create a Future of Endless Possibilities.” The week-long celebration will feature a variety of activities including radio tips and quizzes, and youth features. The much anticipated Annual Career Fair, is scheduled for Friday, September 26. Festivities will close on Sunday, September 28, with a relay festival at the Little Bay playing field from 2 to 5 pm, to which the public is invited. Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable John P. Osborne, encouraged young people to use their connections and opportunities to enhance their career pathways and life journeys. According to Director of the DCYSS Anne Thomas, the department will continue to provide platforms to celebrate youth achievements, amplify their voices, and equip them with tools to break limitations. The department called on families, educators, organizations, and the Government to support youth as they lead with creativity, resilience, and vision.

Speaker of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly, Honourable Marjorie Smith, last week represented the island at the 47th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic (CAA) Region. Held in The Bahamas from September 5–13, the high-level gathering, which drew more than 80 delegates, including Speakers, Members of Parliament, and observers from across the wider Commonwealth, focused on the theme “Deepening of Regional Democracy – An Independent Parliament.” Discussions across the week highlighted pressing regional challenges, including the advancement of gender-sensitive legislation, parliamentary budgeting, and the growing impact of climate change on small and vulnerable states. Ahead of the main conference, the 15th Regional Conference for Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) convened, with delegates welcomed by The Bahamas’ Minister of Labour and Public Service, Pia Glover-Rolle, MP, and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, Lisa Rahming, MP. Their remarks were centred on women’s empowerment in politics, addressing gender bias, and strengthening pathways for greater female participation in governance. The CWP sessions and the Regional CWP Steering Committee meeting were chaired by Hon. Rochelle Forde, MP, Speaker of the House of Assembly of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who currently serves as the Caribbean Region’s representative on the CWP International Steering Committee. In addition to the parliamentary and CWP sessions, the week also featured the 18th CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Regional Youth Parliament, the annual meeting of the CPA CAA Regional Executive Committee, and the Region’s Annual General Meeting. The CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region brings together 19 legislatures, spanning national, sub-national, and territorial parliaments. Its conferences provide a critical platform for parliamentarians to share experiences, strengthen democratic practices, and address shared regional concerns.

The Montserrat Tourism Authority has announced the dates for Tourism Week 2025. The week of celebration displaying Montserrat’s beauty, culture, environment and people will unfold from September 27th to October 3rd under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. According to the MTA the celebration begins with a radio address by the minister of tourism and a scavenger hunt on Saturday September 27th. Sunday, the 28th has been set aside for a church service and tourism fun day and beach lyme while Monday the 29th will be dedicated to customer service training. The week, which also includes a daily radio quiz and a photo and video competition, climaxes with a Restaurant Showcase and youth debate. Tourism Week is renowned for its exciting and educational celebration of the island’s rich culture and natural beauty. Meantime, Montserrat has once again captured the top prize at the Antigua Police Week 2025 Food Fair, securing the overall championship for the third consecutive year. The event, held on September 12, featured teams of ten—including both police officers and civilians—competing in categories such as creativity, taste, presentation, team organization, and attire. Team Montserrat, led by Corporal Dalia Drew, impressed judges across all segments to claim the top honor. Corporal Drew expressed gratitude to the Montserrat Tourism Authority for its consistent support and also thanked Sgt. Kirk Brade, Basil Chambers, Randolph Benjamin, Eloise Henry, and the Antiguan public for their encouragement and warm reception. CEO of the Montserrat Tourism Authority, Mrs. Rosetta West-Gerald, congratulated Corporal Drew’s leadership and creativity. She commended the corporal for flying the Montserrat flag with pride and excellence and said her dedication and creativity helps the island stand out in the regional showcase.