News - ZJB Radio

Director of Montserrat Red Cross shares Focus Areas for Organization

Recently appointed Director of the Montserrat Red Cross, Delmaude Ryan, says one of her immediate priorities is ensuring the organization is aligned with its mission to support vulnerable people in the community. Ryan was speaking with ZJB news and explained that the focus is on determining how many individuals will be reached through Red Cross programmes and how those initiatives will improve readiness and resilience within the community. Ryan said improving communication with the public is a key part of the organization’s future direction, ensuring that residents better understand how the Red Cross operates locally and how its programmes benefit the community.

Director of Montserrat Red Cross shares Focus Areas for Organization Read More »

Dr. Samuel Joseph Leads 2026 St. Patrick’s Lecture

News

“The Magic Trap: Why Montserrat Must Raise Architects, Not Followers” This was the topic of discussion at the Annual St. Patrick’s Lecture 2026 on Wednesday. Presented by numeracy specialist and educator Dr. Samuel Joseph, the lecture centered on the importance of raising youth to think and produce instead of only following processes. Dr. Joseph said compliance is taught, noting the factors mostly considered to make a “good student”. He highlighted the need to redesign the education system to escape the procedure trap. Dr. Joseph also explained why students must develop their thinking and reasoning skills before using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool. He said children must have prior knowledge so that they can command the AI. This, he dubbed as “cognitive sovereignty.” This lecture was a collaborative presentation between the University of the West Indies Global Campus – Montserrat and the Montserrat Arts Council. The St. Patrick’s Lecture is an annual event founded by Sir Howard Fergus.

Dr. Samuel Joseph Leads 2026 St. Patrick’s Lecture Read More »

Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Team Visits Montserrat

News

Strengthening security practices in Montserrat is the primary aim of a visiting team from the Mines Advisory Group (MAG). Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross, welcomed the team to the island on Tuesday March 10, 2026. The MAG crew is on island working with CARICOM IMPACS to support the safe management of armouries and the responsible disposal of old or unserviceable weapons across the region. This work helps ensure Montserrat’s systems continue to meet the highest international safety standards. Governor Cross expressed her appreciation for the team’s visit and their commitment to strengthening security practices both on Montserrat and across the wider region. As part of their visit, they also met with the Commissioner of Police and armoury experts at the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS). CARICOM IMPACS (Implementation Agency for Crime and Security) is the specialized institution responsible for managing the Caribbean’s regional security agenda. It works to protect the region by coordinating actions against transnational organized crime, enhancing cybersecurity, and securing maritime, environmental, and natural resources to foster a safer, sustainable Caribbean community. Established in 2006, IMPACS is central to the security pillar of the Caribbean Community.

Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Team Visits Montserrat Read More »

Potential of Montserrat’s Geothermal Resources Explored

News

Plans to develop the island’s geothermal resources could play a key role in reducing reliance on Budget Aid. That’s according to Premier, the Honourable Reuben T Meade. Premier Meade said the focus on geothermal development looks beyond the generation of electricity for local consumption, but also as a means of creating new economic opportunities that could strengthen the island’s economy.

Potential of Montserrat’s Geothermal Resources Explored Read More »

Office of the Auditor General Completes Review of Customs Trade Facilitation on Montserrat

News

Auditor General Marsha Meade has announced that her office has completed a review of Customs Trade Facilitation on Montserrat. The report, which was presented to the Legislative Assembly on March 03rd, assessed the internal staffing, resources, and processes of the Customs Division as well as frontline procedures, facilities, and Customs Division’s relations with stakeholders affecting imports, exports, and international travel to and from Montserrat. Ms. Meade says there were key findings in the report covering several areas, such as searches of goods and services and the use of Information Technology. Ms. Meade says the Office of the Auditor General is recommending the return of the customs Canine Unit.

Office of the Auditor General Completes Review of Customs Trade Facilitation on Montserrat Read More »

Montserrat Ministry of Health Continues Quest to Improve Healthcare Delivery

Health, News

The Ministry of Health is continuing its quest to improve healthcare delivery on the island. Minister, Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge has announced that the UK government has approved the provision of an emergency medicine consultant. Dr. Buffonge explains that the quality of care will improve significantly with this specialist onboard. Dr. Buffonge says the government is also working on increasing the number of doctors at the Casualty Department. Dr. Buffonge was speaking at a recent town hall meeting organized by the United Alliance party.

Montserrat Ministry of Health Continues Quest to Improve Healthcare Delivery Read More »

Young Montserrat Representative Highlights Local Renewable Energy at Regional Workshop

Community, News, Youth

A young Montserratian representative has highlighted the island’s commitment to sustainable energy and climate resilience during a regional youth workshop in Jamaica. Detrel Rogers, a member of New Legacy, delivered a presentation outlining Montserrat’s progress toward renewable energy during the Caribbean Youth Climate and Sustainable Energy Workshop. Addressing participants, Rogers said Montserrat remains particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. He explained that small island territories face multiple challenges including environmental threats and energy vulnerability. During his presentation, Rogers outlined several initiatives aimed at transforming the island’s energy sector. Despite these achievements, he noted that challenges remain, particularly in accessing climate financing.

Young Montserrat Representative Highlights Local Renewable Energy at Regional Workshop Read More »

Montserrat Government Boosts Support for Children with Special Needs

Community, Education, News

The Government of Montserrat has demonstrated seriousness in providing support to children with special needs. The Ministry of Education’s budget has been supplemented with $300,000 to set up a special Education Unit. Premier and Minister for Finance, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade says there are children here who are suffering because they lack support.

Montserrat Government Boosts Support for Children with Special Needs Read More »

Primary Schools Here Receive Timely Donation of Education Tools

Community, Education, News

Primary schools island wide have welcomed another timely donation of educational resources, aimed at supporting diverse learning needs among students on Montserrat. Ikesha Irish, who is of Montserratian heritage, said the collection of materials was designed to promote curiosity, literacy, and foundational skills among children. The donation includes numeracy and sensory tools, literacy and phonics materials, interactive learning equipment, and other resources intended to assist students at different learning levels. Principals from the island’s primary schools welcomed the contribution and expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that the materials will enhance the teaching and learning environment and benefit students in their classrooms. Director of Education, Dr Gregory Julius also thanked Irish for the initiative, highlighting the importance of such resources, particularly for students with special educational needs.

Primary Schools Here Receive Timely Donation of Education Tools Read More »

Montserrat Advances Green Energy Transition Programme

Community, Environment, News

The Government of Montserrat is continuing work under its Green Energy Transition Programme. This initiative is aimed at reducing fossil fuel use and strengthening renewable energy on the island. Minister with responsibility for Energy, Honourable Veronica Dorsette-Hector, said the programme, funded by the government of the United Kingdom with an investment of £5.9 million, has five major components that will be implemented by the Ministry of B.U.I.L.T.E. These include ongoing maintenance and testing of geothermal wells in Cork Hill, as well as finalizing plans for a solar photovoltaic and battery storage system at Shinlands, Brades. The minister also reported upgrades to the island’s transmission and distribution network in Palm Loop and Lookout, along with the refurbishment of the battery storage system at the Lookout solar facility, expected to return to operation soon. Additional elements of the programme include training for energy sector staff and the public, the development of a strategic energy transition plan, and a regulatory framework to guide the electricity sector. According to Honourable Dorsette-Hector, the government is working to establish an independent electricity regulatory model as part of the broader transition to renewable energy. She says the initiative will help improve energy security, strengthen accountability in the sector, and support Montserrat’s goal of building a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Montserrat Advances Green Energy Transition Programme Read More »