News – ZJB Radio

Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory Awarded Order of the British Empire

Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory Dr. Graham Ryan has been awarded one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious award. Dr. Ryan, was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to volcanology and geothermal physics, particularly his work in and for Montserrat. The investiture ceremony was held at Windsor Castle on 9 December 2025. In a media release on Tuesday, the MVO said the award marks a significant and well-deserved honour for a scientist whose leadership, expertise, and long-standing commitment have strengthened volcanic monitoring, advanced geothermal research, and enhanced hazard understanding on the island. The MVO extended best wishes to the Dr. Ryan and expressed appreciation for his dedicated service and leadership.

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Economic Boost Hoped for as Work Commences on Drummonds Apartments Block

News

The Government of Montserrat is hoping for an economic boost as work commenced on the construction of four new one-bedroom apartments in Drummonds. Public Relations Officer Jenzil Skerritt says this is an investment that is already generating positive spill-offs across the economy in December. He says as work begins on this project, local contractors, tradesmen, and service providers are being engaged, injecting fresh income into households and businesses at a crucial time of year. Skerritt says the construction activity is not only creating direct jobs; it is also stimulating demand for building materials, transportation, equipment rentals, food services, and other support industries. He notes that every dollar spent on the project circulates through the economy, strengthening small businesses and expanding opportunities for people on the island. Beyond the immediate benefits, the PRO highlights that this development forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to improving housing availability, supporting community revitalization, and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth. He says these new apartments at Drummonds represent more than construction; they represent confidence, momentum, and a clear demonstration that Montserrat is moving forward.

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WINAIR Operates Additional Flights to Montserrat for the Holiday Season

News

To increase access and connectivity, regional airline, WINAIR, is operating additional flights to and from Montserrat. This was confirmed by Premier of Montserrat, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade through a Facebook post on Tuesday. On Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, Winair flies from St. Maarten to Montserrat at 7:00 am, Montserrat to Antigua at 8:25 am, Antigua to Montserrat at 9:20 am, and Montserrat to St. Maarten at 10:45 am. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Winair flies from St. Maarten to Montserrat at 8:30 am, and from Montserrat to St. Maarten at 9:55 am. Additionally Winair will have one additional flight per day on the 17th, 18th, 24th and 31st of December, from Montserrat to Antigua at 8:25 am and Antigua to Montserrat at 9:20 am. Winair will not be conducting afternoon flights due to the unavailability of aircraft. Winair flights are US$133 one way inclusive of taxes. To contact Winair, persons can call 1-721-545-4237 or 1-664-2533 or email reservations@fly-winair.com. To contact FlyMontserrat, persons can call 1-664-491-3434, visit FlyMontserrat.com, or email info@flymontserrat.com. To contact SVG Air, persons can call 1-268-727-2712 or 1-664-392-3877 or 1-664-491-3877, visit bmsvgairways.com, or email bmsvgairways@gmail.com. The increased flights come at a crucial time as visitors surge for the holiday season. Meantime, the Premier Meade noted there is no further update on the procurement of a ferry service for the island. It previously announced that a ferry would beginning operating between Montserrat and Antigua on December 5, however, Premier said the logistical nightmare of getting vessels out of Venezuela continues to plague the process.

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Fly Montserrat Passengers Urged to Notify the Airline of Late International Flight Arrivals

News

Managing Director of FlyMontserrat, Captain Nigel Harris, is urging travelers to contact the airline if their international flights are running late. He says until such is done, FlyMontserrat would equate their absence as a no-show. A number of travelers have had to overnight in Antigua because of late arrival, especially from the United States and England. Captain Harris says that once they receive that critical notice, the airline can then make the necessary adjustments to accommodate them.

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Immigration and Labour Departments Sign MOU to Strengthen Cooperation

News

The Immigration and Labour Departments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation between the two government entities. Chief Immigration Officer, Charles Thompson and the Labour Commissioner (Acting), Marcilla Frith-Mulcare, formally signed the MOU on December 1st. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in areas of shared responsibility, enabling both departments to work more effectively within their respective mandates. It provides for mutual support and enhanced coordination to improve operational efficiency and advance the strategic objectives of each agency. The MoU outlines joint efforts in key areas such as anti–money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It further promotes enhanced information sharing and cooperation to strengthen immigration management, national security functions, border enforcement, and work permit regulation and compliance. Additional priorities include protecting Government of Montserrat revenue collection, supporting economic development, and improving interagency coordination. This agreement forms part of a wider initiative to promote stronger inter-agency collaboration across enforcement bodies, ensuring more effective outcomes and better use of limited resources.

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Government of Montserrat to Host Financial Literacy Management Workshop

Finance, News

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are invited to register for the upcoming Financial Literacy and Management Training Workshop to be held 12th to 16th January 2026. The training by the Government of Montserrat, through the Business Trade and Investment (BTI) Unit, is in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank’s CTCS Network. This four-day training will provide practical guidance to help business owners improve their financial knowledge, strengthen record-keeping, budgeting, and overall financial planning. Each session will run for two hours. Participants will also have the opportunity to qualify for one-on-one technical assistance and support to develop their financial proposals with the intent to access funding from financial institutions. The BTI says spaces are limited and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. For registration or further details, persons can contact the Business Trade and Investment Unit on 491-2066 or email at trade@gov.ms.

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Members of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force Completed Drone Operator Training Course

Crime, News

Two members of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force- RMDF recently completed a week-long drone operations and certification programme aimed at strengthening the island’s capacity in emergency response, surveillance, and modern aerial technologies. From November 17 to 21, Lieutenant Darion Darroux and Lance Corporal Darius Lewis, joined other personnel from several frontline agencies in Montserrat to participate in a rigorous curriculum covering airframes, aviation law, safety regulations, meteorology, basic and advanced drone operations, airspace management, payload use, and best practices from the UK, EU, and US. The programme was funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), facilitated by expert trainers from the United Kingdom, and coordinated locally by the RMPS. The programme also saw participation from the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS), the Montserrat Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS), the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA), and the Montserrat Customs and Revenue Service (MCRS). The training combined classroom instruction with practical exercises, including live drone flights conducted alongside active manned aviation- a key real-world scenario that requires careful coordination to ensure both safety and mission success. Trainees also carried out limited Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) flights over land and sea, an increasingly important capability as local agencies look to modernise operations. The week concluded on November 21 with a joint exercise involving Search and Rescue trainees, where drone operators supported a simulated missing-person mission and demonstrated the skills gained during the course. All participants received certificates recognizing their successful completion of the programme. Officials say the training has significantly enhanced Montserrat’s readiness to use unmanned aircraft systems in critical areas such as emergency response, public safety, tourism support, and disaster management.

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Mobile Clinic Screens 84 People for HIV on World AIDS Day

Community, Health, News

84 persons got tested for HIV through the Ministry of Health’s Mobile Clinic on World AIDS Day last week. This was reported by Community Nursing Manager, Nurse Alex Ackie on the Talking Health Radio Programme. On December 1st, the mobile clinic went to three locations on Montserrat to provide safe and confidential HIV testing to the public. Nurse Ackie shared details about the day, highlighting the large amount of men that got tested.

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UK–Montserrat Compact Discussions Pending, Public Input Promised

Community, News

Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade says there has been no firm commitment on the commencement of discussions on a compact with the British Government. Speaking in Parliament this week he stated that, as with the White Paper, this document will be made public once they’ve started the process. Discussions on the compact started at the recently concluded Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. The Premier said he was unaware of what the proposal would be, but once this is forthcoming from the UK, there will be public discussions and consultations on such a compact. The UK and the Territories agreed at the JMC to develop Partnership Compacts between the UK and any Territory that wishes to. Partnership Compacts are intended to provide tailored, practical frameworks for advancing shared priorities, and to signal a renewed commitment to partnership. The Territories noted the development of a UK Government Charter on Engagement with the Overseas Territories which seeks to reinvigorate and strengthen how the UK Government engages with the Territories.

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Montserrat Electoral Commission seeks Public Views on Reforming Election Process

News

The Montserrat Electoral Commission is seeking the views of the public on reforming the election process. It has launched a public survey for Montserratians, both on island and across the global diaspora. This consultation seeks views on several important areas, including voting eligibility, the constituency system, and the potential transition to electronic voting. The Commission says the perspectives of Montserratians worldwide are essential to ensuring that future recommendations reflect the needs, priorities, and lived experiences of the entire community. The survey, which can be accessed on the Electoral Commission’s website, is confidential and takes only a few minutes to complete. Meanwhile, supervisor of Elections Barrington Chalmers is encouraging as many persons as possible to participate in the survey.

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