News - ZJB Radio

Soft Loan Programme Fully Utilizes 2 Million Dollar Fund Allocation

The Montserrat Business and Professional Fund (MBPF) Soft Loan Programme has fully deployed its initial 2 million EC Dollar fund allocation, providing financing to dozens of local entrepreneurs and businesses across the island. According to information released by the Government of Montserrat, the programme received 60 applications spanning 11 sectors of the economy and approved 39 loans valued at approximately 1.95 million EC Dollars, representing more than 97 per cent of the available funding. The loans have supported businesses operating in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, retail, construction, information technology, consultancy services, agro-processing and other sectors. A reported 19 loans remain active and are being repaid on schedule, with no defaults or arrears recorded to date. Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade described the programme as an investment in local people and businesses, noting that affordable access to capital has helped entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers and small business owners strengthen and expand their operations. He also confirmed that the government is actively seeking additional funding to replenish and expand the programme so that more applicants can benefit in the future. Programme Manager Dr. Gary Morton said the strong performance of the initiative reflects both careful administration and the commitment of borrowers. He highlighted the wide range of businesses that have received support, including fishers upgrading vessels, farmers expanding production and tourism operators increasing capacity. Chairman of the MBPF Soft Loan Committee, Jerson Badal, said the committee has worked to ensure all applications were carefully reviewed while helping applicants strengthen proposals where necessary. He added that entrepreneurs across several sectors have demonstrated what can be achieved when adequate financial support is made available. The MBPF Soft Loan Programme was established to provide affordable financing to Montserratian entrepreneurs and small businesses. Loans are offered at an annual interest rate of 2.5 per cent for terms of up to 96 months and are intended to support productive investments and business growth. The Government of Montserrat say efforts are now underway to secure additional funding from regional development partners, international financial institutions and local resources to allow the programme to continue supporting economic development and private sector growth on Montserrat.

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MAPS Calls for Greater Public Support and Responsible Pet Ownership

Community, News

The Montserrat Animal Protection Society (MAPS) has given an update on the organization’s affairs. On ZJB Radio Saturday morning, MAPS representative Anne-Marie Graham spoke on their need for continued support, noting that the organization runs entirely on fund-raising events and donations. She also encouraged pet owners to get their animals neutered in order to reduce the number of strays on Montserrat.

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Artificial Reef Project Aims to Revive Coastal Habitats

Community, Environment, News

The artificial reef structures currently being developed for Montserrat are designed to last for generations while helping restore marine ecosystems and attract sea life back to degraded coastal areas. During a recent interview, co-founders of ReefSystems, Max Dijkstra (Dix-tra) and Jesse de Bont, explained that the reef installations are being built to withstand long-term environmental conditions, including the challenging marine and weather conditions within the Caribbean. Mr Dijkstra said the project will also provide valuable insight into how the structures interact with Montserrat’s volcanic seabed and ocean currents over time. He said one of the most encouraging aspects of previous projects has been the speed at which marine life return to newly installed reefs and noted that they are often seen inhabiting the structures almost immediately after installation. Mr de Bont added that ongoing monitoring conducted by researchers and university students found that some artificial reefs were attracting even more fish than nearby natural reefs due to the abundance of hiding spaces created within the structures.

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Montserrat Delegation Attends 2026 UK OTs Conference

Community, News

A four-member delegation represented the island at the 2026 UK Overseas Territories Disaster Management Directors’ Conference. Held in Miami from May 19 to 21, the conference was attended by Director of the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) Lt Col Alvin Ryan, Senior Disaster Management Coordinator at the DMCA Astrid Wade, Captain Colin Fergus of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force and Head of the Governor’s Office Lindsy Thompson. The three-day conference brought together disaster management directors, military officials, and representatives from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) from across the UK Overseas Territories. Discussions focused on several critical areas ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, including UK government preparedness planning, Ministry of Defence readiness arrangements, humanitarian response systems, civil-military coordination, and lessons learned from recent emergency deployments and disaster responses. During the conference, Lt Col Ryan delivered a spotlight presentation highlighting Montserrat’s approach to crisis preparedness. His presentation outlined the island’s current state of readiness and ongoing initiatives aimed at protecting residents and strengthening national resilience in the face of natural disasters. With the Atlantic hurricane season officially beginning on June 1, the Governor’s Office said it remains committed to working closely with the DMCA, the Royal Montserrat Defence Force, regional agencies, and UK partners to ensure Montserrat is fully prepared for the months ahead.

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Legislative Department Launches Essay Competition

Community, News

The Legislative Department on Montserrat has launched the “Voices of Leadership: A Montserrat Parliament Reflection” essay competition. The public is invited to explore and reflect on Montserrat’s political history between 1952 to present in essay submissions. This competition encourages participants to imagine themselves as a parliamentarian or political leader serving during this pivotal era, and to express who they would choose to emulate and why. The aim of the competition is to deepen the public’s understanding of Montserrat’s governance, leadership, and historical development. The competition is divided into four age categories: ages 8 to 11, 12 to 16, 17 to 29, and 30+. The guidelines for each age category can be found on the Government website, at www.gov.ms. Submissions can be sent via email at legis.montserrat@gmail.com or taken to the Legislative Department, #1 Farara Plaza, Brades with the envelope marked “Essay Competition.” The deadline for submissions is June 24. All entries must be the individual’s original work. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each age category. Persons can contact the Legislative Department on 1-664-491-2195/3195 for further information.

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Environmental Advocate Leads Whit Monday Clean up Effort

News

Environmental advocate Arthur “The Dean” Meade continues to champion the cause of maintaining a clean and lovely Montserrat for all to enjoy. He led a clean up effort from the John A. Osborne Airport to port Little Bay, and Rendezvous Beach by extension, on Whit Monday May 2026. Meade is full of praise for all who came out on the day and participated in the clean up. He is however peeved by the continuous indiscriminate dumping of garbage island wide and feels enforcement of legislation will serve as a deterrent. Meantime, minister for health, Dr, the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, who was also engaged in the clean up, calls for a change of culture when dealing with garbage. While applauding the effort of the various clean up teams, she urges residents to be more responsible in the way they deal with the disposal of garbage. ZJB News also got feedback from members of the public, including girl guides, who were part of teams during the clean up effort.

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DMCA to Host Annual Open Day

News

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, will host it’s Annual Open Day activities next week. Under the theme“Hurricane Preparedness is Everyone’s Business”, the activities are carded for June 2nd and 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily at the DMCA Parking Lot. Information and Education Officer at the DMCA, Shirlian Queeley, says the open day aims to increase public awareness and community preparedness. Speaking ahead of the event, Queeley noted that preparedness is a shared responsibility and that community involvement is essential to building national resilience during the hurricane season.

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CDEMA Praises Montserrat’s Strengthened Disaster Preparedness Efforts

News

Head of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Elizabeth Riley has commended the growing focus on sector readiness, community resilience, and the strengthening of institutional frameworks as key components of Montserrat’s disaster preparedness strategy. Speaking during an interview with ZJB News, Riley pointed to the significant investment in Montserrat’s Disaster Management (CDM) Country Work Programme (CWP). She also touched on the growing role of individual sectors in strengthening national resilience.

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Montserrat Legislative Assembly Participates in 2026 Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference

News

The Legislative Assembly of Montserrat is participating in the 2026 Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference (COTSC), in the Cayman Islands this week. Honourable Speaker, Ms. Marjorie Smith, and Dr Judith Baker, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly are representing Montserrat at the May 24–30 conference. The Conference brings together Speakers and Clerks from across the Overseas Territories and the UK House of Commons to examine shared challenges and strengthen parliamentary governance, resilience, and future readiness. Delegates are exploring how legislatures can modernize their institutions, safeguard democratic processes, and ensure stable, high quality parliamentary administration in a rapidly changing environment. Participation in this year’s meeting supports Montserrat’s ongoing efforts to strengthen procedural standards, enhance administrative capacity, and deepen collaboration with Commonwealth partners.

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Director of MVO Participates in Visiting Fellowship at University of Oxford

News

Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Dr. Graham Ryan is currently participating in one month Visiting Fellowship at the Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford. As part of the fellowship, Dr. Ryan is working alongside the ReSET project team to combine newly collected ReSET data with previous research and datasets to improve the understanding of Montserrat’s geothermal system(s). While there Dr. Ryan also made a presentation at a geothermal workshop in the Department of Earth Sciences, where he shared insights from Montserrat’s unique volcanic environment with researchers and students from around the world. The ReSET (Rethinking Natural Resources) programme is a University of Oxford initiative exploring how Montserrat’s Soufrière Hills Volcano can be used to generate geothermal power and extract critical metals (like lithium, copper, and gold). It aims to transition the island away from imported diesel while boosting the local economy.

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