Moves are afoot to re-establish orchards in the abandoned south of the island, including the former Groves estate in Plymouth. The announcement is made by Minister of Agriculture, Honourable John Patrick Osborne as the government takes a step forward to enhance food security. Minister Osborne says the ministry has already procured hundreds of plants.
Moves Being Made to Re-establish Orchards in Montserrat’s South Read More »
More opportunities and stronger support for cultural practitioners are expected as Government looks to strengthen and further develop Montserrat’s creative sector. Parliamentary Secretary with Responsibility for Culture, Honourable Crenston Buffonge said Government must ensure that regional success translates into opportunities for cultural practitioners. In a speech to welcome home Reigning Calypso Monarch, now 5-times Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch Keithroy “De Bear” Morson, Honourable Buffonge said this achievement should be more than a moment of celebration, but an opportunity to strengthen the island’s creative sector and create sustainable careers for cultural practitioners. He encouraged young Calypsonians to view the Monarch not simply as a talented performer, but as a standard they can aspire to.
Government Looks to Strengthen Montserrat’s Creative Sector Read More »
Scores of people gathered at the John A. Osborne Airport Monday to welcome home Keithroy “De Bear” Morson, after he secured his 5th crown at the 2026 Leeward Islands Calypso Competition over the weekend. He was met on arrival by a delegation including Deputy Premier Veronica Dorsett-hector, Minister of Agriculture Honourable John P. Osborne, and Parliamentary Secretaries Honourable Crenston Buffonge and Honourable Dwayne Hixon. He was also greeted by a group of young masquerade dancers. Throngs of his supporters gathered outside the arrivals area as the champion calypsonian emerged gripping the trophy in one hand, and waving the Montserrat flag with the crown resting proudly on his head. Speaking on the Breakfast Show, De Bear said the most exciting part for him was representing Montserrat and being an inspiration to others. With his commanding performances of the songs “When Will We Learn” and “Gi Dem Licks”, De Bear outpaced his competitors, amassing a total of 866 points. Anguilla’s Roxxy claimed first runner up with 784 points while Antigua’s Destroyer was second runner up with 746 points. De Bear, previously won in 2007, 2012, 2015, and 2023. Peter W. A. White served as a judge and while Adena Johnson was a back-up vocalist. The competition featured performers from St Kitts, the US Virgin Islands, Nevis, St Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, and Montserrat.
De Bear Receives Hero’s Welcome After Leeward Islands Crown Read More »
Premier the Hon. Reuben T. Meade has reaffirmed his commitment to increasing the capacity of air access to and from Montserrat. He was speaking at the commissioning of the new Scania 4×4 Aerodrome Fire Tender at the John A. Osborne Airport on Friday. The premier says he believes Montserrat is well equipped to handle the full services of twin offer aircraft, which currently operate in Montserrat at limited capacity.
Premier Reaffirms Commitment to Increasing Air Access Capacity Read More »
Flow is advising customers on Montserrat who still use its legacy candw.ms email service that the platform will be permanently retired at the end of the month. Flow says the changes will be introduced in stages to give users time to transition. The first major change will take effect on Monday, August 31, when customers will no longer be able to send emails from their candw.ms accounts. From Tuesday, September 15, incoming emails to candw.ms addresses will also stop. The service will then be fully decommissioned on Wednesday, September 30. After that date, customers will no longer be able to access their candw.ms accounts or retrieve messages stored on the platform. Flow says the phased approach is intended to give customers enough time to move important emails and information and avoid unnecessary disruption. The company says the platform supporting the legacy email service has reached the end of its lifecycle and can no longer support the modern standards expected of today’s email services. Flow is encouraging customers who still use a candw.ms email address to begin transitioning their important emails and information as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the final deadline. Customers are also being encouraged to update their email address with banks, government agencies, businesses, online accounts and other services where their candw.ms address is currently registered. Flow says customers should ensure important messages and information are moved before September 30, as access to the accounts and stored messages will no longer be available after the service is retired.
FLOW Advises Montserrat Customers on candw.ms Email Service Read More »
A new performance audit report is warning that the Government’s public-service pension system has accumulated over EC $200 million in pension-related liabilities. The report, titled The Government’s Pensions, was presented to the Legislative Assembly on June 30, 2026, and examined the operations of the Pensions Unit within the Office of the Deputy Governor. The Auditor-General found that while government reports annual pension and gratuity payments ranging between EC$10 million and EC$16 million, the actual long-term obligation to current and future pensioners is estimated at more than EC$200 million. The report noted that these costs are not fully reflected in Government’s published financial statements, which continue to operate on a cash-basis accounting system described as outdated and inadequate for capturing the true financial obligation. As this is the present-value estimate (discounted at 5% per year), the report noted that the gross amount of future pension-benefits to current pensioners is a far greater figure which means new pensioners, at higher average salaries and allowances, will continue to add to the Government’s total liabilities for these future pension-related obligations. “We have identified several deficiencies in operations and a large backlog of pension account reconciliations with and reimbursements to other countries over the past 30 years. We found that government’s pensions are non-contributory. The main factor leading to high recurring costs to the public finances is that the past and present employees who will receive 100% of the pension benefits make no contributions,” Ms. Meade reported. She explains that the government as the employer also makes no periodic contributions towards funding of future benefits. It pays 100% of the current pensions as they are disbursed. This arrangement contrasts sharply with the Social Security Fund which operates on a contributory model both for employees and employers, including the Government of Montserrat Public Employees. Ms. Meade noted that a recent decision by cabinet is to “transition to a defined contribution plan. Another approval recently by cabinet is to transfer the government’s pension to the administration of the Social Security Fund in late 2025. This should have taken effect during this fiscal year; however, discussions are still ongoing and implementation is deferred.” She stated that “the audit found that legislators’ pensions are the most generous category. Members of the Legislative Assembly become eligible for a special category of pension benefit after just six years of service as per the Service Act. Generally, we observe that across the types of public pensions, the legislator’s ratio of pension benefit to salary is the highest of all categories of pensions, having regard to the minimum of years of service required.” The report called for the introduction of employee contributions towards government pensions as the most important step towards long-term sustainability. It suggested that such contributions be introduced gradually, similar to previous reforms undertaken by the Social Security Fund between 2022 and 2026, to reduce the impact on employees. The report also recommended that pension contributions be considered for tax deductions, similar to existing deductions available for Social Security contributions. The Auditor-General further recommended improvements to pension budgeting, noting that government should use more accurate forecasting methods to account for increasing numbers of pensioners and periodic pension increases.
The Department of Environment has secured over £140,000 in grant funding for three environmentally focused projects. In a media release on Wednesday, the Department said it was successful in round 6 of the DARWIN Plus UK government grants scheme, designed to deliver long-term strategic outcomes for biodiversity, the natural environment and improving resilience to climate change within the UK Overseas Territories. To this end it has received approximately £145,000 to deliver the projects that would assist in understanding the behaviour and range of the Montserrat Black Iguana, the management and control of the invasive Casuarina and and building capacity to improve the resilience of forest ecosystems. Each programme will increase the knowledge and data sets for the Department and the wider community by improving awareness of the environment, species and ecosystem management. Understanding the spatial ecology of the Montserrat Black Iguana will help to improve management options and address the human-wildlife conflict between iguanas and farmers on Montserrat. The Iguana is considered a threat to the economic wellbeing of farmers, however, the species found on island is believed to be genetically distinct from the green iguana and therefore possibly endemic to the island. Data collected from the project will inform suitable management options to lessen human–wildlife conflict. The invasive Casuarina equisetifolia Management and Biochar Production project outlines a 12-month initiative on Montserrat focused on the mapping, removal and control of the invasive species Casuarina and replacement with native trees. The wood is of a quality fit for charcoal production and persons will be encouraged to use this product to enhance livelihoods. The third project aims to develop capacity of staff of the Department of Environment and local community on sustainable forest management strategies. This will generate a better understanding of Climate Change impacts among department staff, the community and the farming community who utilize lands on the fringes of the protected area and other areas of significant eco services importance. It encourages community stewardship and empowerment through outreach, workshops and training. The project will include reforestation and soil conservation and livelihood diversification activities such as tree planting campaigns, supporting the establishment of income-generating activities such as agroforestry in deforested areas and promoting the importance of forest conservation and sustainable resource utilization. All 3 projects are designed to align with national priorities by fulfilling the Conservation and Environmental Management Act’s requirements for evidence- based management of native wildlife, contributing directly to national goals to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen local food systems, and reduce reliance on imports. The projects also align with the Montserrat Physical Development Plan, which promotes the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes, the maintenance of healthy ecosystems, and the sustainable use of land to reduce erosion and protection coastal and terrestrial habitats. The projects fit into national priority and operational plan of the Department by building capacity which is a critical element of the 2025-2026 Strategic priority of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment. The projects are in the process of being implemented and come to an end in March of 2027.
£140,000 Grant Secured to Study the Montserrat Black Iguana & Climate Resilience Read More »
One of Montserrat’s most iconic venues is being restored. Lansen Park in the historic former village of Cork Hill, is being rehabilitated by the Government of Montserrat to host sporting and recreational activities. It was heavily impacted and overgrown following volcanic activities that began in the 1990s. Works have already started, including grass cutting, clearing of vegetation, verge cutting, and repairs to the retaining walls. Speaking on ZJB Radio, Director of Community, Youth, and Sports Services, Anne Thomas, explained that support for the initiative is coming from overseas partners. “As we go along, we are working with our partners in the UK, US and Canada to help provide some funding to help get things done. We did get a bit of funding to buy some chainsaw. We had Franklin Williams in the UK who had sent down some chainsaws and we did have donations from other people,” Mrs. Thomas explained. She says the restoration work is a collaborative effort with other Non Government Organizations. “We have Dwayne Hickson who is on board with us, with his friends. He came and be (0:31) part of the cleanup. He brought in his machine to help the rough grass and give the guys a little break from having to keep digging with picks, etc.”
The Iconic Lansen Park is being Restored Read More »
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has launched its Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), specifically for the Hospital Project. Launched on Tuesday 4 August, the GRM is a formal system designed to provide community members, workers, businesses, contractors, and other stakeholders with a transparent, accessible, and confidential process for raising concerns, submitting complaints, and providing feedback related to the project. The Ministry says it recognizes the importance of maintaining open communication with surrounding communities and ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and fairly. Speaking on the GRM, Permanent Secretary (Ag), Mrs. Viona Alexander-Smith noted that the successful delivery of this hospital depends not only on engineering excellence and construction progress, but also on maintaining the trust and confidence of the communities served. She said this Grievance Redress Mechanism is important in engendering that trust. The GRM forms a key component of the project’s stakeholder engagement strategy and reflects its commitment to accountability, transparency, and community partnership. The GRM is being led by Community Liaison Officer, Ms. Marguerite Joseph. Commenting on the Mechanism, Ms. Joseph said the GRM provides a clear pathway for people to raise concerns and receive timely responses. She also encouraged stakeholders to use this mechanism whenever they have questions, concerns, or suggestions. According to a press release, the new hospital represents a significant investment in the nation’s healthcare infrastructure and future health outcomes. While the project is expected to bring substantial long-term benefits, project leaders acknowledge that construction activities may occasionally generate concerns or impact community members in various ways. Complaints or concerns may be submitted anonymously and will be handled confidentially. The project is committed to ensuring that no individual experiences retaliation for raising a concern in good faith. Once received, grievances will be recorded, assessed, and investigated where necessary. Complainants will receive acknowledgement of their submission and updates throughout the resolution process. The project team will work to resolve issues fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures. Feedback from the public will help ensure that the hospital is delivered in a manner that is responsive to community needs and concerns. The New Hospital Project is a major national infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving access to modern, resilient, and high-quality healthcare services. Upon completion, the facility will provide enhanced clinical services, improved patient care environments, advanced medical technology, and increased capacity to meet the healthcare needs of current and future generations.
Government Launched Grievance Redress Mechanism for National Hospital Project. Read More »
Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat has announced that registration is officially open for the “Feet for Life” Podiatry Clinics. The clinics will be held from 26th to 31st October 2026 at the Salem Community Resource Centre. Lead organizer Sonia Charles says the “Feet for Life” initiative was developed in response to the growing impact of diabetes and diabetes-related foot complications in Montserrat. She explains that the programme aims to “improve foot health, identify problems early, reduce the risk of avoidable amputations and support the long-term development of podiatry services on the island.” Ms. Charles says the clinics will be delivered by a team of specialist podiatrists from the United Kingdom, supported by a UK vascular sonographer. She says the team “brings expertise in diabetic foot care, wound management, circulation assessment, biomechanics, gait analysis, paediatric foot care, musculoskeletal assessment of the foot and ankle and foot deformities.” The initiative has been arranged by the Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Montserrat Diabetes Association. Health centers across the island and private doctors are supporting the registration and referral process to help ensure patients who would benefit most are identified.
Registration Opens for Podiatry Clinics. Read More »
