News - ZJB Radio

Montserrat Captures Trophy at Legendary Drags in Antigua

The Montserrat flag was flown high by supporters at the Legendary Drags race in Antigua on Sunday, as Lionel Baker finished top of his class. Baker was driving Carnage, a Honda B18 Turbocharged in the 9-second class, beating the famous Helter Skelter. In a social media post by the Montserrat Tourism Authority, Baker said it was a good feeling to win. He thanked everyone who helped him as well as supporters who came from Montserrat to witness the race. The event took place on Saturday November 22nd and Sunday November 23rd, at the Northsound International Raceway. Five vehicles were registered from Montserrat to take part in the competition. They were: Carnage driven by Lionel Baker; Mushigashi driven by Dilleon “Moto” Piper; Hard Wuk driven by Steven “Skep” Elwin; Reaper driven by Dennal “Fowl” Bramble, and a 2004 Honda Integra KSeries driven by Stefon “Buff” Buffonge. The other participants were knocked out, didn’t qualify, or unable to compete in their classes.

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Montserrat Focuses on Improving Standards to Boost Tourism Offerings

News, Tourism

As Montserrat continues to boost its tourism offerings, more attention is being focused on improving standards. Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Crenston Buffonge says for this reason, the Tourism Authority has trained 46 public and private sector workers in customer service, and conducted tour and taxi training to strengthen their service delivery. This is the continuation of a process of developing the island’s tourism standards to ensure quality assurance across the board. He says the training is not limited to food and beverage, or the accommodation sectors, but also the quality of Montserrat’s cultural events and the conditions of tourism sites across the country. The Tourism Authority is also stepping up its marketing and promotion efforts. As a result, its marketing reach has expanded significantly, including on Facebook, which alone, has achieved 4.6 million views and 213,000 reach. The MTA has also partnered with major media outlets, including Mail Online in the UK, The Saturday Times, and publications across Canada and the United States. Looking ahead, the Parliamentary Secretary says they are launching new promotional videos highlighting St. Patrick’s Festival, and expanding its social media campaigns for Carnival 2025. Other initiatives are the Volcano Heritage Trail, and a collaboration with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and the Montserrat National Trust in establishing the UNESCO Global and Geoparks initiatives. The MTA is also working with the Department of Environment on the Protect, Preserve and Prosper campaigns, including youth tree planting and beach cleanups across the country. Having established the natural tourism products, Mr. Buffonge says the focus now must be the introduction of man-made attractions that complements, not take away from, these national assets. In this vein, he announced plans for a forest zip-lines and a beach-side turtle hatchery, which would allow tourists to be a part of Montserrat’s conservation drive.

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Montserrat Takes Part in OECS Student Census

News, OECS

Schools across Montserrat have taken the lead in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) first-ever Student census. The OECS Student Census launched on November 11, seeks to capture the authentic voices of students from kindergarten to Form 5, providing invaluable insights to help governments, educators, and policy-makers build more inclusive, equitable, and student-centred learning environments. Vice Principal of the Montserrat Secondary School, and focal point for the initiative, Hyacinth Bramble-Browne, said both primary and secondary schools on island began the OECS School Census alongside other member states. Bramble-Browne said it is hoped that the island would reach 100% completion when the counts are tallied. The data collected will inform the new 10-Year OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027-2037), anchoring it in the lived experiences of students.

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Energy Department Sets Sights on Renewable Energy Transition

News

Efforts are being made by the energy unit here to push forward with the renewable energy transition. This from energy officer, Oswen Carty. He was speaking to ZJB News at a geothermal site as they completed maintenance works on the well. Mr. Carty says that geothermal energy is the most promising renewable energy source for Montserrat at the moment. He also discussed the energy department’s other focus areas, including energy efficiency.

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Hope Renewed for Clean Energy as Geothermal Wells Pass Latest Tests

News

The recent testing of Montserrat’s geothermal wells have proven the renewable resource is still exists. The tests, conducted by global energy consultants – JRG Energy, will certify the viability of the resource. Energy Services Manager of the New Zealand-based company, Neale Young, says data was collected from the wells for the first time since 2013. Young says data was also collected by a team of geo-chemists from Oxford University, which will also inform government decisions on the uses of the natural resource.

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Montserrat Welcomes New Auditor-General

News

Marsha Meade was recently appointed as the island’s new Auditor-General, marking a significant milestone for public accountability and good governance on Montserrat. Miss Meade, a long-standing public servant, brings more than two decades of experience to the role. She has served the Montserrat National Audit Office (MNAO) for 22 years, including 17 years as Deputy Auditor-General and over four years as Acting Auditor-General. Her appointment took effect from 1 October 2025. According to the National Audit Office, Miss Meade’s elevation follows a rigorous, internationally advertised recruitment process led by the Governor’s Office. The panel included experts from the UK National Audit Office and the UK Government Internal Audit Agency. Miss Meade holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration and a Masters of Science in Audit Management and Consultancy. The MNAO noted that her extensive knowledge, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service have positioned her as the strongest candidate to lead the department into its next chapter. Under Montserrat’s Constitution, the Auditor-General is responsible for auditing the public accounts of the Government and all public offices, as well as any statutory bodies or public corporations established by law. The role also includes conducting financial and value-for-money audits across these entities. By virtue of her appointment, Miss Meade will serve as an Officer of the Legislative Assembly. In a statement, the National Audit Office extended heartfelt congratulations, acknowledging Meade’s instrumental contribution to strengthening the office’s reputation and capability over the years. The MNAO added that it looks forward to continued progress under her leadership.

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Ferry Service Between Montserrat and Antigua Expected to Start Next week

News

The reinstatement of the long-awaited ferry service between Montserrat and Antigua is closer to becoming reality. Premier the Honourable Rueben T Meade, has revealed that a new passenger vessel could begin operations as early as December 5. Speaking at the Montserrat Diaspora Leadership Conference, in the UK on Sunday, Premier Meade said the vessel will not only serve the Montserrat–Antigua route but is expected to operate as part of a wider sub-regional service. In a social media post, the Access Division announced that the round trip fare would be EC$510.00., pending certification of the vessel. The Montserrat Diaspora Leadership Conference was held under the theme “ One Montserrat: Building Connections, Shaping the Future.”

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Minister Calls for Greater Appreciation and Support for All Men in Montserrat on International Men’s Day 2025

News

In recognition of International Men’s Day 2025, there has been a renewed call here for greater appreciation and support for all men in the Montserrat society. In a radio message under the theme “Celebrating Men and Boys”, Acting Minister for Health, Honourable Dwayne Hixon, said men and boys play vital roles in families, communities, and the nation at large. Honourable Hixon said men and boys are faced with unique challenges and should be afforded the same respect, empathy, and support as anyone else. International Men’s day is celebrated on November 19th annually to bring global awareness for many issues that men face, including abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence. A special community event has been organized for November 21st, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Little Bay Basketball Stadium. The event aims to serve as an engaging platform for discussions on topics such as positive role models, managing finances, worklife balance, spiritual and sexual health, and mental health.

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Montserrat Government UK Office to Host Inaugural Montserrat Diaspora Leadership Conference

News

The Montserrat Government UK Office (MGUKO) will host the first Montserrat Diaspora Leadership Conference on Sunday, 23 November 2025, in Victoria, London. The conference will be held under the theme, “One Montserrat: Building Connections, Shaping the Future.” The event will bring together diaspora leaders, professionals, and community organisations from across the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, and the wider Montserratian diaspora, alongside senior government officials from Montserrat. It will provide a platform to strengthen collaboration, enhance diaspora participation in national development, and shape the future of Montserrat’s engagement with its global community. The Montserrat Government delegation will include Premier Hon. Reuben T. Meade, the Financial Secretary, Hon. Kenya Lee, and the Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Crenston Buffonge who will engage with diaspora representatives, investors, and development partners throughout the programme. Diaspora organisations and professionals of Montserratian heritage from across the world have been invited to participate, including the Montserrat Progressive Society of New York, Emerald United Club, the Montserrat Association Toronto, the Montserrat Overseas Peoples’ Progressive Association (MOPPA), Village664, and the One Montserrat Foundation. The conference will explore development updates from the Government of Montserrat, the role of the diaspora in national development, and the strategic contribution of the Montserrat Government UK Office in advancing this shared agenda. Speaking about the conference, Premier the Hon. Reuben T. Meade said, the One Montserrat project is about all of us working together toward a shared goal, and the diaspora has a vital role in this. He added that by strengthening these connections, we can shape a stronger future for Montserrat. Head of the Montserrat Government UK Office, Kei-Retta Farrell said, the conference reflects their continued commitment to strengthening relationships with the diaspora and creating practical pathways for collaboration. She continued, through shared dialogue, innovation, and partnership, we can unlock the full potential of Montserrat’s global community, contributing meaningfully to the island’s growth and future resilience. Taking place at the start of the UK–Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) week, the event precedes a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings between the Montserrat delegation and the UK Government, focusing among other things on investment, infrastructure, energy, climate resilience, and governance.

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Government of Montserrat Reviews Housing Allocation Criteria

News

The Government of Montserrat has undertaken a review of the Housing Allocation Criteria. Minister with responsibility for Housing, Honourable John Patrick Osborne announced in Parliament that the revision of the allocation criteria for various housing programs has been drafted and is soon ready for submission to Cabinet. He says under these new allocation criteria, persons who are first-time homeowners and the most vulnerable, especially the elderly, will be prioritized. Mr. Osborne says the ministry, working with the Department of Housing, has been trying its very best to help vulnerable persons, especially those who are retired, incapacitated due to a disability or other ailment, and making sure that citizens, despite conditions, can live in decent housing. He is hoping the FCDO will support the government’s new spend requests for social housing programs going forward, as housing is a pivotal need in breaking the economic slump that Montserrat found itself in over the past 30 years.

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