News – Page 15 – ZJB Radio

Applications for the UK Government’s CheveningScholarships now open

Applications for prestigious Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open from 5 August to 7October 2025. The programme offers fully funded master’s degrees at UK universities to individualswho are ready to lead positive change in their home countries and around the world.For more than 40 years, Chevening has attracted hundreds of thousands of applications globally.Successful applicants are individuals who can clearly demonstrate outstanding leadership, influence,and networking skills through compelling, evidence-based examples.Emma Hennessey, Head of The Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth andDevelopment Office (FCDO), said:“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become CheveningScholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UKto create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges ormaking a tangible impact in their own communities.“If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them – outstanding leadership, influence, andnetworking skills – I strongly encourage you to apply. If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you totake the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive.“I’m continually inspired by the dedication and drive of the Chevening community, and I look forwardto seeing what the next generation of leaders will bring.”Prospective candidates can submit their applications via chevening.org/apply.Before applying, candidates are strongly encouraged to review the resources available atchevening.org/guidance and assess whether they are ready to present a competitive application.Since the programme started in 1983, over 60,000 professionals have advanced their careers throughChevening, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow.

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Small Beginnings Youth Orchestra Performs Virtually in Cultural Concert in London

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The Small Beginnings Orchestra recently participated in a cultural concert in London, celebrating the growing musical and community ties between Guernsey and Montserrat. Held at St John’s, Smith Square in London, the event featured performances by the Guernsey Music Service and Montserrat’s own Small Beginnings Orchestra- who joined virtually. Former Governor of Montserrat, Sarah Tucker, who played a key role in initiating the partnership, reflected on how efforts began with the orchestra. She said the project was supported by communities and dignitaries on both territories. Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, Richard Cripwell, praised the deepening relationship between Montserrat and Guernsey and hailed the event as a symbolic moment of cultural unity, musical exchange and a promising sign of continued collaboration between the two island communities.

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Montserrat Participates in CARICOM Disaster Relief Training

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Montserrat reinforced its disaster preparedness capabilities through a week-long CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) training in Antigua and Barbuda. The training was hosted by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in collaboration with the Regional Security System (RSS). It brought together approximately 40 participants from across the region, including Montserrat St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, the British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Montserrat’s representative, Darion Darroux joined regional counterparts in sharpening skills critical to first-response operations, including humanitarian aid delivery, emergency communications, relief logistics, and team coordination during regional disasters. The training also focused on safe building practices, basic engineering techniques, and improving collaboration among military, police, and fire service personnel.

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Montserrat Legislative Assembly Approves Supplementary Appropriation Bill

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The Legislative Assembly approved a Supplementary Appropriation Bill on Monday. It authorizes the spending of an additional $849,000 for the current financial year. Premier the Honourable Reuben T Meade says the bill allows the government to sanction payments from the Consolidated Fund beyond what was previously approved, covering services up to March 31, 2026. The measure facilitates the release of funds, particularly those received from international funding agencies, to ensure the continued delivery of government programs and projects. The funds are allocated to improve triage and remote monitoring capacity, the procurement of a mini medical lab, the invasive fire ant management project, for post-COVID energy efficiency, and for energy-efficient lighting and disposal projects.

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Local Educator Gives Presentation on Dorothy Kirwan-Thomas

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Children in the Summer Escape programme were engaged in a presentation on Dorothy Kirwan-Thomas on Thursday. Educator and Researcher Dr. Claris Barnes made this presentation, portraying the Montserrat-Born woman who bought her freedom. Dorothy Kirwan-Thomas, also known as the empress of Demerara, lived in Montserrat, Dominica, Grenada, Barbados, and Demerara, a region in Guyana, and gained wealth through several business ventures. Dr. Barnes showed the children some of the items Kirwan-Thomas may have sold, including flour, sugar, bread, toys, and fruits. Speaking after the presentation, Dr. Barnes said she believes it is important to teach this part of history.

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Bank of Montserrat Issues Alert on Growing Phishing Threat

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Bank of Montserrat has issued an alert to its customers about a rapidly growing phishing threat known as “quishing.” It says cybercriminals are using QR codes to bypass traditional security measures. In a post on its facebook page the bank warns that attackers are embedding malicious QR codes in emails, documents, and even on printed materials like posters and delivery slips. When scanned, these codes can lead customers to fake login pages or malware sites designed to steal their credentials or compromise their devices. It says QR codes should be treated with the same caution as suspicious links or attachments. Before scanning any QR code, especially those received unexpectedly or in urgent messages, the Bank is urging its customers to check where it leads if possible, and do not enter any sensitive information on unfamiliar websites. If you see a QR code that seems out of place or suspicious, whether digital or physical, report it to the Banks IT team immediately.

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Montserrat Takes Part in Regional Training on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing

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Montserrat joined the region in strengthening its judicial capacity in the fight against financial crime. High Court Judge Birnie Stephenson represented the island at a high-level regional training on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. The five-day session, which began in St. Kitts on Monday July 28th, was organized by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) in collaboration with the Regional Security System (RSS). It brought together judges, magistrates, and financial crime experts from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including participants from the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and Tortola. The training focused on anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), and countering proliferation financing (CPF), equipping judicial officers with the knowledge to address the region’s evolving financial crime risks. Key topics included international AML/CFT/CPF obligations, asset recovery and confiscation, financial investigations, and the growing impact of virtual assets on criminal activity. The initiative reflected a strategic effort by the ECCB and RSS to fortify the OECS’s judicial framework, ensuring member states remain resilient against threats to their financial integrity and sustainable economic development. The workshop ended on August 1, with participants expected to return to their jurisdictions better equipped to handle complex financial crime cases.

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DMCA Launches WhatsApp Channel

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The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has launched a WhatsApp channel dedicated to ensuring the public have access to official and accurate information during emergencies. According to a press release from the DMCA, residents and visitors on Montserrat will be able to have access to critical, accurate, reliable, timely, and official information during emergencies or crises. DMCA’s Information and Education Officer, Shirlian Queeley, access to accurate information, during a crisis or emergency, can save lives and reduce risk- especially for the island’s vulnerable population. The DMCA encourages the public to copy the link, share it, or scan the QR code to follow the WhatsApp channel. QR codes and links will be displayed at various locations across the island and shared on the DMCA’s social media platforms and website. For additional queries or for further assistance joining the channel, individuals can call the DMCA at 491-7166.

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Darenthea Sweeney Awarded Chevening Scholarship

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The Governor’s Office has announced that Darenthea Sweeney has been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year. She is one of six recipients across the British Overseas Territories and will represent Montserrat in the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme. Sweeney will pursue an MSc in Climate Change Science and Management at Loughborough University. She currently serves as a Graduate Trained Teacher at the Montserrat Secondary School and also teaches part-time at the Montserrat Community College. She holds a BSc in Agricultural Technology & Geography and a Postgraduate Diploma in Geography/Social Studies Education. Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Harriet Cross, met Sweeney recently and offered her congratulations. She says her commitment to education and environmental sustainability is inspiring. According to the Governor Her studies in climate change are especially timely, and vital to Montserrat’s resilience and long-term development.

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Governor’s Office Gets New Head Of Programmes

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The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce the appointment of Solomon Nyamande as the new Head of Programmes. Solomon brings to the role a background in commercial and public sector leadership, with expertise in international relations, donor engagement, infrastructure development, and climate resilience. His career spans strategic roles in programme and project management, including procurement, finance, IT, and evaluation, across both private enterprises and UK government departments. Solomon takes over from Matthew Noble, who served as Interim Head of Programmes from March 2025, and played a key role in advancing UK-funded programmes in partnership with the Government of Montserrat. The Governor’s Office extends its appreciation to Matthew for his dedicated service and warmly welcomes Solomon as he begins this role.

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