Premier the Honourable Reuben Meade has reiterated the government’s commitment to providing potable water to homeowners in Foxes Bay. Mr. Meade says the government is also looking at giving the public access to other areas in the south of the island currently off limits. This follows the opening of St. Georges Hill, which has been a hit with visitors and residents alike.
Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross, formally presented the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) to Dr Jean Handscombe last Friday, recognising her longstanding contribution to preserving the island’s cultural and historical records. The award, announced in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours Overseas and International List, highlights Dr Handscombe’s decades of voluntary service with the Montserrat National Trust, where she has played a critical role in safeguarding archives of national importance. Speaking at the ceremony held at the Governor’s House, Governor Cross described Dr Handscombe as an extraordinary woman, whose dedication has ensured that Montserrat’s history is preserved for future generations. She noted that Dr Handscombe, originally an accomplished educator and researcher in Toronto, has spent more than 30 years contributing to the island’s cultural life, including over a decade leading the Montserrat National Trust’s archive work. In her response, Dr Handscombe expressed gratitude to the people of Montserrat, crediting them for helping her understand what aspects of the island’s history should be preserved. She said the honour was shared with all those who contributed to the work, noting that documenting and safeguarding these stories is important for both present and future generations. Dr Handscombe was among two Montserrat recipients named in the honours list, alongside Dulcie James, who was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her service to public and financial sectors and community development.
Dr. Jean Hanscombe Awarded MBE for Outstanding Service to Montserrat’s Heritage Read More »
Montserrat participated in Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, the largest and most influential global gathering of cruise industry professionals. The event was held from April 13–16 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Chair of the Board of Directors of the Montserrat Tourism Authority (MTA), Roselyn Cassell Sealy, and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Premier, Camille Thomas Gerald represented the island at this prestigious event. An MTA press release states that their participation underscores the Government of Montserrat’s commitment to strengthening the island’s presence within the international cruise sector. According to the release, through engagement with key industry stakeholders, Montserrat aims to forge strategic partnerships, gain valuable insights into emerging cruise trends, and benchmark against global standards. It adds that these efforts are critical to enhancing the island’s visibility and positioning Montserrat as a unique and attractive destination within the Caribbean cruise market. The MTA and the Office of the Premier- Montserrat say they welcome the opportunity to participate in the iconic event. They believe the connections made, insights gained, and standards observed will play a vital role in shaping future strategies for the growth and sustainability of Montserrat’s tourism industry.
Montserrat Participates in Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 Read More »
BRADES, MONTSERRAT — The Government of Montserrat, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, is proud to announce that the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund (MBPF) Soft Loan Programme has approved its first wave of loans — a landmark achievement that represents a significant injection of concessional capital into the island’s agriculture, fisheries, and small business sectors. In under 45 days from the programme’s official launch, the MBPF’s Soft Loan Committee (SLC) has reviewed and approved fourteen loan applications across multiple productive sectors of the Montserrat economy. This milestone marks the first time the island has offered a dedicated, government-backed, no-credit-check, low-interest lending facility specifically designed for the businesses that form the backbone of Montserrat’s economy. “This is exactly the kind of transformational investment that Montserrat needs. The MBPF is not just a loan programme — it is a statement of confidence in our people, our entrepreneurs, and our island’s future. When we invest in our farmers, our fishers, and our small business owners, we invest in Montserrat itself. I am proud that this government has delivered a programme that is already making a tangible difference in the lives of our people, and I encourage every eligible Montserratian to come forward and take advantage of this opportunity.” — The Honourable Reuben T. Meade, Premier of Montserrat About the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund The MBPF Soft Loan Programme was established by the Government of Montserrat to provide accessible, affordable financing to entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers, and small business owners who have historically been underserved by traditional lending institutions. The programme is managed by Dr. Gary Morton and administered by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, with oversight from a dedicated Soft Loan Committee comprising representatives from government ministries and relevant sectors. Key features of the programme include: Programme Dashboard — Key Statistics Figure 1: MBPF Programme Dashboard — Applications by sector, fund utilisation, capital pool breakdown, and key programme metrics as of April 2026. Programme Achievements at a Glance Since its launch in early March 2026, the MBPF has demonstrated exceptional momentum: These results speak to both the depth of unmet demand among Montserrat’s business community and the effectiveness of the programme’s design and delivery. “These first approvals mark a major milestone for Montserrat. These loans are going directly into the hands of farmers, fishers, and entrepreneurs who will elevate their businesses while directly helping to grow our economy. We are proud of what has been achieved in such a short time, and we are committed to ensuring that every eligible Montserratian or Permanent Resident of Montserrat has access to the support they need to thrive.” — Dr. Gary Morton, Programme Manager, MBPF Sectors Supported — Building a More Diverse Economy The approved loans span a broad and strategically important cross-section of Montserrat’s productive economy: Fisheries: The largest number of approved loans fall within the fisheries sector, reflecting both the sector’s economic importance and the depth of unmet need among Montserrat’s fishing community. Approved loans will fund the purchase of engines, fishing equipment, and vessels — directly expanding Montserrat’s local seafood production capacity, creating employment, and improving food security. Agriculture / Farming: Approved agricultural loans will support productive farming activity, contributing to local food production and reducing the island’s dependence on imported produce. Hospitality & Tourism: Investment in the hospitality sector supports Montserrat’s growing tourism economy and strengthens the local service offering for visitors and residents alike. Construction & Trades: Approved loans in this sector will expand the capacity of skilled tradespeople to serve the local construction market — a sector in high demand given ongoing development activity across the island. Information Technology & Technical Services: Investment in tech and IT services reflects the government’s commitment to positioning Montserrat as a modern, diversified economy. Approved loans in this area will expand local technical capacity, create employment, and meet rising community demand for skilled service professionals. Consultancy & Professional Services: Loans supporting professional services businesses, including renewable energy and technical consultancy, signal a commitment to building Montserrat’s knowledge economy alongside its traditional productive sectors. Economic Impact — What This Means for Montserrat The MBPF represents far more than a lending facility. It is a catalyst for broad-based economic development on Montserrat — one that addresses structural gaps in capital access that have constrained business growth for generations. The direct and indirect economic benefits of the programme’s first wave of approvals include: With EC$1,457,000 in capital still available and strong community interest continuing to build, the programme is well-positioned to deliver even greater impact in the months ahead. “The breadth and quality of applications we have received reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that exists on this island. There are capable, ambitious people here who simply needed access to affordable capital. This programme is providing that — and the results are already clear.” — Mr. Jerson Badal, Chair, Soft Loan Committee Capital Is Still Available — How to Apply The MBPF Soft Loan Programme remains open for applications. Entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers, agro-processors, and small business owners across all sectors are encouraged to come forward. Who is eligible? The programme is particularly and actively seeking applications from: To apply or to find out more, contact the MBPF Programme Manager: Email: MBPF@gov.ms The application form, programme guidelines, and full eligibility criteria are available on request. About the Government of Montserrat The Government of Montserrat is committed to building a vibrant, resilient, and diversified economy through strategic investment in its people, businesses, and productive sectors. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management oversees a range of economic development initiatives, including the Montserrat Business Progressive Fund Soft Loan Programme. For media enquiries, please contact: MBPF@gov.ms MBPF Soft Loan Programme | Ministry of Finance and Economic Management | Government of Montserrat
Teachers across Montserrat’s primary and secondary schools were engaged in a Child Online Protection Workshop last Friday. The programme, sponsored by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean states (OECS) and UNICEF, is taking place in each of the OECS states. This workshop was co-facilitated by guidance counselor at the Montserrat Secondary School Vandina St. Helaire, and education transformation project manager with the Ministry of Education, Hyacith Bramble-Browne. In a conversation with ZJB News, St. Helaire said, “the reason for conducting these workshops is because across the region, we’re in a situation where our children are online and they’re not safe. So, what the workshop is designed to do is to educate and also basically provide us with the tools as educators to basically support our children when they do go online. Remember we’re in the age of technology that we want our children to be safe and that is basically what the workshop is about.” Participating teacher Inez Daley-Knights, who teaches health, integrated science, and biology at the Montserrat Secondary School, highlighted the necessity of the workshop to prepare teachers to help students in a vulnerable situation. She said “the workshop has prepared us to help students who are somehow getting entangled online in a way that not only they’re becoming addicted, but some have been led astray into situations that can harm them in many ways, including sexually. It is very important for us as teachers to have knowledge regarding this topic because we need to be prepared for when students share things with us that demonstrate to us that they’re in a compromising position. Senior social worker at the social services department, Teshawn Matthews, who also participated in the workshop, spoke on the timeliness of the workshop, adding that it was a “very timely workshop because even in our caseloads, we have been seeing an escalation around social media with our young people and how it is being used and the disadvantages added to that.” The workshop was co-facilitated by Mrs. Hyacinth Bramble-Brown.
Teachers Engage In Child Online Protection Workshop Read More »
Close to 40 people came together last Sunday to mark Good Deeds Day, here on Montserrat. Good Deeds Day is an annual international day of community service aimed at uniting people from around the world in doing good deeds for others and the planet. Giving his feedback, Island Coordinator Sandrae Thomas, expressed gratitude for the support, describing the initative as a success. “It was a fantastic day. I am truly, truly grateful to see the outcome. The persons that came out from different organizations to do a good deed for somebody else. We started the day by cutting the yards of two persons in Fleming’s. They were both happy with the outcome of that. While that was happening, there was also a clean-up of Lime Kiln Beach that was being led by the Montserrat Tourism Authority. We had persons who visited the Margetson Memorial and Golden Years Homes, where we had conversations with the elderly just gave them a bit of cheer as we passed through.” Thomas says persons can still get involved outside of the official day of activities. He said additional events are being planned for later this year as efforts continue to promote volunteerism on island.
Good Deeds Day – A Resounding Success Read More »
Acting Minister of Health Hon. Dwayne Hixon has provided an update on the ongoing hospital project. Speaking at a town hall meeting last Thursday, Hon. Hixon said the structure is currently 64 percent complete, with visible progress already made on the ground and first floors. He said work is now advancing on the upper levels of the building, despite being four weeks behind schedule. “So far, they’re actually four weeks behind, and it’s due to the fact that in December the supervisors, and managers went home for Christmas, and so they had that little period. Plus there’s weather and other little bits and pieces that actually hamper them. Mr. Hixon says, “most of the materials, at least 85% of the materials for the hospital, such as the equipment, the air-conditioned units, because there are about 200 units, the elevator, they are actually 85% finished. The hospital is going quite nicely, the ground floor, the first floor, already there. They’re now working on the second floor upwards.” The more than 75,000 square foot, state-of-the-art healthcare facility will provide world-class services to the people of Montserrat. As part of the project, the New National Hospital will feature a comprehensive range of services, including a diagnostics and treatment center, pharmacy, catering and laundry facilities, sterilization areas, patient wards, birthing center, operating theater, laboratory, mortuary, administrative offices, as well as on-call rooms, a plant room, and maintenance facilities. All of which are designed to deliver high-quality healthcare and ensure patients have access to the latest technology for diagnosing and treating various conditions.
National Hospital Project Almost Two Thirds Complete Read More »
The tendering process for a ferry service restarts next month. This is according to Montserrat’s premier, Hon. Reuben T. Meade, who was speaking at a Town Hall meeting on Thursday. In giving an update on Montserrat’s access situation, the premier noted the challenges faced in procuring a ferry service over the past few months. Speaking about the upcoming tendering process, Premier Meade said this would be a sub-regional ferry service, providing access to islands other than Antigua. “One of the things with transportation this last period is that the entire galaxy collided. We were getting a vessel out of Venezuela, and just about when we were ready to get it out, we had the issue with Venezuela…..So we’re going back out to tender next month. We’re doing it very, very early, so that we can get the kinks out of the procurement process. The funding is already approved for it, and we will be working very hard towards getting some form of ferry.” Premier Meade says the ferry will provide a regional service but the principal route would be Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Antigua.
SVG Air’s Twin Otter aircraft will resume service to Montserrat at the end of this month. This announcement from founder and CEO of SVG Air, Paul Gravel. Speaking on the “What’s on Your Mind” radio Programme Tuesday morning, Mr Gravel explained the challenges faced which affected their service to Montserrat. He said a main challenge was a delay in corrosion repair on the Twin otter Aircraft. “Well, the Twin Otter, that is going to be back at the end of this month, it has had some major delays because we had to remove the wing and repair corrosion internally. And to do that, you have to remove 4,000 rivets, take the wing apart, replace a lot of the longer arms and spars in the wing. Gravel says a shortage of rivets has compounded the problem. “The company that makes the rivets burnt to the ground in February of 2025. So there’s a worldwide rivet shortage. And the manufacturer of the wing is flying all over the world, repairing wings for the same problems we have, which is corrosion because the Twin Otters primarily used in saltwater conditions….. he’s very busy and he’s the only one that can do the final repair on the aircraft. So we’ve been waiting for him for two months. So it’s, it’s been very challenging. It’s been a very expensive exercise. We’ve, we’re about a million dollars into it so far. By the end of this month, it should be parked in Antigua to start back our service to Montserrat.” Mr Gravel also notes SVG Air’s current lack of Islander pilots. He said pilots are currently being trained, but explains that challenges are being encountered in the licensing process.
The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Center (UWI SRC) has opened application for the Creating Opportunities Through Research and Experience (C.O.R.E.) internship programme. This 8-week summer programme is aimed at university level students and recent graduates in the physical and earth sciences as well as the computer science disciplines who are interested in pursuing geoscience careers. C.O.R.E. provides Caribbean-born students with meaningful experience within the earth sciences. Persons can apply to complete a research project under the guidance of a UWI-SRC scientist during the June/July break. This year, two research projects will be conducted: “The Trinidad & Tobago Microzonation Project (the GIS component)”, and the “Artwork Creation for the Hans Stecher Rock and Mineral Museum and UWI-SRC Social Media Pages.” Successful candidates will gain valuable hands-on experience and an in-depth understanding of how the SRC attains its objectives. For more information and to apply, persons can visit the UWI Seismic Research Centre social media pages. Persons can also contact Mr. Antonio Modeste at 868-662-4659 ext 407 or antonio.modeste@uwi.edu for more information.
New Internship Opportunity For Youth On Montserrat. Read More »
