News

Privy Council Upholds Decision to Quash Warren Cassell’s Conviction

Montserrat’s final appellate court, the Privy Council in England, has upheld the decision by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal which quashed the conviction of Attorney-at-law Warren Cassell. According to a LOMAR Consulting LLC press release issued on Thursday, three British Justices sitting on the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London handed down their judgment in a 23- page document. The release states that the ruling by the panel of law Lords declared that Attorney Cassell be acquitted of the charge relating to the conviction in the concealment of proceeds of criminal conduct. In June 2022, Mr. Cassell was found guilty of concealing the proceeds of criminal conduct and was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment. He appealed his conviction on several grounds and in February 2025, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal quashed the conviction and set aside the sentence, referring to the matter as a “Miscarriage of Justice” and also stated that it did not believe it was in the interest of justice to order a retrial of Attorney Cassell in this matter. In mid-2025, Montserrat’s Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Oris Sullivan, who was unhappy with the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal’s vindication of Attorney Cassell, made a further appeal to the London based Privy Council to have the decision overturned. In handing down Thursday’s decision, the Privy Council also expressed its desire that this latest appeal by the Crown would hopefully be the final one in an extraordinary saga that began in 2007. Over that time, almost twenty years ago, there have been two trials and now two appeals that have reached the Privy Council. Mr. Cassell’s legal representative, Attorney Dr. David Dorset, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as once again a significant victory for justice. Attorney Dr, David Dorset The three Justices, Lords Briggs, Lord Burrows and Lord Snowden heard the case in the Privy Council at Westminster.

Privy Council Upholds Decision to Quash Warren Cassell’s Conviction Read More »

New Initiative to Improve Understanding of Montserrat’s Forests and Water Resources

Local Agriculture officials continue to welcome the launch of the Thriving Ecosystems and Communities in Montserrat: Agroforestry and Sustainable Land Management Solutions project. Launched on Tuesday, in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), under the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC), the project aims to improve the understanding of the island’s forests and water resources, support ecosystem restoration, and explore opportunities for climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry and sustainable land management. Speaking at the launch, Director of Environment, Ernestine Corbett, said the initiative would help authorities make better informed decisions about protecting and sustainably managing the island’s natural environment. She explained that the Department had been seeking to advance the forest inventory and climate modeling initiative for some time, and welcomed the support of the RSPB in bringing the project to fruition. Director of the Department of Environment, Ernestine Corbett The new project will bring together local communities, land managers, farmers, government agencies, and conservation specialists to better understand the island’s natural resources and develop practical approaches to managing them sustainably.

New Initiative to Improve Understanding of Montserrat’s Forests and Water Resources Read More »

A Call for Broader Approach to Reparatory Justice

Reparatory justice must go beyond financial compensation to address the lasting social and cultural effects of slavery and colonialism. That’s according to Former Principal Peter White,who was giving his contribution at a recent local townhall meeting on reparations. White said CARICOM had broadened its approach to reparatory justice beyond calculating how much money is owed for the historical exploitation of enslaved people. He stated that the effects of slavery cannot be fully measured in financial terms, noting that practices and attitudes imposed on Caribbean communities over generations continue to influence society today. White said reparatory justice must include identifying the lasting effects of these imposed practices and finding ways to counter them. He said addressing these practices is an important part of understanding the full impact of slavery and pursuing meaningful reparatory justice.

A Call for Broader Approach to Reparatory Justice Read More »

New Project Launched to Strengthen Water Security and Climate Resilience

Montserrat is set to strengthen its water security, forest management and climate resilience through a new project launched under the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC). The initiative dubbed Agroforestry and Sustainable Land Management Solutions, is funded through a UK Government initiative supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Speaking at the launch ceremony at the Montserrat National Trust on Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture Honourable John P Osborne said protecting and restoring nature must be recognized as an essential part of development. The project will focus on four interconnected areas, namely, water, forests, climate and livelihoods. Activities will include assessing springs, boreholes and aquifers, identifying priority watersheds for protection, developing a national forest inventory and collecting more detailed climate data specific to Montserrat. The initiative will also explore agroforestry and sustainable land management opportunities to improve agricultural resilience and create new forest-based business opportunities. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) UK Overseas Territories (UKOT) Officer for the Caribbean, Lyndon John, in giving an overview of the project said it presents a significant opportunity for Montserrat to be the first Overseas Territory possess a forest inventory.

New Project Launched to Strengthen Water Security and Climate Resilience Read More »

National Audit Office and Internal Audit Unit Revise MOU to Strengthen Public Sector Accountability

The National Audit Office (NAO) and the Internal Audit Unit (IAU) have reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, accountability and good governance through the formal revision of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), originally signed in 2013. The revised MOU was signed on 1 October 2026 by Auditor-General Marsha Meade and Chief Internal Auditor Romilly Murrain-Daley. The signing was witnessed by Deputy Auditor-General Urica Cassell and Internal Audit Manager Denecia West. The agreement strengthens the framework for cooperation between the two offices while recognising their distinct responsibilities and the importance of maintaining professional independence. A key provision of the revised MOU is the commitment to coordinated annual planning. Both offices will meet annually to develop a calendar of activities aimed at minimising unnecessary duplication of audit efforts, improving information-sharing and promoting the effective use of audit resources. While the NAO provides independent external scrutiny of government operations and accounts, the IAU supports management by evaluating internal controls, risk management and governance processes. These complementary functions play an important role in promoting transparency, accountability and the responsible management of public resources. The MOU also provides for annual review to ensure that the collaborative arrangements remain relevant and effective. Through continued cooperation and respect for their respective mandates, the NAO and IAU reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening public sector accountability and good governance in Montserrat.

National Audit Office and Internal Audit Unit Revise MOU to Strengthen Public Sector Accountability Read More »

CARICOM Official Highlights Regional Trade as Key to Food Security for Small Islands

Assistant Secretary General – CARICOM Single Market Trade (CSMT) at the Caribbean Community Secretariat, Ambassador Wayne McCook has been explaining how small island states like Montserrat can benefit from regional food production and trade. He was responding to a question on how the regional grouping can mobilize to provide meaningful assistance to fledgling states to ensure food security. Ambassador McCook was at the time speaking during an interview while on a recent visit to Montserrat. The Jamaican is also an advisor to the Geneva Trade Platform at the Centre for Trade and Economic Integration of the Graduate Institute of Geneva, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Multilateral Negotiations (CEMUNE). Assistant Secretary General – CARICOM Single Market Trade (CSMT) at the Caribbean Community Secretariat, Ambassador Wayne McCook

CARICOM Official Highlights Regional Trade as Key to Food Security for Small Islands Read More »

CARICOM Secretary-General Says Montserrat’s Regional Contribution Is Highly Valued

Despite the limitations brought on by its British Overseas Territory status, CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett says Montserrat’s contribution where regional functional cooperation is concerned is highly valued and recognized. She was speaking at the end of a recent visit to the island where she held discussions with government officials and other key stakeholders. Dr. Barnett highlights that Montserrat was one of the original signatories of the Treaty of Chaguaramas and as such has been able to be a part of discussions on the way forward for the region. CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett

CARICOM Secretary-General Says Montserrat’s Regional Contribution Is Highly Valued Read More »

Government of Montserrat Moves to Advance Digital Transformation Focusing on Strengthening Data Protection and Improving Digital Public Services

The Government of Montserrat is working to advance digital transformation, with a focus on strengthening data protection and improving digital public services here. The issues were highlighted during a workshop hosted by the Office of the Premier in collaboration with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, from October 19 to 21 at the Brades Arts and Education Centre. Associate Economic Affairs Officer within the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean- UNECLAC, Demetris Herkleous, said the workshop provides an opportunity to move from policy frameworks to practical implementation, helping Montserrat build the institutional capacity needed to deliver more effective digital services. He noted that Montserrat’s experience could also serve as a model for other small island developing states facing similar challenges. Demetris Herkleous. Meantime, Premier the Honourable Reuben Meade stressed the need for greater progress in using technology to improve government operations, pointing to the paperless government initiative. Premier Meade also highlighted the rollout of the health information system, which is intended to allow authorised doctors to access patients’ medical records when needed, including when they are overseas. Premier, the Honourable Reuben Meade

Government of Montserrat Moves to Advance Digital Transformation Focusing on Strengthening Data Protection and Improving Digital Public Services Read More »

Deputy Premier Reports Improvement in Water Production and Storage

Improvements to Montserrat’s water infrastructure are already paying dividends. Minister of BUILT-E the Honourable Veronica Dorsette Hector says spring yields have increased since the program began which includes rehabilitation to water sources, storage, and distribution. The project comprises spring rehabilitation, reservoir improvement, and replacing aged pipelines. She reported that the water sources at Fogarty Spring Rehabilitation Works have been completed, and that the catchments are now sheltered and secured with fencing to protect from external intrusion through human or through animals. MUL has reported an increase in the yield of approximately 15,000 gallons per day following its completion. Mrs. Dorsette Hector aid there is also energy-saving benefits, because Fogarty is a gravity-fed source, therefore increased natural spring production reduces the level of pumping required from the Belham wells, reducing electricity demand and pressure on mechanical equipment. The Spring at Hope, has also been completed. The Minister noted that the together, the rehabilitation of Fogarty and Hope reduces the vulnerability of Montserrat’s water system and supports greater use of natural spring production. She said the rehabilitation is intended to capture and protect the available spring flow, more effectively improve water quality and strengthen the reliability of supply from the important natural sources.  Meanwhile, the island’s water storage and distribution capacity has been increased. Tanks at Dick Hill, Lawyers, Davy Hill and St. Peter’s total approximately 842,000 gallons. Mrs. Dorsette Hector explained that the island has moved from having less than approximately one day of stored water supply to around three to five days under the improved system, which represents a significant improvement in Montserrat’s resilience.

Deputy Premier Reports Improvement in Water Production and Storage Read More »

Government of Montserrat and Winair Sign Three-Year Air Transport Agreement

The Government of Montserrat and Winair have signed a three-year agreement to maintain scheduled air services between St Maarten and Montserrat. Under the agreement, Winair will operate a minimum of three flights per week using its Twin Otter aircraft. The arrangement runs until September 30th, 2029, with annual reviews to ensure continued operational and administrative coordination. The agreement forms part of the Government’s three-year Access Strategy and is intended to maintain reliable air links for residents, visitors, businesses and government travel. The partnership is also expected to support tourism, economic activity and stronger connections between Montserrat, St Maarten and the wider Caribbean. Flight schedules and booking availability will be announced through Winair’s official sales channels. Further information and reservations are available at Winair’s website, winair.sx.

Government of Montserrat and Winair Sign Three-Year Air Transport Agreement Read More »