News

Austin Howe has resigned as Chairman of the Montserrat Arts Council. Howe submitted his resignation letter to the Office of the Premier this week, with immediate effect. He served as Chairman for one year and four months, having assumed the position on April 1, 2025. His appointment was originally set to run until March 31, 2028. Speaking to ZJB News, Howe said he had finished the mandate given to him. He said during his tenure his focus was to reorganise the Montserrat Arts Council and establish a team, capable of effectively carrying out the organisation’s responsibilities. Howe said that work has been completed, allowing him to step away from the position. Iris Lake is the board’s Deputy Chairman and acts as interim Chair.

Bank of Montserrat Limited has unveiled a new jingle that reflects its renewed focus on modern banking, digital solutions, national development and community. The jingle was produced by Vallis Weekes of Shaker HD Productions and written and performed by Dyllon “Lighta” Cassell. The overall production was managed by Rebel Rock Media Ltd on behalf of Bank of Montserrat Limited. It features the tagline, “Your Bank. Your Future.” For many years, the Bank’s identity was closely associated with jingles sung by the late Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell. The creation of the new track continues that musical legacy while giving the Bank a contemporary sound that supports its evolving direction and commitment to serving Montserrat. Lighta is Arrow’s nephew and the son of the late Justin “Hero” Cassell, who wrote and produced music for his younger brother. The new jingle therefore carries forward a significant part of the Cassell family’s contribution to Montserrat’s musical heritage. Lighta said he was honoured to have been asked to work on the project with his longtime production partner, Shaker HD. Both men are Montserratians. “Thank you so much for the opportunity to work on this project. It truly means a lot to me. Being able to do something that would make my dad proud,” he said. The new jingle blends the Bank’s longstanding connection to the people of Montserrat with its vision for the future. It highlights the Bank’s role in supporting personal financial progress, strengthening the community and contributing to national development, while expanding access to modern banking services and online solutions. The jingle can now be heard on ZJB Radio and will serve as the main backing track for the Bank’s future promotional content.

Members of Montserrat’s National Hydrographic Coordinating Committee (NHCC) have completed a three-day basic safety training programme delivered by the Montserrat Port Authority (MPA). The training, held on July 30, 31 and August 4, was designed to strengthen the team’s preparedness while operating aboard the port vessel MV Soufriere Spirit, which is used for bathymetric surveys of Montserrat’s coastal zones. The programme was benchmarked against safety standards under the International Maritime Organization’s STCW Convention, providing participants with training aligned with internationally recognised maritime safety practices. The first day of training  focused on personal survival techniques and safety responsibilities, including man-overboard procedures, abandon-ship protocols and the proper use of survival equipment. Day two covered fire prevention and basic firefighting, with participants receiving hands-on experience identifying fire hazards, selecting appropriate fire extinguishers and responding to minor fires. The final day focused on first aid at sea, including casualty assessment, CPR awareness, bleeding and wound care, casualty handling and communication in a maritime environment. As part of the MPA’s Education Outreach Programme, two interns from the Fisheries Department also participated in the training alongside the NHCC team. The Port Authority says the initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen safety awareness among its staff, partners and the wider maritime community.

The Office of the Deputy Governor is looking to shine a light on public officers whose dedication often happens behind the scenes, with the introduction of the Public Service Unsung Hero Award. The award is designed to recognize an outstanding public officer whose quiet dedication, professionalism and commitment have made a lasting contribution to the Public Service. This forms part of this year’s Public Service Celebrations, which are being held under the theme, “Public Service with Purpose: Serving Today, Shaping Tomorrow.” The Office of the Deputy Governor is encouraging ministries, departments and public officers to nominate colleagues who consistently go above and beyond in serving others, without necessarily seeking recognition for their efforts. The award is open to all current public officers, including established, contract, temporary and acting officers. Nominations must be submitted by a colleague, supervisor or Head of Department. Self-nominations will not be accepted. The judging panel will assess nominees based on their commitment to public service, positive impact, professionalism and integrity, teamwork and collaboration, initiative and dependability, as well as the qualities that define an unsung hero. The Office of the Deputy Governor is stressing that nominations should be supported by specific, evidence-based examples, rather than general statements about the nominee. Nominations must be submitted electronically to odg@gov.ms by Monday, September 21st. The judging panel reserves the right to request additional information or clarification where necessary.