News - ZJB Radio

Case Study Highlights Local Partnership Behind Cervical Cancer Strategy

Montserrat’s efforts to use local health data to combat cervical cancer have been highlighted in an international case study. Published by the Data to Policy Navigator, a global platform supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the case study showcases how the Ministry of Health and Social Services, in partnership with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), used local research and data analysis to guide the development of a national cervical cancer elimination strategy. According to the report, titled Using Data to Support Cervical Cancer Elimination in Montserrat, the island has faced challenges in cervical cancer prevention due to low screening rates, limited uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and reliance on costly overseas testing for Pap smear samples. To address these challenges, the Ministry conducted an HPV prevalence study among women aged 25 to 64 between 2024 and 2025. Using geographic information system technology and data from the 2023 Population and Housing Census, researchers identified households across the island and invited eligible women to participate in the study. Samples were tested locally at Glendon Hospital using GeneXpert technology, reducing result turnaround times from several weeks to just a few hours.The study found that 14.6 per cent of women tested positive for high-risk HPV, meaning approximately one in seven women of screening age on the island were at an elevated risk of cervical disease. Researchers also recorded a 92 per cent participation rate among eligible women who were invited to take part.The findings are now being used to guide decisions on HPV vaccination, screening programme design, diagnostic equipment investment, and the development of a national cervical cancer elimination strategy. The study also established on-island HPV DNA testing capability, significantly reducing both costs and waiting times for patients. The report notes that Montserrat’s experience may serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States facing similar healthcare and data challenges.It highlights the island’s innovative use of census and geographic data, rapid local testing, and evidence-based policymaking as examples of how data can be used to improve public health outcomes. The entire report can be found on www.datatopolicy.org.

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World Paediatrics Team to Conduct Speech and Language Assessments in Montserrat

Community, Health, News

Representatives from World Paediatrics are on a three-day mission to Montserrat. The visit by the four member team is part of a pilot project to assess speech and language difficulties among children on island. Speaking to ZJB News, they said the hope is to identify children with speech, language or developmental problems here. Speech and language specialists Lauren McIntosh, Jill Hodge, and Wendi McMillan. The other member of the team is Atyna Harry. Dr. Tiffany Skerritt-Flemming from the Ministry of Health is working with the team of speech and language specialists. She is encouraging parents and all concerned to take advantage of this opportunity and to participate in the sessions.

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Teecha Conference Hears Call for Stronger Focus on Social and Emotional Learning

Community, Education, News

High-quality early childhood education is about much more than teaching children basic literacy and numeracy skills. That statement from Professor Zoyah Kinkead-Clark, who was the keynote speaker at the Third Annual Teecha Early Childhood Conference held at the Montserrat National Trust this week. Addressing participants at the conference, Professor Kinkead-Clark explained that early childhood education helps children develop essential social and emotional skills, including cooperation, communication and the ability to express their feelings appropriately. She noted that these skills are becoming increasingly important as children spend less time engaging in face-to-face interaction and outdoor play. The senior lecturer also emphasized the importance of nurturing curiosity, resilience and confidence from an early age, describing children as natural explorers. Professor Kinkead-Clark stressed that experiences during the early years helped shape brain development and laid the foundation for future learning and success and urged educators and caregivers to be intentional in supporting children’s development. Professor Kinkead-Clark is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at The University of the West Indies, Mona in Jamaica. She also serves as the Manager of the Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre and Lead External Examiner for Early Childhood Programmes in Belize and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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MONTSERRAT’S INAUGURAL GOVERNOR’S AWARD CELEBRATES THE ISLAND’S FARMING FUTURE

News

Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Harriet Cross has presented the inaugural Governor’s Award to Mrs Shanyon McPherson, a farmer whose passion has grown from a secondary school backyard garden into a thriving five-acre operation putting fresh, locally grown food on tables across Montserrat. The award was presented at the King’s Birthday Party at the Governor’s Residence on 11 June 2026, before an audience of community leaders, government representatives, and members of the public gathered to celebrate His Majesty The King’s official birthday under the theme of Community and Partnership. Mrs McPherson’s journey began while still a secondary school student, when she cultivated her first backyard garden; a small but telling sign of a passion that would shape her life. She went on to balance her role as a Port Security Officer with a growing commitment to farming, expanding her operation after purchasing her home in Salem. The turning point came in July 2025, when she was selected to participate in an OECS-sponsored agricultural training programme in Saint Lucia, immersing herself in modern techniques including crop production, pest control, greenhouse operations, drone technology, and water harvesting. That September, inspired and convinced of the path ahead, she resigned from her post to farm full-time. Governor Harriet Cross said: “Shanyon’s story is one of quiet determination. She did not wait for the conditions to be perfect. She built something meaningful, step by step, season by season. In recognising her with this inaugural award, I want to celebrate not just what she has achieved, but what she represents: the entrepreneurial spirit, the commitment to community, and the belief that Montserrat’s future is worth investing in. Established by the Governor’s Office to honour individuals making a meaningful contribution to community life in Montserrat, the Governor’s Award will be presented annually. Mrs McPherson whose work contributes directly to the island’s food security and long-term resilience, is a deserving first recipient and an inspiration to young people and women considering a future in agriculture.

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Montserrat To Become Hub For New Regional Ferry Service

News

A new ferry service is preparing to launch with Montserrat positioned as a key hub in its network. Project Systems and Solutions Ltd, a Trinidad and Tobago-based consultancy and operations firm specialising in marine services, has announced the formal launch of its Leewards Link Ferry Service. According to a press release issued on Sunday, the company said the service will operate under the Leewards Link Logistics brand and aims to provide safe, reliable and affordable passenger and cargo transportation throughout the region. The ferry is expected to serve Montserrat, Antigua and St Kitts and Nevis. The company said the project follows more than a year of planning, regulatory assessments and investment and is intended to improve regional connectivity, support local businesses and tourism, and provide competitive travel options for residents. Leewards Link said it does not seek to replace or interfere with any existing or proposed local ferry initiatives and remains open to collaboration with local stakeholders. The company said it is finalising schedules and regulatory approvals ahead of its maiden voyage, with details on routes, fares and bookings expected to be announced within the coming week. The company added that a media preview and vessel tour, which was previously postponed, will also be rescheduled. The announcement comes amid public concern surrounding the vessel Swift Sails, which entered Montserrat’s waters last Wednesday before departing the island the following day.

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DMCA Calls for Greater Climate Resilience on World Environment Day

Community, Environment, News

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is encouraging residents to recognize the important link between environmental protection and disaster preparedness as Montserrat joined the global observance of World Environment Day on June 5. In a social media post last Friday, the agency marked the occasion under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” noting that the message is particularly significant for Montserrat given the climate-related challenges forecast for the coming months. The DMCA referenced the latest outlook from the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), which points to an increased likelihood of several climate hazards during the June to August period. These include rising temperatures and possible heatwaves; an elevated risk of bushfires during hot and dry conditions; intense rainfall events capable of triggering flooding and flash floods; the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season; and recurring Saharan dust episodes that can reduce air quality. According to the agency, protecting the environment and strengthening climate resilience are critical components of disaster risk reduction. The DMCA noted that healthy ecosystems can help communities better withstand natural hazards, while sustainable environmental practices can reduce vulnerability to disasters. The agency emphasized that building a resilient environment is an important step toward creating a more resilient Montserrat.

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Premier Meade Calls for Greater Optimism About Montserrat’s Future

Community, News

Montserrat’s Premier is encouraging Montserratians to adopt a more positive outlook on the island’s future and to actively contribute to national development. Speaking on the What’s on Your Mind radio programme, Premier the Honourable Reuben Meade acknowledged that government has a role to play in development, but said citizens also have a responsibility to support progress, urging residents to think about how they can contribute. Premier Meade warned that constant negative commentary can discourage potential investors who may only hear criticism of the island. He stressed that while challenges remain, there are also positive developments taking place that deserve recognition.

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Public Works Department Maintains Readiness Ahead of 2026 Hurricane Season

Community, Government, News

Acting Director of the Public Works Department (PWD), Felix Persaud, says the department remains actively engaged in preparations to help protect critical infrastructure during the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Providing an update during the Disaster Management Coordination Agency’s National Hurricane Conference last week, Persaud said PWD will continue maintaining the island’s water and drainage systems, with particular attention being paid to ghauts and waterways to reduce the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Persaud also pointed to government investments in hurricane resilience measures, including the installation of permanent hurricane shutters on public buildings such as the ZJB Radio Montserrat facility. The acting director also highlighted the recent reopening of Belham Bridge after more than 30 years, noting that PWD, in collaboration with the DMCA and Montserrat Volcano Observatory, will continue monitoring the bridge, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

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Premier Outlines Growth-First Approach to Population Retention

Community, Government, News

Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade says economic growth must remain the foundation of any successful population retention and growth strategy for Montserrat. Speaking on the Breakfast Show on Thursday, the premier addressed questions about government’s approach to increasing the island’s population, explaining that he does not believe population growth should be achieved simply by encouraging people to move to Montserrat without first creating opportunities for them. According to the premier, as Montserrat’s economy expands and new opportunities emerge, people will be drawn to the island to fill available jobs and contribute to its development, supporting long-term population growth in a sustainable manner.

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Soft Loan Programme Fully Utilizes 2 Million Dollar Fund Allocation

Community, Government, News

The Montserrat Business and Professional Fund (MBPF) Soft Loan Programme has fully deployed its initial 2 million EC Dollar fund allocation, providing financing to dozens of local entrepreneurs and businesses across the island. According to information released by the Government of Montserrat, the programme received 60 applications spanning 11 sectors of the economy and approved 39 loans valued at approximately 1.95 million EC Dollars, representing more than 97 per cent of the available funding. The loans have supported businesses operating in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, retail, construction, information technology, consultancy services, agro-processing and other sectors. A reported 19 loans remain active and are being repaid on schedule, with no defaults or arrears recorded to date. Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade described the programme as an investment in local people and businesses, noting that affordable access to capital has helped entrepreneurs, farmers, fishers and small business owners strengthen and expand their operations. He also confirmed that the government is actively seeking additional funding to replenish and expand the programme so that more applicants can benefit in the future. Programme Manager Dr. Gary Morton said the strong performance of the initiative reflects both careful administration and the commitment of borrowers. He highlighted the wide range of businesses that have received support, including fishers upgrading vessels, farmers expanding production and tourism operators increasing capacity. Chairman of the MBPF Soft Loan Committee, Jerson Badal, said the committee has worked to ensure all applications were carefully reviewed while helping applicants strengthen proposals where necessary. He added that entrepreneurs across several sectors have demonstrated what can be achieved when adequate financial support is made available. The MBPF Soft Loan Programme was established to provide affordable financing to Montserratian entrepreneurs and small businesses. Loans are offered at an annual interest rate of 2.5 per cent for terms of up to 96 months and are intended to support productive investments and business growth. The Government of Montserrat say efforts are now underway to secure additional funding from regional development partners, international financial institutions and local resources to allow the programme to continue supporting economic development and private sector growth on Montserrat.

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