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Minister of Education Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge has assured the nation that schools across Montserrat are prepared for the new academic year. All schools opened on September 7th for the 2026/2027 school year. Addressing concerns about staffing, Dr. Buffonge said the Ministry is working to ensure adequate teacher coverage in all the schools. She acknowledged that some teachers had not yet started, but said there are persons covering positions where permanent teachers are not yet in place. Speaking to ZJB News she explained that “it is all really a work in progress. So obviously, there’s the physical plant of the schools. There’s some work that still needs to be done. Funding has been a problem. And then we’ve got to correlate the wish to do repairs with what is available in terms of support. So that side of it is a work in progress. On the preparation for classes Dr. Buffonge stated that “yes, the schools are prepared. Do we have enough teachers? On the one hand, I could say, yes, we do. So in spaces where there isn’t a teacher permanently in a role, there is somebody covering. I know, just judging from yesterday, I was on the MSS compound, and there were some issues there which the principal is aware of and is on top of. So, a couple of teachers have not started yet.”  She said she was impressed with the keenness of the students, who “were telling me that, look, we need a teacher. We’re not sure about what’s going on here. One of the students, who was a male, was keenly standing outside a classroom wanting to get in to be taught. It wasn’t his classroom. He said, ma’am, I have exams next year. So what are you all going to do? So, I encourage him to continue to have a voice. I’ve contacted the parent. And I love to see that students are standing up for themselves. So, it is a work in progress, obviously.” According to the education minister, to the best of her knowledge, the Ministry of Education “is working hard to make sure there’s adequate cover everywhere. But rest assured, the Ministry of Education is doing everything that it can to fill any gaps that are there.”  Dr. Buffonge said the Ministry is working alongside the Human Resources Management Unit to improve the recruitment processes. However, she identified teacher salaries as one of the challenges affecting recruitment and retention.

For first and second year students at the Montserrat Community College, the new academic year represents another step towards their educational goals. Principal Geraldine Cabey gave this message at the college’s official opening assembly on Monday. Cabey said the start of the academic year is a new beginning for some students and another step in an ongoing journey for others. She encouraged students to approach the new semester with purpose, discipline and determination. “Whatever your starting point, I encourage you to approach this academic year with purpose, discipline, and determination, as well as a willingness to give of your very best. To our first-year students, I extend a particularly warm welcome to you. As I have done in the past, I wish to congratulate you on your decision to pursue your advanced level studies here with us at the Montserrat Community College,” Mrs. Cabey said. She stated that the decision to attend the MCC “should not be taken lightly. We are very mindful that alternative choices were available to you. Why do I say this? One of the greatest advantages of studying at the Montserrat Community College is the personalized attention that our students receive. Our advanced level classes are quite small, and this allows our lecturers to know their students, to monitor their progress, and to intervene when necessary “. Mrs. Cabeyurged new students to make full use of the support available to them, while reminding returning students that their presence reflects a commitment to completing their educational journey.

The Rotaract Club of Montserrat is joining with the Rotaract Club of Sangre Grande on the international service project, Roots to Results. This project is focused on creating greater opportunities for success, by sponsoring the applicants’ journey to attaining their CSEC English or Mathematics qualifications. The opportunity is open to residents of Montserrat and Trinidad and Tobago who have left formal school and missed or did not pass CSEC Maths or English A. Applicants must also be unable to afford private tuition or exam fees. The sponsorship will cover fully-funded preparatory classes, academic mentorship and guidance, study support, and registration and CSEC examination fees. Successful applicants will only receive funding for one subject. Applications close on Friday September 18th. For more details and to apply, persons can visit the Rotaract Club of Montserrat’s social media pages.

As the new academic year begins, St Anthony Lodge No. 4686EC on Montserrat, under the District Grand Lodge of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, has once again affirmed its commitment to charity and community support. On September 3rd, the Lodge presented a cheque for $4,000.00 to the Deputy Director of Social Services, Ms. Sharese Allen, in support of the Back to School Children Assistance Programme. Charity is not an act of publicity but a reflection of the Lodges’ values as a fraternal organization. St. Anthony Lodge is a registered Friendly Society, and a Non-Profit Organization serving Montserrat. Every year, each member of the Lodge dedicate themselves to raising funds for this cause, ensuring that children in need receive the support required to begin their school year with dignity and hope. In presenting the cheque, the Presiding Master, Mr. Kenneth Patrick Silcott, profoundly stated, “this donation is one of the substantial amounts given to this cause, and this is because of personal commitments by members of the Lodge and supporters. There are other initiatives that we support, as charity continues to be one of the foundations of our organization and I will reiterate that we, as members, do so from our hearts and not for publicity. Over the years, when we make this presentation, we would highlight our commitment to do all that we can to promote and encourage support from other interested persons. This has brought some success this year, and a great portion of what we are handing over today came directly from members and supporters overseas within the last few days, and for this we are thankful. Let us continue to do all that we can to support those in need in our community, especially our children.” Receiving the cheque was Deputy Director, Miss Sharese Allen.  In conveying appreciation on behalf of the Department of Social Services, Miss Allen who is acting on behalf of the Director of Social Services said, “she would like to acknowledge the increase in the donation, the continued efforts and commitment of the St Anthony Lodge to provide support for children in need going back to school. She added that the donations will support the educational needs of children, noting that investment in their education is a sustainable investment in their future. She further commented that the Department looks forward to receiving these contributions each year, particularly during the back-to-school period. She noted that the Department has an established process to quickly identify children returning to school who would benefit most from the support. She concluded by expressing profound thanks on behalf of the Director Mrs. Teresena Fergus.” Also witnessing the presentation by Mr. Kenneth Patrick Silcott, were members Peter W.A. White OBE, Kendall W. Lee, Jermaine J. Wade, Edward W. Andrew and Clyde A. Rogers. Constituted in July 1925 under the United Grand Lodge of England, St Anthony Lodge No. 4684EC remain guided by the principle that true charity flows quietly from the heart, living out the values of compassion, fraternity, and service to community. This annual support for children returning to school is to ensure that they begin the school year equipped and encouraged.

The Rotary Club of Montserrat, through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Antigua, has donated over 60 laptops to support students and teachers across Montserrat’s three primary schools. The donation has been made possible through the Rotary Club of Antigua’s longstanding Education Through Technology (ETT) Programme, which seeks to improve access to technology and strengthen opportunities for learning through the provision of digital tools. The laptops will be distributed primarily to Grade 4 students at all three primary schools on Montserrat, with devices also being provided to teachers to support classroom instruction. The initiative comes at an opportune time as a new ICT programme is scheduled to be rolled out across Montserrat’s public primary schools from September 2026. The laptops will complement the technology and equipment already available in school IT labs and classrooms, helping to broaden students’ access to digital learning and supporting teachers in integrating technology into their lessons. President of the Rotary Club of Montserrat, Ms. Michelle Cassell, said the project demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when Rotary clubs work together to respond to the needs of their communities. “This donation is a wonderful example of the strength of partnership across Rotary clubs. By working with the Rotary Club of Antigua, we are able to extend the reach and impact of a proven programme and put valuable learning tools directly into the hands of our students and teachers. Education creates opportunities, strengthens communities and gives our young people the foundation to build a better future. As Rotarians, investing in education is therefore one of the most meaningful investments we can make.” She further described the initiative as both timely and relevant, noting the increasingly important role that technology plays in education and everyday life. The project aligns with Rotary International’s Basic Education and Literacy Area of Focus, through which Rotary supports initiatives that strengthen education systems, improve access to education, support teachers and promote literacy and lifelong learning. The Rotary Club of Montserrat extends its appreciation to the Rotary Club of Antigua for facilitating the donation through its Education Through Technology Programme and for its commitment to extending the benefits of the initiative to students in Montserrat. The Club extends also extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education for welcoming the initiative and partnering with the Rotary Club of Montserrat to facilitate the successful implementation of the project. The Ministry has been instrumental in sourcing and funding the required software applications, ensuring that the laptops are equipped with age-appropriate educational tools and applications to support the Grade Four curriculum and the learning needs of the students. Through partnerships such as this, the Rotary Club of Montserrat continues to pursue service projects that create practical and lasting benefits for the people of Montserrat, with a particular emphasis on supporting children, young people and education. — END — About the Rotary Club of Montserrat The Rotary Club of Montserrat is part of Rotary International’s global network of volunteers committed to service and to creating lasting change in communities. The Club undertakes projects and partnerships aimed at responding to local needs and improving the wellbeing and development of the Montserrat community.