News

Reintroduction of Police Dogs Being Considered

The reintroduction of Police dogs is not off the table. Commissioner of Police Mark Payne says a K9 programme is under consideration, but financial and logistical challenges mean drones will continue to serve as the primary search and rescue tool in the interim. He said while police dogs can also be valuable in search operations, drones currently provide a cost-effective solution capable of covering large areas quickly. Commissioner Payne was responding to questions, on the “What’s on Your Mind” radio programme, about the implementation of cadaver and sniffer dogs.

Reintroduction of Police Dogs Being Considered Read More »

Premier Meade Discusses Relocating Wastewater Facility

Premier, the Honourable Reuben T Meade says relocating sewage treatments away from residential communities is a key step in protecting public health. Work has begun on a major project to replace the over 20 year old wastewater treatment facility in Look Out to Margarita Bay. The project will see extensive site development works in the area such as land clearing, construction of access roads, storm drainage systems, underground utilities, lift stations, sludge drying beds, and operational buildings. Speaking on the developments, Premier Meade explained that managing human waste safely is an unavoidable necessity for every community.

Premier Meade Discusses Relocating Wastewater Facility Read More »

Montserrat’s Issues Highlighted at Recent UK Constitutional Committee Inquiry

The key issues impacting Montserrat’s relationship with the United Kingdom were laid on the table at a brief inquiry by the Constitutional Committee on Wednesday February 11, 2026 in London. The inquiry is reviewing progress against the commitments set out in the 2023 UK-Overseas Territories Joint Declaration. Head of the Government of Montserrat UK Office (GOMUKO), Kei-Retta Farrell was one of a five-member panel representing the OTs. Miss Farrell started out by focusing on the context for which the key issues facing Montserrat emerged – the soufriere Hills volcanic eruptions. The other panelists:- Blondel Cluff, CBE, DL, Overseas Representative and special adviser to the premier, Government of Anguilla; Natalio Wheatley, Premier, British Virgin Islands; Charles Washington Misick, OBE, premier, Turks and Caicos Island; and Kim Wilkerson, JP, Attorney General, Bermuda. The inquiry is set to continue on February 25.

Montserrat’s Issues Highlighted at Recent UK Constitutional Committee Inquiry Read More »

A New Project to Boost Electricity Network Resilience in Montserrat

The Government of Montserrat is making a major move toward energy independence with the launch of the Transmission and Distribution Network Resilience Building Project. The project, forms part of the 5.9 million pound Green Energy Transition Programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It is executed by the Department of Energy within the Ministry of Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour, Transportation and Ecclesiastical Affairs (BUILT-E) in collaboration with Montserrat Utilities Limited (MUL). Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Colin Fergus, told ZJB News that the project will strengthen the resilience of the electricity network. The Transmission and Distribution Network Resilience Building project runs alongside the Water and Waste Water project. This will see more than two kilometres of electrical infrastructure placed underground, and the replacement of aging water pipelines. Manager of the Water Division, Kenaud Ryan, and before him, manager of the Electrical Division, Kendall Lee

A New Project to Boost Electricity Network Resilience in Montserrat Read More »

Caribbean Cadet Medal Presented to Members of the Cadet Corp

The Caribbean Cadet Medal was presented to two current members and one former member of the Montserrat Cadet Corp. (Retired) Captain Roosevelt Jemmotte, Captain Glenroy Foster, and Second Lieutenant Carmencita Duberry Farrell, received the medal during a Church Parade held alongside the Royal Montserrat Defence Force at St. James Anglican Church on Sunday. They were awarded in recognition of distinguished service to the regional cadet movement. The service marked the start of the RMDF Training Year and provided a fitting setting to honour leadership, commitment, and service within the cadet community. The Caribbean Cadet Medal is awarded to recognise exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the development of the regional cadet movement. It honours officers and individuals whose leadership, commitment, and dedication have strengthened cadet training, youth development, and regional cooperation across the Caribbean. Commanding Officer of the Montserrat Cadet Corps, Captain Colin Fergus noted that the awards recognise service that goes far beyond the parade ground, honouring leadership, mentorship, and a genuine commitment to developing young people through cadetting. The Montserrat Cadet Corps extended sincere congratulations to the awardees On behalf of the Association of Caribbean Cadet Commandants. The awardees were also thanked for their exemplary service to youth development and regional cooperation.

Caribbean Cadet Medal Presented to Members of the Cadet Corp Read More »

RMPS Makes Preparations for St. Patrick’s 2026

The Royal Montserrat Police Service is making preparations for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Festival. This was confirmed by commissioner of police, Mark Payne on ZJB Radio on Tuesday. Commissioner Payne shared that the RMPS intends to repaint road markings where necessary, and use radar guns for traffic enforcement during the busy season. He added that police officers from other Overseas Territories will be present on Montserrat during the season to help the RMPS.

RMPS Makes Preparations for St. Patrick’s 2026 Read More »

Economic Diversification and Long-Term Sustainability Remain Central to Montserrat’s UK Office

The Montserrat Government UK Office (MGUKO) says economic diversification and long-term sustainability remain central to its work. In its newsletter, the Office stated that in 2025, it supported early-stage investor engagement, facilitated discussions on infrastructure, innovation, and climate-aligned investment, and continued positioning Montserrat as a destination for sustainable and responsible growth. This work included building a constructive relationship with Lloyds Bank, with discussions underway around retail banking challenges and the potential for improved correspondent banking arrangements to support trade, investment, and financial resilience. MGUKO also used relevant forums to highlight Montserrat’s financial access challenges and the importance of inclusive banking infrastructure. It says this work will continue into 2026 as discussions progress and engagement becomes more structured. The Montserrat Government UK Office is headed by Keiretta Farrell. During the year, the Office also spearheaded the Montserrat Business Directory, which is being developed to recognize and promote UK-based businesses founded by individuals of Montserratian heritage, supporting visibility, networking, and opportunity-sharing. It is also working working towards stronger engagement with Montserratian communities in the United States and Canada, including diaspora mapping and relationship-building with community leaders.

Economic Diversification and Long-Term Sustainability Remain Central to Montserrat’s UK Office Read More »

Montserrat Moves Forward with Margarita Bay Wastewater Project

The Government of Montserrat is moving forward with the Margarita Bay Wastewater Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at replacing the aging sewage treatment system in Lookout. As part of the project, the new facility will see extensive site development works such as land clearing, construction of access roads, storm drainage systems, underground utilities, lift stations, sludge drying beds, and operational buildings. In an interview with ZJB News, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Building, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour, transportation & Ecclesiastical Affairs (BUILTE) Colin Fergus says the project is crucial in ensuring sustainable wastewater management for the island while safeguarding environmental health. The Ilse company and Hydrolia Water Solutions, the contracted consultants for the project, will work with the Government of Montserrat and the Montserrat Utilities Limited (MUL) to ensure its successful completion. Environmental Engineer at Hydrolia, Liz Arango Miu-noz, in outlining the details of the new system, say the facility will use a multi-stage treatment process, which is designed to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Civil Engineer with Hydrolia Alonso Salas says the new facility is being designed to handle both current needs and future population growth on Montserrat. Meantime, Managing Director of Montserrat Utilities Limited Julian Daniel reiterated the importance of the project and long term role it will play in supporting the future development of Montserrat. Daniel highlighted the potential reuse of treated by-products.

Montserrat Moves Forward with Margarita Bay Wastewater Project Read More »

Ministry of Health and Social Services Commissions Independent Health Inspection

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) will welcome its first independent health services inspection at the Glendon Hospital which will focus on an assessment framework similar to that used by UK Health Regulators’ during the period February 16-20, 2026.  The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is committed to building a robust health system through which good quality, cost effective and evidence-based health services are provided.   To achieve this, it is essential for periodic external inspections to be undertaken. The Glendon hospital has undergone previous assessments regarding provision of services in the past however none have focused on this type of assessment framework. The MoHSS therefore regards this inspection as a critical aspect of continued service improvement.  UK Ambassador for Healthcare to the Overseas Territories, Professor Ian Cumming OBE will lead the Health Inspection team visit to Montserrat.  As this is a first inspection, the entire health service will not be inspected. This is likely to require too broad a range of experts and a longer period of time than is available. It has therefore been decided that the Glendon Hospital will be the focus, looking specifically at areas where the most critical care is provided: emergency care (including ambulance and Casualty), ward-based care, theatres and the process for medical treatment overseas. In addition to the above-mentioned service areas of focus, the inspection team will also review the quality of care provided by our team of doctors across all service areas at the Glendon Hospital. The inspection team will apply the five guiding principles as adopted by the CQC to the agreed assessment framework—is the facility safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Feedback from members of the public also forms an important part of the health inspection. To facilitate this, the Inspection Team will make themselves available to speak to members of the public at a Public meeting at the Brades Arts and Education Centre on Wednesday 18th February, 2026 starting at 6:00p.m. This meeting will be held based on confirmation of interest from members of public. Therefore, persons interested in meeting with the Inspectors on this date are asked to contact the Ministry at 491-2880/491-4520 or email mehcsmail@gov.ms  by 12pm on the 17th February 2026. Members of the Public who wish to submit feedback in relation to the services provided will be able to do so, by e-mail to the Inspection Co-ordinator, Professor Heidi Fuller on  h.r.fuller@keele.ac.uk  with a closing date of 20th February, 2026. Please note that the Inspectors are not able to look into specific individual episodes of care. If you have a specific concern or query about your care, this should be raised in the normal way; directly with the healthcare professionals treating you. To help provide some context as to the type of information that would be useful to the inspection team, the five key questions that will be addressed by the inspection are: The inspection team would be pleased to learn of your views, positive and negative of the above-mentioned services. By requesting this feedback in advance of the inspection it will aid the inspection team in gaining a sense of services, and identify any particular trends. During the inspection itself, inspectors will also opportunistically engage with service users. This will again be voluntary, and anyone not wishing to speak with the inspectors will be under no obligation to do so. On completion of the inspection, a report will be developed by the independent experts. This report will be made available to the public in order to ensure transparency of a government department and allow for the public to read a balanced assessment of our services.  The report is expected to identify areas for improvement and will contribute to future service enhancements.

Ministry of Health and Social Services Commissions Independent Health Inspection Read More »