News - ZJB Radio

Montserrat’s Premier Explains Significance of “Pause” in Graduation from Official Development Assistance

Montserrat’s leader of government business, Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade has been explaining the significance of the recent “pause” in graduation secured recently by Montserrat at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. The UK Government confirmed that, “in partnership with Montserrat,” it successfully secured a halt to the island’s removal from Official Development Assistance (ODA) status pending a wider review of graduation criteria. Premier Meade stated that his administration has been working continuously with the British government not to be graduated. This pause is said to protect Montserrat’s access to critical development funding at a time when global inflation, loss of EU development support, and infrastructure gaps place the island at a disadvantage. Premier Meade shares the significance of the recent development, including the timeline for budgetary allocation. Premier Meade, however stated also that all of the projects that had a timeline ending on March 31st next year are still in effect.

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Ministry of Health and Social Services Commissions New Mobile Medical Van and Storage Container for Montserrat

Health, News, OECS

A new Mobile Medical Van and Storage Container for Montserrat were commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Social Services on Wednesday morning. The van and storage container were procured through the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Direct Relief project. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross lauded the developments in Montserrat’s health sector, and thanked the health staff for their work. In his remarks, Premier, the Hon. Reuben T. Meade highlighted the continued support of the OECS, noting the difficulty Montserrat often faces with other funding agencies. Meanwhile, acting permanent secretary, Viona Alexander-Smith explained the purpose of the mobile van and storage unit, saying these support the ministry’s strategic targets by increasing accessibility to healthcare and improving public health outcomes.

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MAPD Calls for a Move Beyond Policy to Action on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

News

The Montserrat Association for Persons with Disabilities (MAPD) joins the global community in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 under the theme “Fostering disability‑inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This theme speaks directly to Montserrat’s future: the island cannot achieve real social and economic progress while disabled people continue to face barriers in work, education, health, transport, housing and public life. MAPD welcomes the fact that the Government of Montserrat has now agreed a National Disability Policy and that the new Population Policy recognises disability inclusion as essential to Montserrat’s development. Together, these policies identify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as the “north star” for action and sit alongside existing protections in the Labour Code, the OECS Building Code, CROSQ standards and the Montserrat Constitution. The challenge now is to move from frameworks on paper to real enforcement, so that non‑discrimination, reasonable accommodation and accessibility requirements are implemented in every ministry, workplace and public service. Steve Weekes, Vice President of MAPD, said: “We are grateful for the opportunities we’ve had over the past year to contribute to policy developments on the island, and there has been a very noticeable increase in consultation since last year’s draft National Disability Policy. With this year’s theme of ‘Fostering disability‑inclusive societies for advancing social progress,’ we are calling for that consultation to be matched by concrete action, proper enforcement of existing standards and real investment in accessibility, so that disabled people on Montserrat – and those who wish to return – can live, work and participate on equal terms.” MAPD is actively seeking new volunteers on island and in the diaspora to help with advocacy, peer support, outreach and practical accessibility projects. Anyone wishing to get involved, seek support or discuss partnership opportunities is invited to contact MAPD through our Facebook page @montserratdisability.

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ECCB Reveals Plans to Establish New Reforms

News

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) says its move to establish the new Office of Financial Conduct and Inclusion, along with the Eastern Caribbean Financial Standards Board, comes at a critical time for the region’s financial sector. The initiative is being implemented in response to rising public complaints, technological changes, and the growing need to protect vulnerable consumers. According to ECCB officials visiting Montserrat last week, the decision follows years of reports from customers expressing frustration over their banking experiences, including high fees, service challenges, and concerns about fair treatment. Chief Director (Policy) at ECCB, Tracy Polius, noted that the financial landscape across the currency union has changed rapidly in the last decade- where Banks, credit unions, and insurance companies have increasingly turned to digital platforms to deliver services. This allows customers to access accounts, make payments, and manage policies directly from their mobile phones. Together, the ECCB believes these reforms will help restore confidence, improve consumer protection, and build a more resilient and inclusive financial sector for Montserrat and the wider Eastern Caribbean.

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Montserrat Tourism Authority Encourages Visits to St. Georges Hill Fort

News, Tourism

Marketing Development Officer at the Montserrat Tourism Authority Cherise Aymer is encouraging people from around the Caribbean and further afield to experience Montserrat’s newest tourism offering – the St. Georges Hill Fort. The fort, has been closed for nearly three decades. With access roads, Ms. Aymer says the site, which offers panoramic views of the buried capital of Plymouth and the Soufrière Hills volcano, is an exciting addition to Montserrat’s tourist sites. Ms. Aymer , as well as Marketing Officer at the Montserrat Arts Council Jayesh Sadhwani, were undertaking a series of media engagements in Antigua ahead of Montserrat’s Carnival season.

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UK Commits to Supporting Territories where Financial Self-Sufficiency is Not Possible

News

The United Kingdom remains committed to meeting the reasonable needs of Territories where financial self-sufficiency is not possible. The commitment was made at the Joint Ministerial Council in London. The UK stated that the Overseas Territories continue to have the first call on the UK’s aid budget to facilitate sustainable economic growth and development. The UK also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Territories’ transition to economic independence. Furthermore, the UK will continue to represent Territories’ interests in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Assistance Committee (DAC), as part of country Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligibility and graduation. The Government announced that recently, in partnership with Montserrat, it helped to secure a pause to Montserrat’s ODA graduation, pending a wider review of graduation criteria. At the JMC, the Overseas Territories reiterated that they should be able to access development funds from regional and global multilateral institutions. The UK says it will continue to champion this objective, recognising that these decisions are for the individual institutions. It acknowledges the challenges posed by elevated global inflation, recognises the real gap left when Territory organisations and programmes lost access to EU funding. The UK says it will therefore work with the Territories to target assistance where it best matches the UK’s responsibilities and the Territories’ needs.

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Government of Montserrat Poised to Sign MOU with Guadeloupe

Health, News

The Government is poised to sign Memorandum of Understanding with Guadeloupe that will boost healthcare for residents in Montserrat. Minister of Health, Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge says she is taking the MOU to the Cabinet, that allows Montserrat to have a better relationship with nearby hospitals that have tertiary centers. Dr. Buffonge was speaking at the recent Diaspora Leadership Conference.

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Ferry Service between Montserrat and Antigua Delayed

News

The start of the ferry service will be delayed due to logistical challenges. This was the announcement made by Premier of Montserrat, Honourable Reuben T. Meade on the What’s on Your Mind Radio Programme on Tuesday. The premier stated that the ferry not begin operating on December 5th as previously anticipated, explaining the purpose of the delay. He also apologised to the public for setting an unmet timeline.

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Preparations Well Advanced for National Tree Planting Day 2025

Environment, News

The Department of Environment says preparations are well advanced for the 35th annual National Tree Planting Day, set for this Wednesday, December 3. Environment Technician Stephen Mendes explained that although this year will see 39 species of plants and trees in total- the highest in recent years, a few of the most popular varieties will be limited. Residents are asked to bring a cardboard box to safely carry their plants, as this year’s event will not include a drive-through system. He also noted that producing this year’s stock of plants has not been without challenges. Extended drought conditions earlier in the year were followed by periods of intense rainfall, affecting growth and increasing the risk of pests and disease. The distribution of plants will take place on the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and Environment compound in Brades.

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Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment Signs Contract For Construction Of New Social Housing Units In Drummonds

Government, News

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment is pleased to announce the official signing of the contract for the construction of new Social Housing units in Drummonds—an important step in strengthening Montserrat’s commitments to housing security and improved living conditions for vulnerable families. Following a competitive procurement process, Steel Express has been awarded the contract to deliver this critical project. The development forms part of the Government of Montserrat’s wider initiative to expand affordable and climate-resilient housing options across the island. A brief signing ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion. In attendance were: • Hon. John A. Osborne, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment • Mrs. Daphne Cassell, Permanent Secretary • Mr. Franklin Greenaway, Director of the Land Development Authority Minister Osborne expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved and emphasized the Government’s commitment to accelerating housing development for citizens in need. “Today marks another meaningful advancement in our mission to provide safe, reliable, and resilient housing for the people of Montserrat,” he said. Permanent Secretary Cassell noted the importance of ensuring that the housing solutions are built to the highest standards and aligned with sustainable development goals. Director Greenaway highlighted the significance of the Drummonds project in addressing long-standing housing gaps and supporting community stability. The Ministry extends appreciation to Steel Express and looks forward to timely commencement and completion of the works, which will contribute significantly to improving the quality of life for families across the island.

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