News – Page 3 – ZJB Radio

Montserrat Takes Part in Regional Training on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing

Montserrat joined the region in strengthening its judicial capacity in the fight against financial crime. High Court Judge Birnie Stephenson represented the island at a high-level regional training on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. The five-day session, which began in St. Kitts on Monday July 28th, was organized by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) in collaboration with the Regional Security System (RSS). It brought together judges, magistrates, and financial crime experts from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including participants from the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and Tortola. The training focused on anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), and countering proliferation financing (CPF), equipping judicial officers with the knowledge to address the region’s evolving financial crime risks. Key topics included international AML/CFT/CPF obligations, asset recovery and confiscation, financial investigations, and the growing impact of virtual assets on criminal activity. The initiative reflected a strategic effort by the ECCB and RSS to fortify the OECS’s judicial framework, ensuring member states remain resilient against threats to their financial integrity and sustainable economic development. The workshop ended on August 1, with participants expected to return to their jurisdictions better equipped to handle complex financial crime cases.

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DMCA Launches WhatsApp Channel

News

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has launched a WhatsApp channel dedicated to ensuring the public have access to official and accurate information during emergencies. According to a press release from the DMCA, residents and visitors on Montserrat will be able to have access to critical, accurate, reliable, timely, and official information during emergencies or crises. DMCA’s Information and Education Officer, Shirlian Queeley, access to accurate information, during a crisis or emergency, can save lives and reduce risk- especially for the island’s vulnerable population. The DMCA encourages the public to copy the link, share it, or scan the QR code to follow the WhatsApp channel. QR codes and links will be displayed at various locations across the island and shared on the DMCA’s social media platforms and website. For additional queries or for further assistance joining the channel, individuals can call the DMCA at 491-7166.

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Darenthea Sweeney Awarded Chevening Scholarship

News

The Governor’s Office has announced that Darenthea Sweeney has been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year. She is one of six recipients across the British Overseas Territories and will represent Montserrat in the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme. Sweeney will pursue an MSc in Climate Change Science and Management at Loughborough University. She currently serves as a Graduate Trained Teacher at the Montserrat Secondary School and also teaches part-time at the Montserrat Community College. She holds a BSc in Agricultural Technology & Geography and a Postgraduate Diploma in Geography/Social Studies Education. Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Harriet Cross, met Sweeney recently and offered her congratulations. She says her commitment to education and environmental sustainability is inspiring. According to the Governor Her studies in climate change are especially timely, and vital to Montserrat’s resilience and long-term development.

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Governor’s Office Gets New Head Of Programmes

News

The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce the appointment of Solomon Nyamande as the new Head of Programmes. Solomon brings to the role a background in commercial and public sector leadership, with expertise in international relations, donor engagement, infrastructure development, and climate resilience. His career spans strategic roles in programme and project management, including procurement, finance, IT, and evaluation, across both private enterprises and UK government departments. Solomon takes over from Matthew Noble, who served as Interim Head of Programmes from March 2025, and played a key role in advancing UK-funded programmes in partnership with the Government of Montserrat. The Governor’s Office extends its appreciation to Matthew for his dedicated service and warmly welcomes Solomon as he begins this role.

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Montserrat Seventh Day Adventist Youth In Dominican Republic For Summer Camp

News

A delegation from the Montserrat Seventh-day Adventist Churches will journey to the Dominican Republic for a summer youth camp. The camp, which will run from July 24 to August 5, seeks to foster spiritual growth, service, and cultural connection among young Adventists. Led by Pastor Morales and youth leaders Mary Farrell, Veta Nicholas, and Dawn Benn, the delegation will make up 200 young people representing St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, Barbuda, Dominica, Tortola, St. Lucia, Anguilla, Guyana, and Montserrat. Held under the theme “Rooted, the camp promises a packed itinerary combining faith, fellowship, and community outreach. Among the key highlights will be two major community service projects. They will be completing the construction of a home for a local woman including installing flooring, windows, and doors and giving it a fresh coat of paint. In addition, campers will distribute large food hampers to needy families in the surrounding community, bringing tangible support and compassion to those in need. Spiritual enrichment and meaningful session will take center stage each day, with campers engaging in daily revivals and Bible memorization activities. Outside of worship and service, participants will enjoy a range of interactive events and activities, including a costume and cocktail social, a cultural festival, a vintage banquet, hikes, tours, and excursions. The camp will conclude with a communion service, bringing together the diverse group in unity and reflection.

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Head of Montserrat Government UK Office Encourages Diaspora Involvement in Island’s Future

Diaspora, News

The Head of the Montserrat Government UK Office believes that the diaspora should be part of the island’s future. Kei-Retta Farrell made these remarks at a commemoration service at the Shiloh Pentecostal Church in London. She discussed the influence that faith and the church has had on the Montserrat community. Farrell also recapped the events that Montserrat’s diaspora has taken part in over the last month to mark the anniversary of the Soufriere Hills Volcanic Eruptions 30 years ago.

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St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union Appoints Paul Maxwell as General Manager

News

The Board of Directors of St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union Limited (SPCCU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul B. Maxwell, GEMBA, BSc. (Hons), as its new General Manager, effective July 15, 2025. His appointment marks a transformative moment for SPCCU and for the credit union movement in Montserrat, as the institution positions itself for sustainable growth, increased employee engagement, technological modernization and enhanced service delivery to its members. “I am honored to join SPCCU at such a pivotal time,” said Mr. Maxwell. “Montserrat’s only credit union plays a vital role in the financial well-being of its people. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and members to build on its strong foundation and expand its impact through innovation, prudent governance, and a member-first approach.” Chair of the Board of Directors, Ms. Lovetta Silcott, expressed confidence in Maxwell’s leadership: “Paul Maxwell brings deep knowledge of Credit Unions, strategic thinking, and regional experience that will be instrumental in enhancing and advancing SPCCU’s mission and strategic goals. His track record speaks for itself, and we are excited about the future of the SPCCU, under his capable stewardship.” Mr. Maxwell brings to the role over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector across the Caribbean, including executive leadership roles in banking, credit unions, and digital payments. His impressive tenure as President & CEO of CAPITA Financial Services Inc. — with operations in both Barbados and St. Lucia — saw the institution double its asset base and expand its footprint in the payments and credit union space through strategic innovations like the UNICARD network and Mastercard card issuance partnerships. With this new leadership, SPCCU is poised to strengthen its role as a financial partner of choice for individuals, families, and businesses in Montserrat — affirming its commitment to cooperative values and national development. For more information about SPCCU, visit https://spccu.ms.

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Montserrat Marks 30 Years Since 1995 Eruption of Soufriere Hills Volcano

News

Today marks 30 years since the Soufrière Hills Volcano roared to life on Montserrat. The eruption on July 18th, 1995 began a period of uncertainty, transforming the island forever. The social, economic and developmental impacts were severe, as the population dwindled from 10,600, pre-volcano to 3,338 in 1997. The anniversary is marked by the Soufriere Hills Volcano 30th Anniversary Conference, centred on the theme “Turning Magma Into Momentum.” The conference that ended today at the Cultural Centre, brought together scientists, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world to reflect on three decades of volcanic activity, research, and recovery. Other highlights include a Thanksgiving Service in London on June 29, the Montserrat Festival UK on Saturday in North London, and the Caribbean Fusion Gospel Fest in Florida on September 6. These diaspora-led events will feature cultural performances, family activities, and traditional Caribbean cuisine.

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Franklyn Michael Shares Recommendations for Volcanic Islands in the Caribbean

News

Director of the Emergency Operations Centre, at the time of the Soufriere hills Volcanic Eruption in 1995, Franklyn Michael, highlighted that effective responses in large scale disasters can require political approaches which are fundamentally values-based, equitable and humane. In his position, he was in charge of the execution of decisions made at the top level. The former Senior Public servant, who was speaking at the SHV 30 International Conference, also made several recommendations for helping to mitigate the fall outs of any such disaster eventuality.

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Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley Discusses Decision-Making during 1995 Volcanic Crisis

News

Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, who was a scientist helping to monitor the volcano in the early stages, doubled down on the decision making with the available resources at the time. Speaking at the SHV 30 international Conference in Montserrat, he accorded very high marks to the governor and chief minister at the time for their interpretation of the science provided and how they were able to incorporate management measures to keep the population safe. He feels lessons learned in Montserrat should be taught region-wide and beyond.

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