News – Page 3 – ZJB Radio

The Ministry of Health Raises the Ante in Tackling Diabetes as part of World Diabetes Day 2025

As Montserrat joined the observance of World Diabetes Day on Friday, November 14, the Ministry of Health embarked on an awareness campaign to highlight the health threat posed by diabetes. Established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991, the day is used to raise awareness about different types of diabetes, promote prevention, and support those living with the condition. Minister for Health, Dr. The Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, was part of a panel on radio Montserrat Friday morning discussing diabetes, well-being issues, and how these could be addressed. Dr., the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge Each year, the IDF chooses a new theme to focus on a specific aspect of diabetes. Recent themes include “Diabetes and the Workplace” and “Diabetes across life stages.” The day is marked by a wide range of global campaigns, lectures, screenings, and meetings. Activities often involve using the color blue, which is the official color for World Diabetes Day. People can get involved by sharing information, participating in events, and raising the profile of the cause.

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Financial Services Commission (FSC) Montserrat Warns About Fraudulent Website

News

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) Montserrat is bringing to the public’s attention a fraudulent website that has recently been discovered impersonating its official website. The FSC has stated that its official and only legitimate website is: www.fscmontserrat.org. The FSC reports that a false website, www.fscmontserrat.com, has been created by an unauthorized third party using publicly available information in an attempt to mislead the public. The Commission said that this website is not affiliated to the FSC and any information, forms, or contact details displayed there should be treated as fraudulent. The Financial Service Commission is assuring the public that there has been no internal breach of FSC systems or data. It adds that this incident is an external impersonation effort, and appropriate steps are being taken to have the fraudulent domain removed. The local financial regulatory body warns that to protect against any fraudulent activity, stakeholders should always verify that they are accessing www.fscmontserrat.org before submitting any information. The FSC is asking that stakeholders be cautious of email messages or documents referencing the fake website or using unfamiliar email addresses, and to report any suspicious communication to the FSC Montserrat immediately at info@fsc.ms. The FSC states that it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of its operations and maintaining transparency with its stakeholders.

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The Legislative Assembly Approved Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

Finance, News

The Legislative Assembly approved a Supplementary Appropriation Bill on Tuesday totaling approximately 37 million dollars. This includes an additional expenditure of 19 million dollars under the Critical and Life Safety Equipment Project for the Green Energy Transformation Programme. Premier and Minister of Finance the Honourable Reuben T Meade says these funds were approved by the FCDO to expand renewable energy capacity and reduce dependence on diesel generation. This includes the development of solar energy and battery storage system to directly support national baseload reduction and energy security. The funds will also enable tariff and utility reform that supports affordability and investment. Meantime….1.9 million dollars were approved under the Cultural Centre Upgrade Project. These funds will allow renovation activities that cater for a more fit for purpose accommodation for the Legislative Assembly. An Additional 2 million dollars are provided to cover a requirement for revenue refunds. Premier Meade said there is currently a backlog of payments to be processed, and this will allow the Montserrat Customs and Revenue Service to decrease its backlog operations significantly.

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Minor Oil Spill in Carr’s Bay Swiftly Contained

News

Delta Petroleum Ltd has confirmed that a minor oil spill, which occurred during a routine fuel transfer at its Carr’s Bay facility on Wednesday afternoon, was quickly brought under control. Around 1:14 p.m., members of the community observed what appeared to be a small spill along the shoreline, approximately 200 feet from the tanker. Local Delta manager Roselyn Cassell-Sealy said the incident was not serious and was swiftly managed. She explained that the spill did not come from the tanker itself but from a hose used to transfer fuel to the facility. She said the rate of the pumping affected the hose, which resulted in a small leak that allowed some product to escape. She said once the issue was detected, the tanker’s crew immediately contacted the plant, who then went out on the pilot boat with the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) and assessed the situation. Mrs Cassell-Sealy said that operating together, both entities were able to slow the pumping rate, which stopped the leak immediately. After stabilizing the situation, Delta was able to safely complete the delivery. Cassell-Sealy confirmed that only a small amount of fuel reached the sea and that it dispersed naturally with the movement of the water. She also expressed gratitude for the community’s alertness and cooperation adding that it really shows what happens when the community looks after one another. Operations at the Carr’s Bay facility have since returned to normal.

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Public Works Department Commences Road Improvement Works at Jones Hill, St. Peter’s

Government, News

The Public Works Department (PWD) under the Ministry of Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure and Transportation has commenced road improvement works in the Jones Hill area, St. Peter’s. This initiative is part of the Government of Montserrat’s ongoing commitment to enhance road safety, improve accessibility, and upgrade key transportation routes across the island. The current phase involves resurfacing, drainage improvements, and general road rehabilitation to ensure safer and smoother travel for motorists and residents. Director of Public Works (Ag) Felix Persaud, noted that the Jones Hill project represents another step in the Ministry’s strategic effort to modernize Montserrat’s road network. “We are pleased to continue our road enhancement programme, ensuring communities like Jones Hill benefit from safer and more reliable infrastructure,” the Director said. Minister for the Ministry og Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour and Transportation, Hon. Veronica Kay Dorsette – Hector, also expressed satisfaction with the progress being made. “The Government remains focused on maintaining and upgrading vital infrastructure to support economic activity and improve quality of life. These roadworks are part of our broader effort to strengthen connectivity across Montserrat. The Ministry has heard the cry of the people and this effort marks the beginning of improving the condition of the entire road network of Montserrat.” Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving through the work area and to follow any guidance provided by road crews. The Ministry appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as these necessary works are carried out to provide long-term benefits for all road users. Jenzil Skerritt

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Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and Hazardous Noxious Substances (HNS) Training Deemed A Success

News

The first phase of the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and Hazardous Noxious Substances (HNS) Training, facilitated by Ambipar Response, here, has been deemed a tremendous success. The three-day training, which began on Friday, 7 November 2025, and concluded on Sunday, 9 November 2025, brought together 27 personnel from the Montserrat Port Authority (MPA), Marine Unit of the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPF), the Montserrat National Oil Response Team, the Royal Montserrat Defense Force (RMDF), and the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA). Participants were introduced to key aspects of HAZMAT and HNS incident management, including risk identification, response techniques, and equipment use for both terrestrial and marine environments. Topics Covered included • Introduction and Background • Labelling, Causes, Fates, and Effects • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Gas Monitoring • Site Set-up and Equipment Use • Tactical Response Strategies The training focused on building capacity among local response agencies to safely and effectively deploy equipment, mitigate environmental risks, and use personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with international safety standards. Upon successful completion of this phase, participants will be awarded an IMO-equivalent Certificate of Competency in HAZMAT/HNS Response, recognizing their enhanced capability to respond to hazardous material incidents across Montserrat’s terrestrial and marine areas. Meantime, the second phase of the training, focusing on the management of Hazardous Noxious Substances (HNS), commenced on Monday, 10 November 2025, and will conclude on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. This segment builds on the practical skills developed during Phase One and emphasizes incident command, response coordination, and strategic decision-making in managing HNS events. It aims to further strengthen Montserrat’s readiness and resilience in addressing environmental and maritime emergencies. The training, held at Port Little Bay and the DMCA Headquarters, was funded by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in collaboration with the Montserrat Maritime Administration (MMA) and the Montserrat Port Authority (MPA).

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Former Chief Economist Urges Montserrat to Prioritise Climate Finance and Reduce UK Dependency

Community, Finance, News

A former chief economist with the government of Montserrat suggests that the island has a long policy road to travel given the shifting in global development trends. Canadian Raja Kadri says the elements of development are visible but Montserrat must chart a course that has a climate finance element in its mix of policy-making, and a clear path to get out of dependency from UK fiscal support. Mr Kadri says he has been keeping a keen eye on Montserrat, especially as it prepares to move from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the Treasury in January 2026. The former chief economist states that Premier Meade and the government of Montserrat has a tough road ahead but must remain focused. He urges Montserrat’s leader of government business to challenge conventional wisdom whenever he can, making a deal when the elements are aligned, and walking away when it serves no purpose. Mr Kadri calls on Premier Meade to be specific in his asking, but must also make sure that government is willing to cooperate when it serves the interest of Montserrat. The former chief economist advises that Premier Meade must keep an eye on the proverbial “sharks” that circle his government stating that this was, as he puts it, “Ceasar’s biggest blind spot.” Mr Kadri is impressing on the government to communicate as often as possible because people do not like secrecy. The former chief economist calls on the government to be consistent when communicating it vision, emphasizing that the opposite argument must be cut in half through lethal logic and response. Mr Kadri said government must keep an eye on the big picture while making sure that small things are also being done. He calls for a reaching across the aisle when needed, and involving others in the “One Montserrat Project.” Mr. Kadri’s main role in Montserrat was to provide economic advice and analysis to the Premier and the Cabinet as well as to oversee the development of an economic growth strategy for the government of Montserrat. His two-year tenure with the Government of Montserrat, spanned 2017 to 2019.

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Montserrat Government Improves Access to Key Heritage and Tourism Site

Community, Government, News

The Government of Montserrat has successfully completed the clearing and rehabilitation of the access road leading to St. George’s Hill, one of the island’s most historically significant and scenic locations. This initiative forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance Montserrat’s tourism product and expand opportunities for local tour operators. The improved access will allow new bus tours and guided excursions to operate safely to and from St. George’s Hill, providing both residents and visitors with an unparalleled view of the island’s transformation and resilience. The works included clearing overgrown vegetation, stabilizing the roadway, and improving drainage along key sections. These upgrades were carried out by the Public Works Department with the support of local contractors, ensuring employment opportunities for community members while strengthening the island’s tourism infrastructure. Premier, the Honorable Reuben T. Meade, commenting on the initiative, noted that reopening the road to St. George’s Hill is about more than just improving access, it is about reconnecting people to a part of Montserrat’s history and creating new experiences that showcase Montserrat’s strength, beauty, and potential for growth. St. George’s Hill overlooks the buried capital of Plymouth and the Soufrière Hills volcano, and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Caribbean. The site stands as a symbol of Montserrat’s resilience and has long been a point of pride for citizens and visitors alike. The Government of Montserrat says it remains committed to developing sustainable tourism initiatives that highlight the island’s natural and cultural heritage, while providing new avenues for economic activity across communities.

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Parliamentary Secretary Highlights Need to Diversify Visitor Demographics

Community, Government, News

Parliamentary Secretary, Honourable Crenston Buffonge says Montserrat must widen its tourism source markets. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, he stated that just over 13,000 visitors came to the island in 2024. However, Mr. Buffonge, who has responsibility for Tourism, noted that the majority of those visitors were members of the Montserrat diaspora. He remarked that while this is important, the island must broaden the demographic to reach the adventure traveler, and attract cultural enthusiasts who want the Montserrat experience.

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Government of Montserrat Launches its Christmas Barrel Concession Programme

Community, Diaspora, News

The Government of Montserrat has announced the launch of this year’s Christmas Barrel Concession Programme, which is aimed at easing the cost of living for families here. The initiative provides targeted social and economic support to households during the festive season, allowing each household to import up to two barrels or equivalent containers- not exceeding a total combined volume of 0.5 cubic metres- filled with food items, cleaning and sanitary supplies, one electric iron, and a reasonable quantity of clothing for personal use. This year, the government has amended the conditions of the programme to clarify that households may import goods equivalent in volume to two standard barrels. Officials say this adjustment ensures fairness and consistency in how the concession is accessed and applied. A fixed fee of fifty EC dollars per qualifying barrel or container will be charged, in addition to standard port fees. Persons taking advantage of the programme will also be required to complete a simple Customs Declaration form when clearing their goods. To qualify for the concession, all cargo must arrive at the Little Bay Port between October 30, 2025, and January 31, 2026. The Government says the initiative continues to reflect its commitment to supporting families, encouraging traditional practices, and ensuring that the Christmas season remains affordable and accessible to all.

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