News

Montserrat’s Leader of Government Business Doubles Down on Efforts to Implement Strategic Plans for Air Access

This Government has not abandoned its plans or ideas of extending the runway at the John A. Osborne Airport. Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade says to the contrary, the administration is proceeding with its “Medium Term (1-5 years) plan”. The plan includes setting affordable airfares, providing alternative routes into and out of Montserrat and establishing permanent and reliable air access. He says it is evident that the Government, in alignment with its manifesto promise, is implementing its strategic plans for Air Access. This is evidenced by the Twin Otter flights arriving and airlifting from the John A. Osborne Airport; and the expansion of air routes direct from Montserrat to St. Maarten and St. Kitts. Premier Meade says the Manifesto outlines, under “Long Term (5 Plus years)”, its vision for access from 2025 to 2050. He says the intention is to establish permanent, reliable air and sea access infrastructure ensuring seamless connectivity into and out of Montserrat.

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Montserrat Pushes for Greater Access to Regional Agriculture Funding

The Minister for Agriculture here has reiterated Montserrat’s call for greater inclusion of British Overseas Territories in regional agricultural initiatives and funding programmes.   Honourable John P. Osborne, was speaking on Tuesday’s What’s on Your Mind programme following his recent trip to Trinidad and Tobago. During his visit, Mr. Osborne attended meetings under the KOCARIP initiative — a partnership between the South Korean government and Caribbean nations aimed at advancing agricultural technology and climate resilience. He explains that the project focuses on introducing new farming technologies to the region and exchanging planting materials, as Caribbean crops have shown greater resilience to global warming.   Minister Osborne however noted that Montserrat and other British Overseas Territories continue to face barriers in accessing funding from regional and international sources. He further suggested that one solution could be for the OECS to manage project funds directly and deliver the initiatives in Montserrat, ensuring the island still benefits from regional programmes.   The Agriculture Minister reaffirmed his commitment as Chairman of the OECS Council of Ministers of Agriculture, to keep the issue on the agenda. He stated that Montserrat, as a full member of both OECS and CARICOM, should not be left out of developmental efforts.  

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Parliamentary Secretary Warns Against Overuse of Acting Posts

Parliamentary Secretary, Honourable Crenston Buffonge, has raised concern about the use of acting appointments in the public service. Hon. Buffonge says acting appointments should not be used as a substitute for poor planning. He was speaking on a resolution entitled “Terms and conditions of employment including the remuneration and allowances of the Auditor General” that gained the approval of the entire Legislative Assembly.

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Montserrat Signs Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM).

Montserrat has signed on to the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). The agreement formalizes the island’s membership in the 22-year-old institution, inaugurated in Belize City, Belize, in March 2003. Anguilla, The Bahamas and Dominica joined Montserrat at the momentous signing which was done en bloc at the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, held during the recently concluded Caribbean Week of Agriculture, in Saint Kitts. Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, welcomed the decisive move by the 4 Caribbean countries, which have been actively involved in the CRFM, which is an intergovernmental CARICOM institution. The Honourable John Patrick Osborne, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Environment, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Montserrat signed the CRFM Agreement on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, on behalf of the Government of Montserrat. The CRFM’s objectives include the efficient management and sustainable development of marine and other aquatic resources within the jurisdictions of Member States. The CRFM also promotes and establishes cooperative arrangements among interested States for the efficient management of shared, straddling or highly migratory marine and other aquatic resources. Furthermore, it provides technical advisory and consultative services to fisheries authorities of its Member States in the development, management and conservation of their marine and other aquatic resources.

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Second Cohort Successfully Completes the Montserrat Care Certificate Course

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 – The Ministry of Health and Social Services is pleased to announce that thirteen (13) caregivers have successfully completed the six-month Montserrat Care Certificate Course. This second cohort of trained caregiver marks another significant step towards strengthening the island’s health and social care workforce. The graduation and pinning ceremony took place on Monday, October 6, 2025, celebrating the achievements of caregivers from Margetson Memorial Home, Golden Years Home, the Lookout Warden Supported Unit, and one private caregiver. In her remarks at the ceremony, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharra Greenaway-Duberry, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and commitment to professional development. She made special mention of the participation of the private caregiver, noting that this demonstrates the inclusiveness of the programme and its relevance across all areas of care. “The expectation is that the additional knowledge and skills gained through this program will greatly improve the quality and delivery of care across Montserrat,” said Dr. Greenaway-Duberry. “Our caregivers are the backbone of community and institutional care, and by investing in their training, we are investing in the well-being of our people.”  The Care Certificate Course, introduced by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in March 2023, provides foundational training for individuals already working in healthcare as Community Health Aides, Geriatric Aides, Wardens and Caregivers. The programme is designed to be completed over a six-month period and combines self-study with guided support from local facilitators and course coordinator; Nurse Tutor Naomi Joseph – Foster. Since its introduction, thirty-one (31) caregivers have now been certified.  Nine (9) of the previous graduates received additional training and served as Assessors for this 2nd cohort. The Montserrat Care Certificate is built around fifteen (15) key standards, each addressing core areas of professional healthcare practice, including: The main objectives of the Care Certificate are to: The Ministry of Health and Social Services extends its sincere congratulations to all thirteen (13) graduates and expresses gratitude to the course facilitators, assessors and the UK Health Security Agency for their continued support in strengthening the island’s healthcare system.

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Premier Reaffirms Commitment to Support Small Businesses and Ease Cost of Living​

Premier and Minister for finance, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade has reiterated his government’s plans to foster micro and small enterprise development and to ease the cost of living burden on residents. Speaking recently in Parliament, premier Meade stated hat since assuming office, government has enacted a series of physical measures to stimulate micro and small enterprise formation among other things. He was at the time responding to questions posed by the leader of the parliamentary opposition, Honourable Paul Lewis.

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MVO Launches 2025 Creative Writing Competition

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has launched its 2025 Creative Writing Competition. Persons from all age groups are invited to participate by submitting stories under the theme: “The Soufriere Hills Volcano: Untold Chapters”. The stories must be a true account based on the writer’s own experience, the experience of their family members, or a story passed down to them. Only one entry is allowed per person. This entry must be an original work, not published anywhere else. participants must also currently reside on Montserrat. For more information on categories word limits, and labeling instructions, interested persons can visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory’s social media pages, email mvomontserrat@gmail.com, or call 1-664-495-2029. Entries can be submitted by email: mvomontserrat@gmail.com, or students can submit through their class teacher or school office. The deadline for submission is Friday November 7th, 2025.

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ST. ANTHONY LODGE NO. 4684EC DONATES $3,500 TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

Saint Peter, Montserrat — In a heartfelt gesture of community solidarity, St. Anthony Lodge No. 4684EC and RoyalArch Chapter 4684 collaborated to make a generous donation of $3,500.00 to the Social Services Department, aimed atsupporting vulnerable children in need of assistance to attend school.The contribution, which was presented by Presiding Master of St Anthony’s Lodge, Kenneth ‘Rabo’ Silcott, reflects theLodge’s enduring commitment to social upliftment and educational access for all. The funds will be directed towardessential school-related expenses, including school lunches, uniforms, supplies, transportation, and other critical needsthat often hinder children from disadvantaged backgrounds.“Education is the cornerstone of opportunity and development of a nation,” said Kenneth Silcott, “and we believe everychild deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive—regardless of their circumstances. This donation is our way ofhelping to remove barriers and build brighter futures.”Receiving the donation on behalf of the Social Services Department was the Director, Mrs Teresena Fergus, who onceagain expressed deep appreciation for the donation, noting that the Social Services Department “looks forward to thisannual commitment from the Lodge and the donation will directly impact families struggling to meet the costsassociated with schooling. This year, the donation would be used primarily to support some students who would like tofurther their education at the Community College but need support, as we have some cases that we are looking at. Theannual donation from St Anthony Lodge aligns with the Department’s broader mission to promote child well-being andequal access to education across the territory. We earnestly hope that other NGOs will come forward to collaborate inthis crucial mission of meeting the island’s educational needs.”This act of benevolence underscores the power of civic partnerships in addressing social challenges and, particularly asthe Fraternity celebrates it Centenary, reaffirms St. Anthony Lodge’s role as a pillar of compassion and leadershipwithin the Montserrat community. Witnessing the handover were Past Master Peter W.A. White OBE, MemberEdward Andrew and a representative from the Friends of St Anthony Lodge support group, Mrs. Lorraine François.

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News In Brief

Managing Director of Montserrat Utilities Limited (MUL) Julian Daniel has elaborated on plans to strengthen electricity services on island. MUL is in line to benefit from a series of projects aimed at reducing costs, and minimizing power outages that are plagued the island. In a statement, Daniel said that among the most significant steps forward is the expansion of renewable energy, with solar power already contributing to the grid. MONTSERRAT’S CULTURAL IDENTITY The New Legacy youth group’s recent debate competition further brought conversation to the fore on the importance of having a cultural identity on Montserrat, and how social media may or may not affect shaping it. Jahniqueca Wilkins, first speaker for the proposition, argued that social media platforms such as TikTok expose youth to foreign trends, while local traditions like masquerade and Montserratian dialect remain largely absent online. She noted that 57 percent of the island’s population are social media users. Ms Wilkins warned that cultural imperialism and hybridization were eroding Montserrat’s unique identity, blurring the lines between local heritage and global influences. Meanwhile… First speaker for the Opposition, Aaliyah Weekes, disputed that social media is amplifying and preserving Montserrat’s cultural identity. Using St. Patrick’s Festival as an example, she said that while many now join the celebration virtually through livestreams and online sharing, the core of Montserrat’s traditions such as masquerade, food, music, and heritage remains unchanged. According to Weekes, Montserrat’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its African and Irish heritage, oral traditions, and community values. These, she argued, cannot be created or redefined by social media but only reflected and shared. DR. FIGUEROA RECOMMEND DIET & EXERCISE FOR THOSE BATTLING PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE A medical practitioner has recommended diet and exercise as more persons here struggle with peripheral artery disease, also known as cardio vascular disease. Dr. Maria Figueroa says at risk persons are those who consume alcohol, smoke, are obese and have hypertension and diabetes. She says the disease, which can lead to amputation, occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the limbs, mainly the feet.

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Businesses To Strengthen Customer Service Skills

Businesses across Montserrat will be able to strengthen their customer service skills when the Montserrat Tourism Authority (MTA) hosts its Customer Service Training Program later this month. As part of this year’s Tourism Week activities, the training will begin on Monday, September 29, targeting business professionals and customer-facing staff from both the public and private sectors. According to the MTA, the initiative is an important step toward improving service excellence, enhancing the island’s tourism experience, and positioning Montserrat as a premier destination in the region. Department heads are asked to submit the names of staff members who will attend. Submissions can be made by calling the Montserrat Tourism Authority at 491-4700/02/03 or emailing info@montserrattourism.ms. The MTA emphasizes that widespread participation will help build a stronger culture of service on the island, creating lasting benefits for both residents and visitors.

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