News – Page 3 – ZJB Radio

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

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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Montserrat Earns Top Scores for Public Ownership Register

News

Montserrat has emerged as one of the top performers in a new international assessment of corporate transparency. The assessment, conducted by Transparency International UK, ranked Montserrat among the most transparent jurisdictions globally for its public Beneficial Ownership Register. In its findings, Transparency International UK awarded Montserrat a score of 73 per cent for the strength of its Beneficial Ownership Framework and 81 per cent for the accessibility of its ownership data. The results reflect the island’s decision to operate a fully public and free-to-access register, which allows anyone to view information on who ultimately owns or controls companies registered in Montserrat. The register went live in October 2024. Montserrat is one of only a handful of UK Overseas Territories to establish a fully public register, placing it ahead of larger financial centres such as Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, which currently limit access to ownership data or have delayed implementation. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) has welcomed the report’s findings and expressed gratitude to Transparency International UK for undertaking the assessment. The report notes that public registers, such as Montserrat’s, are widely considered the most effective and straightforward method for ensuring accountability in corporate ownership. The full assessment provided by Transparency International UK has been made available by the FSC for reference.

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David Brandt to Spend Less Time in Prison After Court of Appeal Quashes Some of his Sentences

Community, Crime, News

Former Chief Minister David Brandt was successful in three counts of his appeals against his convictions for sexual exploitation. The decision was handed down by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court during a sitting in Antigua on Thursday. Brandt was sentenced in 2021 after being found guilty on seven counts of sexually exploiting girls under the age of 18 and one count of perverting the course of justice. He appealed all seven sexual exploitation convictions, and both the conviction and sentence relating to the charge of perverting the course of justice, in September. The court upheld three of the sexual exploitation appeals, but the four other convictions remain in place. The sentences for those remaining convictions still stand, ranging from eight to nine years, and will continue to run concurrently. The court quashed the sentence for perverting the course of justice. It ruled that the original 15-year sentence imposed was “manifestly excessive” and it was replaced with a four-year sentence. The conviction itself was not overturned. The court noted that he has already spent time in prison, and taking into account standard reductions, Brandt is expected to remain in custody for roughly another year. He was represented in the appeal by attorney Dr David Dorsett. The prosecution was led by King’s Counsel Annesta Weekes, alongside Director of Public Prosecutions Oris Sullivan.

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