News

The Montserrat Animal Protection Society (MAPS) has given an update on the organization’s affairs. On ZJB Radio Saturday morning, MAPS representative Anne-Marie Graham spoke on their need for continued support, noting that the organization runs entirely on fund-raising events and donations. She also encouraged pet owners to get their animals neutered in order to reduce the number of strays on Montserrat.

A four-member delegation represented the island at the 2026 UK Overseas Territories Disaster Management Directors’ Conference. Held in Miami from May 19 to 21, the conference was attended by Director of the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) Lt Col Alvin Ryan, Senior Disaster Management Coordinator at the DMCA Astrid Wade, Captain Colin Fergus of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force and Head of the Governor’s Office Lindsy Thompson. The three-day conference brought together disaster management directors, military officials, and representatives from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) from across the UK Overseas Territories. Discussions focused on several critical areas ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, including UK government preparedness planning, Ministry of Defence readiness arrangements, humanitarian response systems, civil-military coordination, and lessons learned from recent emergency deployments and disaster responses. During the conference, Lt Col Ryan delivered a spotlight presentation highlighting Montserrat’s approach to crisis preparedness. His presentation outlined the island’s current state of readiness and ongoing initiatives aimed at protecting residents and strengthening national resilience in the face of natural disasters. With the Atlantic hurricane season officially beginning on June 1, the Governor’s Office said it remains committed to working closely with the DMCA, the Royal Montserrat Defence Force, regional agencies, and UK partners to ensure Montserrat is fully prepared for the months ahead.

The Legislative Department on Montserrat has launched the “Voices of Leadership: A Montserrat Parliament Reflection” essay competition. The public is invited to explore and reflect on Montserrat’s political history between 1952 to present in essay submissions. This competition encourages participants to imagine themselves as a parliamentarian or political leader serving during this pivotal era, and to express who they would choose to emulate and why. The aim of the competition is to deepen the public’s understanding of Montserrat’s governance, leadership, and historical development. The competition is divided into four age categories: ages 8 to 11, 12 to 16, 17 to 29, and 30+. The guidelines for each age category can be found on the Government website, at www.gov.ms. Submissions can be sent via email at legis.montserrat@gmail.com or taken to the Legislative Department, #1 Farara Plaza, Brades with the envelope marked “Essay Competition.” The deadline for submissions is June 24. All entries must be the individual’s original work. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each age category. Persons can contact the Legislative Department on 1-664-491-2195/3195 for further information.