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Montserrat Legislative Assembly Approves Supplementary Appropriation Bill

The Legislative Assembly approved a Supplementary Appropriation Bill on Monday. It authorizes the spending of an additional $849,000 for the current financial year. Premier the Honourable Reuben T Meade says the bill allows the government to sanction payments from the Consolidated Fund beyond what was previously approved, covering services up to March 31, 2026. The measure facilitates the release of funds, particularly those received from international funding agencies, to ensure the continued delivery of government programs and projects. The funds are allocated to improve triage and remote monitoring capacity, the procurement of a mini medical lab, the invasive fire ant management project, for post-COVID energy efficiency, and for energy-efficient lighting and disposal projects.

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Local Educator Gives Presentation on Dorothy Kirwan-Thomas

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Children in the Summer Escape programme were engaged in a presentation on Dorothy Kirwan-Thomas on Thursday. Educator and Researcher Dr. Claris Barnes made this presentation, portraying the Montserrat-Born woman who bought her freedom. Dorothy Kirwan-Thomas, also known as the empress of Demerara, lived in Montserrat, Dominica, Grenada, Barbados, and Demerara, a region in Guyana, and gained wealth through several business ventures. Dr. Barnes showed the children some of the items Kirwan-Thomas may have sold, including flour, sugar, bread, toys, and fruits. Speaking after the presentation, Dr. Barnes said she believes it is important to teach this part of history.

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Bank of Montserrat Issues Alert on Growing Phishing Threat

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Bank of Montserrat has issued an alert to its customers about a rapidly growing phishing threat known as “quishing.” It says cybercriminals are using QR codes to bypass traditional security measures. In a post on its facebook page the bank warns that attackers are embedding malicious QR codes in emails, documents, and even on printed materials like posters and delivery slips. When scanned, these codes can lead customers to fake login pages or malware sites designed to steal their credentials or compromise their devices. It says QR codes should be treated with the same caution as suspicious links or attachments. Before scanning any QR code, especially those received unexpectedly or in urgent messages, the Bank is urging its customers to check where it leads if possible, and do not enter any sensitive information on unfamiliar websites. If you see a QR code that seems out of place or suspicious, whether digital or physical, report it to the Banks IT team immediately.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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