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Montserrat Welcomes New Auditor-General

Marsha Meade was recently appointed as the island’s new Auditor-General, marking a significant milestone for public accountability and good governance on Montserrat. Miss Meade, a long-standing public servant, brings more than two decades of experience to the role. She has served the Montserrat National Audit Office (MNAO) for 22 years, including 17 years as Deputy Auditor-General and over four years as Acting Auditor-General. Her appointment took effect from 1 October 2025. According to the National Audit Office, Miss Meade’s elevation follows a rigorous, internationally advertised recruitment process led by the Governor’s Office. The panel included experts from the UK National Audit Office and the UK Government Internal Audit Agency. Miss Meade holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration and a Masters of Science in Audit Management and Consultancy. The MNAO noted that her extensive knowledge, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service have positioned her as the strongest candidate to lead the department into its next chapter. Under Montserrat’s Constitution, the Auditor-General is responsible for auditing the public accounts of the Government and all public offices, as well as any statutory bodies or public corporations established by law. The role also includes conducting financial and value-for-money audits across these entities. By virtue of her appointment, Miss Meade will serve as an Officer of the Legislative Assembly. In a statement, the National Audit Office extended heartfelt congratulations, acknowledging Meade’s instrumental contribution to strengthening the office’s reputation and capability over the years. The MNAO added that it looks forward to continued progress under her leadership.

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Ferry Service Between Montserrat and Antigua Expected to Start Next week

News

The reinstatement of the long-awaited ferry service between Montserrat and Antigua is closer to becoming reality. Premier the Honourable Rueben T Meade, has revealed that a new passenger vessel could begin operations as early as December 5. Speaking at the Montserrat Diaspora Leadership Conference, in the UK on Sunday, Premier Meade said the vessel will not only serve the Montserrat–Antigua route but is expected to operate as part of a wider sub-regional service. In a social media post, the Access Division announced that the round trip fare would be EC$510.00., pending certification of the vessel. The Montserrat Diaspora Leadership Conference was held under the theme “ One Montserrat: Building Connections, Shaping the Future.”

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Minister Calls for Greater Appreciation and Support for All Men in Montserrat on International Men’s Day 2025

News

In recognition of International Men’s Day 2025, there has been a renewed call here for greater appreciation and support for all men in the Montserrat society. In a radio message under the theme “Celebrating Men and Boys”, Acting Minister for Health, Honourable Dwayne Hixon, said men and boys play vital roles in families, communities, and the nation at large. Honourable Hixon said men and boys are faced with unique challenges and should be afforded the same respect, empathy, and support as anyone else. International Men’s day is celebrated on November 19th annually to bring global awareness for many issues that men face, including abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence. A special community event has been organized for November 21st, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Little Bay Basketball Stadium. The event aims to serve as an engaging platform for discussions on topics such as positive role models, managing finances, worklife balance, spiritual and sexual health, and mental health.

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Montserrat Government UK Office to Host Inaugural Montserrat Diaspora Leadership Conference

News

The Montserrat Government UK Office (MGUKO) will host the first Montserrat Diaspora Leadership Conference on Sunday, 23 November 2025, in Victoria, London. The conference will be held under the theme, “One Montserrat: Building Connections, Shaping the Future.” The event will bring together diaspora leaders, professionals, and community organisations from across the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, and the wider Montserratian diaspora, alongside senior government officials from Montserrat. It will provide a platform to strengthen collaboration, enhance diaspora participation in national development, and shape the future of Montserrat’s engagement with its global community. The Montserrat Government delegation will include Premier Hon. Reuben T. Meade, the Financial Secretary, Hon. Kenya Lee, and the Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Crenston Buffonge who will engage with diaspora representatives, investors, and development partners throughout the programme. Diaspora organisations and professionals of Montserratian heritage from across the world have been invited to participate, including the Montserrat Progressive Society of New York, Emerald United Club, the Montserrat Association Toronto, the Montserrat Overseas Peoples’ Progressive Association (MOPPA), Village664, and the One Montserrat Foundation. The conference will explore development updates from the Government of Montserrat, the role of the diaspora in national development, and the strategic contribution of the Montserrat Government UK Office in advancing this shared agenda. Speaking about the conference, Premier the Hon. Reuben T. Meade said, the One Montserrat project is about all of us working together toward a shared goal, and the diaspora has a vital role in this. He added that by strengthening these connections, we can shape a stronger future for Montserrat. Head of the Montserrat Government UK Office, Kei-Retta Farrell said, the conference reflects their continued commitment to strengthening relationships with the diaspora and creating practical pathways for collaboration. She continued, through shared dialogue, innovation, and partnership, we can unlock the full potential of Montserrat’s global community, contributing meaningfully to the island’s growth and future resilience. Taking place at the start of the UK–Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) week, the event precedes a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings between the Montserrat delegation and the UK Government, focusing among other things on investment, infrastructure, energy, climate resilience, and governance.

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Government of Montserrat Reviews Housing Allocation Criteria

News

The Government of Montserrat has undertaken a review of the Housing Allocation Criteria. Minister with responsibility for Housing, Honourable John Patrick Osborne announced in Parliament that the revision of the allocation criteria for various housing programs has been drafted and is soon ready for submission to Cabinet. He says under these new allocation criteria, persons who are first-time homeowners and the most vulnerable, especially the elderly, will be prioritized. Mr. Osborne says the ministry, working with the Department of Housing, has been trying its very best to help vulnerable persons, especially those who are retired, incapacitated due to a disability or other ailment, and making sure that citizens, despite conditions, can live in decent housing. He is hoping the FCDO will support the government’s new spend requests for social housing programs going forward, as housing is a pivotal need in breaking the economic slump that Montserrat found itself in over the past 30 years.

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New Police Legislation Gives Commissioner Power to Address Misconduct and Protect Officers

Community, Crime, Government, News

New legislation giving the Commissioner of Police broader powers to address performance and misconduct in the service will take effect in the new year. Speaking with ZJB News, Commissioner of Police Mark Payne said police and fire officers are expected to carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism, and anyone who falls below the proper standard should face the same consequences as any member of the public. He said the new laws would allow action against officers who misbehave, while also protecting those who are just doing their jobs and facing unfair complaints. Commissioner Payne also confirmed there are currently four officers suspended while investigations continue into various matters. He said those cases are being handled through a structured process, overseen by senior officers, to ensure fairness and independence. Commissioner of Police Mark Payne

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The Government of Montserrat Moves Closer to Securing New Ferry Service

Community, Government, News

Another positive step in securing a ferry service for Montserrat. Premier the Hon. Reuben T. Meade has announced that the procurement board has given the go ahead for the office of the premier to engage a ferry operator. The announcement was made on the “What’s on Your Mind” Radio programme on Tuesday. The premier says the next steps would be to secure approval from the Montserrat Maritime Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Maritime Services (ADOMS) to facilitate the ferry’s operation. Premier the Hon. Reuben T. Meade.

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ECCB Holds Stakeholder Meetings on Montserrat on Eastern Caribbean Financial Standards Board

News

The creation of the Eastern Caribbean Financial Standards Board (ECFSB) marks a major step toward strengthening regulation of the non-bank financial sector across the currency union, including Montserrat. That’s the word from ECCB Senior Policy Specialist, Shawn Williams, who joined officials visiting Montserrat last week. He said the new body will introduce uniform regulatory standards designed to protect consumers and safeguard the region’s financial stability. During discussions with stakeholders on island, Mr. Williams explained that the Board will introduce consistent standards in key areas such as capital adequacy, liquidity, and asset quality. These standards ensure that institutions operating within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) have the financial strength to withstand economic shocks and absorb potential losses. The Board will also enhance coordination by bringing together national regulators and the ECCB under a more unified oversight framework. This collaboration is expected to improve monitoring, early detection of risks, and overall resilience of the financial system.

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Toastmaster Vera Fenton Wins MNI Speakers Club In-Person Speaking Contests

News

Toastmaster Vera Fenton emerged victorious at the first in-person speech contests from the MNI Speakers Club. The two contests were held on Saturday, 15th November at the Look Out Primary School Auditorium. Members competed in two categories: the Table Topics Contest, which tests impromptu speaking skills, and the International Speech Contest, the category that ultimately crowns the World Champion of Public Speaking. Competing were Toastmasters Vera Fenton, Edris Wade, Romilly Murrain, and Milykhia McKenzie-Weekes. Following these wins, Toastmaster Fenton will now represent MNI Speakers Club at the Area 24 Contest on February 9th, 2026, in Antigua, competing against clubs across the Area. The MNI Speakers Club congratulates all contestants and thanks the community for its continued support.

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The Montserrat Secondary School Observes Literacy Week with Creative Activities

News

The Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) joined the Ministry of Education’s island-wide observance of Literacy Week held from November 11 to 14. The School marked the week with creative, and student-centered activities, beginning with a word scramble challenge on November 11. They also joined the primary-level “Reading Across Montserrat” initiative by encouraging both students and teachers to wear T-shirts displaying positive and uplifting messages. Vice Principal of the School Hyacinth Bramble-Browne credited the school’s student leadership team, for organizing such successful and interactive activities. Nine students were recognized for the creativity and impact of the messages on their shirts and were named winners of the T-shirt competition. The selected students – Khaeel Wade, Faith Mendes, Travick Baker, Micheal Chambers, Khassidy Wade, Khadesha Greenaway, Ocean Forrester, Rheyes Esprit, and Renesha Kidd.

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