News - ZJB Radio

Public Service Week Launches Months of Recognition and Wellness Activities

The Office of the Deputy Governor has officially launched Public Service Celebration Activities 2026, with this year’s observation taking place under the theme “Public Service with Purpose: Serving Today, Shaping Tomorrow.” The activities will run from June through October and are designed to recognize and celebrate the dedication, professionalism and contributions of public officers across the Government of Montserrat. The programme will begin during Public Service Week with an official launch on June 23, featured remarks from Deputy Governor, Honourable Lindorna Lambert-Sweeney, who will also undertake visits to ministries and departments over the coming months to engage with staff and learn more about their work and achievements. A range of activities has been planned to promote wellness, professional development, teamwork and public service excellence. These include a Public Service Trivia Challenge, a Fitness Video Challenge, a Ministry Video Showcase and a Jingle Competition aimed at highlighting the values of the public service. Public officers will also be encouraged to participate in wellness-focused initiatives, including health screenings, a Sneaker, Jeans and Water Day, and a series of “Talking Health” radio programmes addressing topics such as mental health, stress management and work-life balance. Additional activities include monthly Lunch and Learn sessions, a debate and panel discussion on the future of the public service, a community engagement project with the Lookout Warden Assisted Senior Citizens Home (LOWSA), a Public Service Sports Day and a Civil Servants Recognition Event to honour outstanding officers and unsung heroes. The Office of the Deputy Governor is encouraging public officers to take part in the various activities, noting that the celebration provides an opportunity to recognize achievements, strengthen relationships across ministries and departments, and reflect on ways to continue building a modern, responsive and citizen-focused public service.

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COMMISSIONER OF FINANCIAL SERVICES FORMALIZES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PANAMA

Finance, News

The Commissioner of Financial Services (FSC) of Montserrat paid a recent courtesy visit on the superintendency of the Banks of Panama, Milton Ayon Wong and his technical team. Fabian Singh was accompanied by his deputy, Donilia Cuffy to the meeting in Panama City. Both Singh and Wong formalized a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the joint supervision of licensed international banks. This collaborative framework ensures alignment with regional Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regimes. During courtesy engagements in Panama City, representatives from both entities—including FSC Commissioner Fabian Singh and Panama’s banking regulators—discussed critical regulatory objectives. The updated MoU strengthens prudential and financial oversight frameworks between the two jurisdictions. Discussions highlighted Montserrat’s Publicly Accessible Register of Beneficial Ownership (PARBO) and Panama’s ongoing advancements in corporate transparency. Both agencies are preparing for upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Mutual Evaluations. Also, during the meeting, both authorities (Singh and Wong), exchanged experiences and addressed issues of common interest related to banking supervision, financial transparency, and international regulatory challenges. The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation and sharing of experiences between he regulatory bodies of Panama and Montserrat, and strengthening institutional bonds for for the benefit of the stability and integrity of their financial systems.

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Future of Overseas Territories White Paper Still Under Consideration

Community, News

An urgent call for a new policy document on the British Overseas Territories has been gently rebuffed by the UK Government. According to reports, the UK Government insists it is “open-minded about future options” and will keep the idea “under review”. The OT’s had pushed for a new White Paper, 14 years after the last one was published, during an inquiry this year by a House of Lords committee at Westminster. James White Jr has been following the latest development.

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Public Survey Reveals Mixed Reactions to Montserratians Overseas Voting in Local Elections

News

As expected there was a mixed reaction to the issue of allowing Montserratians living overseas to vote in elections in Montserrat. Addressing the recent public survey launched by the Electoral Commission, Supervisor of Elections Barrington Chalmers says persons came down on both sides of the argument.

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Case Study Highlights Local Partnership Behind Cervical Cancer Strategy

Health, News

Montserrat’s efforts to use local health data to combat cervical cancer have been highlighted in an international case study. Published by the Data to Policy Navigator, a global platform supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the case study showcases how the Ministry of Health and Social Services, in partnership with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), used local research and data analysis to guide the development of a national cervical cancer elimination strategy. According to the report, titled Using Data to Support Cervical Cancer Elimination in Montserrat, the island has faced challenges in cervical cancer prevention due to low screening rates, limited uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and reliance on costly overseas testing for Pap smear samples. To address these challenges, the Ministry conducted an HPV prevalence study among women aged 25 to 64 between 2024 and 2025. Using geographic information system technology and data from the 2023 Population and Housing Census, researchers identified households across the island and invited eligible women to participate in the study. Samples were tested locally at Glendon Hospital using GeneXpert technology, reducing result turnaround times from several weeks to just a few hours.The study found that 14.6 per cent of women tested positive for high-risk HPV, meaning approximately one in seven women of screening age on the island were at an elevated risk of cervical disease. Researchers also recorded a 92 per cent participation rate among eligible women who were invited to take part.The findings are now being used to guide decisions on HPV vaccination, screening programme design, diagnostic equipment investment, and the development of a national cervical cancer elimination strategy. The study also established on-island HPV DNA testing capability, significantly reducing both costs and waiting times for patients. The report notes that Montserrat’s experience may serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States facing similar healthcare and data challenges.It highlights the island’s innovative use of census and geographic data, rapid local testing, and evidence-based policymaking as examples of how data can be used to improve public health outcomes. The entire report can be found on www.datatopolicy.org.

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World Paediatrics Team to Conduct Speech and Language Assessments in Montserrat

Community, Health, News

Representatives from World Paediatrics are on a three-day mission to Montserrat. The visit by the four member team is part of a pilot project to assess speech and language difficulties among children on island. Speaking to ZJB News, they said the hope is to identify children with speech, language or developmental problems here. Speech and language specialists Lauren McIntosh, Jill Hodge, and Wendi McMillan. The other member of the team is Atyna Harry. Dr. Tiffany Skerritt-Flemming from the Ministry of Health is working with the team of speech and language specialists. She is encouraging parents and all concerned to take advantage of this opportunity and to participate in the sessions.

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Teecha Conference Hears Call for Stronger Focus on Social and Emotional Learning

Community, Education, News

High-quality early childhood education is about much more than teaching children basic literacy and numeracy skills. That statement from Professor Zoyah Kinkead-Clark, who was the keynote speaker at the Third Annual Teecha Early Childhood Conference held at the Montserrat National Trust this week. Addressing participants at the conference, Professor Kinkead-Clark explained that early childhood education helps children develop essential social and emotional skills, including cooperation, communication and the ability to express their feelings appropriately. She noted that these skills are becoming increasingly important as children spend less time engaging in face-to-face interaction and outdoor play. The senior lecturer also emphasized the importance of nurturing curiosity, resilience and confidence from an early age, describing children as natural explorers. Professor Kinkead-Clark stressed that experiences during the early years helped shape brain development and laid the foundation for future learning and success and urged educators and caregivers to be intentional in supporting children’s development. Professor Kinkead-Clark is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at The University of the West Indies, Mona in Jamaica. She also serves as the Manager of the Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre and Lead External Examiner for Early Childhood Programmes in Belize and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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MONTSERRAT’S INAUGURAL GOVERNOR’S AWARD CELEBRATES THE ISLAND’S FARMING FUTURE

News

Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Harriet Cross has presented the inaugural Governor’s Award to Mrs Shanyon McPherson, a farmer whose passion has grown from a secondary school backyard garden into a thriving five-acre operation putting fresh, locally grown food on tables across Montserrat. The award was presented at the King’s Birthday Party at the Governor’s Residence on 11 June 2026, before an audience of community leaders, government representatives, and members of the public gathered to celebrate His Majesty The King’s official birthday under the theme of Community and Partnership. Mrs McPherson’s journey began while still a secondary school student, when she cultivated her first backyard garden; a small but telling sign of a passion that would shape her life. She went on to balance her role as a Port Security Officer with a growing commitment to farming, expanding her operation after purchasing her home in Salem. The turning point came in July 2025, when she was selected to participate in an OECS-sponsored agricultural training programme in Saint Lucia, immersing herself in modern techniques including crop production, pest control, greenhouse operations, drone technology, and water harvesting. That September, inspired and convinced of the path ahead, she resigned from her post to farm full-time. Governor Harriet Cross said: “Shanyon’s story is one of quiet determination. She did not wait for the conditions to be perfect. She built something meaningful, step by step, season by season. In recognising her with this inaugural award, I want to celebrate not just what she has achieved, but what she represents: the entrepreneurial spirit, the commitment to community, and the belief that Montserrat’s future is worth investing in. Established by the Governor’s Office to honour individuals making a meaningful contribution to community life in Montserrat, the Governor’s Award will be presented annually. Mrs McPherson whose work contributes directly to the island’s food security and long-term resilience, is a deserving first recipient and an inspiration to young people and women considering a future in agriculture.

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Montserrat To Become Hub For New Regional Ferry Service

News

A new ferry service is preparing to launch with Montserrat positioned as a key hub in its network. Project Systems and Solutions Ltd, a Trinidad and Tobago-based consultancy and operations firm specialising in marine services, has announced the formal launch of its Leewards Link Ferry Service. According to a press release issued on Sunday, the company said the service will operate under the Leewards Link Logistics brand and aims to provide safe, reliable and affordable passenger and cargo transportation throughout the region. The ferry is expected to serve Montserrat, Antigua and St Kitts and Nevis. The company said the project follows more than a year of planning, regulatory assessments and investment and is intended to improve regional connectivity, support local businesses and tourism, and provide competitive travel options for residents. Leewards Link said it does not seek to replace or interfere with any existing or proposed local ferry initiatives and remains open to collaboration with local stakeholders. The company said it is finalising schedules and regulatory approvals ahead of its maiden voyage, with details on routes, fares and bookings expected to be announced within the coming week. The company added that a media preview and vessel tour, which was previously postponed, will also be rescheduled. The announcement comes amid public concern surrounding the vessel Swift Sails, which entered Montserrat’s waters last Wednesday before departing the island the following day.

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DMCA Calls for Greater Climate Resilience on World Environment Day

Community, Environment, News

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is encouraging residents to recognize the important link between environmental protection and disaster preparedness as Montserrat joined the global observance of World Environment Day on June 5. In a social media post last Friday, the agency marked the occasion under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” noting that the message is particularly significant for Montserrat given the climate-related challenges forecast for the coming months. The DMCA referenced the latest outlook from the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), which points to an increased likelihood of several climate hazards during the June to August period. These include rising temperatures and possible heatwaves; an elevated risk of bushfires during hot and dry conditions; intense rainfall events capable of triggering flooding and flash floods; the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season; and recurring Saharan dust episodes that can reduce air quality. According to the agency, protecting the environment and strengthening climate resilience are critical components of disaster risk reduction. The DMCA noted that healthy ecosystems can help communities better withstand natural hazards, while sustainable environmental practices can reduce vulnerability to disasters. The agency emphasized that building a resilient environment is an important step toward creating a more resilient Montserrat.

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