News – Page 5 – ZJB Radio

Government of Montserrat Reviews Housing Allocation Criteria

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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Royal Montserrat Police Service Implements Critical Measures to Improve Public Safety and Emergency Response

News

Work is being done to ramp up public safety and emergency response. Commissioner of Police Mark Payne told ZJB News they are improving the capabilities of the police, fire, and disaster management teams with new equipment and comprehensive training programs. Commissioner Payne says these initiatives are part of a broader commitment to modernizing the island’s emergency services, ensuring residents have faster, safer, and more effective protection in all situations.

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Promising Possibilities Reported from a Recent Montserrat Marketing Trip to St. Maarten

News

A recent marketing trip to St. Maarten has opened up several possibilities for mutual collaboration between Montserrat and Phillipsburg. So says Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade. He was accompanied to St. Maarten by senior officers from the office of the premier. Speaking during a press briefing on radio Montserrat Monday afternoon, the leader of government business lamented the positives from the visit which started out with an interview on the renowned PJD2 1300AM. Premier Meade said the trip was about strengthening access, improving travel reliability, expanding options for visitors and residents, supporting tourism, business, and emergency mobility. He gave a rundown of the engagements while in Phillipsburg. Premier Meade spoke also of a Saturday evening Sunset shoreline cruise which again brought into focus other possibilities.

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The Ministry of Health Raises the Ante in Tackling Diabetes as part of World Diabetes Day 2025

Community, Government, Health, News

As Montserrat joined the observance of World Diabetes Day on Friday, November 14, the Ministry of Health embarked on an awareness campaign to highlight the health threat posed by diabetes. Established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991, the day is used to raise awareness about different types of diabetes, promote prevention, and support those living with the condition. Minister for Health, Dr. The Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, was part of a panel on radio Montserrat Friday morning discussing diabetes, well-being issues, and how these could be addressed. Dr., the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge Each year, the IDF chooses a new theme to focus on a specific aspect of diabetes. Recent themes include “Diabetes and the Workplace” and “Diabetes across life stages.” The day is marked by a wide range of global campaigns, lectures, screenings, and meetings. Activities often involve using the color blue, which is the official color for World Diabetes Day. People can get involved by sharing information, participating in events, and raising the profile of the cause.

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Financial Services Commission (FSC) Montserrat Warns About Fraudulent Website

News

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) Montserrat is bringing to the public’s attention a fraudulent website that has recently been discovered impersonating its official website. The FSC has stated that its official and only legitimate website is: www.fscmontserrat.org. The FSC reports that a false website, www.fscmontserrat.com, has been created by an unauthorized third party using publicly available information in an attempt to mislead the public. The Commission said that this website is not affiliated to the FSC and any information, forms, or contact details displayed there should be treated as fraudulent. The Financial Service Commission is assuring the public that there has been no internal breach of FSC systems or data. It adds that this incident is an external impersonation effort, and appropriate steps are being taken to have the fraudulent domain removed. The local financial regulatory body warns that to protect against any fraudulent activity, stakeholders should always verify that they are accessing www.fscmontserrat.org before submitting any information. The FSC is asking that stakeholders be cautious of email messages or documents referencing the fake website or using unfamiliar email addresses, and to report any suspicious communication to the FSC Montserrat immediately at info@fsc.ms. The FSC states that it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of its operations and maintaining transparency with its stakeholders.

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