News

Justice endures when it is principled, accessible and relevant. That note from Attorney Chivone Gerald at the recent ceremonial opening of the 2026 Law Year. Addressing the court on behalf of the Montserrat Bar Association, Gerald highlighted the quiet but diligent work of the judiciary, court staff and legal practitioners, often carried out under challenging conditions. She stressed that judicial independence protects the vulnerable and brings stability to Montserrat’s democracy and noted that public trust depends on fairness, transparency and the integrity of the Bar.   Looking ahead, she welcomed ongoing efforts to modernize the justice system and recent legislative updates to the Magistrate’s Court Act and child maintenance laws. The Opening of the Law Year was held under the theme, “The ECSC: Justice that Endures; Anchored Independence, Strengthened through Trust.”

Government Minister John Patrick Osborne has called on residents here and overseas to start speaking about Montserrat in a more positive light. Osborne says there are good things happening on the island but these are spoken about enough. The Minister of Agriculture highlights developments in healthcare, education and other sectors, along with the fact that Montserrat is one of the safest places in the world to live.

The Royal Montserrat Police Service has received several useful technological upgrades over the past few months. In an interview with ZJB, commissioner of police Mark Payne discussed some of the technology advancements made in the Service. He talked about recent forensics training, noting the benefits of increased digital forensics’ capability. The commissioner also discussed drone training on Montserrat, which he said was done in collaboration with other local departments. Commissioner Payne highlighted the addition of two new sea vessels, explaining their functions. He also explained how the vessels, along with the drone technology, help to secure Montserrat’s marine borders.

Applications are now open for the Miss Tween Montserrat Pageant 2026. This new pageant is being put on by Taylored Productions, and is open to young girls between the ages of 9 to 12. To be eligible for participation, applicants must fall within the age category, be currently living in Montserrat, and be attending a school in Montserrat. Parental or legal guardian consent is also required for all participants. According to Taylored Productions, the Miss Tween Montserrat Pageant 2026 is a confidence-building showcase designed to empower young girls through culture, creativity, leadership, and positive self-expression. The application link can be found on Taylored Productions social media pages. The deadline for application is Friday 13th March, 2026.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has welcomed the unearthing of the Belham Valley Bridge. That’s according to DMCA Senior Disaster Management Coordinator, Astrid Wade. Mr. Wade said the Belham Valley Bridge project improves emergency access to Isle Bay Hill and other areas south of the Belham Valley, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The project was a collaborative effort between the Public Works Department, the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) and the private sector. Waterway and roadway work in the Belham Valley have resulted in the bridge being unearthed and accessible for vehicular traffic during heavy rainfall. Roadways, culverts, and drainage infrastructure along Happy Hill, Dr Wood’s, and Isles Bay Hill Main Roads have also been unearthed, with guttering and culverts cleaned and restored to improve water flow. The main water channels in the Belham Valley have also been excavated in preparation for rainfall, which should reduce impassibility caused by lahars. The Belham Valley Bridge had been buried for over 20 years due to repeated lahar activity. Its restoration now provides permanent access to and from the northern side of the island, especially during extreme weather events, significantly improving safety for residents of Isle Bay Hill, Woodsville, Corkhill, Weekes, Richmond Hill, Fox’s Bay, and Delvin’s, as well as tour operators, sand miners, farmers, and livestock owners.