News – Page 7 – ZJB Radio

Fuel Prices Ease Slightly Following Government Freight Tariff Reduction

Consumers will enjoy a slight reprieve at the pumps following the latest fuel price adjustment. The new rates released by the Trade, Investment, and Bureau of Standards and Quality Unit, Monday show modest decreases across most petroleum products compared to August 2025. As of November 7, regular gasoline has dipped from EC$17.01 to EC$16.89, while Diesel now sells for EC$13.52, down from EC$13.99 in August. Premium Gasoline also recorded a small reduction, moving from EC$17.47 to EC$17.62, maintaining relative stability. The Government of Montserrat has attributed the latest easing to the implementation of its 50% reduction in freight tariffs across the board in a move to reduce the cost of living for residents.

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Senior Bank of Montserrat Officials Join Regional Peers at Caribbean Association of Banks 2025 Conference in Trinidad

Community, Finance, News

Senior officials from the Bank of Montserrat Limited recently joined regional financial leaders at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), held from October 28 to November 1 in Trinidad. Representing the Bank were General Manager Mrs. Josephine George; IT Manager Mr. Winston Lewis; and Montserrat’s representative on the CAB Board, Mr. Cheddie Dulep, who serves as Director for the Eastern Caribbean and Barbados. The conference opened with a Sustainable Banking Roundtable, focusing on the sector’s evolving role in tackling climate change, advancing ESG principles, and promoting regulatory transformation. Concurrently, Republic Bank hosted a Small Business Workshop and Marketplace, where over 30 participants explored strategies to access finance, enhance digital capacity, and scale their businesses. On October 29, members convened for CAB’s Annual General Meeting, reviewing achievements, setting priorities for the new term, and electing the 2025–2026 Board of Directors. The day concluded with a Grand Opening Ceremony celebrating Caribbean banking excellence and innovation. Subsequent plenary sessions explored key themes shaping the financial landscape, including Banking as a Service, Cybersecurity, Relationship Banking, and Trade Finance Guarantees Later discussions examined digital transformation and sustainability, covering topics such as AI and low-code systems, intra-regional payments (CAPSS), sustainability standards (S1 and S2), and cybersecurity in the Caribbean banking industry. The event provided invaluable insights into emerging technologies, disclosure standards, and ESG integration, reinforcing CAB’s commitment to innovation and resilience in the region’s financial sector. The Caribbean Association of Banks Incorporated remains the collective voice of the Caribbean’s financial services industry, fostering collaboration, capacity building, and competitiveness across the region.

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Montserrat Union of Teachers Revives Biennial Convention After Five Years, and Elects New Executive

Community, Education, News

The Montserrat Union of Teachers (MUT) successfully hosted its Biennial Convention, the first in over 5 years, on Friday, November 7, culminating with the election of a new Executive. The convention was held at the Brades Arts and Education Centre and focused on empowerment of teachers through multiple sessions, including the importance of trade unions and the rights of workers, which was conducted by Honourable Nyota Mulcare; a Financial Health discussion with members of the St. Patricks Co-operative Credit Union on services that teachers could benefit from. A session on Psychological Wellbeing was conducted by Lester Ryan, and a session entitled Let’s Talk, facilitated by Minister of Education, Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge. The meeting also saw members of the newly elected Executive, President- Sis José White; Vice President- Sis Audris Jno Baptiste; Secretary- Sis Venice Jones; Treasurer- Sis Hyacinth Bramble-Browne; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer- Sis Jamilia Greenaway; PRO- Sis Lorraine Francois; Floor Members- Sis Althea Sweeney and Bro Mcloyd White The new executive extended sincere gratitude to its members for believing and trusting in them to present and advocate on their behalf, and to those who helped to make this year’s convention a memorable and successful one.

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Ministry Launches “Bridging the Gap” Workshops to Strengthen Parent-Teen Relationships

Community, Education, News

The Ministry of Health and Social Services is providing parents with an opportunity to strengthen their relationships with their teenagers through a new four-week workshop series. Titled “Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Teens,” the program is designed to help parents better understand and support their children through the often challenging adolescent years. The sessions begin this Wednesday, November 12th, at the Davy Hill Community Centre, and will continue weekly from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on November 12th, 19th, 26th, and December 3rd, 2025. The workshops will be co-facilitated by Dr. Dionne Imara and the Director of Social Services, Mrs. Teresena Fergus. Topics will include understanding the teenage brain and development, communication that works, boundaries, rules, and consequences, and fostering resilience, independence, and connection. According to the Ministry, the sessions aim to equip parents with practical tools to improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and build stronger family relationships. The program is open to all parents of teens, and interested participants can register by calling 495-3895 or 495-7491.

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Montserrat Strengthens Emergency Response with Successful HAZMAT and HNS Training

Community, News

The first phase of the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and Hazardous Noxious Substances (HNS) Training, facilitated by Ambipar Response, here, has been deemed a tremendous success. The three-day training, which began on Friday, 7 November 2025, and concluded on Sunday, 9 November 2025, brought together 27 personnel from the Montserrat Port Authority (MPA), Marine Unit of the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPF), the Montserrat National Oil Response Team, the Royal Montserrat Defense Force (RMDF), and the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA). Participants were introduced to key aspects of HAZMAT and HNS incident management, including risk identification, response techniques, and equipment use for both terrestrial and marine environments. Topics covered included: • Introduction and Background • Labelling, Causes, Fates, and Effects • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Gas Monitoring • Site Set-up and Equipment Use • Tactical Response Strategies The training focused on building capacity among local response agencies to safely and effectively deploy equipment, mitigate environmental risks, and use personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with international safety standards. Upon successful completion of this phase, participants will be awarded an IMO-equivalent Certificate of Competency in HAZMAT/HNS Response, recognizing their enhanced capability to respond to hazardous material incidents across Montserrat’s terrestrial and marine areas. Meantime, the second phase of the training, focusing on the management of Hazardous Noxious Substances (HNS), commenced on Monday, 10 November 2025, and will conclude on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. This segment builds on the practical skills developed during Phase One and emphasizes incident command, response coordination, and strategic decision-making in managing HNS events. It aims to further strengthen Montserrat’s readiness and resilience in addressing environmental and maritime emergencies. The training, held at Port Little Bay and the DMCA Headquarters, was funded by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in collaboration with the Montserrat Maritime Administration (MMA) and the Montserrat Port Authority (MPA).

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Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat launches Pre-Carnival Step Challenge

News

The Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat is launching the pre-carnival step challenge. This challenge will support the Mammogram Fund while helping people prepare for the upcoming carnival season. President of the charity, Sonia Charles, gave more details about the challenge, saying that $1 will be donated by sponsors for every 5000 steps logged. She also shared the link where persons can register for the pre-carnival step challenge.

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Interact Club of Montserrat Celebrates World Interact Day 2025

News

The Interact Club of Montserrat has joined thousands of young leaders around the globe in celebrating World Interact Day 2025, which highlights the theme “Youth in service, United we grow, Together we serve.” Club President Keirra Daley said the occasion is not only a time of celebration, but also one of reflection and recommitment to service. Daley encouraged other young people between the ages of 12 and 18 to get involved with Interact, noting that it provides an opportunity to serve the community, develop leadership skills, and connect with a global network of youth dedicated to positive change. Throughout the week, the Club has been engaged in a series of community-focused events including a church service, hosting a donation to the Montserrat Red Cross, and a joint activity with the Rotary club. The club is also continuing its outreach with visits to the elderly and radio giveaways before the week concludes.

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Leading Voice in Diabetes Education Holds Public Outreach Sessions across Montserrat

Community, Health, News

UK-based Diabetes Ambassador and Advocate Tony Kelly is currently on island leading a series of public sessions aimed at raising awareness about the disease, and the need to make healthy lifestyle choices. Mr Kelly, who has been a leading voice for diabetes education across the UK and the Caribbean, is meeting with communities across Montserrat this week to share practical information, and to distribute educational materials on the prevention and management of the disease. Mr Kelly- who has led similar initiatives across the Caribbean and North America, is urging residents to take diabetes prevention and management more seriously, highlighting the growing number of lower limb amputations linked to the disease. Speaking ahead of his public outreach sessions on island, the diabetes ambassador called on Montserratians to attend in large numbers and learn practical ways to care for their health. On Monday, November 3, Mr. Kelly met with members of the Spanish-speaking community at the Davy Hill Community Centre. Upcoming sessions include- Thursday, November 6, at the Emmanuel Apostolic Faith Church in St. John’s for residents of the Haitian community, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM; Friday, November 7, at Julian’s Bar in Salem for residents of Salem and surrounding areas, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Saturday, November 8 at the New Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church in St John’s for the Seventh-Day Adventist community and residents in the surrounding areas; and Monday, November 10, at the Davy Hill Community Centre for the general public, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.

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Montserrat Residents receive Official Donation Information to Aid Jamaica’s Hurricane Relief Efforts

Community, News

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica continues to receive support from Montserrat and the rest of the world. Honorary consul for Jamaica, Angela Greenaway, appeared on ZJB Radio Wednesday morning to share with the public the official channels to make financial contributions to Jamaica. Along with discussion on how persons can send physical donations, Mrs. Greenaway also highlighted the work of the Jamaica Montserrat Association, the Salem Community Action Group, and Montserrat Red Cross in soliciting donations to send to Jamaica. Mrs. Greenaway also emphasized the importance of ensuring that all persons who have been affected benefit from the donations made. Persons can contact Mrs. Angela Greenaway at 1-664-496-5809 for more information on the needs list, the official Jamaica government portal or other donation channels.

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GOVERNOR EXPRESSES SOLIDARITY WITH THE CARIBBEAN INWAKE OF HURRICANE MELISSA

News

Her Excellency the Governor has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. In a letter shared with civil servants on 31 October, the Governor wrote: “The devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica and the region has left me shocked and saddened. It has been heart wrenching to see the trail of devastation across the Caribbean, claiming lives, destroying homes, and disrupting communities. I extend my deepest condolences to anyone who has lost loved ones, and to all who are suffering in the wake of this unprecedented storm. I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your families in this moment. I know how hard it is to be away from home at a time like this. This is a time of profound sorrow, but also of unity. In the face of adversity, the Caribbean spirit remains unbroken. We have seen extraordinary acts of courage and compassion: from first responders risking their lives to protect others, to neighbours helping neighbours through the darkest hours. As the Jamaican proverb says, ‘Wi likkle but wi tallawah’ — we may be small, but we are mighty. Please know that my thoughts are with every officer and every family affected by this storm.” In response to the hurricane, the UK Government has mobilised a comprehensive support package for the region, including: • £7.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding, enabling the delivery of over 2,800 emergency shelter kits and 1,700 solar lanterns to affected communities. • Deployment of HMS Trent, a Royal Navy vessel pre-positioned in the Caribbean, to assist with disaster relief in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands, a UK Overseas Territory. • Pre-positioned emergency supplies in Antigua and Barbuda are being rapidly deployed across the region. Montserrat is included in the UK’s regional preparedness planning, ensuring swift support is available if needed. • UK humanitarian and logistics experts conducted preparedness visits to Montserrat earlier this year to assess disaster readiness and strengthen local response capabilities. The UK remains steadfast in its support for the Caribbean, working closely with regional partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need and that all Overseas Territories are prepared and supported during this hurricane season.

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