News

Government Explores Possibility of Allowing Farming in Exclusion Zone

The ministry of agriculture is currently exploring the possibility of opening up arable lands in the Exclusion Zone for farming.   Minister for Agriculture, Honourable John Patrick Osborne made the disclosure at the recent launch of the agriculture strategy at the Credit Union Conference Room. Speaking during the launch, Minister Osborne stated that A recent National Disaster Preparedness Response Advisory Council (NDPRAC) meeting discussed such a possibility after it was raised by some farmers who interested in farming in the zone where possible. Mr Osborne said they are currently looking at the hazard zones around Montserrat to see the feasibility of such a venture.

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Regional Youth Leader Expresses Confidence in Montserrat National Youth Parliament

A regional youth leader has expressed confidence in the abilities of the newly-elected Montserrat National Youth Parliament. Founder of the National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda, Kamalie Mannix, who was instrumental in the training of the youth parliamentarians here, made this assertion while speaking with ZJB News. Mr. Mannix discussed the training process leading up to youth parliament elections, as well as other support he intends to give the parliamentarians going forward. He also shared advice with the new youth parliamentarians, encouraging them to work hard in their position. The new Montserrat National Youth Parliament will be sworn in on June 30th, 2026.

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President of Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat Participates in 7th Annual Diabetes Conference 2026

The president of the Montserrat Pink Ribbon Charity Incorporated was afforded the opportunity to participate in 7th Annual Diabetes Conference 2026 held at the University of East London, United Kingdom, last week. Sonia Charles, was a guest speaker at the conference, which was held under the theme: “Living with Diabetes and Long-Term Conditions: Sustainable Health and Wellbeing for Self-Care.” Ms. Charles presented her work entitled: “Feet for Life – How Vascular Sonography Influenced the Introduction of Podiatry Services in Montserrat.” The presentation highlighted the need for improved diabetic foot care services in Montserrat and explored how vascular sonography and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) assessment can contribute to diabetic limb preservation, reduced amputation rates, and the development of podiatry services on the island. Meanwhile…Preparations are currently underway for a UK-trained podiatry team to visit Montserrat later this year to support the development of a sustainable podiatry-led diabetic foot care pathway. The initiative forms part of the ongoing healthcare outreach efforts of the Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat Incorporated, which continues to promote improved access to preventative healthcare services and chronic disease awareness across the island. The Montserrat Pink Ribbon Charity Incorporated also supports the Feet for Life initiative, a diabetic foot care and prevention programme focused on education, early detection, vascular assessment, ulcer prevention, and podiatry-led care. The programme was first delivered in Montserrat in 2014 by Mrs Angela Davis, a Jamaica-based UK-trained podiatrist, through sponsorship from the Charity, as well as Caribscan.

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New Training Initiatives on Montserrat Expected under 11th Cycle of Basic Needs Trust Fund Progamme

A number of new training initiatives are expected to be rolled out under the 11th cycle of the Basic Needs Trust Fund- BNTF programme on Montserrat. Project Manager Mervin Browne said the upcoming cycle, set to be officially launched next week, will focus on a range of projects aimed at skills development, infrastructure improvement and poverty reduction. The construction of a modern poultry processing and packaging facility in Davy Hill is among the key projects set for the 11th cycle.

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Montserrat to Launch New Dialysis Programme to Cut Treatment Costs for Kidney Patients

The Ministry of Health here is preparing to launch a new Dialysis Programme that could significantly reduce the cost of treatment for kidney patients. That’s according to Minister for Health Dr the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge. Honourable Buffonge says the proposed programme is expected to improve quality of life for patients by reducing the need for overseas travel while strengthening healthcare services locally. Minister Buffonge also spoke on the importance and need for dialysis on Montserrat.  She was at the time giving an update on ongoing initiatives within her ministry on the What’s on Your mind radio programme.

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Priority Areas Identified for Disaster Management and Emergency Response Support for Montserrat

A series of priority areas for disaster management and emergency response support for Montserrat have been identified. This follows an official 3-day visit to the island by Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Elizabeth Riley. During the April 27–29  visit, Riley engaged  in a series of meetings with Government Officials and key stakeholders.  She told ZJB News that agreements had been reached on several immediate actions aimed at strengthening support and coordination on the island.

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The Ministry of Health Proactively Prepares Healthcare System for Potential Hantavirus Exposure

The Ministry of Health is taking proactive steps to prepare the island’s healthcare system should the island be exposed to the Hantavirus. Hantavirus is a rodent-borne viral disease with around 20 strains found worldwide. It naturally circulates in specific rodent populations, which shed the virus in urine, droppings, and saliva.  Humans can become infected through contact with infected rodents or their contaminated feces. Speaking on the Talking Health Radio Programme, Chief Medical Officer Dr Sharra Greenaway-Duberry said the Ministry is reviewing its protocols and closely monitoring global and regional developments. Dr Greenaway-Duberry is reassuring residents that the island’s risk of exposure and transmission of the virus remains low.

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Minor Earthquake at Soufrière Hills Volcano Within Normal Activity Levels

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) is reassuring residents that activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano remains within normal levels following a minor earthquake on Saturday night. At 9:02 PM, a local volcano-tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 was felt in some areas around the island. Acting Director at the MVO Dr Karen Pascal gives an update on the event.

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Tutors Praise Work of Participants in RISE Rehabilitation Programme

Tutors involved in the Reintegration into Society for Ex-Offenders- RISE rehabilitation programme have praised inmate participants for their discipline, determination and commitment to personal growth. In June of 2025, the Department of Community, Youth and Sports Services- DCYSS, launched the RISE programme to support inmates through education, skills training and structured development with an aim at reducing re-offending.  Speaking during the recent certificate distribution ceremony, instructors reflected on the progress made by participants. Mathematics and English teacher, Zelma White, commended the learners for their courage and perseverance, noting that each certificate represented hard work, resilience and the willingness to keep moving forward despite challenges.  Agriculture instructor Elvis Gerald said inmates showed strong enthusiasm and respect throughout the training sessions, which covered both agriculture and biosecurity.  Meanwhile, ICT instructor, Shealsha Payne, highlighted the participants’ eagerness to learn and noted that many progressed through the course material faster than expected. 

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Montserrat Red Cross launches Design and Development Phase of a Cash and Voucher Assistance Programme for Montserrat

The Montserrat Red Cross has officially launched the design and development phase of a Cash and Voucher Assistance Programme (CVA) for Montserrat. This launch took place on Friday May 8th, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day at the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) conference room in Yellow Hill The day was observed under the theme, “On the side of humanity.” The CVA programme is expected to provide cash and vouchers to individuals and families after an emergency, allowing them to meet their own prioritized needs. Speaking at the launch, director of the Montserrat Red Cross, Delmaude Ryan, gave details on this phase of the programme, saying many stakeholders will be engaged throughout the process. Meanwhile, British Red Cross Emergency Programme Manager, Ammar Ibrahim, explained the aim of the CVA programme. In her remarks at the launch, Governor Her Excellency Harriet Cross highlighted the vital role the Red Cross plays in disaster management, and its valued partnership with the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA).  She also made a special announcement – confirming her acceptance to serve as Patron of the Montserrat Red Cross. The launch also featured remarks from Director of Social Services, Teresena Fergus.  Red Cross Board Chairman, Mr John Skerritt also presented a cheque to the Meals on Wheels Programme in recognition of their continued and invaluable contribution to the Montserrat community.

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