News - ZJB Radio

New National Hospital on Track to Meet 2027 Completion

Governor Her Excellency Harriet Cross has given a positive review on the construction of the island’s new hospital. Following a recent visit to the new hospital site, Governor Cross said she is encouraged by the level of progress made in just under a year with several floors already being constructed, and the site busy with activity. She said medical equipment is already on order, and that the project is on track to be completed and operational by March 2027. The new hospital is expected to deliver State-of-the-art emergency care, comprehensive management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), on-site cancer screenings and improved systems for medical evacuations. The project is being spearheaded by Saint Lucia-based firm Construction & Industrial Equipment (CIE) Ltd.

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Governor Provides Clarity on United Kingdom Updated Travel Guidelines

News

Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross is reassuring residents that the updated travel guidelines issued by the United Kingdom earlier this week, is largely a reminder for travelers rather than a major policy shift. Under updated UK Home Office guidelines, effective 25 February, dual nationals will no longer be permitted to enter the United Kingdom using a non-British passport, even if they hold British citizenship. The announcement sparked questions locally, particularly among residents who hold dual nationality. Speaking to ZJB News on the matter, Governor Cross explained that changes should not disrupt travel for most persons.

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Governor Cross Expresses Confidence In Port Project

Government, News

Governor Her Excellency Harriet Cross is confident in the future of Montserrat Port Development Project. In an interview with ZJB News, Governor Cross acknowledged that the project has faced challenges but said all partners are working collaboratively to ensure strong oversight throughout the execution of the project. Governor Cross said recent on site work is showing encouraging signs of progress. Governor Her Excellency Harriet Cross.

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Eighty-Eight Former Members of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force to Receive Humanitarian & Emergency Services Medal

News

Press Release, RMDF – As part of the Montserrat National Honours and Awards 2026, the Government of Montserrat will honour Eighty-Eight (88) former members of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) with the Humanitarian & Emergency Services (HES) Medal, in recognition of their distinguished service during the height of the Soufrière Hills volcanic eruptions between 1995 and 1997. The award recognises the invaluable efforts which were put forth by members of the RMDF during the height of the volcanic crisis. These persons would have gone up and beyond what was expected of a volunteer Force. Their support to various agencies during this critical event in Montserrat’s history is a testament to the support that the Force provides to the people and government of Montserrat. The members of the Force were involved in every aspect of the Government’s response to volcanic eruptions from assisting in reconnaissance at Chances’ Peak to manning check points to assisting in the evacuation of communities to being members of the first national Search and Rescue Team and many more roles not mentioned. The Humanitarian & Emergency Services Medal is conferred upon individuals whose service during a national emergency is deemed to be exceptional and worthy of national recognition. 2026 marks the first year that this criterion has been recognized as part of the Montserrat National Honours and Awards. This is a fitting recognition for the sacrifice that members of the Force would have made in the service of Montserrat during one of its most challenging times. Royal Montserrat Defence Force Recipients The RMDF extends its sincere congratulations and appreciation to all recipients and their families. Their service during a period of national crisis remains a lasting testament to commitment, sacrifice, and national pride.

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Attorney General Expresses Need for Legal Aid System in Montserrat

News

The absence of a formal legal aid system remains a challenge for Montserrat. This was revealed by attorney general Hon. Sheree Jemmotte-Rodney at the Opening of the New Law Year 2026 last week. A legal aid system is a government funded initiative to help low income individuals receive legal advice, representation, and other services. Hon. Jemmotte-Rodney explained the need for this system, noting that progress has been slow in developing a legal aid framework for Montserrat. However, she commended the efforts of members the private bar who have offered their services, despite a low financial return.

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Premier of Montserrat gives Update on Ferry Service

News

Premier of Montserrat, Hon. Reuben T. Meade has given an update on the anticipated ferry service. Speaking on the What’s on Your Mind radio programme, Premier Meade said they are waiting for the government of Venezuela to re-open to provide the necessary exit certificate for the vessel to leave Venezuela. The premier declined to give a definite date, but said he is very positive that Montserrat will have the vessel in operation. Premier Meade explained the difficulties that would arise from securing a different vessel at this time. The premier also said that negotiations are ongoing to increase WINAIR’s operations in Montserrat, creating an alternative gateway for travellers.

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Montserrat Volcano Observatory Takes Part in International Research Project

News

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has announced its involvement in an international research project led by the University of Bristol. The 3.7 million pound project, titled: Ex-X: Expecting the Unexpected, is focused on improving the detection and understanding of dangerous escalations in volcanic activity. The MVO was represented by Dr Adam Stinton at the project’s initial workshop in Bristol from January 12th to 13th, 2026. The project is being led by Professor Jenni Barclay from Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences, and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. Initial research will focus on three volcanic systems in the Eastern Caribbean: Soufrière Volcano in St Vincent, Mount Pelée in Martinique, and Soufrière Hills Volcano in Montserrat. This research builds on recent advances in volcanology, seismology, and numerical modelling. The international collaboration includes UK researchers from the universities of Bristol, Plymouth, East Anglia, Manchester, and Oxford, alongside partners in the Eastern Caribbean, the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, and the Paris Institute of Earth Physics, which is responsible for the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. The project also includes researchers from the USA, Germany, and Italy.

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Montserrat-BMN/SVG Apologizes for the Inconvenience Caused by Recent Disruption to its Operations.

News

SVG has been undergoing extensive maintenance on its aircraft, and prior to the start of the season they unfortunately lost two engineers. Since then, the airline has been diligently working on securing another engineer and completing the necessary maintenance on its fleet. SGV has also lost three of its Islander Pilots making it impossible to crew the aircraft and maintain a schedule. The airline says, however, it has been able to sub-charter other operators, such as Fly Montserrat, Trans Anguilla and Caribbean Helicopters to assist in filling the void. The company says the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. In addition, the Twin Otter was sent to the USA for its annual inspection and, if all goes well, is expected to return by the end of February. SVG says its booking system will reopen for March.

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Registration Opens For Caribbean Business Cruise

News

Montserrat entrepreneurs are invited to register for the upcoming sixth edition of the Caribbean Business Cruise later this year. The cruise, which is being conducted in collaboration with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), will take place from March 8th to 15th, 2026. Local entrepreneur Crystal Edgecombe took part in the 2025 edition of the cruise, promoting her brand GLOW H and B Essentials. Entrepreneurs from across the region will engage in prospecting missions, business round-tables, and B2B meetings at each stop over, to identify opportunities and partnerships. They will also have the chance to promote products and services, and share best practices with private and public leaders from the Caribbean. On board the cruise, participants will take part in a business seminar, top-quality regional and international professional networking, conference-debates, workshops, and experience-sharing, all within an original working environment. For more information, and to register, persons can visit the website www.isanaja-consulting.com, email contact@isanaja-consulting.com, or call +590 690 408 212. More information can also be found on the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States social media pages.

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Government of Montserrat Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries Conduct Site Visit to Belham Valley Bridge and Isles Bay Beach Road

Government, News, Tourism

by Jenzil Skerritt, Press Secretary Montserrat – The Government of Montserrat on January 8 2026, undertook a ministerial site visit to the recently excavated Belham Valley Bridge and the re-established Isles Bay Beach Road, marking another important step in the island’s ongoing programme of infrastructure rehabilitation and resilience building. The site visit was led by the Premier of Montserrat and Minister of Finance, Hon. Reuben T. Meade, and included the Minister of Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Labour & Transport Hon. Veronica Dorsette Hector; Minister of Agriculture, Housing, Lands, the Environment, Youth and Sports, Hon. John Osborne; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands, the Environment, Youth and Sports (MAHLEYAS), Hon. Dwayne Hixon; and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Premier, Hon. Crenston C. Buffonge. The visit provided Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries with an opportunity to assess first-hand the progress and outcomes of works at both strategic locations. The Belham Valley Bridge, a critical crossing affected by years of volcanic activity and sedimentation, has been excavated, improving connectivity and access for residents, businesses, and emergency services. Similarly, the Isles Bay Beach Road restores access to an important coastal area, supporting community use, tourism activity, and future development opportunities. Premier Meade noted that the works form part of Government’s broader commitment to strengthening national infrastructure while improving safety, accessibility, and economic resilience. He emphasized that sustained investment in roads, bridges, and supporting infrastructure remains a priority for national development. Minister Dorsette Hector highlighted the technical and logistical efforts required to execute works in challenging environments, noting that careful planning and inter-agency coordination are key to delivering durable and climate-resilient infrastructure. The Government of Montserrat continues to advance strategic infrastructure projects aimed at improving quality of life, supporting economic growth, and enhancing resilience across the island. Further updates on ongoing and upcoming works will be shared with the public as projects progress.

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