News

Dr Sheron Burns Appointed Head, The UWI Global Campus Site, Montserrat

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Global Campus is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Sheron Burns as Head of its Global Campus Site, Montserrat, with effect from September 1, 2025.  Dr Burns is an experienced educator and scholar whose career in education began in 1987 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Social Sciences) from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), St. Thomas. She began her teaching career with children aged five to seven in Montserrat’s government primary schools, where she played a formative role in early childhood education until 2006. That year, she was appointed Education Officer – Pre-Primary within the Ministry of Education, Montserrat (2006–2014). In this capacity, she spearheaded the development of Montserrat’s Early Childhood Education Policy and introduced the annual June celebration of Early Childhood Education—two initiatives that continue to shape the island’s education system. In 2014, Dr Burns joined the School of Education at The UWI Cave Hill Campus on secondment from the Government of Montserrat. There, she led the development of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Care and Education), significantly strengthening teacher education across the Eastern Caribbean. After returning to Montserrat in July 2021, she continued to contribute to education both locally and internationally. She currently lectures part-time with the University of Guyana, serves as an external examiner and graduate supervisor for universities in Australia, the United States, and the Caribbean. She supports the Montserrat Ministry of Education in its transformation initiatives. Dr Burns holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Elementary Education (Early Childhood) from the University of Alberta, Canada. Her dissertation, Teaching and Learning Using a Child-Focused Approach in a Kindergarten Classroom in Montserrat, underscored her dedication to child-centred pedagogies. She earned a Master of Arts in Elementary Education (Educational Technology/Reading) from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in 1997, completing a thesis on, The Effects of Phonological Awareness Skills and Letter-Sound Correspondence on the Early Reading Ability of Low-Skilled Kindergarten Students, whichreflected her commitment to literacy development. She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning from The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (2017). Dr Burns’ professional and scholarly contributions have been widely recognised. She was nominated for the Election Management Award (2024) by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies, and, in 2020, received The UWI Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Multi-Campus Research Collaboration (One UWI Award). Other awards include the Women of Montserrat Bonding (WOMB) Gem Award (2019); the Ministry of Education, Montserrat Award for Contribution to Early Childhood Education (2016); and the Montserrat Progressive Society of New York Centennial Award for Education (2014), among others. Her teaching and research interests include teacher education, play as a pedagogical strategy, education in the Eastern Caribbean, and advocacy for access to culturally and developmentally appropriate early childhood education. She has published widely in these areas, with publications including: Every Learner Succeeds: Reconceptualising Quality in Early Childhood in the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States 2021, Palgrave Macmillan; Early Learning Environments: Embracing and Valuing Home Language (2021, IGI Global Publishers, co-authored with J. Jules); Actualizing Children’s Rights Through Early Childhood Care and Education: A Focus on the Caribbean (2019, Journal of Early Childhood Research, co-authored with Z. Kinkead-Clarke and S. Abdul-Majied); Achieving Quality in Early Childhood Education in the Eastern Caribbean Depends on Teacher Preparation (2018, Early Child Development and Care); and The Ontology and Social Construction of Childhood (2013, in Understanding Child Sexual Abuse: Perspectives from the Caribbean, Palgrave Macmillan). In addition to her professional and scholarly work, Dr Burns is a committed community activist and avid amateur gardener, florist, and photographer. She currently serves as Chair of the Electoral Commission of Montserrat, continuing her contributions to national development and civic engagement. Commenting on this appointment, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Francis O. Severin asserts, “Dr Sheron Burns has joined us at The UWI Global Campus at an opportune time. We are accelerating and augmenting our longstanding and ‘vintage’ commitment to the Eastern Caribbean as the Campus that is most flexible and agile in facilitating and meeting the hopes and aspirations of our people in their hamlets, villages, countrysides, towns and cities. We will not relent, and Dr Burns embodies this sort of intellectual activism and care that adds value to our Regional thrust. It is an especial boon that Dr Burns enjoys the support and confidence of the Government and people of Montserrat. She is not only well respected there but well known and recognised as an authentic and genuine Montserrat and Caribbean patriot whose goal is to advance the people of the Region. This aspiration is in concert with the philosophy of the Global Campus.” The Principal and Senior Management Team welcome Dr Burns to her new role and wish her every success as she transforms the Global Campus Site, Montserrat.

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AI Strategy and Five-Year Plan Headed to Cabinet for Approval

It has been confirmed that a national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and a five-year implementation plan is being drafted, marking a major step toward integrating AI into government operations here. Chief Information Officer John Lewis confirmed this during a radio panel discussion on AI and its impact on small islands, Thursday, in observance with ICT Week 2025.  Mr. Lewis said the strategy is now in the process of being submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval. He explained that the proposed framework outlines several key areas, including governance structures, skills development, legislation, and a project-based rollout across ministries. According to Mr. Lewis, the plan also focuses on training and upskilling both technical and general government staff, ensuring that the public sector is equipped to responsibly adopt and manage AI tools. Mr. Lewis added that future work will include identifying and managing data sources, as well as setting protocols for data storage, oversight, and use.

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James “Scriber” Daley Awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire Medal

James Richard Daley was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire medal on Wednesday for Services to the Natural World and Tourism in Montserrat For decades, Daley has been a passionate advocate for Montserrat’s unique environment.  Through his eco-tourism company, Scriber’s Adventure Tours, he has introduced countless visitors to the island’s spectacular rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and rich biodiversity.  His work has not only helped to protect Montserrat’s fragile ecosystems but has also positioned the island as a leading destination for sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. Beyond guiding visitors, Daley has devoted his time and resources to community projects and conservation initiatives, inspiring younger generations to value and preserve Montserrat’s natural heritage.  His efforts have created opportunities for local employment while showcasing the island’s resilience and beauty to the world. Upon receiving the award, Daley expressed his gratitude.

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Montserrat’s Leader of Government Business Doubles Down on Efforts to Implement Strategic Plans for Air Access

This Government has not abandoned its plans or ideas of extending the runway at the John A. Osborne Airport. Premier the Honourable Reuben T. Meade says to the contrary, the administration is proceeding with its “Medium Term (1-5 years) plan”. The plan includes setting affordable airfares, providing alternative routes into and out of Montserrat and establishing permanent and reliable air access. He says it is evident that the Government, in alignment with its manifesto promise, is implementing its strategic plans for Air Access. This is evidenced by the Twin Otter flights arriving and airlifting from the John A. Osborne Airport; and the expansion of air routes direct from Montserrat to St. Maarten and St. Kitts. Premier Meade says the Manifesto outlines, under “Long Term (5 Plus years)”, its vision for access from 2025 to 2050. He says the intention is to establish permanent, reliable air and sea access infrastructure ensuring seamless connectivity into and out of Montserrat.

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Montserrat Pushes for Greater Access to Regional Agriculture Funding

The Minister for Agriculture here has reiterated Montserrat’s call for greater inclusion of British Overseas Territories in regional agricultural initiatives and funding programmes.   Honourable John P. Osborne, was speaking on Tuesday’s What’s on Your Mind programme following his recent trip to Trinidad and Tobago. During his visit, Mr. Osborne attended meetings under the KOCARIP initiative — a partnership between the South Korean government and Caribbean nations aimed at advancing agricultural technology and climate resilience. He explains that the project focuses on introducing new farming technologies to the region and exchanging planting materials, as Caribbean crops have shown greater resilience to global warming.   Minister Osborne however noted that Montserrat and other British Overseas Territories continue to face barriers in accessing funding from regional and international sources. He further suggested that one solution could be for the OECS to manage project funds directly and deliver the initiatives in Montserrat, ensuring the island still benefits from regional programmes.   The Agriculture Minister reaffirmed his commitment as Chairman of the OECS Council of Ministers of Agriculture, to keep the issue on the agenda. He stated that Montserrat, as a full member of both OECS and CARICOM, should not be left out of developmental efforts.  

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Parliamentary Secretary Warns Against Overuse of Acting Posts

Parliamentary Secretary, Honourable Crenston Buffonge, has raised concern about the use of acting appointments in the public service. Hon. Buffonge says acting appointments should not be used as a substitute for poor planning. He was speaking on a resolution entitled “Terms and conditions of employment including the remuneration and allowances of the Auditor General” that gained the approval of the entire Legislative Assembly.

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Montserrat Signs Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM).

Montserrat has signed on to the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). The agreement formalizes the island’s membership in the 22-year-old institution, inaugurated in Belize City, Belize, in March 2003. Anguilla, The Bahamas and Dominica joined Montserrat at the momentous signing which was done en bloc at the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, held during the recently concluded Caribbean Week of Agriculture, in Saint Kitts. Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, welcomed the decisive move by the 4 Caribbean countries, which have been actively involved in the CRFM, which is an intergovernmental CARICOM institution. The Honourable John Patrick Osborne, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Environment, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Montserrat signed the CRFM Agreement on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, on behalf of the Government of Montserrat. The CRFM’s objectives include the efficient management and sustainable development of marine and other aquatic resources within the jurisdictions of Member States. The CRFM also promotes and establishes cooperative arrangements among interested States for the efficient management of shared, straddling or highly migratory marine and other aquatic resources. Furthermore, it provides technical advisory and consultative services to fisheries authorities of its Member States in the development, management and conservation of their marine and other aquatic resources.

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Second Cohort Successfully Completes the Montserrat Care Certificate Course

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 – The Ministry of Health and Social Services is pleased to announce that thirteen (13) caregivers have successfully completed the six-month Montserrat Care Certificate Course. This second cohort of trained caregiver marks another significant step towards strengthening the island’s health and social care workforce. The graduation and pinning ceremony took place on Monday, October 6, 2025, celebrating the achievements of caregivers from Margetson Memorial Home, Golden Years Home, the Lookout Warden Supported Unit, and one private caregiver. In her remarks at the ceremony, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharra Greenaway-Duberry, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and commitment to professional development. She made special mention of the participation of the private caregiver, noting that this demonstrates the inclusiveness of the programme and its relevance across all areas of care. “The expectation is that the additional knowledge and skills gained through this program will greatly improve the quality and delivery of care across Montserrat,” said Dr. Greenaway-Duberry. “Our caregivers are the backbone of community and institutional care, and by investing in their training, we are investing in the well-being of our people.”  The Care Certificate Course, introduced by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in March 2023, provides foundational training for individuals already working in healthcare as Community Health Aides, Geriatric Aides, Wardens and Caregivers. The programme is designed to be completed over a six-month period and combines self-study with guided support from local facilitators and course coordinator; Nurse Tutor Naomi Joseph – Foster. Since its introduction, thirty-one (31) caregivers have now been certified.  Nine (9) of the previous graduates received additional training and served as Assessors for this 2nd cohort. The Montserrat Care Certificate is built around fifteen (15) key standards, each addressing core areas of professional healthcare practice, including: The main objectives of the Care Certificate are to: The Ministry of Health and Social Services extends its sincere congratulations to all thirteen (13) graduates and expresses gratitude to the course facilitators, assessors and the UK Health Security Agency for their continued support in strengthening the island’s healthcare system.

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Premier Reaffirms Commitment to Support Small Businesses and Ease Cost of Living​

Premier and Minister for finance, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade has reiterated his government’s plans to foster micro and small enterprise development and to ease the cost of living burden on residents. Speaking recently in Parliament, premier Meade stated hat since assuming office, government has enacted a series of physical measures to stimulate micro and small enterprise formation among other things. He was at the time responding to questions posed by the leader of the parliamentary opposition, Honourable Paul Lewis.

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MVO Launches 2025 Creative Writing Competition

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has launched its 2025 Creative Writing Competition. Persons from all age groups are invited to participate by submitting stories under the theme: “The Soufriere Hills Volcano: Untold Chapters”. The stories must be a true account based on the writer’s own experience, the experience of their family members, or a story passed down to them. Only one entry is allowed per person. This entry must be an original work, not published anywhere else. participants must also currently reside on Montserrat. For more information on categories word limits, and labeling instructions, interested persons can visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory’s social media pages, email mvomontserrat@gmail.com, or call 1-664-495-2029. Entries can be submitted by email: mvomontserrat@gmail.com, or students can submit through their class teacher or school office. The deadline for submission is Friday November 7th, 2025.

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