Youth

Small Beginnings Orchestra Prepare to Welcome New Members at Upcoming Summer Programme

Noticeable improvements have been reported in current students’ musical abilities ahead of the Small Beginnings Youth Orchestra’s annual Summer Music Programme. Deadline date is closing in for parents to register their child or children for this summer programme, which will be held at the Salem Resource Centre, from August 17 to 28. Founder and Director Herman Francis says the programme will once again feature music teachers from Guernsey, continuing a partnership that began two years ago and helped improve the students’ musical skills, confidence and ability to read music. Speaking to ZJB News, Francis said the programme is open to both current members and new students, providing an opportunity for children interested in music to join the orchestra and encouraged parents to take advantage of the opportunity by registering their children. Parents interested in registering or returning completed registration forms are encouraged to contact Herman Francis directly by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 496-7877.

Small Beginnings Orchestra Prepare to Welcome New Members at Upcoming Summer Programme Read More »

New Speaker Hopes National Youth Parliament Will Inspire Young People In Montserrat

Members of the Montserrat National Youth Parliament were sworn-in on Tuesday. Taking place on World Parliament Day 2026, the swearing-in followed an election process that occurred in May. The nine Honourable Youth MPS are: Anjanique Cassell, Tene Fergus, Kierra Daley, Dieudeline Dubreus (Dubrees), Neelish Sadhwani, Hadassah Williams, Sandrae Thomas, Barrington Chalmers, and Ronardo Ward. It was revealed that the roles and ministries for elected members will be held on a rotational basis. The honourable members of the executive committee are: D’Vynne Piper-Henry as speaker, Leela Louis as deputy speaker, Jah’keivah Greenaway as financial secretary, Keianna Wade as clerk, and Khrystal O’Garro as deputy clerk. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Speaker of the House, Hon. Marjorie Smith gave advice to the parliamentarians on their new duties, reminding them to keep the betterment of Montserrat as their goal. Youth Speaker of the House, Hon. D’Vynne Piper-Henry encouraged her peers to adhere to their oath in carrying out their duties. She also expressed appreciation to those who have supported the parliamentarians on this journey. “Today marks the beginning of an important journey of service and leadership. It reminds us that the voices of Montserrat youth matters and that each of us has an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our island. To my fellow youth parliamentarians, congratulations on reaching this milestone.” Hon. Piper-Henry stated that by taking the oath, Members “have accepted the responsibility of representing the ideas, concerns, and aspirations of young people of Montserrat. That is a responsibility we should all carry with pride. Now that we have taken our oaths, let us remember that those words carry meaning.” She explained that the youth parliament is more than an opportunity to debate. “It is a place where we develop the leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills that will help shape the future of Montserrat. As speaker, I am committed to carry out my duties with fairness, impartiality, and respect for every member of this house. I look forward to working with each of you as we uphold the values of this parliament.” Hon. Piper-Henry expressed sincere gratitude to her mentors, advisors, parents, and everyone who has supported the youth parliamentarians on the journey. “Your guidance and encouragement have made today possible. As we begin this parliamentary term, let us lead with integrity, serve with humility, and strive to make a positive impact. “May our actions inspire other young people to believe that their voices may matter and that they too can help shape the future of our nation.”  The National Youth Parliament provides young people with an opportunity to engage directly with parliamentary processes, develop leadership skills, and contribute to national dialogue on issues affecting Montserrat.

New Speaker Hopes National Youth Parliament Will Inspire Young People In Montserrat Read More »

Wider range of Technical-Vocational Subjects Announced

Minister of Education Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge has announced the introduction of a wider range of Technical-Vocational subjects in schools on the island. Speaking in Parliament this week, she stated that technical and vocational education has been underfunded for years, and the United Alliance initiative will introduce a wider range of subjects at the primary and secondary level by September. These subjects include cosmotology, boat building. fashion designs and landscaping architecture. “I must speak of the United Alliance TechVoc Initiative. Our vision is to introduce a wider range of TechVox subjects into primary and lower secondary by September. In addition to the present subjects which are offered at secondary, (0:16) which are food and nutrition, building and furniture, (0:18) technical drawing, agriculture, IT and electricity, we want to introduce landscape architecture, architecture, auto mechanics, welding, ocean science, boat building, cosmetology, hair, makeup, nails, sewing and fashion design.” Dr. Buffonge says with the introduction of these subjects into primary and early secondary, “we will create a love and a passion for TechVox that will improve the ability of students who are desirous of writing the CVQ exams when they reach fourth and fifth forms of secondary.” She reveals that a council for technical education is about to be created along with a business plan to “ensure that funding follows the great vision that we have for TechVoc in the United Alliance today. It is hoped that long-term, Montserrat will have its own TechVoc Institute. This will take time, planning and obviously financing. And this will be how we will be preparing students for the world of work, how we intend to nourish our economy with skilled, capable, enthusiastic persons.” The minister thanked the recent technical and vocational assessment team, and teachers of TechVoc at the Montserrat Secondary School.

Wider range of Technical-Vocational Subjects Announced Read More »

Two Montserrat Youth Selected for Caribbean Global Youth Awards 2026

Two of Montserrat’s youth have been selected as awardees for The Caribbean Global Youth Awards 2026. They are Nia Golden and Sandrae Thomas. Golden has received the Excellence in Arts & Cultural Preservation Award, while Thomas has received the Vanguard in Legislative and Climate Innovation Leadership Award. The Caribbean Global Youth Awards 2026 Gala Night will be held in St. Lucia on 6th June.  These Awards recognize extraordinary young leaders, innovators, creatives, and changemakers shaping the future of the Caribbean and beyond.

Two Montserrat Youth Selected for Caribbean Global Youth Awards 2026 Read More »

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.

Regional Youth Leader Expresses Confidence in Montserrat National Youth Parliament Read More »

Montserrat Electoral Commission invites Youth Contributions to Ongoing Electoral Reforms

The Montserrat Electoral Commission is inviting young people to contribute to ongoing electoral reforms on the island. Speaking at the National Youth Parliament Elections last week, Supervisor of Elections, Barrington Chalmers gave a review of current reforms being considered to improve Montserrat’s election process.  He said youth participation in these discussions is encouraged and applauded the youth parliamentarians for taking on the role.

Montserrat Electoral Commission invites Youth Contributions to Ongoing Electoral Reforms Read More »

Youth Parliament Nominations Completed Ahead of May Elections

The Legislature Department has announced the successful completion of its nomination for the new Montserrat National Youth Parliament, marking a major milestone in the establishment of a dynamic, youth-led platform for advocacy and leadership. The nomination exercise, held on Saturday 11th April 2026, saw youths being put forward for both the Executive Committee and the National Youth Parliament. The Nominated Candidates who will contest the elections as Youth MPs are Anjanique Cassell, Jonique Prince, Tene Fergus, Keirra Daley, Dieudeline Dubreus, Neelesh Sadhwani, Ronardo Ward, Keilah Ryan, Hadassah Williams, and Sandrae Thomas. The Nominated Candidates who will contest the elections for the Executive Committee are D’Vynne Piper for Speaker, Tianna Destouche and Leela Louis for deputy speaker, Keianna Wade for Clerk, Jah’Keiva Greenaway for financial secretary, and Khrystal O’Garro and Tori-Kay Perkins for Deputy Clerk. Elections will take place on Saturday 2nd May, 2026, using a secure voting system to ensure transparency, accessibility, and fairness.

Youth Parliament Nominations Completed Ahead of May Elections Read More »

Renewable Energy Opportunities for Montserrat Highlighted Following Vienna Forum

Young people on Montserrat are being encouraged to take advantage of new international funding opportunities focused on development and energy transition. This, following a recent trip to Vienna by youth advocate St Luke LeBlanc. LeBlanc said the discussions placed strong emphasis on the role of youth in shaping sustainable futures and noted that investing in young people is critical, particularly as countries move toward cleaner energy systems. The advocate revealed that he is in discussions with partners, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, which is offering seed funding of up to thirty thousand US dollars for innovative projects. However, he pointed out that there has been a low number of proposals coming from the region. He is now urging young people and community groups on Montserrat to put forward their ideas, particularly those with innovative or development-focused concepts. LeBlanc added that he is willing to assist applicants in connecting with funding agencies and preparing proposals.   With the application deadline set for the end of April, LeBlanc emphasized the need for urgency, encouraging interested individuals to use available technology to quickly develop and submit their proposals.

Renewable Energy Opportunities for Montserrat Highlighted Following Vienna Forum Read More »

Young Montserrat Representative Highlights Local Renewable Energy at Regional Workshop

A young Montserratian representative has highlighted the island’s commitment to sustainable energy and climate resilience during a regional youth workshop in Jamaica. Detrel Rogers, a member of New Legacy, delivered a presentation outlining Montserrat’s progress toward renewable energy during the Caribbean Youth Climate and Sustainable Energy Workshop. Addressing participants, Rogers said Montserrat remains particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. He explained that small island territories face multiple challenges including environmental threats and energy vulnerability. During his presentation, Rogers outlined several initiatives aimed at transforming the island’s energy sector. Despite these achievements, he noted that challenges remain, particularly in accessing climate financing.

Young Montserrat Representative Highlights Local Renewable Energy at Regional Workshop Read More »