Tourism & Trade: Montserrat reaffirmed its tourism push after a strong showing at SMART 2026 in St. Maarten, reporting higher buyer, supplier and vendor participation and completing 35 business-to-business meetings. Regional Aviation: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands to warn that EU261 compensation rules and ReFuelEU could raise compliance costs and liquidity risks for regional carriers. Community-Based Tourism: OECS tourism officials gathered in Saint Lucia to train member states on community-based tourism policy, aiming to put local communities at the centre of benefits. Local Recognition: Six Montserrat centenarians were honoured at a Brades ceremony, celebrating lives and service spanning fishing, teaching, craftsmanship and community leadership. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda; no damage was reported and residents were urged to stay prepared. Sports Spotlight: Grenada’s Kirani James will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the Eastern Caribbean EC$5 banknote, with phased rollout expected in 2027. Health: A study on food allergies found women—especially those with multiple allergies—fared worst in quality of life. Parliamentary News: Speaker Dennis Lister attended the Overseas Territories Speakers and Clerks conference, focusing on governance issues including AI and constitutional reform.
AGP Executive Report
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Tourism Push: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says its SMART 2026 travel-show push paid off, reporting record participation and 35 pre-scheduled meetings with tour operators and partners across the region and beyond. Regional Aviation Watch: The ERAA board met in the Canary Islands, warning that EU261 compensation rules and ReFuelEU fuel mandates could squeeze liquidity for regional carriers. Local Governance: Speaker Dennis Lister attended the Overseas Territories Speakers and Clerks conference, where leaders discussed AI’s impact on parliaments, opposition support, and constitutional reform. Community Spotlight: Dr. Luke Edgecombe, a Montserrat native now serving as a surgical leader in the U.S., was featured for his service-focused journey and community ties. Health & Safety: A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda; no damage was reported. Sports & Pride: Grenada’s Kirani James is set to replace Queen Elizabeth II on the new EC$5 banknote, with phased rollout expected in 2027. Centenarians Honoured: Six Montserrat residents over 100 were celebrated at a special ceremony at Brades.
Tourism & Partnerships: Montserrat’s Tourism Authority says it’s pushing deeper into regional travel markets after a strong run at SMART 2026 in St. Maarten/St. Martin, where the island held 35 meetings with tour operators and platforms across the US, Netherlands, Spain and more. Community & Culture: The OECS is also backing a people-first tourism push, with a Saint Lucia workshop training member states to build Community-Based Tourism policies so local communities become the main beneficiaries. Sports: St. Kitts and Nevis named its squad for the ANOCES Athletics Championship at Kim Collins Stadium (July 4–5), with Montserrat listed among the nine participating countries. Local Recognition: Montserrat honoured six centenarians at Brades, celebrating lives spanning 101 to 109 years. Earth & Safety: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda, with no immediate damage reported. Regional Identity: Grenada’s Kirani James will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the Eastern Caribbean $5 banknote, with redesigned notes rolling out in 2027.
Community Spotlight: Montserrat-born surgeon Dr. Luke Edgecombe is profiled for his path from local roots to regional leadership in surgical care, with his focus on improving services and patient outcomes. Travel & Mobility: New passport-index reporting ranks India’s passport at 56 visa-free destinations and Pakistan’s at 30, while noting rankings can shift as countries change visa policies. Education & Service: Antigua and Barbuda honoured Irene B. Lady Williams with an honorary posthumous award for decades of work in education and community development. Regional Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training member states on turning community projects into real national action plans. Eastern Caribbean Currency: Grenada’s Olympic champion Kirani James will replace Queen Elizabeth II on the new EC$5 banknote, with phased rollout expected in 2027. Local Governance & Justice: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70. Earth & Safety: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda; no immediate damage reported.
Montserrat Health & Safety: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing the Legislative Assembly to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, arguing key regulatory and operational gaps still hold the service back since it stopped in 2019. Local Community & Skills: The Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support home-based income and entrepreneurship. Regional Tourism & Jobs: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to strengthen community-based tourism, with local communities positioned as the main architects and beneficiaries, supported by the EU’s RIGHT programme. Regional Governance: OECS leaders agreed to raise the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges’ retirement age from 65 to 70 to help address recruitment challenges. Montserrat Culture: The Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival calendar (July 18–26), packed with tours, food events, youth showcases, and market days. Public Service: Saint Lucia marked Public Service Week 2026, calling for more efficient, accountable, people-centred service delivery. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda, with no immediate damage reported.
Health & Safety: A new multi-centre study on food allergy quality of life reports women are hit hardest, especially those with multiple food allergies and a history of severe reactions—highlighting a bigger day-to-day burden for affected women. Regional Governance: OECS leaders have agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment challenges and keep experienced judges on the bench. Montserrat Politics & Health Services: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing for urgent restoration of safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, saying key requirements still need to be completed before service can resume. Community & Skills: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support income and entrepreneurship. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda, with no immediate damage reports. Culture & Tourism: Calabash Festival 2026 is set for July 18–26, with a full nine-day calendar of events across food, arts, youth activities, and community celebrations.
Montserrat Politics & Health: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing for urgent restoration of safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, saying key requirements could be fixed within weeks and urging a united Legislative Assembly position as the island marks 29 years since the 1997 volcanic disaster. Regional Governance: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment difficulties, while Dr. Didacus Jules was reappointed OECS Director General for a fourth term. Community & Culture: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support income and entrepreneurship, and the Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival calendar (July 18–26). Disaster Watch: A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda, and UWI-SRC urged residents to stay prepared after major Venezuela quakes. Vatican Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Italian Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican’s integral human development office, marking another high-profile step in women’s leadership in the Roman Curia.
Vatican Leadership: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Italian Sister Alessandra Smerilli to lead the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, replacing Cardinal Michael Czerny, with the change taking effect Sept. 1; the pope also named Cardinal Fabio Baggio as pro-prefect for an autonomous Laudato si’ education role. Local Recognition: Montserrat’s Office of the Premier honoured six living centenarians at a special Brades ceremony, celebrating their service and community legacies. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 3.9 quake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda, with no immediate reports of damage. Maritime & Transport: Montserrat Harbourmaster Joseph O’Garro joined regional talks at the Red Ensign Group conference in Hamilton, focusing on shipping strategy, future fuels, and security. Health & Emergency Services: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo renewed calls to restore safe, continuous night-time medical evacuation flights, urging support for a resolution in the Legislative Assembly. Regional Governance: OECS leaders agreed to reappoint Dr. Didacus Jules and increase the retirement age for ECSC judges from 65 to 70. STEM & Skills: ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Montserrat. Culture & Tourism: Calabash Festival 2026 runs July 18–26 with a packed nine-day calendar, and Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global airline systems.
Maritime & Transport: More than 70 delegates are meeting in Hamilton for the 37th Red Ensign Group conference, with Montserrat’s Harbourmaster Joseph O’Garro among attendees discussing maritime strategy, future fuels, security, and fleet performance. Public Service & Community: Montserrat marked Public Service Week 2026 with a push for efficiency, accountability, professionalism, and people-centred service delivery. Health & Emergency Services: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is calling for urgent restoration of safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, saying key requirements still need to be met before service can resume. Local Milestone: The Office of the Premier honoured six living centenarians at a special ceremony celebrating their lives and contributions to Montserrat. Disaster Watch: A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was recorded northeast of Antigua and Barbuda, with no immediate reports of damage. Regional Governance: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 65 to 70. Women’s Empowerment: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing skills to support income and entrepreneurship. Tourism & Culture: Calabash Festival 2026 is set for July 18–26, with nine days of events, food, music, and community activities.
Montserrat Politics: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing for urgent support in the Legislative Assembly to restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, with a resolution expected to be tabled June 30—nearly seven years after flights stopped in 2019 over aircraft safety margins. Regional Governance: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges when judges retire at 65. Public Service & Youth Skills: ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp (free, ages 14–18) starting July 6 across ECCU territories, aiming to build tech and leadership skills. Community & Culture: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing to support income and entrepreneurship, while the Calabash Festival calendar confirms nine days of events July 18–26. Tourism & Travel: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable via global distribution systems, expanding flight access across the Eastern Caribbean, including Montserrat.
Montserrat Politics: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing for urgent action to restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, with a resolution expected to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly on June 30—he says key requirements could be fixed within weeks. Regional Governance: OECS leaders agreed to raise the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges’ retirement age from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment pressures and keep expertise in place. Regional Integration: At the OECS Authority’s 78th meeting, chairmanship shifted to Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne, who called for an “OECS renaissance” focused on stronger implementation on trade, connectivity, climate resilience and security. Community & Skills: The Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support income and entrepreneurship. Health & Preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged calm but continued readiness after major Venezuela earthquakes, noting disruption across the Caribbean Plate and no clear direct link between separate events. Tourism & Travel: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable via global airline distribution systems, expanding access to inter-island flights across the Eastern Caribbean.
Seismic Update: UWI’s Seismic Research Centre urged calm after major earthquakes in Venezuela, saying there’s no direct link to one fault system but the events can shift stress across the Caribbean Plate—so residents should stay prepared. Local Health & Safety: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing a Legislative Assembly resolution to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, noting flights stopped in 2019 and key requirements still aren’t met. Regional Governance: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration in Antigua and agreed on a push for an “OECS renaissance,” while also backing an increase in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges’ retirement age from 65 to 70. Women’s Skills & Jobs: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills through a Rotary District Grant. STEM for Youth: ECCB announced a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Montserrat. Culture & Tourism: Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival calendar (July 18–26), with nine days of events, food, and community. Travel Connectivity: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global distribution systems, expanding easier flight access across the Eastern Caribbean, including Montserrat.
Public Service Week: Montserrat News Network readers can take note of the wider Caribbean push for better government service delivery, with Saint Lucia’s Public Service Week 2026 urging public servants to boost efficiency, accountability, professionalism, and people-first service. OECS Courts: In a major regional governance move, OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges and the need to keep experienced judges on the bench. Regional Integration: The OECS marked 45 years of integration, with leaders calling for an “OECS renaissance” focused on stronger implementation across trade, connectivity, climate resilience, and security. Montserrat Health: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is urging support for a resolution to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, as Montserrat marks the 29th anniversary of the 1997 volcanic disaster. Women’s Skills: The Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” a sewing and marketable-skills project aimed at empowering women and supporting home-based income opportunities. STEM for Youth: The ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, offering a free four-week tech and leadership programme for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Montserrat. Culture Calendar: The Calabash Festival 2026 calendar is out, with nine days of events running July 18–26 under the theme “Carved in Culture, Spiced to Life.”
Public Service Week: Montserrat’s regional spotlight on public service efficiency and people-first delivery continues after Saint Lucia’s Minister Stephenson King urged innovation, accountability, and professionalism during Public Service Week 2026. Health & Safety: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing for the Legislative Assembly to back a resolution to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, citing long-standing regulatory and operational gaps since 2019. Women’s Empowerment: The Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills with a goal of income and entrepreneurship. Regional Justice: OECS leaders agreed to raise the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges’ retirement age from 65 to 70 to ease recruitment pressures. STEM for Youth: The ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp (free, ages 14–18) starting July 6 across ECCU territories, including Montserrat. Culture & Tourism: Montserrat’s Calabash Festival 2026 calendar is out for July 18–26, promising nine days of events, food, and community. Travel & Access: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable via global distribution systems, expanding regional flight access. Luxury Yacht Interest: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season, with Montserrat listed among itinerary stops.
Public Service Week 2026: Saint Lucia marked Public Service Week (June 21–26) with calls from Public Service Minister Stephenson King for more efficient, accountable, people-centred service—pushing innovation and stronger collaboration across the public service. Regional Justice: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, citing recruitment challenges and the need to keep experienced judges in post. Montserrat Health Priority: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is urging support for a Legislative Assembly resolution to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, as Montserrat marks the 29th anniversary of the 1997 volcanic disaster. Women’s Skills & Jobs: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support income and entrepreneurship. STEM for Youth: ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6, a free four-week tech and leadership programme for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Montserrat. Culture Calendar: Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival schedule (July 18–26), with nine days of events spanning food, music, art, and community. Tourism Watch: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean voyages (Nov 21, 2027–Jan 2, 2028), including a stop at Little Bay, Montserrat.
Montserrat Politics: Former premier Donaldson Romeo is calling on the Legislative Assembly and the public to back a resolution to urgently restore safe, reliable, continuous night-time medical evacuation flights—paused since 2019 after safety concerns over the BN-2 Islander. Regional Justice: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment challenges. Health & Youth Skills: The ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Montserrat. Women’s Empowerment: Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills to support income and entrepreneurship. Culture & Tourism: Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival calendar (July 18–26), with nine days of events, food, and community activities. Regional Economy & Integration: OECS marks 45 years of integration and pushes an “OECS renaissance” under new chair Gaston Browne. Arts & Science: A new exhibition on critical raw materials opens to the public, spotlighting the growing global race for essential minerals.
Montserrat Politics: Former premier Donaldson Romeo is calling for unity and support for a resolution to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation flights, with the Legislative Assembly set to consider it on June 30. Judicial & Regional Governance: OECS leaders agreed to raise the retirement age for Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judges from 65 to 70, aiming to ease recruitment pressures and keep expertise in place. Health & Community: The Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” a women’s empowerment project teaching sewing skills to help participants build income and entrepreneurship. Tourism & Culture: Calabash Festival 2026 is set for July 18–26 with nine days of events, food, and community activities. Regional Economy & Youth: ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Montserrat. Business & Travel: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable through global airline distribution systems, boosting inter-island travel access. Pensions Reform: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pension review with TELUS Health support, moving toward a more modern, secure retirement model.
Luxury Travel & Local Ports: Aman at Sea has opened reservations for Amangati’s first Caribbean season—five- to eight-night autumn voyages running Nov. 21, 2027 to Jan. 2, 2028—with Montserrat listed among key calls, including Little Bay. Women’s Skills & Jobs: The Rotary Club of Montserrat launched “Stitches for Success,” training women in sewing and marketable skills through a Rotary District Grant and partner Unsewcial. Health & Emergency Care: Former Premier Donaldson Romeo is pushing the Legislative Assembly to urgently restore safe, reliable night-time medical evacuation services, citing long-standing gaps since flights stopped in 2019. Youth Tech Training: The ECCB will host a free 2026 STEM Camp starting July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aimed at building digital and leadership skills. Community Calendar: The Montserrat Arts Council released the 2026 Calabash Festival programme (July 18–26), highlighting food, culture, and family events. Regional Governance: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration and opened the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua with a renewed push on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience. Public Service Cooperation: Deputy governors and heads of public service from British Overseas Territories—including Montserrat—met in Bermuda and expect an MOU to boost talent development. Sports & Currency: Kirani James has been selected to appear on the EC$5 banknote as part of an ECCB redesign rolling out from 2027. Men’s Health Drive: Basil Chambers marks 60 with a free Men’s Health Fair on July 3, offering screenings and prostate checks. Volcano-era Safety & Pensions: Montserrat is also moving ahead with pension reform and continues reflecting on disaster-era resilience as the island plans for the future.
Education & Youth Tech: The ECCB is set to launch a free 2026 STEM Camp on July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build AI, design thinking, collaboration, and job-ready skills. Culture & Tourism: Montserrat’s Calabash Festival 2026 calendar is out, with nine days of events running July 18–26 under “Carved in Culture, Spiced to Life,” including tours, markets, teen talent showcases, and major food and music highlights. Regional Governance: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration in Antigua and pushed an “OECS renaissance” focus on trade, connectivity, climate resilience, and economic resilience as chairmanship shifts to Gaston Browne. Public Finance & Identity: ECCB plans a 2027 banknote redesign, including featuring Grenadian sprinter Kirani James on the EC$5 note. Local Policy: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review, with TELUS Health supporting a move toward a more transparent defined contribution model. Health & Community: Basil Chambers turns 60 by hosting a Men’s Health Fair on July 3 with free screenings and prostate checks. Transport Watch: Questions continue over ferry service to Montserrat as private operators market trips while government says its tender process is still underway. Regional Business Travel: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global distribution systems, boosting inter-island flight access.
Montserrat Pensions Review: Montserrat has started a comprehensive pensions reform for the first time in 13 years, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a transparent defined contribution model. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead while Government says its long-awaited tender is still being completed and no government-run service is operating yet. Regional Leadership: OECS leaders marked 45 years of integration in Antigua and pushed an “OECS renaissance” agenda under new chair Gaston Browne, focusing on economic resilience, trade, connectivity, and implementation. Currency Update: ECCB plans to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on EC banknotes with regional figures, with Grenadian sprinter Kirani James set for the EC$5 note in circulation in 2027. Health & Community: A men’s health fair is set for July 3 in Brades, and a women’s EMERGE workshop recently drew participants at the Montserrat Public Library. Travel & Business: Trans Anguilla Airways is now bookable on global airline distribution systems, and Aman at Sea opened reservations for its inaugural Caribbean yacht season calling at Montserrat.
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