AGP Executive Report

Local Governance & Social Policy: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review 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. Transport & Public Services: Questions are still swirling over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead while the Government completes its long-awaited tender; officials say no government-run service is operating yet. Regional Integration: OECS marked its 45th anniversary and opened its 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with Chairmanship moving to Gaston Browne and a push for an “OECS renaissance” focused on trade, connectivity, economic resilience, and climate readiness. Regional Finance & Identity: Grenadian sprinter Kirani James has been selected to appear on the EC$5 banknote as part of an Eastern Caribbean currency redesign due for circulation in 2027. Education & Skills: A U.S. Embassy and CETYS Universidad launched a cross-border tech training centre in the CaliBaja region, offering certified instruction including AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and English training. Community & Recognition: Montserrat farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for contributions to agriculture, food security, and community development.

Montserrat Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review for both public and private sector workers, with a 17-member committee led by the Office of the Deputy Governor and technical support from TELUS Health, aiming to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a transparent defined contribution model with more individual control and portability. Ferry Future Unclear: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry transportation plans after a private vessel appeared in local waters and was promoted online; the Access Division says the Government is not running a ferry service and is still completing its tender process, while the visit was a private initiative without government financial assistance. OECS Integration Focus: OECS leaders marked 45 years of regional cooperation at the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua, with chairmanship moving to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who called for bold action on economic development, climate resilience, security, and deeper integration. ECCB Agency Offices Spotlight: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank highlighted the role of its agency offices across member states—supporting currency operations and public education—while noting Montserrat’s office opened in 1991. Regional Currency Update: Grenadian Olympic champion Kirani James has been selected to appear on the EC$5 banknote as part of an ECCB redesign, with the new series expected to enter circulation in 2027. Local Agriculture Recognition: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received Montserrat’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her work in agriculture, food security, and community development.

OECS Leadership & Integration: Heads of Government met in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, marking 45 years since the Treaty of Basseterre and shifting the chairmanship from Dr. Godwin Friday to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who urged a new push for bold action on economic development, climate resilience, security and integration. ECCB on the Ground: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank highlighted how its agency offices support currency operations and public education across member states, noting Montserrat’s office opened in 1991 and stressing the offices are not commercial banks. Montserrat Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review for both public and private workers, with TELUS Health providing technical support as the process moves toward a transparent defined contribution model. Ferry Future Unclear: Questions remain over Montserrat’s ferry service as private operators move ahead while government finalises its tender; officials say no government-run service is operating yet. Green Business Push: Applications are open for a four-month Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, targeting women and youth entrepreneurs with mentorship and planning support. Local Recognition: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for work supporting agriculture, food security and community development.

Currency & Identity: Grenadian sprint star Kirani James has been selected to appear on the EC$5 banknote as part of a wider Eastern Caribbean currency redesign, with the new series expected to enter circulation in 2027. Regional Governance: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua under Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s chairmanship, with priorities including economic growth, climate resilience, security, and integration. ECCB on the Ground: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank says its agency offices across member states are key for currency operations, regulatory oversight, and public education—while stressing they are not commercial banks. Montserrat Pensions Reform: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to move toward a more transparent defined contribution model. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead while government work on a long-awaited tender continues. Green Entrepreneurship: Montserrat entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting in July 2026, aimed at women and youth-led ventures.

Montserrat Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review for both public and private sectors, with a 17-member committee led by the Office of the Deputy Governor and technical support from TELUS Health, aiming to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a transparent defined contribution model. Ferry Future in Question: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry plans as private operators move ahead while the Government says its long-awaited ferry tender is still being completed; officials confirm no government-run service is operating yet. Local Agriculture Spotlight: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her backyard-to-farm journey and work supporting agriculture, food security, and community development. Regional Integration Watch: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua under Dr Gaston Browne’s chairmanship, with priorities including economic development, climate resilience, security, and integration. ECCB on the Ground: The ECCB highlights how its agency offices support currency operations and public outreach across member states, noting Montserrat’s office opened in 1991. Entrepreneurship Push: Applications are open for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting in July 2026, offering mentorship and planning support for women and youth entrepreneurs. Local History Notes: A second look at street names in Chesham and their origins, including Baines Walk named after Dr Arnold Baines.

OECS at 45: Leaders met in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, with priorities including economic growth, climate resilience, regional security, and integration—while anniversary commentary points to the OECS Economic Union and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union as major regional wins. ECCB Agency Offices: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank says its agency offices across member states are key for currency operations, regulatory oversight, and public education, stressing Montserrat’s office opened in 1991 and that the offices are not commercial banks. Montserrat Pensions Review: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions reform with TELUS Health support, aiming to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and move toward a more transparent defined contribution model. Ferry Future Unclear: Questions remain as private operators market ferry services while the Government of Montserrat says its tender is still being completed and no government-run service is operating yet. Green Business Incubator: Applications are open for a four-month regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, targeting women and youth entrepreneurs with mentorship and planning support. Local Agriculture Award: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for contributions to agriculture, food security, and community development.

Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review for the first time in 13 years, with a 17-member committee led by the Office of the Deputy Governor and technical support from TELUS Health, aiming to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a more transparent defined contribution model. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead while the Government completes its long-awaited tender; officials say no government-run service is operating yet and the recent vessel visit was a private initiative. Green Business Push: Entrepreneurs in Montserrat can now apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and regional networks, with a focus on women and youth-led sustainable ventures. Agriculture Recognition: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her backyard-to-five-acre farming work supporting food security and community development. ECCB Outreach: The ECCB says its Agency Offices across member states are key “on-the-ground” links for currency operations, regulatory oversight, and public education, noting Grenada’s office was the first established in 1984.

Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review for the first time in 13 years, with a 17-member committee led by the Office of the Deputy Governor and technical support from TELUS Health, aiming to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a more transparent defined contribution model. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead while the Government completes its long-awaited tender; officials say no government-run service is operating yet and the recent vessel visit was a private initiative. Green Business Support: Entrepreneurs in Montserrat can now apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning help, and regional networks, with a focus on women and youth-led ventures. Local Recognition in Farming: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her work in agriculture, food security, and community development. Regional Finance Focus: The ECCB says its agency offices across member states are key for currency operations, regulatory oversight, and public education—highlighting Grenada’s office as a long-standing example.

Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review for the first time in 13 years, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee led by the Office of the Deputy Governor as the island moves toward a more transparent defined contribution model, expected to run about six months. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future after a private vessel appeared in local waters and was promoted online, while the Government says it is still completing its long-awaited tender and is not currently running a ferry service. Agriculture Recognition: Shanyon McPherson won the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her backyard-to-five-acre farming work supporting local food security and community development. Entrepreneur Support: Applications are open for a four-month regional Green Business Incubator starting in July, aimed at mentoring women and youth entrepreneurs with sustainable business ideas. Faith and Community: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip included reflections on unity and his visit to the Abbey of Montserrat, with his general audience also addressing migrants and condemning those who exploit people’s desperation.

Montserrat Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat is starting its first comprehensive pensions review in 13 years, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee led by the Deputy Governor’s Office. The six-month push aims to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits, shifting toward a transparent defined contribution model with more individual control and portability. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators move ahead of the Government’s long-awaited tender. Officials say no government-run service is operating yet, and last week’s vessel was a private initiative. Green Business Push: Entrepreneurs in Montserrat can now apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and Caribbean-wide networks, with a focus on women and youth. Local Agriculture Spotlight: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her backyard-to-five-acre farming work supporting food security and community development. Pope Leo XIV in Spain: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit included a focus on unity and a hard line against migrant traffickers, with his June 17 general audience reflecting on Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat and the Canary Islands.

Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun its first comprehensive pension review in 13 years, with TELUS Health providing technical support to help modernise and stabilise retirement benefits across public and private sectors, shifting toward a more transparent defined contribution model with greater individual control and portability. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are still swirling over Montserrat’s ferry future after a private vessel appeared in local waters and was promoted online; officials say the Government has not yet completed its tender and is not currently running a ferry service, while the visit was a private initiative. Green Business Push: Entrepreneurs in Montserrat are being invited to apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting in July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and Caribbean-wide networks, with a focus on women and youth ventures. Local Recognition: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her backyard-to-farm agriculture work supporting food security and community development. Sports & Youth: A local graduation and school sports roundup included mentions of high school achievements and girls’ tennis/doubles selections. Culture & Faith: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip included reflections on his visit to Montserrat and broader calls for unity and compassion, with his June 17 general audience address published in full.

Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun its first comprehensive pension review 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, with the initial phase expected to run about six months. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are swirling after a private ferry vessel appeared in Montserrat waters, but the Government says it is not yet operating a ferry service and is still completing its tender process. Green Business Push: Entrepreneurs in Montserrat can now apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting in July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning help, and regional networks, with a focus on women and youth-led sustainable ventures. Local Recognition in Agriculture: Farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her work in agriculture, food security, and community development. Faith and Community: Women are invited to a free EMERGE workshop at the Montserrat Public Library, aimed at spiritual reflection and personal growth. Global Culture Note: Today’s music history highlights include Elvis Presley recording “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog” in 1956 and the debut of “The Lawrence Welk Show” in 1955.

Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat is starting its first comprehensive pension review in 13 years, with a 17-member committee led by the Office of the Deputy Governor and technical support from Canadian firm TELUS Health, aiming to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and shift toward a transparent defined-contribution model with more individual control, flexible investment choices, and portability; the initial phase began in May and is expected to run about six months. Ferry Future Unclear: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry plans as private operators appear to move ahead of the Government’s long-awaited tender; the Access Division says no government-run service is in place yet and the vessel spotted locally is a private initiative without financial assistance. Green Business Push: Entrepreneurs on Montserrat are being invited to apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and networks across the Caribbean, with a focus on women and youth-led sustainable ventures. Local Recognition: Farmer Shanyon McPherson has received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her work in agriculture, food security, and community development. Faith & Community: Women across Montserrat can register for the free EMERGE workshop at the Public Library, a faith-centred event focused on purpose and personal growth.

Montserrat Ferry Watch: Questions are growing over Montserrat’s ferry future after a private vessel appeared in local waters and was promoted online, while the Government of Montserrat says its long-awaited ferry tender is still not finished and it is not currently running a ferry service. Faith & Community: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit included a stop at the Abbey of Montserrat and a June 17 general audience reflecting on unity and human dignity, with his trip also spotlighting the migrant crisis and calls to traffickers to “stop” and “repent.” Local Agriculture Recognition: Montserrat farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her work in agriculture, food security, and community development. Green Business Push: Montserrat entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship and planning support for sustainable ventures. Women’s Workshop: A free faith-centred “EMERGE” workshop for women is set for June 13 at the Montserrat Public Library. Education Pathways: AUACAS is running a free bootcamp to help students navigate a direct pathway to medical school, with support for eligible students including Montserrat.

Montserrat Green Business Push: Montserrat entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and Caribbean-wide networks, with a focus on women and youth-led sustainable ventures. Pope Leo XIV on Migration: Pope Leo XIV used his Spain trip’s Canary Islands leg to condemn traffickers and those who profit from migrants’ desperation, urging people to “repent while there is still time” and warning of a “silent shipwreck” for newcomers. Pope’s Montserrat Link: In his June 17 general audience, the Pope reflected on his visit to Spain including the Abbey of Montserrat, praising Spain’s Catholic communities and calling for unity through dialogue. Marine Conservation Milestone: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific support. Local Community Faith Event: Women across Montserrat are invited to the free EMERGE workshop at the Public Library on June 13, focused on spiritual reflection and personal growth. Education Opportunity: AUACAS is running a free bootcamp to help students navigate admissions to medical school pathways, with tuition grants for eligible applicants including Montserrat students.

Green Business Push: Montserrat entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and Caribbean-wide networking for women and youth building sustainable ventures. Faith and Migration: Pope Leo XIV used his Spain visit to deliver a hard message against human traffickers and those exploiting migrants, urging them to “repent” while there’s still time, as he met migrants and aid workers in the Canary Islands. Pope’s Spain Wrap-Up: In his June 17 general audience, Leo reflected on his trip to Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat and the Canaries, saying the Spanish people’s welcome showed a need for unity grounded in Christ. Local Connection to the Pope: The Pope also blessed the new Tower of Jesus at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, calling it a “lighthouse” and urging peace. Blue Belt Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to marine conservation support.