AGP Executive Report

Montserrat Blue Belt Boost: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, aiming to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone with help to set up Marine Protected Areas, improve fisheries management, and modernise marine laws. OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) to strengthen resilience and competitiveness across public and private stakeholders, including Montserrat. Public Service Hiring Pressure: Overseas Territories deputy governors met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment challenges driven by ageing populations, outward migration, and private-sector competition, with Montserrat among the territories represented. Montserrat Tourism Payments Online: Scriber’s Adventures launched online booking and secure payments for guided tours in Montserrat, making it easier for visitors to plan trips before arrival. Global Tech for Caribbean Entrepreneurs: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Caribbean by enabling easier access to international payments. Global Spotlight (Not Montserrat): Pope Leo XIV blessed the final Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, marking Gaudí’s centenary and drawing massive crowds.

OECS Services Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, with Montserrat among participating islands, aiming to boost resilience and competitiveness in global services through improved knowledge, policymaking and negotiating skills. Public Service Hiring Pressure: An Overseas Territories summit in Bermuda spotlighted tough recruitment for civil service roles, citing ageing populations, outward migration and private-sector competition; Montserrat is listed among territories facing similar talent challenges. Montserrat Marine Protection: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using scientific support to set up marine protected areas and strengthen fisheries and marine laws. Montserrat Tourism Tech: Scriber’s Adventures launched online booking with secure payments via a redesigned website, letting visitors plan and pay for guided tours in advance.

Montserrat Marine Policy Boost: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific support to set up Marine Protected Areas, improve fisheries management, and modernise marine laws. Local Resilience & Risk: Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring still showing unrest through ground inflation, volcanic gas emissions, and increased seismic activity—meaning continued close observation for future planning. Public Service Hiring Pressure: An Overseas Territories summit in Bermuda highlighted recruitment challenges for civil service roles, with ageing populations, outward migration, and private-sector competition all squeezing government staffing; Montserrat was among the territories represented. Tourism Sales Upgrade: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for Montserrat guided tours, aiming to make it easier for visitors to plan and book before arrival. Regional Skills Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS services-sector training initiative (June 29–July 2) to strengthen knowledge capacity and policymaking for public and private stakeholders across the region.

Montserrat Tourism & Services: Scriber’s Adventures has relaunched its website so visitors can browse Montserrat guided tours, pick dates, and pay securely online before arrival—aimed at making stayover and cruise planning smoother. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining support for marine protected areas, fisheries management, and updated marine laws. Local Risk & Industry Planning: Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains active and in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with monitoring still showing ground inflation, gas emissions, and seismic activity—key for long-term planning. Regional Workforce Development: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2), supporting skills and policy capacity across member states including Montserrat. Global Business Payments: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Caribbean by enabling easier access to international payments via a virtual US dollar account.

Montserrat Tourism & Services: Scriber’s Adventures has relaunched its website with online booking and secure payments via Stripe, letting visitors plan Montserrat guided tours (trails, volcano/Plymouth views, birdwatching) before arrival. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using UK-backed science to set up marine protected areas and strengthen fisheries management. Disaster & Industry Planning: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring showing unrest through inflation, gas emissions, and seismic activity—an ongoing risk factor for planning local development. Business Finance: The Government of Montserrat is seeking fresh funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, supporting 39 loans across sectors including agriculture, construction, IT, hospitality, and agro-processing. Regional Skills: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training initiative (June 29–July 2) to boost public and private sector capacity for services policymaking and negotiations.

Tourism & Services: Scriber’s Adventures has relaunched its website so visitors can browse Montserrat guided tours, pick dates, and pay online with secure Stripe payments—an upgrade aimed at boosting stayover and cruise tourism. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone, with support for marine protected areas, fisheries management, marine planning, and updated marine laws. Volcanic Risk & Industry: Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills system remains active and in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with ongoing monitoring of ground changes, gas, and seismic activity. Hurricane Readiness & Food Security: As the Atlantic season starts, Montserrat is pushing local cultivation (20+ acres reported) to strengthen food supply resilience against shipping disruptions and storm impacts. Business Finance: Government is seeking more funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying an EC$2m allocation across 39 loans in multiple sectors. Global Trade & Payments: Sendana’s borderless US-dollar platform is gaining traction with Caribbean entrepreneurs seeking easier ways to get paid internationally.

Tourism & Services: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking for Montserrat guided tours, letting visitors pick dates and pay securely in advance via Stripe—an upgrade aimed at boosting stayover and cruise tourism. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using scientific support to set up Marine Protected Areas and strengthen fisheries and marine planning. Disaster Readiness: With hurricane season underway, Montserrat is pushing local food production and outlining plans to keep healthcare running during major storms, including support for vulnerable residents and hospital continuity measures. Local Business Finance: The Government of Montserrat is seeking fresh funding to expand the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after deploying EC$2 million to 39 loans across multiple sectors with no defaults reported. Regional Business & Payments: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Caribbean by enabling access to a virtual US dollar account for receiving international payments. Tech Security: C Spire was named Arctic Wolf’s 2026 Southeast Partner of the Year for security operations support against AI-driven threats. Global Context: Pope Leo XIV blessed Barcelona’s final Sagrada Familia tower amid overtourism protests—another reminder of how major attractions can reshape local economies and housing pressures.

Marine Conservation Boost: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and aiming to strengthen marine protected areas, fisheries management, and marine laws. Volcano Risk & Opportunity: Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with ongoing monitoring of inflation, gas, and seismic activity. Hurricane Season Prep: As the Atlantic season runs June 1–Nov 30, officials stress that one storm is enough—while Montserrat highlights food production plans and healthcare readiness for major impacts. Local Business Financing: Government is seeking fresh funding for the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, supporting 39 loans across sectors including agriculture, construction, tourism, and IT. Tourism Sales Upgrade: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan trips before arrival. Caribbean Payments for Creators: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and digital professionals, is gaining traction across the Global South by enabling virtual US dollar accounts for overseas payments. Regional Economy Lens: A new ECCU “cost of money” analysis argues Caribbean lending rates remain high and calls for strategic decisions to support growth and resilience.

Tourism & Services: Scriber’s Adventures has relaunched its website with online tour booking and secure payments (Stripe), letting visitors pick dates and pay before arrival—another push for smoother stayover and cruise tourism. Marine Conservation: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone, with support for marine protected areas, fisheries management, marine planning, and updated marine laws. Volcano & Risk Planning: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills system remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with ongoing monitoring of inflation, gas emissions, and seismic activity. Hurricane Readiness & Food Security: As the 2026 Atlantic season begins, officials stress “it only takes one,” while outlining shelter readiness and healthcare plans and warning that storms can disrupt shipping and raise import costs—so local farming expansion matters. Business Finance: Government says it has fully deployed an EC$2m MBPF soft-loan package (39 loans, 97.3% use) and is now seeking fresh funding to keep credit flowing to sectors including agriculture, hospitality, construction, and IT. Global Payments for Caribbean Creators: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and digital professionals, is gaining traction across the Global South by making it easier to receive overseas payments in virtual US dollars.

Marine Conservation & Blue Economy: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining support for marine protected areas, fisheries management, marine planning, and updated marine laws. Volcanic Risk & Industry Outlook: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with monitoring still showing ground inflation, gas emissions, and seismic activity. Hurricane Readiness (Food, Health, Shelters): As the 2026 Atlantic season begins, officials stress “it only takes one” and outline preparations across shelters, emergency communications, healthcare continuity, and community support—while also focusing on food security amid shipping and import-cost shocks. Local Finance & Business Growth: Government is seeking fresh funding to expand the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, backing 39 loans across sectors including agriculture, agro-processing, construction, hospitality, and IT. Caribbean Lending Costs: A new market analysis argues the ECCU’s “cost of money” is a key drag on growth, tying regional financing needs to decisions on energy, food security, digital transformation, and trade logistics. Sports Broadcasting & Tourism Demand: Rush Sports says it’s building a full World Cup viewing experience across multiple Caribbean markets, including Montserrat, with plans to carry all matches in most territories.

Marine Conservation & Policy: Montserrat has joined the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and getting support to set up Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management, and modernise marine legislation. Volcano & Risk Planning: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills system remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with monitoring still showing ground inflation, gas emissions, and seismic activity—keeping risk management front and centre for local industry. Hurricane Season Readiness: As the 2026 Atlantic season begins, officials stress “it only takes one,” while detailing shelter activation plans, emergency communications, healthcare continuity, and support for vulnerable residents. Food Security for Storms: Government is pushing local cultivation to reduce import shocks, citing more than 20 acres under cultivation and a wider push to strengthen agricultural and fisheries resilience. Business Finance: After fully deploying an initial EC$2 million MBPF soft-loan allocation (39 loans approved across 11 sectors), the Government is seeking new funding to expand the programme. Regional Banking Context: A Caribbean banking analysis highlights the “cost of money” in the ECCU and the strategic push on food, energy, digital, human capital, finance, and trade logistics. World Cup Viewing: Rush Sports says it’s preparing expanded regional broadcast coverage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Montserrat among its markets.

Hurricane Readiness: Montserrat kicked off the 2026 Atlantic season (June 1–Nov 30) with a clear message: forecasts may lean quieter, but “it only takes one storm.” Officials shared plans across shelters, emergency communications, healthcare continuity, transport, fuel security, and public safety, including seven designated hurricane shelters for about 190 people and renewed shelter availability at Salem. Food Security & Local Production: Government also pushed food resilience, warning that storms can disrupt shipping and raise import costs; more than 20 acres are under cultivation with crops like bananas, plantains, sweet potatoes, corn, and vegetables. Business Financing: Premier Reuben T. Meade said the MBPF Soft Loan Programme has fully deployed its initial EC$2 million, funding 39 loans across 11 sectors with no defaults or arrears, and is now seeking additional funding to expand the programme. Regional Economy Watch: A Caribbean banking analysis highlighted the “cost of money” in the ECCU and the region’s push for shared prosperity, including food, energy, digital, human capital, financial wealth creation, and trade logistics. Sports Viewing Push: Rush Sports is preparing expanded World Cup coverage across multiple Caribbean markets, including Montserrat.

Hurricane Readiness: As the Atlantic season starts June 1, Montserrat’s leaders say it only takes one storm, even if NOAA expects a quieter year; officials are highlighting shelter activation plans, emergency communications, healthcare continuity, and fuel/public safety preparations. Food Security & Local Production: The government is also pushing harder on feeding the island after storms and shipping disruptions, citing current cultivation across key farming areas and the need to reduce reliance on imports. Business Financing Boost: Montserrat is seeking fresh funding to expand the MBPF Soft Loan Programme after fully deploying its initial EC$2 million, with 39 loans approved across 11 sectors and no defaults reported. Regional Market Watch: A Caribbean banking analysis argues the “cost of money” in the ECCU remains high, shaping lending decisions and growth prospects. Sports Viewing Push: Rush Sports says it’s preparing an expanded World Cup broadcast experience across multiple Caribbean markets, including Montserrat.

Caribbean Finance: A new market analysis frames the ECCU’s “decade of decision,” linking high lending rates to a regional push across food, energy, digital, human capital, financial wealth creation, and trade logistics—while noting credit unions can offer cheaper borrowing. Hurricane Readiness (Montserrat): As the 2026 Atlantic season begins, Montserrat’s DMCA and government highlight shelter activation plans, emergency communications, healthcare continuity, fuel security, and year-round preparedness messaging to residents and businesses. Food Security: Officials warn that storms, shipping disruptions, and rising import costs make local production a core part of preparedness, citing active cultivation across multiple farming areas. Health & Nutrition: A Montserrat study on DASH eating finds people often know what to do, but face barriers like produce cost, inconsistent fish availability, and entrenched food preferences. Local Business/Media: Pope Leo XIV appoints EWTN News executive María Montserrat Alvarado to lead the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, signaling continued lay leadership in global media.

ECCU Lending Costs: A new regional analysis argues Caribbean borrowing is still too expensive, slowing growth, and points to credit unions as a cheaper option as the ECCU pushes “shared prosperity” across food, energy, digital, human capital, finance, and trade logistics. Hurricane Readiness & Food Security: Montserrat’s 2026 hurricane season briefings stress year-round preparedness, with shelters, emergency communications, healthcare continuity plans, and a push to grow more local crops to protect food supply when shipping and imports get hit. Local Health & Food Choices: A Montserrat-focused study links high hypertension rates to barriers to following the DASH diet—like produce costs, fish availability, and entrenched preferences—while highlighting strong local motivation and skills to support healthier eating. World Cup Viewing in Montserrat: Rush Sports says it’s building a full Caribbean World Cup viewing experience, holding rights across multiple territories including Montserrat, with plans to carry all matches in most markets. Materials & Real Estate Finance: Avery Dennison named Danny Allouche president of its Materials Group, while Walker & Dunlop arranged $223M in bridge financing for multifamily properties in the Southeast—signals of continued investment momentum. Montserrat in the Spotlight (Hurricane + Culture): Tourism and community pieces highlight summer travel appeal and the Calabash Festival lineup, reinforcing local business and services around seasonal demand.

Hurricane Readiness & Food Security: Montserrat is kicking off the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season with a clear focus on keeping healthcare running and protecting supplies, including local farming expansion (20+ acres already in cultivation) to reduce reliance on imports when storms disrupt shipping. Healthcare Continuity: Health officials say plans cover backup generators, pre-positioned medical staff, shelter inspections, and support for vulnerable residents (elderly, people with disabilities, and assisted living) before, during, and after major weather. Community Preparedness: Leaders are urging residents and businesses to stay ready year-round, pointing to last year’s flooding as proof damage can come even without a direct hurricane hit. Local Health & Food Choices: A new study highlights why many Montserratians struggle to follow DASH-style eating for hypertension control—fresh produce costs, limited fish availability, and entrenched food habits—despite strong motivation to improve. World Cup Viewing Business: Rush Sports is rolling out expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage across 13 Caribbean markets, including Montserrat, aiming for a full “touch and feel” fan experience. Industry & Finance Signals: Regional commentary argues the ECCU’s “decade of decision” hinges on coordinated action across food, energy, digital, human capital, finance, and trade logistics—key themes for island resilience. SMART 2026 Trade Momentum: SMART 2026 bookings are up, with 79% of booths already taken and the event on track to sell out early, boosting regional tourism and business connections.