Archive | Government Notices

Press-Statement-on-Passing-of-Queen-Elizabeth-ll-1152456

Premier of Montserrat issues press statement on Queen’s passing

PRESS STATEMENT

As the Premier of the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat, I have been officially advised of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second.  She died peacefully this Thursday afternoon at her official residence in Scotland. 

Following this announcement, I have ordered that the Montserrat flag be flown at half-staff.

We are all deeply saddened to learn of the Queen’s passing.  During her seventy-year reign as Queen of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty has been a source of strength and inspiration to all within her realms.  Today is indeed a sad day for all of us as we mourn her passing.

Her son and Heir to the Throne, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, has been proclaimed King.  Montserrat looks forward to fostering a close relationship with The King and The Queen Consort.

On behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat, I extend deepest condolences to His Majesty King Charles The Third and the extended Royal family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all the people of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

Hon. Joseph E. Farrell

Premier

8th September 2022

Posted in Government Notices, International, Local, News, Obituaries, Politics, Regional0 Comments

Statement-from-Her-Excellency-Governor-Sarah-Tucker152447

Governor Tucker issues Statement on the death of Queen Elizabeth II

September 8, 2022

The Statement from Her Excellency the Governor, Sarah Tucker

“To the people of Montserrat.

It is with great sadness that I confirm Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, passed away peacefully earlier today, at Balmoral castle surrounded by her family. Our Queen for 70 years, for many of us the only Monarch we have known. The sense of duty, devotion and service to us all will never be forgotten.

Just three months ago, we celebrated the Platinum Jubilee here in Montserrat. We shared then fond memories of her visits here as our Head of State.

I know I join all of Montserrat in sending our condolences to the Royal Family as they mourn the loss of their mother, and grandmother.

I pledge my continued loyalty to the King and Queen Consort

The Queen was an inspiration, loved across the world, and will be greatly missed.

Tomorrow Friday 9th September at 8am, there will be a 96 Gun Salute in honour of Her Majesty the Queen at the Little Bay Cricket Ground.

All of Montserrat are invited to attend.

A Condolence Book will be available at the Governor’s Office from 10am tomorrow morning.

Those in the Government Service are asked to dress appropriately during this period of mourning.

As Governor, and supported by the Government, Judiciary and Church, I expect to make a Proclamation of our new Monarch, at Salem Cricket Ground on Sunday at 8:00 am.

The final timings for these events will be confirmed. We welcome any Residents or Visitors who wish to attend.

The Premier and I will travel to London to attend our late Monarch’s funeral to represent the people of Montserrat.

Further information will be issued by the Governor’s Office.”

Posted in Announcements/Greetings, Government Notices, International, Local, News, Obituaries, Regional0 Comments

British Virgin Islands Premier

British Virgin Islands premier granted bond in US drug case

A federal judge in Miami has ruled that the premier of the British Virgin Islands can be released on a $500,000 bond, following his arrest on drug-smuggling charges in a U.S. government sting in South Florida

Via AP news wire

British Virgin Islands Premier
Former BVI Premier Fahie

Wednesday 04 May 2022 20:45

British Virgin Islands premier granted bond in US drug case

The premier of the British Virgin Islands could be released on a $500,000 bond as he awaits trial on charges tied to a U.S. government narcotics sting, a federal judge in Miami said Wednesday.

In a surprise decision, federal court Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes rejected prosecutors’ argument that Andrew Fahie would flee the U.S. if released. Instead, she said he could remain in Miami, at the rented home of his two college-age daughters, if he and his family surrender their travel documents and he wears an ankle bracelet monitor and pays the sizable bond.

Prosecutors said they would appeal the decision, meaning it’s unclear when and if Fahie would be released.

Fahie, 51, was arrested last week during a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sting after accepting what he was told was $700,000 cash from undercover DEA agents and informants who posed as Mexican drug traffickers. Fahie and his ports director, Oleanvine Maynard, met with the group on a private jet in the Miami area, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint says Maynard referred to Fahie as a “little crook sometimes” who wouldn’t hesitate to profit from a plan cooked up with the help of self-proclaimed Lebanese Hezbollah operatives to move mass quantities of cocaine and drug proceeds through the Caribbean island.

Posted in CARICOM, Government Notices, Local, News, Politics, Regional0 Comments

Premier-Hurricane-statement-TMR05-jun04_21-br-pg3

2021 Hurricane Message

by Premier, Hon. Joseph E. Farrell

Fellow Montserratians I extend warm greetings to all of you.

  As we begin the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, I want us to take some time to reflect on the past year, and how we have been able to adapt to a world in which COVID-19 has dominated our everyday lives and actions.  It has also reinforced the need for us to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our families.

 As we enter the 2021 Hurricane Season, we have to ensure that our desire to protect ourselves and our families are amplified to include hurricane precautionary measures to protect not only human life but also our homes, our businesses, and our infrastructure.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season is constant each year; from June 1 to November 30 and Mother Nature does not pause to give us a break because we have been dealing with other matters such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and so, we should not be complacent as it relates to hurricane preparedness. 

The predictions are for another active hurricane season, and while God’s favour and mercies have spared us over the past few years from any direct impact, I urge you to not let down your guard.  Regardless of the level of activity predicted, I want to remind you that it only takes one hurricane to directly impact us and seriously affect us.

Some of us might believe that a hurricane is not a real threat or assume that we will be spared because we have not been directly affected in recent years.  But, I strongly urge you to take all precautionary measures to safeguard your families, businesses and communities.

The Government’s work to protect lives and livelihoods continue, and even as we maintain our efforts on COVID-19, we have also been actively preparing for this hurricane season.  In fact, the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has been working with key stakeholders, prior to the start of the hurricane season to ensure steps are taken to prepare for any eventuality.

Our government Ministries and departments have been updating their hurricane plans and work to protect our infrastructure has already started as the Public Works Department has been clearing our waterways to reduce the likelihood of flooding.

As I do every year, I encourage you to:

  • Follow the advice from officials at the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) – they are our experts in disaster preparedness and response.
  • Stay informed by monitoring communication channels for official information from Government.
  • Update your hurricane preparedness plans for your family and your business. Everyone in your family or business should know what to do and where to go if impacted, and;
  • Pack essential supplies in an Emergency Kit.—Supplies should include non-perishable food and water for everyone in your home, medications, sanitisers, face-covering, items for personal hygiene and batteries.

I encourage you to remember those in your communities who are not as mobile as you are and need your assistance, the vulnerable, elderly and persons with disabilities, please lend them a helping hand.

Do stay safe and look out for each other. 

May God bless and protect us.

June 1, 2021

Posted in Advertisements, Climate/Weather, Government Notices, Hurricane, International, Local, News, Politics, Regional, TOURISM0 Comments

Covid-WhatsApp-Image-2020-03-20-at-5.36.34-PM

14-day quarantine period required for all travelers to Montserrat

As the Government of Montserrat (GoM) continues its vigilance in attempting to keep the island COVID-19 (and any variant thereof) free after its demonstrated ignorance or its lacking of alertness at the beginning and before the pandemic announcement.

According to the following release of a decision, “in light of concerns regarding a new variant of COVID-19 which was recently discovered in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe,” GoM has decreed that all persons “traveling to Montserrat will be required to quarantine for 14 days…”

The release dated Wednesday, December 23, 2020, follows:

 –  As of 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020, all persons traveling to Montserrat will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

This decision was made in Cabinet this morning, in light of concerns regarding a new variant of COVID-19 which was recently discovered in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, and which Health Experts say can spread more quickly than prior strains of the virus. 

As a result, Cabinet has decided that, except for those classes of people who are specifically exempted under S.R.O 80 of 2020, all other individuals arriving in Montserrat must quarantine for the full 14 days, including those staying in Government approved quarantine facilities.

Those exempted from the quarantine requirement are: Non-Resident Technicians granted permission to travel to Montserrat; a member of the crew of an aircraft or ship; and a person who has been granted permission by the Minister of Health to enter Montserrat for the purpose of aiding with preparations for a disaster or after a disaster.

Individuals traveling to Montserrat are reminded that a negative PCR COVID-19 Test and pre-travel registration are still required prior to entering Montserrat.  The PCR COVID-19 Test must be undertaken no earlier than seven days prior to entering Montserrat.

Members of the public are also urged to continue practicing the recommended health and safety precautionary measures, to include wearing a face covering, social distancing, and sanitisation.

As the Government of Montserrat (GoM) continues its vigilance in attempting to keep the island COVID-19 (and any variant thereof) free after its demonstrated ignorance or its lacking of alertness at the beginning and before the pandemic announcement.

According to the following release of a decision, “in light of concerns regarding a new variant of COVID-19 which was recently discovered in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe,” GoM has decreed that all persons “traveling to Montserrat will be required to quarantine for 14 days,”

The release dated Wednesday, December 23, 2020, follows:

 –  As of 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020, all persons traveling to Montserrat will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

This decision was made in Cabinet this morning, in light of concerns regarding a new variant of COVID-19 which was recently discovered in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, and which Health Experts say can spread more quickly than prior strains of the virus. 

As a result, Cabinet has decided that, except for those classes of people who are specifically exempted under S.R.O 80 of 2020, all other individuals arriving in Montserrat must quarantine for the full 14 days, including those staying in Government approved quarantine facilities.

Those exempted from the quarantine requirement are: Non-Resident Technicians granted permission to travel to Montserrat; a member of the crew of an aircraft or ship; and a person who has been granted permission by the Minister of Health to enter Montserrat for the purpose of aiding with preparations for a disaster or after a disaster.

Individuals traveling to Montserrat are reminded that a negative PCR COVID-19 Test and pre-travel registration are still required prior to entering Montserrat.  The PCR COVID-19 Test must be undertaken no earlier than seven days prior to entering Montserrat.

Members of the public are also urged to continue practicing the recommended health and safety precautionary measures, to include wearing a face covering, social distancing, and sanitisation.

Posted in Business/Economy/Banking, COVID-19, Environment, Featured, Government Notices, International, Local, News, Politics, Regional, TOURISM, Travel0 Comments

Premier-Farrell-Official-Gov-Photo-flag-in-background

REMARKS TO COMMEMORATE THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF SOUFRIERE HILLS VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS

Premier, Hon. Joseph E. Farrell

Montserratians at home and abroad, friends of Montserrat I greet you on this the 25th Anniversary of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

We come together today as a people bound by our past, bound by our faith in Almighty God, and bound by our genuine love for this island called Montserrat; Alliougana –the Emerald Isle.

It has often been said, that no generation can choose the age or the circumstance into which they were born.  But through unity, courage, enterprise, and leadership we can choose to become agents for change and prosperity.

Alliougana – land of the prickly bush; 11 miles long and 7 miles wide. Ours is not a perfect history. And we are not a perfect people. 

 We have had our fair share of natural disasters, earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.

But none have brought the kind of change to the island’s physical landscape, the displacement of our peoples, and the destruction of lives and livelihoods, as the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

Many of us had to flee our homes during the phased eruptions, moving northwards, to Salem, and beyond, camping along the way to our final destinations—North of Montserrat and even overseas.

Communal living in public spaces, such as schools, churches, and shelters became our way of life in those early years but in the spirit of resilience we have survived, we have endured and, we have overcome.

Over thirty years ago in September of 1989 Hurricane Hugo damaged over 90% of the homes on island.

In July 1995, the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted

In June 1997, major volcanic eruptions killed 19 persons, flattening our villages, forests, and agricultural lands.

In December 1997, a series of devastating volcanic explosions rendered almost two-thirds of our beloved island uninhabitable.

In 2003, further significant eruptions destroyed additional land and agriculture infrastructure.

The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean – picture-perfect and evergreen; well known for our natural beauty. 

Its physical landscape battered in places but not obliterated. It is God who spared our lives and spared Monserrat and for this we are eternally grateful.

Twenty-five 25 years and we are still here to God be the glory!

In 2020, as the world sits at the cusp of a pandemic brought about by the coronavirus, COVID-19, I say to you as your Premier and Leader of Government business that, this too shall pass.

 We will not be swallowed up.  Rest assured that the health and well-being of the Montserrat population will always be my government’s highest priority and we will continue to work together to protect each other.

I will always remind all of us, that we are in this together, — the whole world is in this pandemic and we will all come out victorious.

So even as we reflect on the volcano’s eruption and subsequent crisis, our thoughts and prayers are also with the thousands of families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, and to the millions of persons who have been infected by the virus. We feel your pain, knowing full well that it could have been any one of us.

Do stay strong.

We are a unique and blessed people who have come this far by faith, not because we deserve God’s favour, but because he cares so much for us.  And that is why earlier this week, we joined with the Montserrat Christian Council in a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to observe this twenty-fifth anniversary of the volcanic eruptions.

I believe that as a people we have much to thank God for.

He has bestowed on us much more than we deserve, and so I ask that we continue to pray,  giving him thanks for all of his blessings, protection and guidance over these past 25 years.

I close with these words from a hymn written by Philip Doddridge:

O God of Bethel by whose hand
Thy children still are fed
Who through this weary wilderness
Has all our fathers led
Such blessings from thy gracious hand
Our humble prayers implore
And Thou shall be our chosen God
And Portion evermore

To God be the glory!

Joseph E. Farrell
Premier
July 18, 2020

Posted in Advertisements, Climate/Weather, Government Notices, Local, News0 Comments

TMR06-Nov20_20 - br mod.indd

Premier Farrell’s Remarks commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Soufriere Hills Volcanic Eruptions

Posted in Advertisements, COVID-19, Government Notices, Local, News, Politics0 Comments

COVID19-Report-April-17

Active cases down one, with second person recovered

as of April 17, 2020

With the Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPS) boasting and becoming it seems the most important agency in the fight against COVID-19, with the emphasis on containment in the unknown or the most serious method of transmission, they announce and give a breakdown of the 46 arrests they have made since the Health Act began to show its emergency powers.

Today, the Ministry of Health in its most recent release via the Government Information Unit says, “A second person has fully recovered from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Montserrat.”

The release explains confirmation by CARPHA after investigating “seven (7) local samples which included five (5) follow-up swabs from confirmed cases and two (2) suspected cases. These latest results mean that Montserrat’s active, on–island cases have now decreased to eight (8), and recoveries have increased to two.

Unfortunately, with the police saying the 46 arrests they have made between March 28 and April 14, it is bothersome that between those dates there were two newly confirmed cases of infected persons with the virus. More worrisome was, that the Premier in his statement and subsequent press conference on Good Friday said that the reason for imposing a complete shutdown as of April 12 from midnight was, being “…aware that not everyone carrying the virus, exhibit symptoms…the danger where persons who are asymptomatic are walking around affecting others.”

He provided no evidence for this and even denied that was what he said. That was preceded with the excuse, “The Ministry of Health is unable to undertake wide-scale testing at this time…” a position created by their slothfulness even up to that point, shown up in the March 28 press conference.

According to the police, the most arrests occurred on April 11, (Saturday after Good Friday) when 15 persons were arrested.  A further breakdown of the arrests during this period is as follows: 18 arrests were made between March 28 to April 8; three arrests on April 10; two arrests on April 2 and 4 arrests on April 13 and 14. Between March 28 and April 8, the police had to issue 12 warnings, which included two juveniles.

Sounding like a boast with no new cases, “All 46 arrests will advance to court on breach of the Public Health (COVID-19 Control and Suppression) (no 2) Order S.R.O. 22 of 2020 (those before April 13), and breach of the Public Health (COVID-19 Shelter in Place) Order 25 of 2020, for those arrested after 12:00 a.m on April 13.

While no matter the size of the population 46 arrests within that space of time, statistically is considerable, though the demography may be an important consideration. It would be interesting to learn the reasons being proffered by these persons for their suspected infractions. It may not surprise that some of those reasons may be the shortcoming of how the whole situation is being managed.

Posted in Business/Economy/Banking, Featured, Government Notices, International, Legal, News, OECS, Regional0 Comments

COVID19-Report-April-12

Montserrat increases its Caribbean record as the highest per capita (10000) as it records two new cases and one recovery

As of April 12, 2020

Press Release: April 12, 2020 – GIU, Davy Hill, Montserrat

Montserrat has recorded its first full recovery; while two persons have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has received the results of eight samples recently dispatched to CARPHA Reference Laboratory for testing.  The results returned with two (2) of the eight (8) samples, testing positive for COVID-19.

The new positives include one hospitalized individual while the other is in self–isolation at their residence.

Among the six (6) samples testing negative was the second repeat test of one of the islands previously confirmed cases. This means that this individual is Montserrat’s first full recovery from COVID-19.

Therefore, Montserrat has recorded 11 confirmed cases overall—10 confirmed cases on the island, nine of which are active cases, as one has now recovered.

While the recovery of one patient represents a win in the fight against COVID-19, the Ministry noted that the battle is far from over. Residents of Montserrat are therefore advised to remain aware of the symptoms of the disease, and to contact the St. Peter’s Clinic at 491- 5436 or 496-9724 or the Glendon Hospital Casualty Department at 491-2802 or 491-2836 should they experience fever, cough, difficulty breathing or any other ‘flu-like’ symptoms.

The public is also encouraged to continue to practice the highly effective public health measures of hand hygiene, social distancing and cough etiquette, and to strictly adhere to the seven (7) day full lockdown which commences tomorrow Monday, April 13 at 12:00 a.m.   These measures will keep us all safe from COVID-19.

Posted in COVID-19, Featured, Government Notices, Health, International, Local, News, Regional, Travel0 Comments

Ferry-docking-in-Plymouth-2018-DSC_4310

Contingency Plan activated – Ferry to dock at Plymouth Jetty today

Update

Following a safe docking and landing of passengers as desired in Plymouth, the Jaden Sun has reportedly returned to Antigua and has left with passengers who will now be able to disembark and Port Little Bay.

UPDATE: That hope did not materialise – the second departure from Antigua with about 220 passengers with plans to dock at Port Little Bay around midnight. Instead went on to dock at Plymouth, ending the whole disembarkation and processing close to 4 a.m. There were other trips during today and all back to normal by tonight with Access reporting another big day tomorrow into Friday. But with calmer waters. GIU information says following assessments of conditions at Little Bay being favourable, the ferry is expected to dock at Little Bay. The latest report says the ferry Antigua left at approximately 10.20 p.m. which means a possible arrival time at Little Bay around midnight.

The first trip to Port Plymouth brought 100 passengers and according to GIU info, the second trip will bring about 220 persons, easing considerably the need for the near 400 persons expected today to overnight in uncertain accommodation tonight.

Here’s to more favourable times; remembering March 7, 2018, when the sea rose-up just moments after the ferry reached Plymouth and was about to dock, forcing the ferry to return to Antigua. But only after the same thing happened shortly after at Little Bay only a bit more aggressively.

Passengers getting ready to disembark when the water got a bit naughty

GIU, Davy Hill Montserrat–  The Access Division in the Office of the Premier has activated its contingency plan for the ferry to dock at the Plymouth jetty as sea conditions continue to pose a challenge at the jetty located at Little Bay.

Assessments of the sea conditions in Plymouth have indicated that the conditions there are more favourable for the ferry to operate. As a result, His Excellency the Governor, Andrew Pearce has granted approval for the ferry to disembark at the Plymouth Jetty.   The Jaden Sun Ferry will therefore depart Antigua promptly at 4:00 p.m. today Tuesday, March 10, 2020. 

To ensure as many persons as possible are able to travel on this trip, passengers will only be allowed to carry their hand luggage. All other luggage (bags) will be transported separately on the Typhoon Express ferry.

Following the arrival of the Jaden Sun ferry at Port Plymouth this afternoon, a further determination and subsequent announcement will be made about the other trips.

Posted in Climate/Weather, Environment, Government Notices, International, Local, News, Regional, Travel0 Comments

Grand Opening - M&D's Green Market

Newsletter

Archives

https://indd.adobe.com/embed/2b4deb22-cf03-4509-9bbd-938c7e8ecc7d

A Moment with the Registrar of Lands