AGP Executive Report

Blue Belt Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining support for marine protected areas, fisheries management, marine spatial planning, and updated marine legislation. Wildlife Protection: With turtle nesting season underway through October, residents and visitors are urged to keep beaches calm at night, reduce noise, and avoid artificial light that can disrupt endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Volcanic Risk Update: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with monitoring showing ground inflation, gas emissions, and seismic activity. Hurricane Readiness: As the Atlantic season runs June 1–Nov 30, a new look at what it means for Montserrat stresses that even a “quieter” forecast still demands household preparedness—especially for power loss and phone-dependent alerts. Regional Services Training: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialized services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) including Montserrat, aimed at boosting resilience and competitiveness in global services markets. Pension Reform: Montserrat has begun a major pension reform process to move toward a more modern, sustainable system, including a 17-member Pension Reform Committee and technical support. Tourism Convenience: Scriber’s Adventures launched online booking and secure payments for guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan trips around Montserrat’s trails, volcano views, and birdwatching.

Blue Belt Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining support to set up Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management, improve marine spatial planning, and modernise marine laws. Wildlife Protection: As turtle nesting season begins (running through October), residents and visitors are urged to protect nesting beaches—especially at night—by keeping noise down, parking away from shore, and reducing artificial light that can disrupt endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Volcano Risk and Recovery: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills volcano remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with monitoring still showing ground inflation, volcanic gas emissions, and increased seismic activity. Hurricane Preparedness: With the Atlantic hurricane season underway, a new reminder focuses on Montserrat readiness—especially the risk of losing phone and power access—urging households to plan for charging options, battery radios, and offline copies of key documents. Regional Resilience Planning: CDEMA’s chief praised Antigua and Barbuda’s new five-year resilience roadmap as a model for protecting lives, livelihoods, and development gains from evolving climate and hazard risks. Local Governance & Services: OECS training is set to run June 29–July 2 in Antigua and Barbuda, with Montserrat among participating territories, aiming to boost services-sector policymaking and negotiating skills. Tourism Access: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan Montserrat experiences in advance.

Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, announced on World Oceans Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining support to set up Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management, improve marine spatial planning, and modernise marine laws. The island’s volcanic waters host coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and critically endangered hawksbill turtles, with decades of Soufrière Hills activity shaping unique habitats. Wildlife Protection: Turtle nesting season is underway in Montserrat through October, with residents urged to watch responsibly—keep noise low, park away from beaches at night, and avoid disturbing nesting females, since artificial light and disturbance can cause turtles to abandon nesting. Disaster Readiness: As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, Montserrat officials are using the start of the season to stress food security alongside storm preparedness, warning that hurricanes can disrupt shipping and raise import costs for an island that relies heavily on imported food. Volcano Update: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says Soufrière Hills remains active and in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with monitoring showing ground inflation, volcanic gas emissions, and increased seismic activity.

Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, announced on World Oceans Day (8 June 2026). The island will protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and work with UK partners to set up Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management, improve marine planning, and modernise marine laws—aimed at safeguarding coral reefs, seagrass and critically endangered hawksbill turtles. Wildlife Protection: Turtle nesting season is underway through October, with residents and visitors urged to keep beaches quiet at night, avoid disturbing nesting females, and reduce artificial light to prevent turtles abandoning eggs. Hurricane Readiness & Food Security: As the Atlantic season begins, Montserrat’s disaster and agriculture officials are stressing that preparedness is not just about storms—it’s also about keeping food available when shipping is disrupted and import costs rise, including expanding local cultivation across several farming areas. Volcano Risk Outlook: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills system remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with monitoring still showing ground inflation, volcanic gas emissions and seismic activity.

Marine Conservation: Montserrat has officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme, announced on World Oceans Day (8 June 2026). The island will protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gain scientific and technical support to set up Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management, improve marine spatial planning, and update marine laws. Wildlife Protection: As turtle nesting season begins in Montserrat (running through October), residents and visitors are urged to watch responsibly—especially at night—by keeping voices low, parking away from beaches, and avoiding artificial light that can disrupt nesting. Hurricane Readiness & Food Security: With the Atlantic hurricane season underway, Montserrat’s officials are using the start of the season to spotlight food security—local cultivation is expanding, and health and disaster teams say preparations are already in place to keep care running during and after major storms. Volcano Risk Outlook: Scientists say the Soufrière Hills volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring showing unrest through ground changes, gas emissions, and seismic activity, even though there hasn’t been an eruption since 2010.

Marine Conservation Boost: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and aiming to expand Marine Protected Areas, improve fisheries management, and modernise marine laws. Wildlife Protection: As turtle nesting season runs through October, residents and visitors are urged to keep beaches quiet at night, avoid disturbing nesting females, and reduce artificial light to protect endangered green and critically endangered hawksbill turtles. Hurricane Readiness & Food Security: With the Atlantic hurricane season underway, Montserrat’s officials are stressing that preparedness must include local food production and plans for disruptions to shipping and imports. Healthcare Continuity: Health officials say hurricane planning already covers backup power, staffing, shelter checks, and support for vulnerable residents so care can continue during and after major storms. Volcano Monitoring: The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active and in unrest beneath the surface, with monitoring still showing ground changes and gas emissions—reminding islanders that risk management is ongoing. Local Governance: Government has begun major pension reform work, moving toward a more sustainable, transparent retirement system with a defined contribution model.

Marine Conservation Boost: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and to build Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management, and modernise marine laws. Wildlife Protection: Turtle nesting season is underway, with residents urged to keep beaches quiet at night and avoid artificial light so endangered green and critically endangered hawksbill turtles can lay eggs safely. Hurricane Preparedness & Food Security: As the Atlantic season begins, Montserrat’s officials are stressing household readiness and resilience planning—especially food supply, since storms can disrupt shipping and raise import costs. Healthcare Continuity in Storms: Health officials say hurricane preparations include backup generators, pre-positioned medical staff, shelter checks, and plans to support vulnerable residents during and after major weather. Volcano Risk Update: The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring showing unrest through ground inflation, volcanic gas emissions, and increased seismic activity.

Marine Conservation Boost: Montserrat has officially 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, marine spatial planning, and marine legislation—an effort framed as both environmental stewardship and resilience for island livelihoods. Turtle Protection: With turtle nesting season underway through October, residents and visitors are urged to keep noise low at night, park away from beaches, and avoid artificial light that can disrupt endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Volcano Watch: The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring showing unrest through ground inflation, volcanic gas emissions, and increased seismic activity—highlighting ongoing risk and future planning needs. Hurricane Readiness: As the Atlantic season begins, Montserrat’s disaster planning is being updated with modern tools like thermal drones and improved warning systems, while officials stress household preparedness and continuity of healthcare and support for vulnerable residents. Food & Health Preparedness: Separate conference updates focus on boosting local food production to reduce import shocks and on keeping medical services running during and after major storms. Local Governance: Government has started major pension reform work, moving toward a more sustainable, transparent system with a defined contribution model and a multi-stakeholder committee. Tourism Access: Scriber’s Adventures launched online booking and secure payments for guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan Montserrat’s trails, volcano viewpoints, and birdwatching.

Marine Conservation Boost: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and to build Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management, and modernise marine laws, with support for science and technical planning. Wildlife Protection: Turtle nesting season is underway through October, with residents urged to keep noise low, park away from beaches at night, and avoid artificial light so nesting green and critically endangered hawksbill turtles can lay eggs successfully. Volcanic Risk Watch: The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring showing unrest through ground inflation, volcanic gas emissions, and increased seismic activity, even without eruptions since 2010. Hurricane Readiness & Food Security: As the Atlantic season begins, officials highlight preparations for shelters, healthcare continuity, communications, and fuel, while also stressing food security—expanding local cultivation to reduce reliance on imports during storms and shipping disruptions. Disaster Tech Upgrades: Montserrat’s disaster response is getting more modern, including thermal imaging drones for rapid damage assessment and locating people after severe weather. Tourism Access: Scriber’s Adventures has launched online booking and secure payments for guided tours, making it easier for visitors to plan volcano, trail, and birdwatching experiences before arriving.

Marine Conservation Boost: Montserrat has officially joined the UK Blue Belt Programme on World Ocean Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and using new science support to set up Marine Protected Areas, strengthen fisheries management, and modernise marine laws. Wildlife Protection: Turtle nesting season is underway through October, with residents urged to keep noise and lights low so nesting green and critically endangered hawksbill turtles can lay eggs safely. Volcano Watch: The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active beneath the surface, with monitoring still showing unrest through ground inflation, gas emissions, and seismic activity—reminding islanders that risk and opportunity are both ongoing. Hurricane Readiness (Food + Health): As the Atlantic season begins, officials are pushing local food production to reduce import shocks, and detailing healthcare plans for vulnerable residents, shelter checks, and continuity of services during and after major storms. Disaster Response Tech: Montserrat is upgrading disaster response with thermal drones, expanded drone programmes for the Volcano Observatory, and improved warning and emergency operations tools.

Marine Conservation Boost: Montserrat has joined the UK Blue Belt Programme, announced on World Ocean Day, aiming to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone through marine protected areas, fisheries management, marine planning, and updated marine laws. Wildlife Protection: Turtle nesting season is underway through October, with residents urged to keep noise low, park away from beaches at night, and avoid artificial light to prevent endangered green and hawksbill turtles from abandoning nests. Hurricane Readiness Lessons: A look back at Hurricane Hugo’s 1989 impact asks a modern question: are households ready today, especially if phones lose power—highlighting power banks, battery radios, and offline document copies. Volcano Watch: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory says the Soufrière Hills system remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, with ongoing monitoring of ground movement, gas emissions, and seismic activity. Disaster Response Tech: During the DMCA’s hurricane conference, officials highlighted drones with thermal imaging and other upgraded tools to speed damage assessment and locate people after storms. Hurricane Season Context: As the Atlantic season begins, forecasts may be quieter, but Montserrat is reminded that one storm is enough—so planning for food supply, healthcare continuity, shelters, and communications remains urgent.

Disaster Resilience: CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley praised Antigua and Barbuda’s new five-year resilience framework as a whole-of-society roadmap, stressing that climate change is reshaping the hazard picture—from hurricanes and earthquakes to sargassum and oil spills—so planning must be medium to long term and coordinated across government, communities, business, and partners. Hurricane Season Watch (Montserrat): As the Atlantic season begins, a Montserrat-focused explainer says the season may be quieter overall, but islands like Montserrat still face the risk of “one storm,” with NOAA pointing to El Niño-driven conditions that can increase wind shear while not ruling out major hurricanes. Food Security Prep: Montserrat officials say hurricane readiness now includes protecting the food supply, with local cultivation underway and plans to reduce reliance on imports when storms disrupt shipping and raise costs. Healthcare Continuity: Health officials outline preparations to keep services running during and after major storms, including backup power, pre-positioned staff, shelter checks, and support for vulnerable residents. Disaster Tech: Montserrat is upgrading disaster response with drones, thermal imaging, satellite-linked communications, and improved warning and emergency operations tools.

Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA says 2026 is likely quieter overall, but Montserrat still needs to plan for the one storm that matters—El Niño may bring more wind shear, yet hurricanes can still form. Food Security Prep: As the island enters the Atlantic season, officials are pushing local production (20+ acres already in crops like bananas, plantains, sweet potatoes, corn and vegetables) to reduce reliance on imports that can be disrupted by storms and shipping costs. Healthcare Continuity: Health officials say hurricane readiness is built around backup generators, pre-positioned medical staff, shelter and clinic planning, and support for vulnerable residents, including contingency steps for assisted living. Disaster Tech Boost: Montserrat’s response is getting smarter with thermal-imaging drones and expanded drone work from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, plus upgraded warning and emergency operations tools. Local Governance & Resilience: DMCA updates also cover shelter readiness (seven designated shelters, including the return of Salem Community Centre) and emergency communications, transport and fuel security. Health & Climate Link: A new local study on hypertension highlights barriers to DASH-style eating—fresh produce costs, fish availability, and access issues—while pointing to strong motivation and traditional skills that could help.

Hurricane Readiness (Montserrat): As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, Montserrat’s Disaster Management Coordination Agency says shelters, emergency communications, healthcare operations, transport planning, fuel security, and public safety teams are already in place, with seven shelters designated for about 190 people. Food Security Planning (Montserrat): Officials also highlighted the island’s vulnerability to storms, shipping disruptions, and rising import costs, pointing to expanded local cultivation across multiple farming areas and a push to grow more food before the next big weather hit. Healthcare Continuity (Montserrat): Health officials outlined preparations to keep care running during and after a major hurricane, including support for vulnerable residents and plans for how hospital services would operate under severe conditions. Disaster Tech (Montserrat): Montserrat’s response is getting a boost from thermal imaging drones and expanded drone programmes, plus upgraded warning and emergency operations tools. Caribbean Finance (ECCU): A new analysis frames the region’s “decade of decision,” linking high lending rates and resilience priorities—food, energy, digital, human capital, financial wealth, and trade logistics—to long-term growth. Papal Visit & Weather (Spain): Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip is expected to bring intense heat and humidity, with authorities urging outdoor event precautions.

Hurricane Preparedness: Montserrat is stepping up for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, with DMCA-led planning covering shelters, emergency communications, healthcare continuity, transport, fuel security, and public safety; seven shelters are designated for about 190 people, including Lookout, Davy Hill, Cavalla Hill and Salem, with Salem’s community centre back in the mix. Disaster Response Tech: Newer tools are being added to the island’s response toolkit, including thermal-imaging drones for rapid damage checks and locating people in hard-to-reach areas, plus expanded drone work by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and upgraded warning and emergency operations systems. Food Security After Storms: Officials are also focusing on whether Montserrat can feed itself after a hurricane, highlighting local cultivation at Blake’s, Duck Pond and Waterworks (bananas, plantains, sweet potatoes, corn and vegetables) to reduce reliance on disrupted imports. Healthcare During a Major Storm: Health services say they’re ready to keep care running through and after severe weather, with plans ranging from backup generators and pre-positioned staff to relocating services and extra support for vulnerable residents. Local Health & Nutrition: A new study points to why many Montserratians struggle to follow the DASH diet for blood pressure control—fresh produce costs, fish availability, and access barriers—while noting strong motivation and traditional skills that could help. Regional Finance (ECCU): An op-ed argues Caribbean borrowing costs remain high, potentially slowing growth, and suggests credit unions may offer more affordable lending as the region pushes resilience and environmental priorities. Pope Leo XIV in Spain (non-climate): Pope Leo XIV began a Spain trip urging peace and warning against division, with migration and political polarization in focus; separate coverage notes heat risks for outdoor events during the visit.

Hurricane Preparedness (Montserrat): As the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season gets underway, Montserrat’s Disaster Management Coordination Agency says shelters are ready for activation, emergency communications and healthcare plans are in place, and officials are tracking vulnerable residents ahead of storms. Food Security (Montserrat): The Ministry of Agriculture says hurricane risk is also a food-supply risk for an island that relies heavily on imports, pointing to more local cultivation across several farming areas as a resilience push. Disaster Response Tech (Montserrat): Montserrat is upgrading its disaster toolkit with thermal-imaging drones and expanded drone programs to speed damage assessment, locate people in hard-to-reach areas, and guide where responders deploy first. Health & Nutrition (Montserrat): A new study on hypertension finds many Montserratians know what to eat under the DASH approach, but face barriers like high produce costs, inconsistent fish availability, and entrenched food preferences. Pope Leo XIV in Spain (Climate-adjacent): Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip spotlights migrants and political polarization, while forecasts for Madrid and Barcelona emphasize intense summer heat—an added reminder for outdoor event planning and public health during extreme weather.