AGP Executive Report

ECCB & Local Banking Clarity: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank says its Agency Offices across member states are a “presence on the ground,” supporting currency operations and regulatory oversight—while stressing they are not commercial banks for everyday customers. Montserrat Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review for the first time in 13 years, with TELUS Health providing technical support as a 17-member committee moves toward a more transparent, defined contribution model. Ferry Future Unclear: Questions remain as private operators market ferry services while the Government of Montserrat continues its long-awaited tender; officials say no government-run service is operating yet. Regional Public Service Cooperation: Bermuda hosted an Overseas Territories summit where leaders discussed workforce shortages, talent development, and public service reform, with an MOU expected after the talks. Jobs & Training: The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority is hiring an Airworthiness Inspector – Avionics (deadline July 17), and OECS-backed services sector training is set for June 29–July 2. Women’s Community Workshop: Seventeen women attended the EMERGE workshop at the Montserrat Public Library, using a butterfly framework to reflect on growth and purpose.

ECCB & Local Banking Clarity: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank says its Agency Offices are a “presence on the ground” for currency operations, regulatory oversight, and public education—while stressing they are not commercial banks. Regional Currency Update (ECCU): ECCU members, including Montserrat, are set to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image on new banknotes with Caribbean heroes; Grenada’s Kirani James will appear on the $5 note from 2027. Montserrat Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions review for public and private workers, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee and a shift toward a transparent defined-contribution model. Ferry Uncertainty: Government says it’s still completing its ferry tender and is not running a service; a vessel spotted in Montserrat waters is described as a private initiative. Jobs & Training: ECCAA is hiring an Airworthiness Inspector – Avionics (deadline July 17), and a regional Green Business Incubator is open for Montserrat entrepreneurs starting July 2026. Public Service Cooperation: Bermuda hosted an Overseas Territories summit where leaders discussed workforce shortages, talent development, and public service reform, with an MOU expected.

UFC Spotlight: Beatriz Mesquita bounced back after being rocked, then locked in an armbar to beat Melissa Mullins and improve to 3-0 in UFC Fight Night prelim action in Las Vegas. ECCU Banknotes: Grenada’s Kirani James is set to appear on a new Eastern Caribbean Central Bank $5 note from 2027, as the ECCU moves to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with Caribbean figures. Montserrat Pensions Review: Montserrat has begun a comprehensive pensions overhaul, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee as the island shifts toward a more transparent defined contribution model. Local Community: Seventeen women joined the EMERGE workshop at the Montserrat Public Library, using the butterfly stages to reflect on growth, purpose, and trusting God’s process. Ferry Questions: Access Division says the government is still completing its ferry tender and is not running a service yet, even as private operators move ahead. Regional Jobs: ECCAA is advertising for an Airworthiness Inspector – Avionics role, with applications due 17 July 2026. Entrepreneur Support: Applications are open for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026 for women and youth entrepreneurs.

ECCU Currency Update: The Eastern Caribbean Currency Union says new EC banknotes will swap Queen Elizabeth II’s image for Caribbean figures, with Grenadian Olympian Kirani James set to appear on the $5 note from 2027. Local Governance: 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. Transport Watch: 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. Community & Faith: Seventeen women met at the Montserrat Public Library for the EMERGE workshop, using a butterfly framework to reflect on growth and purpose. Jobs & Business: Entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026, offering mentorship and planning support. Public Safety/International: In Spain, audio from the emergency calls made by Mango founder Isak Andic’s son after the fatal Montserrat mountain fall has been released amid an ongoing investigation.

Public Service Cooperation: Heads of public service from British Overseas Territories met in Bermuda (June 11–12) and are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to boost shared talent development, secondments, and modernisation efforts—Montserrat was among the jurisdictions involved. Pensions Overhaul: Montserrat has begun its first comprehensive pensions review in 13 years, with TELUS Health supporting a 17-member committee to modernise and stabilise retirement benefits and move toward a more transparent defined contribution model. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are still swirling around Montserrat’s ferry future as private operators position themselves while government completes its long-awaited tender; officials say no government-run service is operating yet. Local Opportunities: Entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month regional Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026, offering mentorship and business planning support. Health & Faith Community: Women gathered at the Montserrat Public Library for the EMERGE workshop, using a butterfly-stage framework to encourage growth and purpose. Regional Jobs: The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority is recruiting an Airworthiness Inspector – Avionics, with applications due July 17. International Note: In Spain, audio from a 999 call made by Mango founder Isak Andic’s son after the fatal Montserrat-area fall has been released amid an ongoing investigation.

Local Governance: Montserrat is starting its first comprehensive pensions 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 more transparent defined-contribution model. Transport Watch: Questions are still swirling over ferry service to Montserrat as private operators move ahead of the Government’s long-awaited tender; officials say no government-run service is in place yet and the vessel spotted locally was a private initiative. Community & Faith: A free EMERGE workshop at the Montserrat Public Library brought women together to reflect on personal growth using the butterfly stages as a spiritual framework. Business & Jobs: Entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month Regional Green Business Incubator starting July 2026, while the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority is advertising an Airworthiness Inspector – Avionics post with a 17 July deadline. Regional Cooperation: Bermuda hosted an Overseas Territories summit that included Montserrat, focusing on workforce shortages, public service reform, leadership, and how to use emerging tech in government.

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. A 17-member committee led by the Office of the Deputy Governor is working toward a shift to a more transparent defined contribution model, with more individual control and portability, and the initial phase is expected to run about six months. Ferry Uncertainty: Questions are still swirling around Montserrat’s ferry future after a private vessel appeared in local waters and was promoted online; the Government says it is not yet operating a ferry and is still completing its tender process, while the visit is described as a private initiative. Regional Cooperation: Montserrat also featured in a Bermuda-hosted Overseas Territories summit focused on public service reform, workforce shortages, leadership development, and using emerging technology in administration. Local Opportunities: Entrepreneurs can apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026, aimed at mentoring women and youth with sustainable business ideas. Aviation Job Notice: The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority is recruiting an Airworthiness Inspector – Avionics, with applications due 17 July 2026.

Ferry Future for Montserrat: Questions are growing after a private ferry vessel appeared in Montserrat waters and was promoted online, while the Government says it’s still finishing its ferry tender and is not currently running a service. Regional Aviation Jobs: The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority is recruiting an Airworthiness Inspector – Avionics, with applications due 17 July 2026. Montserrat Business Support: Entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting July 2026, aimed at women and youth with mentorship and planning support. Public Service Cooperation: Bermuda hosted an Overseas Territories summit that included Montserrat, focusing on workforce shortages, reform, leadership development, and using emerging tech in government. Local Agriculture Award: Montserrat farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award for farming, food security, and community impact. Pope Leo XIV in Spain: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip included visits to Montserrat Abbey and the Canary Islands, with his general audience reflecting on unity and his migrant message condemning traffickers.

Regional Business & Jobs: Montserrat entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for a four-month Green Business Incubator Programme starting in July 2026, offering mentorship, business planning support, and regional networks for women and youth-led early-stage ventures. Aviation Hiring: The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority is advertising an “Airworthiness Inspector – Avionics” post, with applications due 17 July 2026. Public Service Cooperation: Bermuda hosted an Overseas Territories summit for deputy governors and heads of public service, focusing on workforce shortages, talent retention, public service reform, leadership development, and using emerging tech like AI. Montserrat in the spotlight (global): A Vatican appointment named Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado to lead the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication from Nov. 1, after her role at EWTN News. Health push: CARICOM and PAHO are driving efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B across the region. World news with local links: Pope Leo XIV condemned migrant-trafficking networks during his Spain visit, as the Canary Islands remain a major entry point into Europe.

Montserrat Business & Jobs: 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 for women and youth-led early ventures in areas like agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, agro-processing, creative industries, digital services, and environmental innovation. Vatican & Church Media: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, president and COO of EWTN News, as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, effective Nov. 1, placing a South Florida Catholic media leader at the helm of major Church communications. Pope in Spain (Migrants): During his Spain trip, Pope Leo XIV sharply condemned people trafficking and exploitation of migrants, urging criminals to “repent” and warning that those who profit from desperation will face divine justice. EU Travel Rules: Europe’s air passenger rights overhaul is set for final approval, keeping compensation for long delays and cancellations while adding new passenger protections—prompting pushback from airlines over added costs. Local Community (Faith): Women in Montserrat can join the free EMERGE workshop at the Public Library on June 13, a faith-centred event focused on purpose and personal growth.

Vatican Communications: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, president and COO of EWTN News, as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication—making a South Florida native, and a 39-year-old laywoman, the youngest prefect in the Roman Curia. Regional Training: Antigua and Barbuda will host an OECS specialised services sector training programme from June 29 to July 2, with Montserrat included among participating OECS states, aiming to boost skills in trade policy and services negotiations. Health in the Caribbean: CARICOM and PAHO met in Georgetown to push scaling up mother-to-child transmission elimination efforts for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on prevention, treatment, detection and monitoring. Montserrat-linked Europe Watch: EU negotiators agreed air passenger rights reforms—keeping current delay compensation thresholds while adding new obligations like free cabin bag rules—prompting strong airline backlash. Local Community: Women in Montserrat are invited to the free “EMERGE” faith workshop at the Public Library on June 13. Global Spotlight: Audio from a Mango heir’s emergency call after his father’s fatal Montserrat mountain fall has been released in Spain, as the investigation continues.

Montserrat in the Spotlight: Audio from Spain has been released of Mango founder Isak Andic’s son Jonathan Andic pleading for help after his father’s fatal fall in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona in Dec 2024, as prosecutors press a homicide case and argue Jonathan poses a flight risk. EU Travel Rules: European lawmakers have agreed on new air passenger rights, keeping compensation for long delays and cancellations while adding fare transparency and assistance duties—airlines say it raises costs without fixing the real causes of disruption. Faith & Culture: Pope Leo XIV blessed the new Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, urging people to “lift their gaze,” and his Spain trip also spotlighted migration and calls for peace. Regional Development: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services-sector training programme for member islands including Montserrat, aiming to boost resilience and competitiveness. Community & Faith in Montserrat: A free workshop for women, “EMERGE: Trusting God in Every Stage of Your Becoming,” is set for June 13 at the Montserrat Public Library.

Montserrat & OECS Regional News: The OECS Commission says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services-sector training programme (June 29–July 2) for Montserrat and other member states, aiming to boost resilience and competitiveness in global services markets. Local Community & Faith: Women across Montserrat are invited to the free EMERGE workshop—“Trusting God in Every Stage of Your Becoming”—on June 13 (2:00–4:30 p.m.) at the Montserrat Public Library, with limited space and advance registration encouraged. Government & Jobs: A summit of Overseas Territories deputy governors and heads of public service in Bermuda highlighted civil service recruitment struggles tied to ageing populations, outward migration, and competition from the private sector, with Montserrat among the territories represented. World Spotlight (Pope in Spain): Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, urging people to “lift up your gaze,” while his Spain trip also spotlighted migration and calls for peace. Crime & Courts (Montserrat connection): In the Mango founder Isak Andic case, prosecutors continue to argue his son Jonathan Andic poses a flight risk; new reporting includes a tearful 911/999-style call after the fatal Montserrat mountain fall near Barcelona. Environment: Jamaica’s environment minister Matthew Samuda says the Jamaican iguana population—now over 400—is projected to reach 3,000–4,000 within a decade as conservation efforts continue.

Montserrat & Regional Affairs: Montserrat is set to benefit from an OECS specialised services sector training programme hosted in Antigua and Barbuda (June 29–July 2), aimed at strengthening resilience and skills for public and private stakeholders across the services economy. Faith & Community: Women across Montserrat are invited to the free EMERGE workshop—“Trusting God in Every Stage of Your Becoming”—on June 13 at the Montserrat Public Library, featuring biblical teaching, reflection, journaling, and limited-space registration. Public Service & Jobs: A regional summit in Bermuda highlighted ongoing civil service recruitment struggles across British Overseas Territories, including Montserrat, with a career expo planned to make government roles more attractive. International Spotlight (Spain): Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit wrapped with a final Mass in Tenerife and a call to “lift up your gaze,” after major events including the blessing of Sagrada Família’s new Tower of Jesus Christ and strong remarks on migration and peace. Justice Watch (Spain): In the Mango founder Isak Andic case, prosecutors and new released audio focus attention on Jonathan Andic’s emergency call after the fatal Montserrat-area fall.

Pope Leo XIV wraps Spain visit: Pope Leo XIV returned to Rome after a week in Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat and the Canary Islands, thanking Spain’s people, King Felipe VI and the bishops, and ending with a final call to “lift up your gaze” at Tenerife’s Port of Santa Cruz. Sagrada Família milestone: In Barcelona, he blessed and inaugurated the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família, calling the basilica a “masterpiece of stones, colors and light” and urging people to look to Christ for truth and hope. Migration and conflict message: During the trip, he sharply criticized traffickers and “monsters” in the seas, warned against war and exclusion, and urged migrants to integrate while warning of a “silent shipwreck” after arrival. Montserrat in the spotlight: The pope also prayed at Montserrat and used a rosary given by a young couple—then kept it and later prayed with it. Local opportunity: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its waters. Women’s workshop: EMERGE, a free faith-based workshop for women, runs June 13 at the Montserrat Public Library. Regional training: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialized services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) including Montserrat.

Papal Visit Wrap-Up: Pope Leo XIV returned to Rome after a week in Spain, ending in Tenerife with a final message urging people to “lift up your gaze,” and thanking Spain for the welcome he received. Sagrada Família Milestone: In Barcelona, he blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família, calling the basilica a “masterpiece of stones, colors and light” and stressing that Christians cannot promote war or abandon the vulnerable. Montserrat Spotlight: During the trip, Leo entrusted his pontificate to Our Lady of Montserrat and held a Montserrat service where he altered the “El Virolai” lyrics; he also prayed with a rosary from a young couple and later used the same rosary. Local Opportunity: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone. Regional Training: OECS says Antigua and Barbuda will host a specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) including Montserrat. Community Event: Women in Montserrat are invited to the free EMERGE workshop at the Public Library on June 13. Sports Note: Germany take on Curacao in World Cup 2026 Group E, with Curacao having beaten Montserrat 7-0.