Topic: News

The Montserrat Community College held its 14^th annual Graduation process on the 18^thDecember 2019 at the Sir George Martin Auditorium at the Montserrat Cultural Centre.  Some twenty-one students graduated.

The Chairperson for the evening was Ms. Tanisha Christopher who herself is a former student of the college. She took the opportunity to encourage the graduating students to take advantage of other development initiatives so that they are able to achieve their full potential.  

The accomplishments of the College were highlighted by the Principal Mrs. Geraldine Cabey in the Principals remarks.  The evening saw entertainment provided by the MCC students.  The Valedictorian Mr. Akeem Richards, ably shared with the audience some of his experience while attending the MCC and his outlook for future years for himself and his fellow class mates.  The vote of thanks was given by Ms. Shaynae Taylor-Lee, the President of the Student Council.

Another fun filled afternoon for the Primary Schools on island as the St. Augustine Primary School put on an entertaining Christmas Concert at the Montserrat Cultural Centre under the theme ‘Love, Joy and Celebration.’  

The children were dressed appropriately for the different acts which depicted different elements of the Christmas festive season here on Montserrat in song, dance, poetry and steep pan renditions.  Again it’s not hard to recognize that there are lots of talent in our youths here on Montserrat.  Congrats again to the teachers and parents of the students.

The Brades Primary School just completed Christmas Concert on Wednesday December 11, 2019 was one filled with enjoyable performances from all the students from all the grade levels of the school.  They were all so eager to perform and there is no shortage of talent within the school. The spirit of the Christmas is surely being felt with joyous feeling that came through the songs as rendered by the students.

Congrats to the Principle, teachers and parents of the Brades Primary School.  

Day 3 of the 2019 Alliouagana Festival of the Word under the theme “Continue the Conversation, Change the Narrative” is happening now at the Montserrat Cultural Centre with presentations from authors Dr. Emily Bernard, Olive Senior and Dr. Cheryl Tawede Grills.  

Todays events also include the MVO creative writing competition and the Harper Collins sponsored Spelling Bee and reading competition for the children.

This festival has been a good addition to the yearly events on Montserrat as writers both local and from across the region can use the opportunity to come together to share and discuss their books.  Three books were launched on Friday 15^th– Olive Senior Boonoonoonous Hair, Howard Fergus First of August Come Againand Christene Browne Philomena (Unloved).

The Youth Parliament under the guidance of the Legislative Office hosted a set of Political Debates leading to the upcoming general Elections to be held on November 18, 2019. The final of the 5 debates was held in the Sir George Martin Auditorium at the Montserrat Cultural Centre on the 12^thNovember 2019.  The debate brought together 8 candidates representing the current Governments party –The Peoples Democratic Movement -PDM, The Movement for Change and Prosperity – MCAP party, the Montserrat United Labour party – MUL, and 3 Independents on stage responding to questions posed by the local community and the diaspora.  

The forum was streamed live to allow for a greater reach not only for the local community but for Montserratians aboard who have a keen interest in what is happening on the Island. 

The Debates have been a welcomed addition to the campaigning period over the last two weeks as it gave each of the 35 candidates an equal opportunity to share their future plans for Montserrat. 

Caribbean Statistics Day was celebrated by the Statics Department here on Montserrat with a week of activities starting on October 13, 2019 and ending on October 18, 2019.  

Included in the week of activities was a debate, facilitated by the Statistics Department in conjunction with by the local Debating Society from the Montserrat Community College. This debate took place at the Sir George Martin Auditorium of the Montserrat Cultural Centre on Sunday October 13 at 5pm.  The moot for the debate was – Lack of evidence based decision making continues to stymie the economic development of the Caribbean region.  

The participants of the debate from the Montserrat Community College were – for the Proposition Shaynae Taylor Lee – first speaker and Ashanti Francis- second speaker.  

The Opposition was led by Ms. Rhonda Allen -first speaker and Ms. Beyoncé Osborne -second speaker.  

Congratulations to the Opposition team for winning the debate and to Ms. Rhonda Allen who was judged the best speaker.

The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports hosted an official release of the May/June 2019 examination results in Montserrat on Friday August 8, 2019 at the Montserrat Cultural Centre.

The ceremony brought together the CXC Registrar – Dr. Wayne Wesley, the Senior Manager Examination Development Mr. Alton McPherson and Mrs. Dianne Medford – Manager Examinations Administration.  The local officials included the Honorable Premier Mr. Donaldson Romeo, other Government Ministers, Ministry of Education Officials, other Department heads and senior officers.  Parents and students of the graduating class were also in attendance.

Mrs. Mildred Chalmers opened the session with her rendition of the territorial song.  The feature address was presented by the Hon Premier who read the Minister of Education’s message.  Remarks were given by the CXC Registrar and the symbolic presentation of the results presented to the Honourable Premier.   Additional performances were provided by the Genisys Steel Orchestra and a lovely song rendition by a combined youth group.

The Montserrat Secondary School held its annual graduation ceremony on July 3, 2019 at the Montserrat Cultural Centre Auditorium.  Sixty students graduated from the class of 2019.  Ms. Nickeisha Scotland most was outstanding and attained the valedictorian for the class of 2019.  

The ceremony was chaired by Ms. Jasmine Jno–Baptise and the key note speaker was Ms. Linda Dias. The overall report on the school’s performance was presented by the Principal Mrs. Cherlyn Hogan.   Entertainment for the evening was provided by the MSS Music Students and the DSS Dancers.

Numerous awards were presented to students of the graduating class varying from ‘Most Outstanding’ student in different academic subjects to Leadership awards, Sports and Theatre Arts awards.   

The evening ended with a vote of thanks from 2019 graduate Ms. Tiffany Weekes.

On June 29, 2019 the Nurses Association on Montserrat hosted an Awards Dinner and Banquet at the Montserrat Cultural Centre Auditorium.  The Association used the opportunity to demonstrate its gratitude to a group of nurses on Montserrat who have contributed to the wellbeing and social development of Montserrat over a number of years.

The following nurses were given awards in respect of the following categories: –

For 20 years of service to the profession and for their contribution to the Nurses Association: –

1. Brenda Daley
2. Noleen Meade
3. Lystra Fagan
4. Shaumen Gray
5. Jeanette Lee
6. Paula Pollard

For dedicated service: –

1. Violet Browne
2. Christine Layne
3. Sonique Layne
4. Mischelle Barnes
5. Denise Ross
6. Josephine Okereke

For their valuable support to the Health nursing staff at the Hospital the following persons were given gifts: –

1. Naomi Farrell
2. Arlene Ponteen
3. Grethlyn West
4. Helen Kirwan
5. Mark McPhoy.

The Chairperson for the evening was Mrs. Lorraine Nanton.  The Government of Montserrat through Minister Claude Hogan was in high praises for the nurses and the dedicated work they continue to do for the people of Montserrat.