AGP Executive Report

Cost of Living Guidance: Montserrat’s government, via Premier Reuben Meade, is urging residents to “belt-tighten” in practical ways as global shocks keep pushing up prices and aid is limited. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 has put Montserrat on the map as a “volcano-carved hideaway,” with CNN coverage boosting international attention. Visitor-Ready Skills: The Montserrat Tourism Authority says 45 people completed its 2026 Tour Guide and Taxi Operator Certification Training, learning storytelling, safety, and how to interpret the island’s volcanic landscape. Regional Capacity Building: OECS trade-in-services stakeholders (including a Montserrat session planned for September 2026) are getting EU-funded specialised training to strengthen trade policy and negotiating skills. Community & Learning: A global Lancet study warns that inequality—especially for migrants, homeless people, and people with disabilities—can shape future pandemic harm, underlining why social protection matters.

Montserrat in Lonely Planet’s 2027 spotlight: Lonely Planet has named Montserrat among its “50 best places and travel experiences” for 2027, calling it a “volcano-carved hideaway” with emerald peaks, black-sand beaches, award-winning dining and stories shaped by the Soufrière Hills eruptions. Tourism training with local impact: The Montserrat Tourism Authority says 45 people have completed its 2026 Tour Guide and Taxi Operator Certification Training, learning visitor engagement, history and heritage storytelling, safety procedures and practical guiding routes across the island. Healthcare future plan: A diaspora-led initiative, Friends of Montserrat Care, has outlined a two-phase proposal for a new private healthcare system, targeting US$6 million for phase one with hopes of starting as early as February 2027—beginning with mobile medical units, labs and rotating specialists. Culture, food and community ties: Queens Together partnered with Astoria’s Jamaican fusion deli Notable to “Feed a Veteran,” delivering culturally tailored meals for a Springfield Gardens Korean War veteran for at least six months. Science leadership note: Professor Marie Edmonds has been appointed Head of Cambridge’s School of Physical Sciences, with research focused on volcanic activity and how it affects people and the planet.

Travel Spotlight: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 keeps putting Montserrat on the map, with the island highlighted as a “volcano-carved hideaway” and amplified by CNN coverage reaching wider audiences. Tourism Skills: The Montserrat Tourism Authority certified 45 tour guides and taxi operators for the 2026 cruise season, training them in storytelling, visitor engagement, safety, and volcanic interpretation. Travel Trends: Lonely Planet’s 50 Best Places in 2027 also spotlights the wider shift toward slower, less crowded trips—plus Montserrat appears in regional picks for the Caribbean, Central America and South America. Global Policy & Health: A Lancet Commission warns that housing and access gaps during COVID-19 left many unable to follow basic protections, raising fears that inequality could shape future pandemic deaths. Culture & Food: Queens Together partnered with Astoria’s Jamaican fusion deli Notable to deliver culturally tailored meals to a 96-year-old Korean War veteran in Springfield Gardens for at least six months. Science & Community: Professor Marie Edmonds was appointed Head of Cambridge’s School of Physical Sciences, with her volcanology work focused on how volcanic activity affects people and the planet.

Montserrat in the spotlight: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 puts Montserrat among its 50 best places and experiences, with CNN helping spread the news internationally. Tourism training: The Montserrat Tourism Authority certified 45 tour guides and taxi operators ahead of the cruise season, with a focus on storytelling, safety, and accurate heritage. Health and community planning: A diaspora-led initiative targets US$6 million for Phase One of a new private healthcare system for Montserrat, aiming for mobile units and lab services—while noting key financial and regulatory details still need to be made public. Food relief with cultural care: Queens Together teamed up with Astoria’s Jamaican fusion deli Notable to feed a 96-year-old Korean War veteran in Springfield Gardens with “Caribbean home cooking” for at least six months. Global culture lens: A Lancet study warns that unequal housing and access to services left many people unable to follow COVID protections—an issue that could shape future pandemic deaths.

Montserrat Tourism Spotlight: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 puts Montserrat among its top 50 places and experiences for 2027, with CNN coverage helping the island reach a wider audience; the write-up spotlights volcano-carved landscapes, emerald peaks, black-sand beaches, and award-winning dining. Local Skills for Visitors: The Montserrat Tourism Authority trained 45 people in its 2026 Tour Guide and Taxi Operator Certification (Sept 7–19), covering storytelling, visitor engagement, safety, and practical guiding routes ahead of the cruise season. Diaspora Health Plan: A diaspora-led initiative is targeting US$6 million for Phase One of a new private healthcare system for Montserrat, aiming for mobile units and lab services with possible rollout as early as Feb 2027, while noting key financial and regulatory details still need to be made public. Food Relief Partnership: Queens Together teamed up with Astoria’s Jamaican fusion deli Notable to feed a 96-year-old Korean War veteran in Springfield Gardens for at least six months, tailoring meals to his Caribbean home-cooking preferences.

Montserrat Tourism: Forty-five people have completed the Montserrat Tourism Authority’s 2026 Tour Guide and Taxi Operator Certification Training, learning visitor engagement, history and heritage storytelling, safety procedures, and practical guiding routes ahead of the cruise season. Travel Spotlight: Montserrat is getting a global boost after being named among Lonely Planet’s 50 Best Places and Experiences for 2027, with CNN picking up the story and highlighting the island’s volcano-carved landscape, black-sand beaches, and “quiet hideaway” feel. Healthcare Planning: A diaspora-led initiative is pitching a new private healthcare system for Montserrat with a US$6 million first-phase target, including mobile medical units and lab services, while organisers say key financial and regulatory details are still to be released. Culture & Community: Queens Together teamed up with Astoria’s Jamaican fusion deli Notable to deliver culturally tailored food relief to a 96-year-old Korean War veteran in Springfield Gardens for at least six months. Food for Thought: A Lancet study warns that housing and access gaps left many people unable to follow basic COVID-19 protections, raising fears about how inequality could shape future pandemic deaths.

Science & Leadership: Queens’ College Professor Marie Edmonds FRS has been appointed Head of the University of Cambridge’s School of Physical Sciences, starting 1 October, bringing volcanology expertise and a focus on science “for the benefit of humanity.” Culture & Travel Spotlight: Montserrat is featured in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027, with CNN amplifying the pick as a “volcano-carved hideaway” known for emerald peaks, black-sand beaches, and award-winning dining. Tourism Skills: The Montserrat Tourism Authority certified 45 tour guides and taxi operators (Sept 7–19), training them in storytelling, visitor engagement, safety, and local history ahead of the cruise season. Health & Community Planning: A diaspora-led proposal targets US$6 million for Phase One of a new private healthcare system for Montserrat, aiming for mobile units and lab services, with a longer-term academic medical centre still awaiting key details. Food & Belonging: Queens Together partnered with Astoria’s Notable to deliver culturally tailored Caribbean meals to a Springfield Gardens Korean War veteran for at least six months. Slow Travel Picks: Lonely Planet’s 2027 list also spotlights St Cuthbert’s Way, a 62-mile pilgrimage walk, reflecting a wider push toward slower, less crowded journeys.

Montserrat in the spotlight: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list puts Montserrat among the Caribbean picks, with CNN amplifying the news internationally and highlighting the island’s volcano-carved landscapes, black-sand beaches, and “best for a volcano-carved hideaway” vibe. Tourism training: The Montserrat Tourism Authority certified 45 people through its 2026 Tour Guide and Taxi Operator programme, covering storytelling, visitor engagement, safety, and practical guiding routes ahead of the cruise season. Culture & community: Queens Together teamed up with Astoria’s Jamaican fusion deli Notable to “Feed a Veteran” for at least six months, aiming for culturally familiar food for a Korean War veteran of Caribbean descent. Health planning: A diaspora-led initiative outlined a two-phase private healthcare proposal for Montserrat, targeting US$6 million for Phase One with mobile units and lab services, while noting key financial and regulatory details still need to be made public. Science leadership: Professor Marie Edmonds was appointed Head of Cambridge’s School of Physical Sciences, starting 1 October, bringing volcanology expertise and a focus on science for “the benefit of humanity.”

Montserrat in the spotlight: Lonely Planet has named Montserrat among its 50 Best Places and Experiences for 2027, calling it a “volcano-carved hideaway” with emerald peaks and black-sand beaches; the pick has since spread via CNN and international affiliates. Tourism training: The Montserrat Tourism Authority certified 45 tour guides and taxi operators for the 2026 cruise season, with training in storytelling, visitor engagement, safety, and VHF radio procedures. Health & community planning: A diaspora-led initiative is targeting US$6 million for Phase One of a new private healthcare system for Montserrat, with mobile units and lab services proposed first, while key financial and regulatory details are still pending. Culture & heritage: A Montserrat Connection CIC founder reflects on how Saturday market life shaped her sense of culture—and how that spirit is being carried into a Montserrat Christmas Market in London. EU politics with a gender lens: In Armenia, EPP figures including Dolores Montserrat discussed European aspirations and reforms, including women’s participation in party politics. EU rail safety update: A European Parliament delegation in Greece praised progress after the 2023 Tempi disaster but flagged slow reform and incomplete safety system rollouts.

Montserrat Tourism: 45 people have completed the Montserrat Tourism Authority’s 2026 Tour Guide and Taxi Operator Certification Training, covering guiding, visitor engagement, island history, storytelling, customer service, first aid, VHF radio use and tour safety—plus a practical route exercise from Little Bay to St George’s Hill and Plymouth. Global Travel Spotlight: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list has put Montserrat on the map as a “volcano-carved hideaway,” with CNN helping widen the reach of the island’s inclusion. Healthcare Planning: A diaspora-led initiative is targeting US$6 million for Phase One of a proposed new private healthcare system for Montserrat, with mobile units, lab services and rotating specialists planned first—while organisers say key financial and regulatory details are still to be made public. Culture & Community: Queens Together partnered with Astoria’s Jamaican fusion deli Notable to “Feed a Veteran,” delivering culturally tailored meals for at least six months to a 96-year-old Korean War veteran in Springfield Gardens. Food & Inequality Watch: A Lancet Commission warns that housing and access gaps left many people unable to follow basic COVID protections, and those inequalities could shape future pandemic death tolls.

Montserrat in the spotlight: Lonely Planet has named Montserrat among its “Best in Travel 2027” picks, calling it a “volcano-carved hideaway” with emerald peaks, black-sand beaches, and stories worth discovering; the feature has also been amplified internationally, including through CNN coverage. Tourism skills for the cruise season: The Montserrat Tourism Authority trained 45 people in its 2026 Tour Guide and Taxi Operator Certification (Sept 7–19), covering storytelling, visitor engagement, safety, first aid, and practical guiding routes across Plymouth, St George’s Hill, and the volcanic landscape. Health and community planning: A diaspora-led initiative outlined a proposed Montserrat private healthcare system with a US$6 million target for Phase One, including mobile medical units and lab services, while noting key financial and regulatory details still need to be made public. Culture through everyday life: Montserrat Connection CIC founder Keima Allen reflects on market-day memories and how community traditions can be carried forward—right up to a Montserrat Christmas Market in London. Global context on inequality: A Lancet Commission warns that housing and access gaps during COVID-19 could shape future pandemic death tolls, especially for migrants, the homeless, and people with disabilities.

Montserrat Tourism & Skills: Forty-five people completed the Montserrat Tourism Authority’s 2026 Tour Guide and Taxi Operator Certification Training, learning guiding, storytelling, safety, and visitor engagement across Plymouth, St George’s Hill, and the volcanic landscape. Lonely Planet Spotlight: Montserrat landed on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list, with CNN amplifying the pick and calling it a “volcano-carved hideaway” with emerald peaks, black-sand beaches, and award-winning dining. Travel Media Buzz: Antor’s 2026 Travel Media Awards in London honoured top travel outlets and writers, underscoring how destination storytelling is shaping what people book next. Food & Community Care: Queens Together teamed up with Astoria’s Notable to deliver culturally tailored meals for at least six months to a 96-year-old Korean War veteran in Springfield Gardens, aiming for “connection,” not just calories. Healthcare Planning: A diaspora-led Montserrat healthcare initiative outlined a US$6 million target for Phase One, with mobile units and lab services, while noting key financial and regulatory details are still to be released.

Tourism & Heritage: Lonely Planet has named the 62-mile St Cuthbert’s Way walk in Northumberland as one of its top 2027 travel experiences, spotlighting a slow, faith-linked route from Melrose to Holy Island—alongside a wider list that also includes Montserrat. Culture & Food on Screen: Catalonia’s government says the TV series “Gènesi” is boosting the international profile of Catalan cuisine, with episodes set across regions including Montserrat, and featuring chefs and Ferran Adrià. Local Health & Community: A diaspora-led initiative is targeting US$6 million for Phase One of a proposed new private healthcare system for Montserrat, with mobile units and lab services planned first—while key financial and regulatory details are still to be published. Montserrat in the Diaspora: Keima Allen recalls Montserrat’s Saturday market culture and how it inspired a Montserrat Christmas Market in London. Music Spotlight: Latin Grammy nominations are led by producer Edgar Barrera with 13 nods, while Karol G and Rosalía each earned seven. Sports & Pride: Team Paraguay hit 20 medals at the South American Games after new golds in rowing and golf.

Montserrat & Food Culture: The Generalitat spotlighted the Catalan cuisine series “Gènesi,” co-produced with 3Cat, saying it “projects Catalan cuisine to the world” and includes Montserrat landscapes plus chef characters and Ferran Adrià. Diaspora Healthcare: A diaspora-led Montserrat healthcare proposal is targeting US$6 million for Phase One, with mobile units, labs and rotating specialists planned for as early as February 2027—though key financial and regulatory details are still not public. Community & Tradition: Montserrat Connection founder Keima Allen reflects on Saturday market culture in Montserrat and how that spirit is being carried into a Montserrat Christmas Market in London. Sports & Pride: Team Paraguay hit 20 medals at the South American Games, adding golds in rowing and golf. Arts & Learning: A Q&A with St. Edward’s University’s interim president Matthew Shank focuses on campus traditions and student connection during a leadership transition. Travel Inspiration: Lonely Planet released its “Best in Travel 2027” list, while Tripadvisor unveiled new food-experience categories for its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Community Health & Diaspora Ambition: A diaspora-led plan for a new private healthcare system in Montserrat targets US$6 million for Phase One, aiming for mobile units, labs and visiting specialists by February 2027, though organisers say key financial and regulatory details are still not public. Sports & Local Pride: LeTourneau’s Sophie Pyle led the women’s cross-country team to a fifth-place finish in Arkansas, with all seven runners posting personal records, while the men’s team finished second at the same invitational. Montserrat Culture in Motion: Keima Allen reflects on Saturday market life in Montserrat and how that community spirit is being carried into a Montserrat Christmas Market in London. Church Leadership & Gender: A Vatican update highlights women taking top roles, including the first woman to head a Vatican dicastery and a woman leading Vatican City’s executive government. Food & Travel Inspiration: Tripadvisor’s 2026 awards spotlight food tours and restaurants worldwide, with new categories like “Viral Right Now.” Arts & Music Spotlight: Latin Grammy nominations are led by Edgar Barrera with 13 nods, with major contenders including Karol G and Rosalía. Centenarian Spotlight: Montserrat’s Peter Cabey marks 100 with a simple message: “Never hold malice against anyone.”

Montserrat Healthcare: A diaspora-led push to build a new private healthcare system in Montserrat is targeting US$6 million for Phase One, with organisers aiming to start as early as February 2027. The plan, shared online by Friends of Montserrat Care, begins with mobile medical units, lab services and visiting specialists, while a longer-term vision includes a large academic medical centre tied to a 55+ residential development, plus medical tourism and education. Organisers stressed that key financial, legal, operational and regulatory details are still not public and depend on fundraising, approvals and community consultation. Montserrat Community & Culture: Keima Allen of Montserrat Connection CIC reflects on Saturday market life in Montserrat—and how that community spirit is being carried into a Montserrat Christmas Market in London. Local Milestone: Montserrat cricket and community figure Peter Cabey marked his 100th birthday with a simple message: “Never hold malice against anyone.”