AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Readiness: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says healthcare plans are already in motion for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, including backup generators, pre-positioned staff, and steps to relocate services if needed, with extra focus on elderly residents, people with disabilities, and assisted living contingency support. Disaster Preparedness: The DMCA’s Annual Hurricane Conference also covered shelter activation readiness, emergency communications, transportation, fuel security, and public safety coordination as leaders urge residents and businesses to stay prepared year-round. Hypertension & Food Access: A new Montserrat-focused study highlights why many residents struggle to follow the DASH diet for blood pressure control—fresh produce costs, limited fish availability, and entrenched food preferences—while also noting strong motivation and traditional skills that could help. Community Health Funding: The Government of Montserrat launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund 11 with EC$8.1 million for projects aimed at reducing poverty and strengthening essential services, including community support delivered through renovated local facilities.

Hurricane Readiness: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health and Social Services says healthcare plans are already in motion for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, including backup generators, pre-positioned medical staff, hospital service relocation plans, and support for vulnerable residents like elderly people and those with disabilities. Shelter & Response Planning: The DMCA’s annual conference update also covered emergency shelter activation readiness, communications, transport, fuel security, and community response, with seven shelters designated for about 190 people and the Salem Community Centre returning to the shelter list. Disease Watch: Health officials report Ebola risk to Montserrat remains low while they monitor outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda and two imported malaria cases in Antigua and Barbuda, strengthening isolation/treatment capacity, staff training, infection control, and PPE use. Chronic Disease & Food Access: A new study highlights why many Montserratians struggle to follow the DASH diet for hypertension—fresh produce costs, limited fish availability, and access barriers—despite strong motivation to improve health. Local Funding for Health & Services: The Government of Montserrat launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund 11 with EC$8.1 million for community projects aimed at reducing poverty and improving essential services.

Hurricane Preparedness: Montserrat’s Disaster Management Coordination Agency says shelters, emergency communications, healthcare services, transport planning, fuel security and public safety teams are already in place as the 2026 Atlantic season begins, with seven shelters designated (about 190 people) and the Salem Community Centre returning to the shelter list. Public Health Monitoring: The Ministry of Health and Social Services is closely tracking Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda and reports of two imported malaria cases in Antigua & Barbuda, stressing Montserrat’s risk remains low while it reviews isolation and treatment capacity, refreshes staff training, and reinforces infection control and PPE use. Nutrition & Hypertension: A new local study highlights why many Montserratians struggle to follow the DASH eating plan for blood pressure control—fresh produce costs, limited fish availability, and entrenched food preferences—while also noting strong motivation to improve and traditional skills that could help. Community Health Support: The Caribbean Development Bank’s BNTF 11 programme was launched with EC$8.1 million for projects aimed at reducing poverty and strengthening essential services, including community-focused improvements. Health-Adjacent Local Life: A Montserrat-linked summer tourism and wellness angle highlights the island’s food and culture, including the Calabash Festival (July 18–26) and calls to eat healthier.

Hurricane Preparedness: Montserrat’s Disaster Management Coordination Agency says shelters, emergency communications, healthcare services, transport, fuel security, and public safety are already being readied for the 2026 Atlantic season, with seven shelters designated (about 190 people) and the Salem Community Centre back in the mix. Public Health Monitoring: The Ministry of Health and Social Services reports Ebola risk to Montserrat remains low while it strengthens response plans, and it’s also tracking two imported malaria cases reported in Antigua & Barbuda. Nutrition & Hypertension: A new Montserrat-focused study highlights why many residents struggle to follow the DASH diet for blood pressure control—fresh produce costs, limited fish availability, and entrenched food preferences—despite strong motivation to improve. Community Health Funding: The Government of Montserrat has launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund 11 with EC$8.1 million for projects aimed at reducing poverty and improving essential services. Regional Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS are convening a workshop to improve access to safe, effective, quality-assured medicines across OECS member states.

Hurricane Preparedness: Montserrat’s Disaster Management Coordination Agency says shelters, emergency communications, healthcare services, transport, fuel security, and public safety teams are already being readied for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, with seven shelters designated for about 190 people and the Salem Community Centre returning to the shelter list. Public Health Monitoring: The Ministry of Health and Social Services reports it is closely tracking Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda and two imported malaria cases in Antigua and Barbuda, stressing Montserrat’s risk remains low while response plans, infection control, and PPE use are being reviewed and strengthened. Hypertension & Food Access: A new study highlights that many Montserratians know what to eat for blood pressure control, but face barriers like high produce costs and limited fish availability, pointing to DASH-style eating as a key approach. Basic Needs Funding: The Government launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund 11 Programme with EC$8.1 million for community projects aimed at reducing poverty and improving essential services. Regional Health Supply: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS are convening a workshop to improve access to safe, effective medicines across OECS member states, including coordinated procurement and supply chain support.

Hurricane Preparedness (Health Services): Montserrat’s Disaster Management Coordination Agency says emergency planning is already in place for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, with seven designated hurricane shelters (about 190 people capacity) and specific focus on healthcare services, emergency communications, transport, fuel security, and public safety. Public Health (Disease Monitoring): Montserrat’s Ministry of Health is monitoring Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda and reports two imported malaria cases in Antigua & Barbuda, while reviewing isolation and treatment capacity, refresher training, infection prevention and control, and PPE use to keep risk low. Chronic Disease & Nutrition (Hypertension): A new study highlights that many Montserratians know what to eat for blood pressure control using the DASH approach, but face barriers like high produce costs, limited fish availability, and entrenched food preferences. Regional Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, effective medicines and health technologies across OECS member states, including pooled procurement and stronger supply systems. Community Health & Inclusion (Sports/Autism): An all-inclusive soccer camp run by Texoma FC and the Owen Foundation supports children with autism and other special needs with “certified buddies,” plus plans for more camps.

Ebola & Malaria Watch: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says the risk of Ebola from outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda remains low, while it steps up surveillance, isolation/treatment readiness, staff training, infection control, and PPE use; it’s also monitoring two imported malaria cases reported in Antigua & Barbuda. Hypertension & Food Access: A new study highlights that while many Montserratians know the DASH eating plan, cost and availability barriers—like expensive fresh produce and limited fish access—make it hard to follow, even though residents are motivated to improve. Medicines Access in the Region: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a regional workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies, including better procurement, supply chains, forecasting, and pooled purchasing. Community Support Funding: Montserrat officially launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 11 Programme with EC$8.1 million for poverty reduction, livelihoods, and essential services, with the allocation rising sharply versus earlier cycles. Air Links Concern: New EU passenger-rights revisions could threaten thin regional routes that serve peripheral island communities, raising fears of lost air connections for places like Montserrat’s wider region. Local Wellness & Lifestyle: Summer travel and island life pieces spotlight Montserrat’s seasonal experiences, including the Calabash Festival, plus a focus on traditional medicinal plants and fresh food culture.

Public Health Watch: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says the Ebola risk to the island remains low while it monitors outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, and it’s reviewing response plans—training staff, strengthening infection control, and ensuring proper PPE use—alongside regional travel precautions. Malaria Monitoring: The ministry also confirmed it’s tracking two imported malaria cases reported in Antigua and Barbuda, while noting Montserrat does not have the mosquito that spreads the disease. Local Health & Nutrition: A new study highlights that while many Montserratians know the DASH diet for blood pressure control, barriers like high produce costs, limited fish availability, and entrenched food preferences make it hard to follow. Regional Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, effective medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean, including a formal launch of a technical working group to strengthen procurement and supply systems. Community Support Funding: Montserrat officially launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund 11 Programme with EC$8.1 million for projects aimed at reducing poverty and improving essential services.

Hypertension & Food Access: A new Montserrat-linked study finds many adults know what to eat for blood-pressure control, but DASH-style changes are blocked by high fresh-produce costs, limited fish availability, and entrenched food preferences—while also highlighting strong motivation and traditional skills that could help. Disease Monitoring: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says it’s closely tracking Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda and reports imported malaria cases in Antigua & Barbuda, stressing the risk to Montserrat remains low while strengthening isolation, staff training, infection control, and PPE use. Medicines Access in the Region: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a regional workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies, including pooled procurement, supply chain support, and quality assurance. Community Health Funding: Montserrat officially launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund 11 with EC$8.1 million for projects to reduce poverty and strengthen essential services, including support for delivery capacity. Local Wellness & Lifestyle: Summer travel and island life are being promoted alongside practical wellness ideas, including traditional medicinal plants and fresh tropical foods, with the Calabash Festival 2026 kicking off July 18–26.

Hypertension & Food Access: A new Montserrat-focused study finds many adults know the DASH diet for blood pressure control, but struggle to follow it due to high fresh-produce costs, limited fish availability, and entrenched food habits—while also highlighting strong motivation and traditional skills that could support healthier eating. Disease Monitoring: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says Ebola risk remains low as it monitors outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda, while also tracking two imported malaria cases reported in Antigua & Barbuda and reviewing isolation, staff training, infection control, and PPE readiness. Medicines Access (Regional): PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a regional workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, effective medicines and health technologies, including pooled procurement and stronger supply systems. Community Health Funding: Government launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund 11 Programme with EC$8.1 million for projects to reduce poverty and strengthen essential services, including support for community resource centres. Wellness & Lifestyle (Local): A week-by-week look at why Montserrat is ideal in summer, plus festival highlights like the Calabash Festival (July 18–26, 2026) and Calasplash, with local food and culture front and centre.

Court Update (Health Impact): In the case into Mango founder Isak Andic’s death on Mount Montserrat, Jonathan Andic’s defense says the fall may have been accidental, pointing to his bilateral knee osteoarthritis and a slower reaction that could explain why he reportedly had no palm injuries; lawyers also used 3D modeling and mannequins, plus a prior fall captured on surveillance, to support the argument. Public Health Watch: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says it is closely monitoring Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda and two imported malaria cases reported in Antigua & Barbuda, stressing the risk to Montserrat remains low while it reviews isolation and treatment capacity, refreshes staff training, and reinforces infection prevention and PPE use. Medicines Access (Regional): PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a two-day regional workshop in Saint Lucia (28–29 May 2026) to improve access to safe, effective medicines and health technologies, including launching a PAHO/WHO–OECS Technical Working Group to strengthen procurement, supply chains, quality assurance, and pooled purchasing. Community Health Funding: The Government of Montserrat launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund 11 Programme with EC$8.1 million for poverty reduction and essential services, including a major increase in Montserrat’s allocation compared with earlier BNTF cycles.

Court Update (Health Impact): In the ongoing case into Mango founder Isak Andic’s death on Montserrat, Jonathan Andic’s defense says the fall may have been accidental, pointing to the late entrepreneur’s bilateral knee osteoarthritis and arguing it could have slowed his reaction during a sudden slip. The defense also disputes suspicions of foul play tied to the absence of typical palm injuries, and cites a prior fall captured on surveillance in Barcelona where he lost balance but was helped by an employee. Public Health Watch: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says it is closely monitoring Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, stressing the risk to Montserrat remains low while it reviews isolation and treatment capacity, refreshes healthcare training, and reinforces infection prevention and control and PPE use. Regional Malaria Monitoring: The Ministry also reports two imported malaria cases detected in Antigua and Barbuda and says Montserrat is maintaining active surveillance and travel-related precautions regionally. Medicines Access (Regional Health Systems): PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a joint planning workshop in Saint Lucia (28–29 May 2026) to improve access to safe, effective medicines and health technologies, including launching a technical working group to strengthen procurement, supply chains, quality assurance, and pooled procurement across Eastern Caribbean states. Community Health Support Funding: The Government of Montserrat launched CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 11 Programme, securing EC$8.1 million for projects aimed at reducing poverty and improving essential services, with Montserrat’s allocation rising to about US$3 million—nearly five times the previous cycle.

Health Security Update: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says the risk of Ebola to the island remains low while it monitors outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, and it’s reviewing response plans including isolation and treatment capacity, refresher training, infection prevention and control, and proper PPE use; it’s also tracking two imported malaria cases reported in Antigua and Barbuda and coordinating with WHO, UKHSA, and CARPHA. Community Health & Poverty Support: The Government of Montserrat launched the Caribbean Development Bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 11 Programme with EC$8.1 million for projects to reduce poverty, strengthen livelihoods, and improve essential services, including work tied to the renovated Salem Community Resource Centre. Court Case (Health Angle): In the investigation into Mango founder Isak Andic’s death on Mount Montserrat, Jonathan Andic’s defense argues the fall may have been accidental, pointing to his bilateral knee osteoarthritis and a reconstruction using 3D modeling and mannequins, while noting earlier concerns about missing palm injuries. Regional Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, effective medicines and health technologies, including launching a technical working group to strengthen procurement, supply chains, quality assurance, and pooled procurement across Eastern Caribbean member states. Youth & Wellness Leadership: Montserrat youth climate advocate Sandrae Thomas is invited to speak at Nzuko Africa Festival 2026, and Montserrat/UK youth are among those set to be recognized at the Caribbean Global Youth Awards 2026, highlighting leadership and community initiatives that support healthier lifestyles.

Infectious Disease Watch: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says it is closely monitoring Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, and two imported malaria cases reported in Antigua and Barbuda, stressing the risk of Ebola to Montserrat remains low. Preparedness & Care: The Ministry says it is reviewing and strengthening national response plans, including isolation and treatment capacity checks, refresher training for healthcare staff, tighter infection prevention and control, and correct PPE use, while regional travel-connected islands are adding precautionary measures. Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene a regional workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, effective, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across OECS member states, including a formal launch of a PAHO/WHO–OECS technical working group to support procurement, supply chains, quality assurance, and pooled purchasing. Community Health & Wellness: Montserrat youth climate advocate Sandrae Thomas has been invited to speak at the Nzuko Africa Festival 2026, and in Montserrat he leads initiatives tied to civic engagement and healthier lifestyles.

Infectious Disease Watch: Montserrat’s Ministry of Health says it is closely monitoring Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, and two imported malaria cases reported in Antigua and Barbuda, stressing the risk of Ebola to Montserrat remains low while surveillance continues with WHO, UKHSA and CARPHA. Preparedness & Care Capacity: The Ministry is reviewing and strengthening national response plans, including isolation and treatment capacity checks, refresher training for healthcare staff, tighter infection prevention and control, and correct PPE use for frontline workers. Regional Health Security: Antigua and Barbuda are adding travel-related precautions to support ongoing surveillance across the islands. Medicines Access (Eastern Caribbean): PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a 28–29 May workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, effective, quality-assured medicines and health technologies, including a formal launch of a PAHO/WHO–OECS technical working group to strengthen procurement, supply chains, forecasting, inventory management, and pooled procurement. Global Health Policy: At the World Health Assembly, WHO highlighted disease elimination achievements including Montserrat’s recognition for elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis, and continued negotiations on pathogen access and benefit sharing under the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

Medicines Access in the Eastern Caribbean: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will hold a 28–29 May 2026 joint planning workshop in Saint Lucia to improve access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines and health technologies across OECS member states, with a formal launch of a PAHO/WHO–OECS Technical Working Group to guide coordinated work on procurement, supply chains, demand forecasting, inventory management, quality assurance, and pooled procurement. Global Health Policy Updates: At the World Health Assembly, WHO’s Director-General reported on progress under “Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility,” with recognition for disease elimination (including mother-to-child transmission of HIV, HBV and syphilis) and tobacco control, while member states continued negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system for the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Regional Connectivity & Health Access: European regional airline CEOs urged EU policymakers to pause revisions to EU261 passenger rights, warning that added compensation burdens—on top of higher fuel and operating costs—could threaten thin routes that communities rely on for access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Youth & Community Spotlight: Saint Lucia’s Caribbean Global Youth Awards 2026 will honour young leaders across the region, including Montserrat/UK, while Montserrat youth climate advocate Sandrae Thomas has been invited to speak at Nzuko Africa Festival 2026.