Montserrat Civil Service Association

04/05/2026

08/03/2026

For Immediate Release
March 08, 2026

The Montserrat Civil Service Association (MCSA) is pleased to announce the selection of Sis. Althea Allen as the new Chair of the Women’s Committee. Her appointment marks an important step in strengthening the voice, participation, and leadership of women within the trade union movement.

Sis. Allen brings with her a strong commitment to the principles of equality, dignity, and solidarity that guide the work of the Women’s Committee. In her new role, she will lead initiatives aimed at empowering female members, supporting their engagement in union activities, and addressing issues that disproportionately affect women in the workplace and society.

The Women’s Committee serves as a key platform within the Civil Service Association for promoting gender equality, encouraging leadership development, and ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of Women are reflected in union advocacy and policy discussions.

Under Sis. Allen’s leadership, the Committee will pursue a structured one-year Action Plan designed to strengthen member engagement, education, and wellbeing. The plan emphasizes collaboration with other equality structures within the union and focuses on building awareness, skills, and confidence among women members. It will also support the union’s broader commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion across all sectors of the workforce.

The Committee’s work will be guided by several key principles, including equality and respect, solidarity across all union groups, education and empowerment, and the promotion of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Through these principles, the Women’s Committee seeks to foster a culture where all members are valued and supported, and where harmful stereotypes and workplace discrimination are actively challenged.

During the coming year, the Committee will focus on priority themes such as women’s mental health and wellbeing, workplace health and safety, equality and respectful workplaces, leadership development, and increased member engagement and activism.

Particular attention will also be given to raising awareness about anti-bullying, sexual harassment prevention, and the promotion of dignity at work. Promoting equality, respect, and positive workplace culture will remain central to the Committee’s work. Educational initiatives will address topics such as equality, consent, and respectful behaviour, while supporting broader union campaigns aimed at eliminating sexual harassment and strengthening dignity-at-work protections.

The Committee will also work closely with other equality committees to develop joint initiatives that advance inclusion and solidarity throughout the union. The Committee will also play an important role in policy input and representation within the union.
By submitting motions and recommendations, participating in policy discussions, and reporting regularly to the branch executive, the Committee will ensure that women’s perspectives are clearly represented in union decision-making and strategic planning.

The Montserrat Civil Service Association congratulates Sis. Althea Allen on her selection and looks forward to her leadership in advancing the empowerment, wellbeing, and representation of women within the union.

End

04/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 04, 2026

The Montserrat Civil Service Association (MCSA) is pleased to announce the selection of its substantive Vice President, brother Lester Ryan, as Chairperson of the Young Workers Committee. This transition marks a new chapter in youth representation within the Association, building on the strong foundation laid by former Vice President, sister Michelle Cassell, who ably served as Chair for approximately six years. The Association expresses sincere appreciation to Miss Cassell for her dedicated leadership and invaluable contribution to the advancement of young public officers.

The Young Workers Committee comprises Public Officers between the ages of 18 and 35 and serves as a vital platform for youth engagement within the union. The Committee exists to
- promote equality, dignity, and solidarity among young members;

- encourage positive participation in trade union values, including equality, diversity, and inclusion;

- address issues disproportionately affecting young workers;

- strengthen their involvement in union leadership and education; and

- collaborate with other equality structures within the Association.

Its work is guided by principles of equality and respect, solidarity, education and empowerment, health and wellbeing, and accountability.

The selected core grouping of the Young Workers Committee will comprise

Mr. Lester J.D Ryan (Head),
Miss. Sharese Allen,
Dr Georgette Skerritt, and
Mr. Oswen Carty.

Under Chairman Ryan’s leadership, priority areas will include young workers’ Health and wellbeing, Workplace Health and Safety, respectful and inclusive workplace culture, Leadership development, anti-bullying and anti-sexual harassment initiatives, and increased youth activism.

The Committee will implement structured training and educational programmes, host awareness campaigns on mental health and work–life balance, encourage participation in union courses, mentor emerging leaders, and ensure that young workers’ perspectives are constructively represented in policy discussions. Regular reporting, measurable goals, and mid-year and end-of-year reviews will guide the Committee’s progress.

The Montserrat Civil Service Association invites all young Public Officers aged 18–35 who are desirous of serving on the Young Workers Committee to become actively involved. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Chairman Lester Ryan directly at [email protected] for further information.

The Association looks forward to renewed energy, innovation, and strengthened representation from its young members.

End

03/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Montserrat Civil Service Association (MCSA) is pleased to announce the selection of Brother Jovarn Thornhill as Chairperson of its Men’s Committee.

This selection follows the formation of the Association’s newly elected Executive Body and marks the formal reactivation of the Men’s Committee, which has not been functional for some time.

Mr. Thornhill’s assumption of this role signals a fresh awakening for men in the Public Service and a renewed commitment to meaningful engagement, leadership, and solidarity. As is customary, he was selected from among the members of the Executive Body to serve in this capacity.

The Men’s Committee exists to promote equality, dignity, and solidarity among male members while encouraging positive engagement in trade union values, including equality, diversity, and inclusion. It seeks to address issues disproportionately affecting men in the workplace and society, support participation in union leadership and education, and work collaboratively with other equality structures within the Association. Its work is grounded in principles of equality and respect, solidarity, education and empowerment, health and wellbeing, and accountability.

Under Mr. Thornhill’s leadership, priority areas for the year will include, but is not limited to Men’s Mental health and wellbeing, Workplace Health and Safety, Respectful Workplace Culture, Leadership Development, Anti-bullying and anti-harassment initiatives, and strengthening member engagement.

The Committee will implement structured Training and Education programmes, host awareness initiatives, contribute constructively to union policy discussions, and actively encourage men to become advocates and allies in advancing equality across the Public Service.

The Montserrat Civil Service Association invites all male members desirous of serving on the Men’s Committee to come forward and be part of this renewed movement. Interested persons may contact Mr. Jovarn Thornhill directly at [email protected] for further information.

The Association looks forward to this new chapter of engagement and empowerment for men in the Public Service.

21/11/2025

As part of the International Men’s Day celebrations, male students from the Montserrat Secondary School were invited to participate in a special session featuring several guest speakers who shared their knowledge and expertise on a range of important topics.

The presenters and their areas of focus included:

Mr. Paul Maxwell, General Manager, St. Patrick's Cooperative Credit Union – Managing Your Finances

Mr. Ashley Lindsey, Access Coordinator – School / Life Balance

Bishop Melroy Meade, Minister of Religion – Spiritual Health

Dr. Braimah Kassim, Surgeon Specialist – Sexual Health

Mr. Eugene Skerritt, Family Life Counsellor – Positive Role Models

The day was filled with fun, laughter, and thoughtful discussion. Students engaged actively, asking insightful questions and participating in meaningful dialogue.

The interactions were enriching, and wonderful memories were created through the information-sharing activities that took place.

A big thank you to the Social Services and the MCSA teams for working together and executing this initiative.

21/11/2025

On Friday, November 21st, 2025, the Social Services Department, in collaboration with the Montserrat Civil Service Association, honoured a number of outstanding men across Montserrat in recognition of International Men’s Day.

These individuals were celebrated for their sterling contributions to the community through their respective disciplines and years of dedicated service.

The following men were recognized and physically awarded:

Herman “Cupid” Francis

Julius Fergus

Kelvin Ponde

Wilston Scotland

Dr. Gregory Julius

Mr. Eugene Skerritt

Additionally, Mr. Melvin Lindsey, Mr. Glenn Francis, Mr. Carlisle Williams and Mr John Lynch were also selected for recognition but were unable to be present at the ceremony.

The Montserrat Civil Service Association extends heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and encourages men within the community to continue striving for excellence and being the best versions of themselves.

18/11/2025

International Men’s Day Celebration 🎉

The Montserrat Civil Service Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, is proud to host a special celebratory event in honor of International Men’s Day!

Join us as we recognize, uplift, and celebrate the men and boys in our community.
Preserving our boys for the future, with men as our mentors.

👥 Come on out and celebrate with us!
Let’s empower, inspire, and support positive male role models across Montserrat

23/10/2025

The Montserrat Civil Service Association (MCSA) held its second Executive Meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Following the initial meeting on October 8, during which the main priorities of the Executive were established, the MCSA invited the Immediate Past President, Mrs. Nyota Mulcare, along with representatives from Guardian Business and Accounting Services (GBAS), the firm engaged to prepare the Union’s accounts, to share important updates.

Their participation was intended to facilitate discussions aimed at updating the new Executive on matters relating to the Union’s financials. The primary purposes include, but are not limited to;

- Financial Review and Handover

to enable the new Executive to understand the Financial position of the union, including assets, liabilities, income and expenditures.

- Audit updates
To allow the accountants to share any important information from recent audits.

- Regulatory Obligations

To allow the new Executive to understand any and all financial requirements involved in the proper functioning of the Union.

These matters are being addressed with the goals of bringing clarity to the Union, and being able to facilitate the preparation of more current accounts in a timely manner. The Executive has made this a key priority and is committed to working closely with GBAS to ensure continued best practices and financial transparency on behalf of its members.

The MCSA extends its sincere gratitude to Past President Mulcare and the representatives from GBAS for their valuable contributions and looks forward to further discussions and onward collaboration on this important matter.

02/10/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2025

Montserrat Civil Service Association Elects New Executive at 2025 AGM

Brades, Montserrat – On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the Montserrat Civil Service Association (MCSA) successfully hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Brades Arts and Education Centre. The AGM provided an opportunity for members to reflect on the Association’s accomplishments over the past years and chart a path forward. A key highlight of the meeting was the election of a new Executive to lead the organisation.

The newly elected Executive is as follows:

President – Sis Michelle Cassell

Vice President – Bro Lester Ryan

Secretary – Sis José White

Treasurer – Sis Romilly Murraine

Assistant Secretary – Sis Essaline Martin

Assistant Treasurer – Sis Marcilla Frith-Mulcaire

Floor Members:

Sis Sharese Allen

Sis Shaaron Williams - Lewis

Sis Althea Allen

Bro Jhovarn Thornhill

The MCSA extends its sincere gratitude to all members for their continued support and participation. The Association also encourages all Public Officers to become members and take an active role in shaping the future of the Public service.

This newly elected and dynamic team brings a renewed energy and commitment to the mission of the MCSA. The Association remains steadfast in its role to support, champion, and advocate for its members, while fostering collaborative relationships with the Government of Montserrat in pursuit of shared goals and positive outcomes for the Public service.

END