AGP Executive Report

Montserrat Agriculture & Food Security: Shanyon McPherson has won Montserrat’s inaugural Governor’s Award, turning a backyard garden into a five-acre farm producing onions, watermelons, and sweet corn while balancing farming with port security work. Regional Public Service Tech & AI: The 2026 Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service Summit (Bermuda-hosted) wrapped up, with Montserrat among the territories discussing workforce shortages, retention, public service reform, leadership development, and how emerging technologies—especially AI—can support administration. Biomedical Research Funding: The Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 new Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, backing two years of lab research in the U.S., with many fellows encouraged to return home to build research capacity. Science-Inspired Food History: A look back at 1900-era debate over cassava highlights how drought-tolerant crops were argued as potential famine fighters, with one side pushing imports and another urging local crop improvement. Tech in Faith Media: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria “Montse” Alvarado, COO of EWTN News, as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, underscoring the Church’s focus on modern media and AI-era messaging.

Montserrat Agriculture & Food Security: Shanyon McPherson won Montserrat’s inaugural Governor’s Award, turning a backyard garden into a five-acre farm while balancing farming with port security work and growing onions, watermelons, and sweet corn. Regional Public Service Tech & AI: The 2026 Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service Summit (hosted by Bermuda) wrapped up, with Montserrat among participants discussing workforce shortages, public service reform, leadership development, and how emerging technologies like AI can fit into administration. Biomedical Research Funding: The Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 new Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, backing two years of lab research in the U.S. and highlighting immune system, sleep-memory, and disease prevention work. Local STEM Creativity: Lisa Richardson-Bach’s path from aerospace engineering into fused glass art spotlights how technical training can fuel long-running creative education. Global Communications Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria “Montse” Alvarado as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, signaling a major shift in church media leadership.

Montserrat Agriculture & Food Security: Montserrat farmer Shanyon McPherson won the island’s first Governor’s Award, recognized for growing produce and strengthening community food security, with her path spanning backyard farming, electrical engineering, and later balancing agriculture with port security work. Regional Public Service Tech & AI: The 2026 Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service Summit wrapped up in Bermuda, with Montserrat among the territories discussing workforce shortages, public service reform, leadership development, and how emerging technologies—especially AI—can be integrated into administration. Biomedical Research Funding: The Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 new Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, funding two years of lab research in the U.S. and supporting many fellows who return home to build new research labs. Vatican Communications Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado (EWTN News) as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, a major leadership shift for the Church’s global media strategy. Science-Inspired Food History: A historical debate over cassava’s potential to prevent famines revisits arguments for drought-tolerant, calorie-rich crops versus skepticism about importing foreign varieties. Tech & Design in Hotels (History Tech): A look at Kyiv’s Premier Palace Hotel traces early 1900s “smart” amenities like central heating, elevators, hot water, telephones, electric lighting, and vacuum cleaners.

Agriculture & Food Security: Montserrat farmer Shanyon McPherson won the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award, recognized for growing local production and strengthening community partnerships; her path started with a backyard garden after moving from Jamaica, and later expanded into a multi-crop farm while she balanced work as a Port Security Officer. Regional Public Service Tech & AI: The Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service Annual Summit wrapped up in Bermuda, with Montserrat among the participants, focusing on workforce shortages, public service reform, leadership development, and how emerging technologies—especially AI—can be integrated into administration. Biomedical Research Funding: The Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 new Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, supporting two years of lab research in the U.S. and highlighting topics like immune system work, sleep and memory, and improved disease prevention and treatment. STEM-to-Design Career Spotlight: Lisa Richardson-Bach’s profile highlights a shift from aerospace engineering into fused glass art, showing how technical training can fuel creative education and long-running studio work. Science-in-Food History: A historical look at cassava debates from 1900 explores whether drought-tolerant cassava could have helped prevent famines, contrasting advocates of imported varieties with skeptics urging local crop improvement.

Local Agriculture & Food Security: Montserrat farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s first Governor’s Award, recognized for growing her five-acre operation and strengthening community food security after starting with a backyard garden. Regional Public Service Tech & AI: The Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service summit (hosted by Bermuda) wrapped up with discussions on workforce shortages, talent retention, public service reform, leadership development, and how emerging technologies—especially AI—can be integrated into administration. Biomedical Research Funding: The Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 new Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, supporting two years of lab research in the U.S. with a focus on immune systems, sleep and memory, and disease prevention and treatment. STEM-to-Arts Career Spotlight: Lisa Richardson-Bach’s profile highlights a path from aerospace engineering into fused glass art and long-running technical creativity through her studio. Science & Society (History of Food Crops): A look back at early 1900s debates over cassava argues over whether drought-tolerant cassava could have helped prevent famines versus improving local crops.

Local Agriculture & Food Security: Montserrat farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s first Governor’s Award, recognized for building a growing five-acre operation from a backyard garden and supporting community food security while balancing public service duties. Regional Public Service Tech & Workforce: The 2026 Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service Annual Summit (hosted by Bermuda) wrapped up with a focus on workforce shortages, talent retention, public service reform, leadership development, and bringing emerging technologies like AI into administration. Biomedical Research Funding: The Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, funding two years of U.S. lab research with support for fellows who return to Latin America to build new research labs. Catholic Media & AI: Catholic media professionals met in Atlantic City for the Catholic Media Conference, with sessions on innovation anchored in mission and a keynote on AI and Catholic communication. Vatican Communications Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria “Montse” Alvarado, CEO of EWTN News, as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, starting Nov. 1. Science History & Food Systems: A look back at early 1900s debate over cassava’s role in preventing famines highlights how drought-tolerant crops were argued as alternatives to rice.

Montserrat Agriculture: Shanyon McPherson has won Montserrat’s inaugural Governor’s Award for her work boosting local agriculture, food security, and community development, turning a backyard garden into a five-acre operation while balancing farming with port security duties. Overseas Territories Tech in Government: The 2026 Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service Summit (hosted by Bermuda) wrapped up with a focus on workforce shortages and public service reform, plus how emerging technologies like AI are being integrated into administration. Biomedical Research Funding: The Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 new Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, funding two years of lab research in the U.S. and supporting many fellows who return to build research labs in their home countries. Catholic Media & AI: Catholic media professionals gathered in Atlantic City for the Catholic Media Conference under “Innovation Anchored in Mission,” including sessions on AI and communication. Vatican Communications Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria “Montse” Alvarado, CEO of EWTN News, as prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, effective Nov. 1. Faith Meets Advanced Tech: At Barcelona’s Sagrada Família centenary events, drones and other advanced tech were used for a Gaudí tribute while Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ.

Montserrat Agriculture & Food Security: Shanyon McPherson won Montserrat’s inaugural Governor’s Award after growing from a backyard garden into a five-acre farm producing onions, watermelons, and sweet corn, balancing farming with her work as a Port Security Officer. Regional Public Service Tech: The Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service summit (hosted by Bermuda) focused on workforce shortages and public service reform, with a specific push to integrate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into administration. Biomedical Research Funding: Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, funding two years of lab research in the U.S. across topics from immune systems to sleep and memory. Vatican Communications Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria “Montse” Alvarado (EWTN News) as prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, as Catholic media leaders gather in Atlantic City to discuss “Innovation Anchored in Mission,” including AI in communications. Science in Culture: Barcelona’s Sagrada Família centenary and the Tower of Jesus Christ inauguration blended faith and advanced tech, using drone light displays to celebrate Gaudí’s legacy. STEM-to-arts Career Spotlight: Lisa Richardson-Bach’s path from MIT aerospace engineering to decades of fused glass art highlights how technical training can fuel creative education.

Agriculture & Food Security: Montserrat farmer Shanyon McPherson received the island’s inaugural Governor’s Award, after growing from a backyard garden into a five-acre operation producing onions, watermelons, sweet corn, and more—balancing farming with work as a Port Security Officer. Public Service & Talent: Bermuda hosted an Overseas Territories summit where Montserrat joined peers to tackle civil service recruitment and retention, workforce reform, leadership development, and how emerging tech like AI could support public administration. Marine Conservation: Montserrat officially joined the UK’s Blue Belt Programme on World Oceans Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to marine science expertise. Biomedical Research: Pew Charitable Trusts named 10 Latin American Biomedical Sciences fellows for 2026, funding two years of lab research in the U.S. with support for those who return to build local research capacity. Catholic Tech & Media: Pope Leo XIV appointed EWTN News executive Maria “Montse” Alvarado as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, as Catholic media professionals gathered in Atlantic City to discuss “Innovation Anchored in Mission,” including AI in communications.

Montserrat Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific expertise and technical support; the island’s volcanic waters and habitats like coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and hawksbill turtle areas will be a key focus. Overseas Territories Public Service: Bermuda hosted an Overseas Territories summit bringing together deputy governors and heads of public service from Montserrat, Anguilla, the BVI, Cayman Islands, and Turks & Caicos to tackle workforce shortages, talent retention, public service reform, leadership development, and how emerging tech like AI can support administration. Pew Biomedical Fellowships: The Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, funding two years of lab research in the US with a pathway for many fellows to return and build research labs in Latin America. Faith + Tech in Media: Catholic journalists gathered in Atlantic City for the Catholic Media Conference, with sessions on AI and communication amid misinformation, while Pope Leo XIV appointed EWTN News executive Maria “Montse” Alvarado as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication. Science & Food History: A look back at a 1900 debate over cassava’s famine-fighting potential highlights how drought-tolerant crops were argued to outperform water-hungry staples.

Montserrat Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining access to scientific expertise and technical support. Public Service Hiring: Overseas Territories leaders met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment problems, with Montserrat among the territories discussing how to attract and retain new talent. Pension Reform: The Government of Montserrat has started a comprehensive pension reform programme, aiming for a more modern, transparent system and a shift toward a defined contribution model, supported by a 17-member committee and TELUS Health. Vatican Communications Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria “Montse” Alvarado, COO of EWTN News, as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication. Catholic Media Conference: Catholic communicators gathered in Atlantic City for the Catholic Media Conference, with sessions on AI, evangelization, and digital communications. Biomedical Research Funding: Pew announced 10 Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, funding two years of lab research in the US with a pathway to build labs back in Latin America.

Vatican Communications: Pope Leo XIV appointed Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, a Miami-raised EWTN News executive, as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication—she’ll start Nov. 1, succeeding Paolo Ruffini. Montserrat Blue Belt: Montserrat joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific support for coral reefs, seagrass, and hawksbill turtle habitats. Public Service Hiring: Overseas Territories leaders met in Bermuda to tackle civil service recruitment struggles, with Montserrat among the participants and a push to make government careers more attractive. Montserrat Pensions Reform: Montserrat launched a pension reform programme to modernize and improve transparency, with a move toward a defined contribution model and support from TELUS Health. Biomedical Research Funding: The Pew Charitable Trusts named 10 Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences for two years of lab research in the U.S., aiming to boost global health. Faith & Football: New research says many pro clubs engage in Christian activities, but World Cup chaplain support is limited—often replaced by remote WhatsApp support.

Biomedical Research Funding: Pew Charitable Trusts announced 10 new Pew Latin American Fellows in Biomedical Sciences, each funded for two years in U.S. labs, with options to return home and build research capacity. Local Marine Conservation: Montserrat joined the UK Blue Belt Programme on World Oceans Day, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone, strengthen marine governance, and use surveys to guide Marine Protected Areas. Public Service Hiring Pressure: An international Overseas Territories summit in Bermuda highlighted recruitment struggles for civil service roles, with Montserrat among the territories discussing how to attract new talent. Pension Reform (Montserrat): The Montserrat government launched pension reform work aimed at a more transparent, sustainable system, moving toward a defined contribution model with support from TELUS Health and a 17-member committee. Cybersecurity Partnership: C Spire was named Arctic Wolf’s 2026 Southeast Partner of the Year for helping organizations defend against AI-driven threats. Faith & Tech in Public Life: Coverage around Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit included the high-tech Gaudí centenary spectacle at Sagrada Família and related commentary on faith in modern institutions.

Montserrat Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK Government’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and to boost science-based fisheries management, underwater habitat surveys, and Marine Protected Areas. Local Governance & Jobs: An international Overseas Territories summit in Bermuda highlighted recruitment struggles for civil service roles, with Montserrat among the territories discussing how to attract and retain new talent. Pension Reform (Montserrat): Government has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more transparent, sustainable system and a shift toward a defined contribution model, with TELUS Health providing technical support. Cybersecurity (Regional): C Spire was named Arctic Wolf’s 2026 Southeast Partner of the Year for helping organizations defend against AI-driven threats. Faith & Tech in Public Life (Spain): Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip included the centenary blessing of Sagrada Família’s completed tower work, with major crowds and drone-lit ceremonies marking Gaudí’s legacy. Sports & Support: Research suggests many pro football clubs engage with Christian activities, but World Cup chaplaincy support is limited—often replaced by WhatsApp-style help.

Montserrat Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK Government’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining support for Marine Protected Areas, fisheries management, marine spatial planning, and updated marine laws. Volcano Watch: Scientists say the Soufrière Hills volcano remains in unrest despite no eruption since 2010, citing ground inflation, gas emissions, and seismic activity—keeping monitoring central to island risk planning. Pension Reform: The Government of Montserrat has started a comprehensive pension reform process aimed at a more modern, transparent, and sustainable system, with a move toward defined contribution and a transition strategy supported by an international actuarial/consulting team. Disaster Readiness Tech: A new preparedness push highlights how smartphones and instant alerts help during storms, but also how power loss can cut off communications—urging power banks, solar options, battery radios, and offline document copies. Global Tech/Business: Sendana, a borderless US-dollar banking platform, is positioned to help Caribbean entrepreneurs get paid internationally more easily. Security Partner News: C Spire was named Arctic Wolf’s 2026 Southeast Partner of the Year for AI-driven security operations support. Sports Faith Note: Research says many football clubs engage in Christian activities, but World Cup chaplaincy support is limited. Pope & Spain (context): Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip included major Sagrada Família milestones and a veiled critique of Trump during Mass.

Montserrat Blue Belt: Montserrat has joined the UK’s Blue Belt marine conservation programme, committing to protect at least 20% of its maritime zone and gaining scientific and technical support for marine protected areas, fisheries management, marine spatial planning, and updated marine laws. Public Service Hiring: A summit of Overseas Territories’ deputy governors and public service leaders in Bermuda highlighted recruitment struggles tied to ageing populations, migration, and private-sector competition, with Montserrat among the participants. Pension Reform: The Government of Montserrat has started a comprehensive pension reform process, aiming for a more transparent, sustainable system and a shift toward a defined contribution model, supported by a 17-member committee and international actuarial/consulting firm TELUS Health. Volcano Watch: Scientists say the Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active and in unrest beneath Montserrat, with monitoring showing ground inflation, volcanic gas emissions, and increased seismic activity despite no eruption since 2010. Hurricane Readiness: A new look at disaster preparedness stresses that modern reliance on phones and power means households should plan for outages with power banks, vehicle charging, solar options, battery radios, and offline document copies. Global Tech & Trade: Sendana, a borderless banking platform for freelancers and entrepreneurs, is gaining traction across the Global South by enabling virtual US dollar accounts for easier international payments.