BRADES, Montserrat — Montserrat has officially opened the 18th Session of its Parliament, putting a fresh legislative programme before the island’s lawmakers as the government and opposition return to parliamentary business.

The opening took place on October 6, 2026, marking a new stage in the work of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly. The Assembly’s latest Order Paper includes consideration of the Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2026 and a Supplementary Appropriation (2026) Bill 2026.

The parliamentary agenda places social security and public spending among the issues receiving legislative attention as the new session begins.

The Supplementary Appropriation legislation is particularly significant because it concerns adjustments to the government’s approved financial programme, while proposed amendments to Social Security could affect the island’s social protection framework.

The opening also provides an opportunity for lawmakers on both sides of the Assembly to debate government policy and scrutinise proposed legislation. Premier Reuben T. Meade leads the government, while Paul Lewis serves as Leader of His Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition.

With the new parliamentary session now underway, attention will turn to the bills, government policies and financial decisions that emerge from the Assembly in the coming weeks.