Montserrat was proudly represented at the 2025 UKOTA Youth Summit, where young leaders from across the Overseas Territories gathered to engage in meaningful discussions on some of the most pressing social issues of our time.
Josiah Persaud, Shary Barzey, and Hayley-Shai Kassie formed Montserrat’s delegation, contributing insightful perspectives to conversations on:
Their interventions were powerful, demonstrating a deep understanding of these complex topics and a commitment to positive change. Through their participation, they not only represented Montserrat with distinction but also highlighted the important role of young people in shaping the future of the Overseas Territories.
The Government of Montserrat’s Representative to the UK, Ms. Kei-Retta Farrell, supported the delegation, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to empowering Montserratian youth and amplifying their voices on key global issues.
Born in Montserrat, Hayley-Shai is an engineering student at Waltham Forest College and serves as President of the Student Union. A passionate debater, she is active in the Montserrat National Youth Parliament and her college debate club, earning the Jack Petchey Achievement Award in 2024.
Beyond academics, Hayley-Shai is an award-winning creative artist and was previously a youth ambassador and journalist for Montserrat at Football for Friendship 2018 in Russia. She remains committed to advocacy and social impact, inspired by the motto, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Josiah is an aspiring biomedical scientist and a former President of the MCC Student Council. He has represented Montserrat in youth football, earning a senior national team call-up, and is also a steelpan player, sharing Montserrat’s musical heritage.
Passionate about youth leadership and science, Josiah hopes to contribute to biomedical research and use his skills to improve lives. His involvement in the UKOTA Youth Summit highlights his dedication to advocacy and inclusivity for Montserrat’s young people.
Shary is a former Head Girl of Montserrat Secondary School with a strong background in community service and environmental advocacy. She was a Junior Assistant with Fish ‘N Fins, promoting marine conservation, and an active member of the Interact Club, serving in key leadership roles.
A writer and athlete, Shary authored Remembering the Soufrière Hills Volcano at just seven years old and has represented Montserrat in netball and football. She aspires to be an engineer, drawing inspiration from Montserrat’s landscape while working to preserve its heritage.
In addition to her participation at the UKOTA Youth Summit, Shary Barzey also represented Montserrat at the 2025 UK Youth Parliament, where she delivered a powerful speech advocating for greater access to higher education and apprenticeships for students in Montserrat and the wider UK Overseas Territories.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Josiah, Shary, and Hayley-Shai for their outstanding representation at the 2025 UKOTA Youth Summit. Their contributions reflect Montserrat’s commitment to inclusivity, progress, and youth empowerment.
With leaders like them, the future of Montserrat—and the wider Overseas Territories—is in capable hands.
