The Office of the Premier appoints Ms Jo-Annah Richards

The Office of the Premier is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Jo-Annah Richards as Director of the Montserrat Arts Council (MAC), effective August 10, 2026.

Ms Richards was selected following a thorough and competitive recruitment and selection process and was formally onboard in early August 2026. Her appointment marks an important step in strengthening the leadership and strategic direction of the Montserrat Arts Council and advancing the Government’s commitment to the development and promotion of Montserrat’s vibrant cultural and creative sectors.

Ms Richards brings to the position a diverse combination of Public policy, Law, Financial management, Governance, Risk management, Auditing, Project management, and arts and cultural experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management and an LLB in Law. She is also a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), holds a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA).

Her professional career includes significant experience within the Government of Montserrat, where she served as an Internal Audit Manager and Assistant Secretary/Finance Manager. Prior to her public-sector career, Ms Richards worked with the Royal Bank of Scotland in the United Kingdom, where she progressed to the position of Commercial Banking Portfolio Manager.

In more recent years, she has further broadened her professional experience through consulting engagements with organisations across the private and public sectors, as well as with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Her international experience also includes serving as Executive Assistant to the CEO/Artistic Director of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in London, providing her with valuable exposure to arts administration and the management of a major cultural organization.

Ms Richards is also no stranger to the arts and cultural landscape. She has a strong background in the performing arts, including acting and singing, and is a former member of the Montserrat National Youth Choir. She is also a published author.

Her engagement with culture and the arts began from the primary school level and has continued throughout her life. For more than 20 years, she has remained actively involved in Montserrat’s year-end festival through participation in pageantry, contributing to the island’s rich cultural traditions and celebrations.

The Office of the Premier recognizes that the leadership of the Montserrat Arts Council requires both strong organisational capacity and a deep appreciation for Montserrat’s cultural identity. Ms Richards’ professional expertise, coupled with her longstanding connection to the arts, positions her well to lead the Council as it continues to support artists, creatives, cultural practitioners and the wider development of Montserrat’s creative industries.

The Office of the Premier takes this opportunity to formally welcome Ms Jo-Annah Richards to the Office of the Premier and to the Montserrat Arts Council, and looks forward to her contribution to the continued growth, development and promotion of Montserrat’s arts and cultural sector.

Photo credit: Ms Jo-Annah Richards