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Montserrat

National Flag of Montserrat

Union Jack on blueield with shield (dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when Montserrat was part of the Leeward Islands colony); Irish are commemorated by the woman holding a harp and clasping a Christian cross.
A Condensed History of Montserrat Compiled by William G. Innanen

PHYSICAL FEATURES

Montserrat, a lush green and mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles, lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands, some 27 miles southwest of Antigua. Known fondly as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, this pearl shaped island- 12 miles long and 7 miles wide (and now expanding, due to the volcanic activity in the south of the island)-lies 1,150 miles north of the equator. It can be located on the map at approximately 16° 45’ North and 62° 10’ West. The island rises in a series of dramatic mountain slopes to the high point of over 3,000 feet at the Soufriere in the exclusion zone. The islands of Redonda, Nevis and St. Kitts in the north and west, and Guadeloupe and Antigua to the South can be seem from the various points on the island.

POPULATION

Due to the volcanic activity which has ravaged the island since 1995 there has been a drop in population from 10,639 (1991 Census) to approximately 5000.

GOVERNMENT

Montserrat is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State. Political parties are active on the island, which is governed by a legislature elected by popular vote. A Chief Minister serves with an appointed cabinet of ministers. A resident Governor represents the British crown. David S. Brandt is the present Chief Minister.

MONEY

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency but US dollars are widely circulated and freely accepted. The rate of exchange is approximately EC$2.70 = US$1.00. All major credit cards are accepted as are Canadian dollars and traveler's cheques. You will find the American Express agent at Carib World Travel, located at Sweeneys, Tel: (664) 491-2714 Fax 664 491 2715

RELIGION

Most religious denominations are represented on Montserrat. Roman Catholic, Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Baptist, Jehovah’s Witness, Wesleyan Holiness and Church of God of Prophecy. Each denomination holds its own scheduled services regularly. For the locations and times of most worship services please contact the Montserrat Christian Council Tel: (664) 491-4864.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

The main hospital, (664) 491-2836 is located in St Johns and can handle most routine and surgical emergencies. Accident and Emergency: (664) 491-2802. Doctors in private practice are also available. A dental clinic is available, as are private dentistry services. Arrangements can be made quickly to transfer more serious problems off island by helicopter to Antigua or Guadeloupe.

TELECOMMUNICATION

Both domestic and international direct dialing telecommunications are provided by Cable & Wireless (W.I.) Ltd. A fully digitalized telephone system, international and national services, international direct dialing (IDD), facsimile, data and telex services are available from public coin and card phones. Additionally, Cable & Wireless offers Boatphone, the Caribbean Cellular Service; leased circuits and 1-800 Toll free service. The Cable & Wireless office is located in the heart of Sweeneys and is open five days a week; Monday to Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Tel: (664) 491-2112, Fax (664) 491-3599. Prepaid calling cards can be purchased at that office. Phone booths are located all around the island and cards can be purchased at the following locations:

TIME

GMT- 4. EST +1

ELECTRICITY

220/110 volt electricity- 60 cycles

TRAVEL

The nearest international airport is in Antigua with direct services from New York, London Paris, Miami, Toronto, Frankfurt, San Juan and many Caribbean islands. From North America, American Airlines offer direct flights and connections via San Juan along with Air Canada while Air France, British Airways, BWIA, Virgin Atlantic, Caledonian and Condor provide services from Europe with several flights weekly. There are daily scheduled inter island flights provided by LIAT and BWIA which also operate to Antigua. In addition, a helicopter charter service, operated by Island Aviation Ltd. also operates out of St. Kitts direct to Montserrat. Travel out of Antigua to Montserrat and vice versa is possible via either helicopter or ferry services which operate daily in and out of the island. A fast, comfortable ride of just under an hour by ferry and twenty minutes by helicopter allows a panoramic view of the island, its beauty and the redevelopment of its landscape from a distance. There is a departure tax which is payable upon leaving Montserrat. US$9 (EC$25 is required of Caricom Nationals while all other persons are required to pay US$16 (EC$45).

PASSPORTS/VISAS

Proof of citizenship is required. A valid passport is recommended for all visitors; however, U.S., Canadian and British citizens may present a driver’s licence or official ID card as proof of citizenship. Entry visas may be required of visitors from other countries such as Cuba and Eastern Bloc Countries, and can be obtained from British consulate offices. An onward or return ticket is required. Caricom citizens can travel on an official ID card, which must bear a photograph of the individual

CLIMATE AND CLOTHES

Winter and summer temperatures average between 76° and 88° (F) with constant breezes from the sea and mountains. Rainfall averages 60 ² a year. Casual lightweight clothing is Recommended; a light jacket or sweater is advisable for the late evening in the winter months. Sneakers or rubber-soled shoes are practical for hiking and mountain climbing.

EXCLUSION ZONE FOR VISITORS

The eruption of Soufriere Hills volcano in the South of the island has led to the evacuation and relocation of residents beyond the exclusion zone. This part of Montserrat is dangerous and is also illegal to enter. The boundary for the exclusion zone begins from the Richmond Hill area on the west coast, running eastwards over St. Georges Hill, down through the Belham Valley and over the Centre Hills through Windy Hill and Harris and down to the east coast at the site of W.H. Bramble Airport. On the west side of Montserrat, a Daytime Entry Zone (6am to 6pm) exists southwards from Belham Valley to the boundary of the exclusion zone; this Zone includes Cork Hill, Delvins, Weekes, Richmond Hill, Foxes Bay and the top of St.Georges Hill.