Montserrat is a lush, mountainous island in the Caribbean Sea, located in the Leeward Islands, part of the chain of islands called the Lesser Antilles. It measures approximately 16 km (10 miles) long and 11 km (7 miles) wide, giving 40 km of coastline.[1] Montserrat was given its name by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in 1493, after its namesake located in Catalonia, Spain. Montserrat is often referred to as the Emerald Island of the Caribbean, due both to its resemblance to coastal Ireland and to the Irish descent of most of its early European settlers. Montserrat is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. Its official name is the Crown Colony of Montserrat. Its Georgian-era capital city of Plymouth was destroyed and two-thirds of the island's population forced to flee abroad owing to the eruption of Soufriere Hills volcano that began on July 18, 1995.[2] The eruption continues today on a much reduced scale, the damage being confined to the areas around Plymouth including its docking facilities and the former W.H. Bramble Airport. An exclusion zone, open during the day, extends from the south coast of the island north to parts of the Belham Valley and provides visitors with a spectacular view of the volcano and the destruction it has wrought upon the town. A new airport at Geralds in the northern part of the island opened in 2005.
History/Irish Heritage Montserrat is popularly known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean”, not just because of its lush, green, tropical landscape, but also because of its unique Irish connections, which date back centuries. Named after a Spanish monastery by Christopher Columbus as he sailed past the island in 1493, Montserrat was originally inhabited by Arawak and Carib Indians. The first European settlers in 1632 were English and Irish Catholics brought over from the Protestant island of St Kitts by Englishman Thomas Warner. Whilst Catholics were unwelcome in other British colonies, the religion was tolerated on Montserrat and the island became a refuge for persecuted Irish Catholics. In addition, Cromwell sent some of his Irish political prisoners to Montserrat following his victory at Drogheda in 1649. By 1678, a census showed that more than half the people on the island were Irish, with the remainder a combination of English, Scots and Africans. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the Irish had the strongest influence on the developing culture of Montserrat, which is still apparent today. The Irish connection is obvious upon arrival in Montserrat in the distinctive shamrock which is stamped in all international passports. The national flag also bears a crest of the legendary Irish figure of Erin with a harp standing alongside the Union Jack. Montserrat is the only country in the world outside Ireland where St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday. On March 17th, celebrations are staged across the island, consisting of special events, concerts and performances. The festivities now spread over a week, taking on a distinctly Caribbean flavour with blends of calypso, reggae and iron band music. During the week, the old custom of wearing green still remains. Irish heritage is still very much in evidence in the names of both towns and inhabitants, while the national dish, goat water, is supposedly based on a traditional Irish stew recipe. A popular local folk dance, the Bam-chick-a-lay, is also thought to have its root in Irish step dance. Related links... We have included links to our partner sites and other related links. Montserrat Tourist Board (MTB)- The Montserrat Tourist Board is the official agency on Montserrat responsible for handling all tourism affairs and programs www.visitmontserrat.com Caribbean Tourism Organisation (request can’t be sent if necessary) (CTO) - The CTO is the premier regional tourism association, is comprised of government and private sector operatives in the tourism industry across the Caribbean. www.onecaribbean.org
Government of Montserrat - Official Government website Montserrat Volcano Observatory - Agency responsile for Scientific Monitoring of the Soufriere Hills Volcano Montserrat National Trust - The NGO responsible for the preservation and enhancement of the island's natural, historical and cultural resources Links CARIB AVIATION CARIBBEAN GOLD BOOK DIRECTORY CARIBBEAN HELICOPTERS CENTRE HILLS PROJECT DESTINATION CARIBBEAN ONLINE DEVELOPMENT UNIT Dive Worldwide - www.diveworldwide.com Snooba Travel Ltd. - www.snooba.com DUBLIN'S ST. PATRICK'S WEEK FESTIVAL Website of the St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin www.stpatricksfestival.ie EMERALD SPA - VOLCANO SOAPS Hand made soaps using natural volcanic ash, clay and fine sand, fresh local aloe, rosemary, honey, natural oils and mineral blends, delicately scented with the fragrances of bay leaf, lemon grass and mango www.emeraldspaonline.com FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE MONTSERRAT 'ASH HOUSE HARRIERS MONTSERRAT CULTURAL CENTRE MONTSERRAT HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION MONTSERRAT NATIONAL TRUST MONTSERRAT PHILATELIC BUREAU MONTSERRAT REPORTER MONTSERRAT VOLCANO OBSERVATORY PHOTO GALLERY OF MONTSERRAT Montserrat Niche Tourism Marketing Thrust Continues9th April 2009(Brades, Montserrat, April 8, 2009): The Montserrat Tourist Board (MTB) is continuing its strategy of targeting niche tourism markets that the island’s unique tourism product lends itself to. The participation at the Beneath the Sea Dive Show in New Jersey and visit by a representative of the UK tour operator Island Holidays, are two recent initiatives that promoted the island to the dive and birding/hiking markets respectively. Montserrat had a strong presence at the Beneath the Sea Dive Show, which was held in New Jersey, USA from March 27-29, 2009. The Montserrat booth at the exhibition showcased the spectacular dive product of the island and was manned by representatives of Green Monkey Dive Shop, Scuba Montserrat and the Montserrat Tourist Board’s office in the US. Visitors to the booth were given copies of the Dive Guide to Montserrat, as well as other promotional materials. The current sweepstakes that the MTB is running to win a free dive trip to Montserrat was also promoted, as well as the inaugural Montserrat Dive Festival carded for June 27th-July 4th, 2009. Janelle Thadhani of the MTBs US Public Relations Company commented, “This was a great show for Montserrat to participate in. Montserrat was exposed to the right consumers in an appropriate niche market and divers got a chance to learn where the island is located and what it has to offer. Many attendees were hearing about the island for the first time and those that knew about it, learned that there was more to Montserrat than just the volcano. Also, many divers were interested in Montserrat because it was not as commercialized as other sites in the Caribbean.” The Montserrat delegation also met with a number of important travel media at the show including Beautiful Oceans Magazine, Dive Travel TV, The Boulevard Magazine, Scuba Radio, Dive Training Magazine, The Explorers Journal, Sterner Editorial Services, Sport Diver/Scuba Diving and Travel Guys. Beneath the Sea is the largest consumer and trade dive show in North America, with over 400 exhibitors in attendance. Montserrat also hosted in March tour leader Peter Clement from Island Holidays. This UK-based tour operator specialises in birding and wildlife tours, and Peter was accompanied by Joanna Walding of the MTBs UK office. The visit to Montserrat was combined with a stop in Dominica, as the aim of the trip was to assess the level of birding on these two islands and see how a combined two-centre tour can be offered to the UK wildlife/birding travel market. The trip was a great success with several specimens of the endemic Montserrat Oriole being spotted on various hiking trails on the island. The group was ably led by local tour guide James ‘Scriber” Daley, and was able to spot several other bird species as well. A visit to other attractions on the island and to several accommodation properties were also part of the itinerary of the group. The tour leader from Island Holidays was so impressed with the birding and tourism product of the island, that the company will be offering group tours out of the UK to Montserrat starting in 2010, and will also be featuring the island in their next newsletter.
Related News... World Glaucoma Day observed in MontserratCaribbean Net News - Apr 1, 2009
By Cathy Buffonge BRADES, Montserrat: The second ever World Glaucoma Day fell this year on Thursday 12 March. Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by damage ...
Vibrant St Patrick's week in MontserratCaribbean Net News - Mar 31, 2009
By Cathy Buffonge LITTLE BAY, Montserrat: One of the highlights of the year in Montserrat is St Patrick’s Week, with St Patrick’s Day, March 17, ...
Montserrat Volcano Observatory launches new websiteCaribbean Net News - Apr 2, 2009
FLEMMINGS, Montserrat (MVO): The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has successfully launched its newly refurbished website, a vital component of the ...
Spain's Costumed Debt Collectors: Final Notice?TIME - Apr 9, 2009
By Lisa Abend Thursday, Apr. 09, 2009 On a recent Wednesday afternoon, Montserrat Vila sat in her Barcelona apartment, waiting for the bullfighters to ...
New UNDP resident representative visits MontserratCaribbean Net News - Mar 26, 2009
BRADES, Montserrat:
Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) Resident Representative and Resident Coordinator for Barbados ...
Ashes to Ashes actress left red faced at co-star's strip showGlasgow Sunday Mail - Apr 12, 2009
ASHES TO ASHES beauty Montserrat Lombard needed the long arm of the law to cover her blushes during a striptease by co-star Marshall Lancaster. ...
Melrose Community EventsMelrose Free Press - Mar 26, 2009
Mahoney, a Melrose resident, teaches art in Malden and is a graduate of Montserrat College of Art. Mahoney paints idealized and abstract landscapes based on ...
Remembering 'Mad Man Marko' Mark Hildonen left a legacy from ...Gloucester Daily Times - 3 hours ago
Hildonen attended summer session theatrical training at Montserrat Performing Arts in Beverly during his early high school years, but it was completion of a ...
HGC Real Estate | Fort WorthFort Worth Star Telegram - Apr 9, 2009
Rick Wegman and HGC Real Estate Services present one of the finest properties in Montserrat, 9516 Bella Terra Drive. This home sits on an oversized ridge ...
Mechanism of Compound Neurotoxicity Identified Polychlorinated ...Modern Medicine - 5 hours ago
In the study in the April issue of PLoS Biology, Montserrat Samso, Ph.D., from Harvard Medical
| 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 pear shaped island - 12 miles long and 7 miles wide
(and now expanding, due to the volcanic activity in the south of the
island!) - is situated 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 Hills in the Exclusion Zone. The
islands of Redonda, St Kitts & Nevis in the west and north
respectively, Guadeloupe to the south and Antigua to the northeast can be seen from the various points on the island.  Montserrat known as the emerald jewel of the Caribbean, mountaineous Montserrat shot to notereity in July 1995 when the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted causing widespread devastation to part of this previously serene island. This caused many islanders to evacuate the island for safer shores. An exclusion zone around the volcano was set up which still restricts travel to the south end of the island.  Conditions permitting, visitors may enjoy Montserrat's breathtaking scenery and unspoiled, unpolluted coral and volcanic delights. Due to the volcanic activity which has ravaged the island since 1995 there has been a drop in the population from 10,639 (1991 Census) to 4,482 (2001 Census). 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. John A. Osborne is the present Chief Minister. 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.  Trail to "The Cot" On this hike you can explore some of the heritage of Montserrat on a visit to the site of an old banana plantation, which is nestled among the ruins of a family cottage several hundred feet above sea level. A hike through the lush vegetation affords breathtaking views of the surrounding villages including some of the unsafe zone. The trail ascends by an unsurfaced track, to the ruins of "The Cot", the one time summer cottage of the influential Sturge family. It is possible to carry on up the same track onto higher ground (about 1000m ) where the view of the coast is described as "superior". Centre Hills Trail The Centre Hills is situated more or less in the centre of the island, between the Soufriere Hills in the south and the Silver Hills in the north and is renowned for its biological diversity, rich habitats and vegetation. The trail begins at Mars Hill and winds its way through pristine forest and along scenic vistas to Cassava Ghaut in upper Woodlands. The moist, rain forest and riparian vegetation encountered along the way are home to many species of wildlife. Most of the thirty-four species of resident land birds and large numbers of migrant songbirds make this area their home. Worthy of special mention are the threatened Montserrat Oriole the national bird, the rare Forest Thrush, the shy and rare Bridled Quail Dove, Mangrove Cuckoo, Trembler and the Purple Throated Carib. Montserrat therefore provides a tropical birdwatcher?s paradise for the enthusiast to be delighted with. Many amphibians and reptiles are also found here. The regionally endemic Mountain Chicken and the tree frog are among the amphibians you can see along with reptiles such as the Galliwasp, Anole and Ground Lizard as well as the Dwarf Gecko and Iguana.  Perfect for a relaxing afternoon, which involves a family picnic or a cool stroll, Runaway Ghaut provides a vibrant natural attraction that is difficult not to return to again and again. In fact, legend has it that should a visitor leaving Montserrat drink from the cool, spring water that flows to the drinking fountain to the far side of the parking area; he or she is guaranteed to be continually drawn to Montserrat repeatedly within his lifetime. Should you explore the mini-trail, which enters the lush vegetation of the ghaut, you will find picnic tables placed in a remarkable setting. After eating lunch, you can take a short walk for a stretch, continuing along the five-minute trail which circles the ghaut and enjoy the finest sounds of nature: cascading mini-waterfalls and birds, along with a cooling breeze. Silver Hills Trail The Silver Hills is situated at the northern tip of Montserrat and is one of the island?s oldest volcanic centres. This defunct volcano has been heavily dissected, faulted and eroded and presents a very diverse appearance. Dry forest, altered by years of grazing and arable farming, is the dominant forest type. The hike begins at Drummonds, winds its way through dry forest and open fields over the Silver Hills and returns to Drummonds. Breathtaking views of land, sea and coastline abound. Many land birds and shore birds are found in the area including the Red-billed Tropicbird, the mangrove Cuckoo and the Pearly-eyed Thrasher. Pelican point on the eastern coast represents the only breeding colony of magnificent Frigate Birds on the island. The Silver Hills give an indication of how newly deposited volcanic deposits in the south will probably appear with the passage of millions of years. Trail From Little Bay to Rendezvous Bay Rendezvous Bay is something very special in Montserrat. The bay retains a completely natural and untouched quality as the only white sand beach on the island with excellent swimming, snorkeling and diving in the most pristine underwater area on the island. This trail is one with a difference therefore, as it offers a combination of both a black and a white sand beach experience. The walk follows a very steep mountain trail (but offers a good physical workout) with a refreshing swim or dive afterwards when you reach the beach. The options for the return trip involve either walking back over the bluff or taking a boat ride back to the starting point at Little Bay. This can be arranged with any of the boat ride operators on island. The trail is rewarding to climb but is often difficult to negotiate so it is advisable that you consult one of our knowledgeable Forest Rangers before making the trip.  In Montserrat, the beaches are remarkable in appearance in comparison to other islands as they all, except one, Rendezvous Bay, have glistening, black sand as a feature resulting from the volcanic nature of the island. They are some of the most secluded and unspoilt beaches in the world. For swimming and sunbathing they provide the most calming and leisurely experience available, all without harassment and removed from the population of resorts and other commercial activity. Woodlands Beach, Lime Kiln Bay, Little Bay and the tiny Bunkum Bay (perfect for romantic evenings!) are among some of the island?s notable beaches to visit. The beaches also provide incomparable surroundings for diving and other water sports. Go kayaking or sports fishing or take an unhurried boat ride to view the coastal areas of the island, while observing the Maritime Exclusion Zone, including devastated Plymouth and surrounding villages. Celebrations: St Patrick's Day The first European settlers in Montserrat were Irish, and so St. Patrick's Day is still celebrated here for the commemoration of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. March 17 is also notable in Montserrat as the day on which the island?s slaves staged a revolt and marched on Government House. Celebrations take place throughout the island, highlighted by performances and musical concerts such as the Many Happy Returns II gala, staged at Geralds Park in 1999. There is calypso, soca and iron band music along with masquerades creating a generally festive spirit. The Irish influence comes to the fore not only in musical similarities, but also in the wearing of green and the use of the shamrock as an emblem. St Patrick?s Day Program 2004 Queen's Birthday This is the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, normally celebrated on the second Saturday in June, in Montserrat, as it is in Britain. From 7:30 in the morning, locals (and visitors) start gathering in the park for the parade of all uniformed bodies on the island. His Excellency the Governor, who is the Queen?s representative on the island, takes the salute as the various uniformed groups march past. During the parade the British ?Union Jack? flag as well as the personal flag of Her Majesty The Queen, the ?Royal Standard?, are both raised and lowered with ceremony.  A day of festive celebration to commemorate the emancipation of the slaves, following the abolition of slavery by the British in 1834. The entire weekend is filled with picnics and barbecues on the beach, local fetes and sporting competitions. The Saturday before the August Monday, the morning starts off with the Cudjoe Head Day celebrations, which opens with a big breakfast and continues late into the night. On the Monday, the St. Peter?s Anglican Bazaar takes place at the village rectory grounds, and is generally one of the highlights of the weekend, an attraction for the entire family. Christmas Festival Celebrations This is the time of year set aside, not only for reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ, but also for carnivalesque merrymaking and a general atmosphere of goodwill. Families abroad reunite with loved ones at home to enjoy the festivities, which generally begin around mid-December and continues into the New Year. There are several shows and musicals such as calypso shows and religious concerts, the highlight of the festival being the Calypso King Competition. Costume and T-shirt bands come out for jump-ups in the street and masquerades, string, and iron bands entertain the revelers. It all climaxes on New Year?s Eve when there are festivities, parties and family gatherings galore throughout the island, culminating at the stroke of midnight when many folk attend their respective churches to ring in the New Year. Everybody celebrates throughout the entire season and there is lots of goat water to enjoy! 
A Montserrat sunset.
Montserrat's unspoiled coastline.
Volcano eruption from space
Montserrat's Soufriere Hills Volcano.
Related News... Montserrat to start its own airlineAntiguaSun - 15 hours ago
A new airline is set to begin servicing Montserrat in the near future in order to further stimulate the island’s economic growth. Montserrat Airways Limited ...
Our view: Mission accomplished at MontserratThe Salem News - Mar 31, 2009
In less than two years Sturnick has put Beverly's Montserrat College of Art firmly back on its feet. This week, sadly, she announced that she will be ...
Beverly's Montserrat College president resigns Beverly Citizen
Beverly art school losing champion The Salem News
Montserrat president resignsBoston Globe - Apr 5, 2009
Helena Judith Sturnick, interim president of Montserrat College of Art, announced last week that she will leave her position in December. ...
North Shore entertainment calendarThe Salem News - 1 hour ago
Montserrat College of Art Open House for the Public, Saturday, April 18, 1 to 4 pm Every Montserrat student's newest and best works of art and design on ...
Montserrat makes a splash at Beneath the Sea Underwater ExpositionCaribbean Net News - Apr 9, 2009
BRADES, Montserrat: The Montserrat Tourist Board recently spearheaded a successful trip to New Jersey for the 32nd Annual Beneath the Sea Underwater ...
Montserrat Theatre Company hosts Summer Drama Program 2009Caribbean Net News - Apr 7, 2009
BRADES, Montserrat: The Montserrat Theatre Company will be offering a Summer Drama Program to students interested in learning about the performing arts. ...
Barcelona's chocolate organTypically Spanish - Apr 14, 2009
... Déu Hospital in
Barcelona are already eating their way through a chocolate reproduction
of the organ found in the Basilica of Santa María de Montserrat. ...
Montserrat College was late founder's 'dream'The Salem News - Mar 27, 2009
With the force of his personality and the financial backing of the North Shore Music Theatre, Jeswald founded Montserrat College of Art. The college opened ...
Anguilla routes Montserrat and St .MartinAnguilla LNT - Apr 5, 2009
On Saturday evening Anguilla made light work of team Montserrat as they were defeat in three sets in the ongoing FIVB World Championship in Antigua. ...
MONTSERRAT: FACT VS FICTIONTravelVideo.tv (press release) - Mar 26, 2009
Brades, Montserrat – March 26, 2009 – The island of Montserrat continues to flourish with growth and development despite ongoing activity from the Soufrière ... Mechanism of Compound Neurotoxicity Identified Polychlorinated ...Modern Medicine - 5 hours ago
In the study in the April issue of PLoS Biology, Montserrat Samso, Ph.D., from Harvard Medical School in Boston, and colleagues solved the three-dimensional ...
Antigua makes winning start to qualifying campaignAntiguaSun - Apr 3, 2009
Antigua and Barbuda’s head coach Alister Benjamin said although he is pleased with the win, he was expecting his team to beat Montserrat by a much wider ...
Antigua beat St. Kitts to advance in NORCECA qualifiersAntiguaSun - Apr 7, 2009
In the other match Sunday, British Virgin Islands defeated Montserrat 25-13, 25-14, 25-1 in the contest between the two winless sides. ...
Canada shifts foreign aid from the most needyVancouver Sun - Mar 27, 2009
This means the region's neediness ranges from tiny Montserrat (just 5100 people, but with average annual incomes of only about $4000) to the Cayman Islands ...
High Commissioner reiterates Canada's commitment to support Guyana Caribbean Net News
Caribbean hospitals potential risk in disasterCaribbean Net News - 14 minutes ago
PAHO/WHO, partnering with the
European Union, applied the index to Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St
Vincent, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and Montserrat. ...
Artist's legacy rooted in horrors of World War II Cape Ann painter ...Gloucester Daily Times - Mar 28, 2009
We were both fresh out of college," recalled Balf, who would become one of the founding faculty members at Montserrat. "One interesting thing is when I knew ...
Russia drop to 9th in FIFA rankingsRIA Novosti - Apr 8, 2009
Last place, 202nd, is shared by six countries - San Marino, Anguilla, Montserrat, American Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Papua New Guinea.
NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 15 April 2009Space Ref (press release) - 9 hours ago
Looking right of track, beyond the major river of the area), Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat (looking just right of nadir. The volcano erupted for the ...
Mendes loving life at The LamexComet 24 - Apr 10, 2009
Cambridge brought a large number of fans with them for the Blue Square Premier clash and the Montserrat international said the coaching staff stressed that ...
Survival Is Not Impossible For Espanyol - Sanchez LlibreGoal.com - Mar 26, 2009
In a bid to try and ensure survival, coach Mauricio Pochettino went on a walk to Montserrat to pray this week, and whilst the president is not sure he will ... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
