Official Name: Montserrat Capital: Playmouth Flag: Population: 5,097 Language: English Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) Government Website: www.giu.gov.ms Chamber of Commerce: www.devunit.gov.ms Emergency Info:

The tiny island of Montserrat is one of resilience. Hit with a string of natural devastations including multiple volcanic eruptions (it’s last in 1997), the splendor of the island and its people has proved untouchable. Although volcanic rock from the islands history is still visible, the lush rainforest, bright flora and exotic fauna, including the rare Montserrat Oriole, far outdo any remaining traces of damage. Encompassing the magnificent land of the island are black and white sand beaches, over 30 pristine dive sites, and an excess of world class fishing.

The lethargic atmosphere on the island matches the laid back attitude of its surrounding countries. Although Martinique is small and much less populated than other Caribbean destinations, it does provide a range of accommodations including large oceanfront hotels and small guesthouses. The beaches in Monserrat are made of black (or grey) sand, called volcanic sand, and are quite spectacular. Although some of the water on the south end of the islands is off limits, what is accessible is virtually pristine, very well preserved from any disaster and phenomenal for diving. For a good swimming beach, Little Bay (near Festival Village), is just the spot, and includes nearby drink and snack shacks. More secluded beaches are Bunkam Bay – watch out for rough waves – and Lime Kiln Beach which bears fascinating results of volcanic mudflow.

Uniqie to the island of Montserrat is its active volcano. Scientists call this volcano one of the most interesting in the world, and visitors have a chance to witness the active Soufriere Hills volcano from a number of safe locations around the islands. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory also provides a learning center where visitors can gain knowledge of the volcano’s history and what scientists believe is in store for its future. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm, visitors can meet with scientists who monitor the volcano’s activity and get a tour of the observatory’s monitoring operations.

The volcanic eruption of 1997 flowed into the town of Plymouth, the former capital of Montserrat, which at the time was one of the most attractive West Indian capitals. Approximately eighty percent of the town’s structures were destroyed in a blaze from the molten lava. Today Plymouth lies within the volcanic exclusion zone and therefore is unable to be accessed. It is possible to view the city, and the best places for seeing it are Richmond Hill, and Garibaldi Hill which requires a four wheel drive vehicle to get there. Jack Boy Hill located in the north east of the island provides an excellent view of the volcano and has picnic areas and a viewing telescope. An entirely different view of the volcano can be seen by taking a boat tour around the island.

Since Plymouth is now deserted, the small village of St. John’s now acts a bit like the capital city, providing a place for the islands amenities including the Emergency Center and main hospital.

A visit to the National Trust Museum includes an exploration of the history of Montserrat, its volcanic activities, slavery and sugar production, and the lime industry. On display as well, photo journals and videotapes of the islands eldest members give incredible accounts of the islands past. Other features of the Trust include gardens, a research library, and a gift shop filled with local art.

Ghauts – pronounced 'guts' - are deep gorges where fresh water flows from the mountains to the sea. Runaway Ghaut is a pleasurable laid back hike beginning in the Woodlands area that leads walkers through a fantastic nature trial that ends at a natural spring ghaut. An old legend says that if a person drinks from one of these springs, they’ll be drawn back to Montserrat many times over in their life.

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