Regional Notes
Montserrat
GOVERNMENT
The island of Montserrat is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
MONEY
The currency on Montserrat is the Eastern Caribbean dollar and the US dollar. Banks are open 8am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, until 5pm on Friday.
COMMUNICATIONS
There are card call-boxes, with international dialling.
HISTORY, LANGUAGE, CULTURE
After several waves of Irish settlement (first from St Kitts, in flight from Kittian Protestants, later from Ireland itself) Montserrat has a strong Irish heritage. It is even sometimes called the 'Emerald Isle'. The language is English.
Montserrat's volcano, Soufriere Hills, began erupting in 1995, and has continued active since then. The south of the island, and the main town, Plymouth, were abandoned. Around 8000 people left the island, but some have returned. Tourism and tourist facilities are gradually returning, now with the volcano as an attraction. Diving is a major attraction.
Taxis are available, and hire cars if you obtain a local licence. Driving is on the left.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day, St Patrick's Day (March 17), Good Friday & Easter Monday, Labour Day (first Monday in May), Whit Monday (seven weeks after Easter), August Monday (first Monday in August), Christmas Day & Boxing Day, Festival Day (31st December).
HEALTH
The island's hospital was destroyed in the volcanic eruptions, and has been relocated to a former school at St. John's in the north .
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES
American Consular Agent, Bluff House, Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour, ANTIGUA, Tel (268) 463-6531.
Canadian High Commissioner, P.O. Box 404, Bridgetown, BARBADOS, Tel (246) 429-3550.
SPECIAL FEATURES
There are daily radio reports giving the volcano alert level at 19.30 on Radio Montserrat (91.1 or 95.5FM). You can also ring the Volcano Observatory on 664-491-5647. Sailors need to be aware that volcanic flow has significantly affected shoaling around the island.
Regional Links
The Locations
Montserrat Served from the Perry-Casteneda Map Collection, University of Texas.