Montserrat Local Culture

No more business as usual for the Island of Montserrat

The active Montserrat volcano is also affecting Montserrat’s economy. Many local businesses have closed and major tourist sightseeing attractions -- including Soufriere Hills -- are no longer accessible. Volcanic ash has covered important tourist attractions like hiking trails and waterfalls on Montserrat.

"April 1, 1997, we had large pyroclastics flow that covered a waterfall," Ms. Meade said. "When that happens, everything in its path is scarred for good."

The movement of people and the interruption of business by the Montserrat Volcano makes ministry more difficult -- and more needed. The circuit purchased equipment and materials to keep children occupied during the crisis, and the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries’ Volunteers in Mission helped the church provide an extended vacation Bible school program for grade-school children. The circuit’s task force for adolescent mothers continues working with the young women, and Volunteers in Mission brought layette items for the babies. The church is in the process of organizing an income-generating crafts project to help families replace wages lost to the volcanic activity on Montserrat.

"The challenge is to really live out the hope I preach as pastor," Ms. Meade said. "The focus is on helping people to recognize, to claim, to affirm the presence of God in our situation -- God, our very present help in trouble. Psalm 46 seems to be written for our situation. We’ll be a stronger people."

That resolve is already showing in the island’s high-school students, said Ms. Meade, a former high-school teacher. Despite disruptions in classes and shifts in school hours because of the Montserrat volcanic activity, the island’s youth performed better on regional standardized tests in 1996 than before the Montserrat volcano began erupting. Students have been encouraged to keep journals during their relocations, Ms. Meade said.

UMCOR also gave the circuit $10,000 to assist the island’s displaced farming community, which had resettled on land in Trants provided by the government.

"We fenced the plots, and paid for land preparation, planting material and transportation for the farmers," Ms. Meade said. "A rototiller was purchased from this grant. The farmers reaped good harvests and were getting back on their feet. However, the June 25 flows came close to these plots, which had been considered safe, so now we are back to square one."

In areas completely destroyed by the Montserrat Volcano, farmers will have to wait months, maybe longer, for the soil to cool, stabilize and achieve the right mix of nutrients to support crop growth, explained Deborah Brosnan, PhD, a biologist and founder of Sustainable Ecosystems Institute. Her Portland, Oregon-based non-profit environmental concern is monitoring the effects of Montserrat’s active volcano.

"In the areas of the Montserrat Volcano that have been `dusted’ by ash, farmers will be able to return and start farming immediately," she said. "Ash does provide some additional nutrients to plants, and it keeps insect pest numbers down. The farmers’ main problems will be from the ash in the area because most don’t wear dust masks."

Montserrat Volcano

Capital

Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity from the Montserrat Volcano). Interim government buildings have been built at Brades, in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat. New Develpments are to begin at Little Bay.

Car Rentals

There are several car rental agencies many of which accept credit cards with addresses and phone numbers. Rental cars have red number plates and numbers beginning with R.

Churches

The predominant religion is Christianity and there are many denominations and churches.

Montserrat Christian Council
c/o the Methodist church office
Tel: (664) 491-2139 (weekdays between 9am and 3pm).

Climate & Rainfall

Winter and summer temperatures average between 24 and 32 Celsius (76 to 88 F) with constant breezes from the sea and mountains. The annual rainfall is about 1,250-2,000 mm or 50-80 inches, well distributed throughout the year, with a wetter season from July to November.

Clothing

Light casual clothing, but bring along some long pants and sturdy shoes if you intend to hike.

Communication/Mobile Phones

High speed internet access and cellular service are available. Two mobile access platforms available - TDMA (DAMPS on 800 Mhz) and GSM 850. Local SIM purchase is US$6 and a temporary phone rental is US$20 monthly. Contact Cable and Wireless at (664) 491 2112 (ext 250) for more information.

Courier Services

Federal Express, DHL, UPS and LIAT Quick Pak all provide courier services from Montserrat.

Shipping Agents

Peter's Agency
A& F Service Centre Complex  
Sweeneys

Montserrat Currency

Currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which exchanges at approximately 2.7 EC dollars to the US dollar and between 4.6 and 4.9 EC dollars to the pound sterling. Credit cards are not widely accepted, but there is no problem cashing traveller's cheques at the banks. Montserrat Volcano

Departure & Airport Security Tax

Departure and airport security tax from Montserrat is EC$35 (US$13) for CARICOM nationals and EC$55 (US$21) for other nationals.

Montserrat Drinking Water
Montserrat has one of the purest supplies of drinking water in the world, and it is perfectly safe to drink from the tap. Bottled or mineral water is also available in grocery stores.

Montserrat Drivers License

A local driver's license is necessary if you plan to drive in Montserrat. You can apply for this at your port of entry or at the Police Headquarters at Brades. The cost is EC$50 and you will need to produce your valid driver's license from your country of origin.

Drugs

Even "soft" drugs like marijuana are illegal, and there are stiff penalties for those caught in possession.

Duty Free

Gift articles up to a value of US$185 (EC$500) including the allowances of wines, spirits, cigarettes, tobacco, cigars and perfume maybe imported free of duty, provided that they do not exceed what is permitted. The allowance inMontserrat is 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and half a pound of tobacco, 40 ounces of alcoholic beverage and 6 ounces of perfume. Personal items are exempt from import duty.

Exclusion Zone

The eruption of Soufriere Hills volcano (Montserrat 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 is from Plymouth and southwards to St. Patrick's through Windy Hill and Harris and down to the east coast at the site of W. H. Bramble Airport.

Montserrat Electricity
Voltage of 220 volts. Some buildings are wired for both 220 and 110 volts to suit North American appliances. Otherwise transformers are easily available to reduce the voltage from 220 to 110 volts.

Montserrat Emergency Numbers
Fire 911
Operator Assistance 411
Police 999  

Montserrat Volcano

Government

Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, with a British Governor and a locally elected government led by the Chief Minister. There is an executive council, and a legislative council with nine elected members including four ministers of government. Montserrat Volcano is active.

Health Requirements

No vaccination is required unless transiting or coming from infected areas within six months of arrival. Persons known to have come from any country that has suffered cholera, yellow fever or small pox epidemics must have vaccination certificates.
 
Health Services

For a full guide to health services available in Montserrat check online.

Hospitals

Glendon Hospital, St. Johns  Montserrat Volcano
Tel: (664) 491 2552/7404

Internet Cafes

Grant Enterprises & Trading
Brades
Tel: (664) 491 9654
Fax: (664) 491 5854

Language

The official language is English, often flavored with a strong Montserratian accent, and sometimes spoken very fast.

Location

The Montserrat Volcano is located at 16 45 N, 62 12 W, and 27 miles southwest of Antigua.

Marriage on Montserrat

For visiting non-nationals a minimum stay of 3 working days in Montserrat is required before application can be made to obtain a special or Governor's Marriage License. Application for the license is made through the Department of Administration. The following documents are required:
* Marriage Application Form (issued by the Department of Administration)
* Passports of both parties
* Original absolute Divorce Decree (if divorced)
* Original Death Certificates of deceased spouse (if widowed)
* Non-Marriage Certificate (if applicable).

Department of Administration:
PO Box 292
Government Headquarters, Brades
Montserrat, B.W.I.
Tel: (664) 491 2365
Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm  (Montserrat Volcano)

Massages and Spa Treatments on the island of Montserrat

Bliss Day Spa 
Offers Swedish body massage, reflexology, Indian head massage, therapeutic massage, facials, waxing manicures and pedicures. Gift vouchers available. Operates from Drummonds.
Tel: (664) 491 2924/ 495 2924

Lalie's
For massage therapy, body care, reflexology, aromatherapy and other treatments contact Lalie's:For massage therapy, body care, reflexology, aromatherapy and other treatments contact Lalie's:
Palm Loop, Woodlands
Phone: (664) 491 6439

Passport/Visas to visit the Montserrat Volcano

Proof of citizenship is required in Montserrat. A valid passport is recommended for all visitors to Montserrat; however, US Canadian and British citizens may present a driver's license 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. Montserrat Volcano is very interesting. There shall be proof of accommodation and one must possess sufficient funds to sustain ones self for the length of the visit.

Pharmacy on Montserrat

Lee's Pharmacy, Brades Main Road
Tel: (664) 491 3444
9am-7pm

Population of Montserrat

The population is currently estimated at 4,700. This is reduced from a former 12,000 as many residents went to live overseas at the height of Montserrat volcanic activity.

Montserrat Volcano Post Office

General Post Office
Government Headquarters, Brades, Montserrat
Counter service from 8:15 am to 4pm, while parcel post is from 9am - 12 noon and again from 1pm to 3pm.

Real Esate in Montserrat

A holiday home can be purchased at relatively low prices so you can experience a little Irish culture without the hassle of the Irish weather! This is partly because the island is home tothe active Montserrat volcano, but real estate in the northern safe zone represents a good investment opportunity, with holiday lets a viable income generator. The government welcomes expatriate investment in the island, so buying or building property is a straightforward process for a non-national. All real estate transactions are conducted in US dollars and purchasers receive a freehold Land Certificate or title for the property upon closing. A local lawyer represents the purchaser, applying for the alien landholder licence and drawing up the necessary contracts. The total cost of the landholder licence, land transfer, stamp duty, tax and legal fees is approximately 15.6% of the net property price. This fee is borne by the purchaser.

Safety

Montserrat prides itself on being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, but we still advise that you take sensible precautions and monitor the Montserrat Volcano.

Supermarkets

They tend to stay open later than other shops, and open also on Sundays for varying times.

Taxes & Other Charges

Departure & Security Tax: Paybale upon leaving Montserrat: US$13 (EC$35.00) for CARICOM nationals and US$21 (EC$55) for all other nationals.
Accommodation Tax: 10% for hotels and 7% for Guesthouses, B&Bs and Villas.
Tipping: 10% service charge added at most restaurants, otherwise at your discretion. Yachting Charges: There is an EC$35 (about US$13) charge for all yacht arrivals at the port levied by the Port Authority. Customs makes no charge for attendance from Monday-Friday between the hours of 8am-4 pm. There is however a charge levied outside of those hours and on Public Holidays to cover staff overtime; this is set presently at 50 EC$per hour with a minimum of EC$100 per call out. Montserrat Volcano.

Time Difference

Same as Eastern Standard Time in summer, and one hour ahead in winter (we don't change but they do). We're 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (5 hours behind Britain during British summer time). Montserrat Volcano.