Island of Montserrat

Montserrat is one of the Leeward Islands and is situated some 27 miles to the south-west of Antigua which serves as the international gateway for the Leeward Islands.

Montserrat is a mountainous island, and has a total land area of 40 square miles. The South of the island is dominated by the Soufriere Hills volcano, and around 60% of the island is within the exclusion zone. The population is approximately 5,000, and now live in the safe, Northern part of the island. Access to the island by air and sea is via Antigua.

English is the official language of the island while Spanish is spoken by nationals from the Dominican Republic who live on the island.

The island's exports include sand and gravel, bottled water, honey and soap products manufactured as by products of the volcanic eruption.

The Soufriere Hills volcano started to erupt in 1995 and has caused the destruction of communities in the south and east of the island and the former capital, Plymouth in the west of the island. A new capital is being developed in Little Bay in the north-west of the island and this is the port of entry for sea going vessels. There are two major Maritime Exclusion Zones around the island's coast, one in the east of the island and one in the south west of the island. Entry to these zones is forbidden for shipping because of dangers from possible flows from the flanks of the volcano.

The Soufriere Hills volcano is monitored from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory by a team of international scientists who advise Government officials on the status of the volcano.

Getting here

There is one airline offering scheduled flights into Montserrat's John A. Obsorne Airport from the V.C.Bord International Airport in Antigua. Fly Montserrat operate a 9 seater Islander aircraft. Flying time in each direction is 20 minute and check in time in both Antigua and Montserrat is one hour before departure.

In addition to scheduled flights, there is a ferry service operating from the Deep Water Harbour in St John's Antigua to Little Bay in Montserrat. You should check the Montserrat Tourist Board for the latest schedule.

There are anchorage facilities for yachts in Little Bay, which is the official port of entry for all ships. There are Customs and Immigration Officers stationed there. A marina is planned for the Little Bay area as part of the new capital being planned for the area.

Tourism

Montserrat is a unique tourism destination. Undiscovered and unspoiled, there are empty and pristine black sand beaches and great diving sites. There are beautiful nature walks in the mountains, volcanic views from the safety of easily reached vantage spots, modern hotels and guest houses, pleasant restaurants and you can even visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory for a tour and a history of the erupting volcano.

More information can be obtained from the Montserrat Tourist Board at their website www.visitmontserrat.com

The Montserrat Cultural Centre

The Montserrat Cultural Centre, incorporating the Sir George Martin Auditorium, is a unique development in Little Bay. Built from funds raised for Montserrat in the United Kingdom by Record Producer and owner of Air Studios (the former recording studios based in Montserrat), Sir George Martin - it is the centre for the performing arts on the island. The 700 seat auditorium features concerts, dinners, films, exhibitions and a host of other activities. There is also a bar and gardens. Visitors are welcomed and tours can be arranged by calling 491 4242.

Sports

There are brand new football and cricket grounds on island. The new football field at Blakes has been funded by grants from FIFA and offers pre-season training facilities for overseas teams visiting the island.

The new cricket ground at Little Bay is part of the development of the new capital being planned for the area and has already hosted international matches. In addition, a cricket pitch is located in Salem

There are a number of tennis, basketball and netball courts on island and a vibrant Sports Department can organise fixtures for visiting teams.