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Montserrat
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North America > Caribbean > Montserrat -->
Montserrat [1] is an island in the Caribbean, southeast of Puerto Rico. A former popular resort, it is recovering from a hurricane and volcanic activity from the 1980s and 1990s.
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[edit] Understand Once a popular get-away destination (especially after Beatles producer George Martin opened a studio here), Montserrat has been hit hard by the four elements, both from without and from within. First the wind and waves of hurricane Hugo swept through in 1989, damaging 90% of the island's structures. Then the earth and fire welled up in 1995, with the volcano of Soufriere Hills forcing the long-term evacuation of 2/3 of the island's population, and catastrophically closing the airports and seaports in June 1997. The capital of Plymouth was covered by 40 feet of ash, and much of the south end of the island is now uninhabitable. Government offices have since been set up in Brades on the northwest shore of the island, out of harm's way. Much of the island's population has returned, with estimates ranging from 4,700 to 9,500, compared to the pre-Hugo/Soufriere high of over 12,000. [edit] ClimateTemperatures year-around average between 76-88°F (24-32°C), with constant cooling breezes. Rainfall is a little more common from July to November. [edit] LandscapeMontserrat is small, but getting larger. The erupting volcano is gradually extending the southern end of the island. [edit] Get inProof of citizenship is required. United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and CARICOM citizens may present a driver's license or other government photo ID; all others require passports. Visitors from Cuba require visas, obtainable from British Consulate offices. All visitors must have tickets for departure, proof of accommodations, and funds to cover their expenses while on Montserrat. Several tour operators in Antigua offer day excursions to Montserrat, including observation of the Soufriere Hills volcano. Charter helicopters from Antigua offer another way to view the volcano. [edit] By planeGerald's Airport was opened in 2005, providing daily flights to and from Antigua and St. Maarten via regional carrier Winair [2]. Antigua and St. Maarten are served by several major international airlines from North America and Europe. [edit] By boatThe primary transportation harbor is Little Bay, near the de facto capital of Brades. [edit] Get aroundMontserrat has one main road that winds along the coast on the east and west sides of the island. Cars can be rented from any of a number of agencies. Traffic is mild (there are no traffic lights to bother with), but be warned that there are only two gas/petrol stations on the island. Bicycle rentals are also available. Taxis and minibuses run mostly during the day. [edit] TalkThe people of Montserrat all speak English (British dialect), albeit with a local accent. [edit] SeeThe volcano! An observation area on Jack Boy Hill on the eastern side gives a view of the ash flows covering the old airport. Huge boulders may sometimes be seen, crashing down the slope in a cloud of dust. The Monserrat Volcano Observatory on the south-west side has an observation deck.[3] Tours into the exclusion zone may be possible, depending on the volcano risk level; you will pass through a landscape of abandoned homes and fields, see the volcano close-up, and gaze down at the old capital of Plymouth, now buried in ash and mud.  [edit] BuyThere is currently only one ATM on the island, at the Royal Bank of Canada.
[edit] CostsVisiting the island is a bargain compared to pre-eruption Montserrat and many of its less geologically active neighbors, as the island is anxious to reestablish its tourism industry. The tourism board boasts private villas for as little as US$700/week. Like www.milesawayvilla.com, and www.montserratrental.com. [edit] EatJohn Ponteens Sunday BBQ Little Bay. DD Bar Friday night in Hope by the MVO. Chicken Wilsons in Salem. Roti for lunch at the Attic. Gourmet Gardens in Olveston. Jumping Jacks with a bargain BBQ buffet every other Wed. [edit] DrinkGary Moores Wide awake Bar, Salem. Falming El Paso, St Peter Green Monkey Bar Little Bay Dessert Storm, Salem Misers in Salem. Jaxxons St John [edit] SleepTravellers Palm Guest House Olveston (closed for good on Jan 31st, 2008) [4] Vue Pointe Hotel, Old Towne, was the only remaining beach resort after the volcano erupted. It has struggled through repeated closures because of volcanic activity, and the owners do not plan to reopen. They seek to build a new resort farther from the volcano.[5] Tropical Mansion Suites, near the airport. PO Box 404, Sweeny's, [6] Villa "Tan Ry Doon", Olveston, [7] [edit] Learn[edit] Work[edit] Stay safeThe island is still vulnerable to hurricanes during the season from June to November. Volcanic eruptions still pose some danger, though volcanic activity has been primarily on the level of a nuisance in recent years. Travel to the Exclusion Zone on the south end of the island is generally not permitted, for safety reasons. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory publishes current risk assessments and exclusion zone limits. [8] Montserrat is generally a safe place, however in recent years, violent crime has increased. Assault is the most common form, with an annual rate of just over 10 assaults for every 1000 people. (By comparison, Canada's rate is about 7 per 1000). General safety precautions, including such as not walking in an alleyway at night, are advised. [edit] Stay healthyNo vaccinations are required to enter Montserrat unless coming from a country that has suffered a cholera, yellow fever, or small pox epidemic.
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