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Montserrat
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Also known as: |
Emerald Isle (Source: Caribbean Islands
Handbook (Footprint Handbooks), 8th ed) |
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Motto: |
Each Endeavouring, All Achieving
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Location: |
A British overseas territory in the Leeward Islands, and one
of the chain of islands of the Lesser Antilles. It is
located 40 km south-West of Antigua. The island is
volcanic and mountainous.
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History: |
Sighted by Columbus in 1493, Montserrat
was settled
by Anglo-Irish colonists from 1632. The island fell under
French occupation twice, but was otherwise continuously
under British rule.
In 1967, Montserrat opted for colonial status instead of
Associated Statehood. In 1995 the Soufriere Hills Volcano
came to life and by 1997 the majority of the population was
forced to leave the island. Approximately two thirds
of the island, including the capital, Plymouth, and the W.H.
Bramble Airport is covered with ash. Only the northern
section of the island is now inhabited. The Government
now functions from Brades.
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Elections: |
Last elections 2009. Next elections
due 2014.
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Ruling Party: |
Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP),
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Major Political Parties: |
Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP), New People's Liberation Movement (NPLM), Montserrat
Democratic Party (MDP)
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Head of State: |
H.E. Mr. Adrian
Derek Davis, Governor
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Head of Government: |
Honourable Reuben Meade
Premier
Date of
Birth: 7 March 1954
Marital Status:
Married
Education:
- General
Studies Degree, Majoring in Economics, UWI
- Agriculture Economics, Marketing and Management,
McGill University
- Banking and
Finance, University of Bradford
Professional/Political Career:
1982-1988:
Project Analyst, CDB
1989-1991:
Director of Development, Ministry of Finance and
Economics Development
1991-1996:
Elected Chief Minister
1997-2006:
Minister of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition
2007-2009: Minister of Agriculture, Land, Housing
and the Environment
2009 (Sep):
Elected Chief Minister
2011: Sworn in as 1st Premier
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Economic Summary: |
From July 1995 normal life was disrupted
due to severe volcanic eruptions on the island. By
mid-1998 volcanic activity subsided and normalcy returned,
but with a significantly reduced population and economic
activity.
The once vibrant tourism industry is re-emerging
as a major contributor to national economic growth. The
fledgling industry caters mainly for day excursionists. |
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Seaport: |
Montserrat-Antigua and Barbuda Ferry
Service
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Heliport: |
Gerald Heliport
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Status: |
British Dependency
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Capital: |
Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due
to volcanic activity. Interim government buildings
built at Brades Estate at the northwest end of Montserrat)
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Seat of Government Offices: |
Brades
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Area: |
103 km2 (40 miles2)
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Population: |
4,681 (2004)
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Currency: |
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
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GDP: |
EC$124 Mn (2007)
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Total Exports: |
EC$7.3 Mn (2007)
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Total Imports: |
EC$79.8 Mn (2007)
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Intra-Regional Exports: |
EC$3.0 Mn (2007)
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Intra-Regional Imports: |
EC$30.2 Mn (2007)
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Business Hours: |
Commercial: 8:00-17:00 hrs Monday to
Friday
Government: 8:00-14:00 hrs Monday
to Friday |
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National Holidays: |
New Year's Day (01 January); St. Patrick's
Day (17 March); Good Friday; Easter Monday; Labour Day (First
Monday in
May); Whit Monday; Queen's Birthday (second Saturday of
June); Emancipation Day (First Monday in August); Christmas Day (25 December);
Boxing Day (26 December); Festival Day (31 December)
Holidays that fall on Saturday or Sunday
are observed the following Monday
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Date of CARICOM Membership: |
1 May 1974
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National Anthem: |
God Save Our Queen
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen;
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.
O Lord our God arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall:
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix:
God save us all.
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign:
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen. |
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Highest National Awards: |
Montserrat Badge of Honour
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Favourite Dish: |
Goat Water
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(September
2009) |
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