 Montserrat is one of the Leeward Islands group
in the Eastern Caribbean.
Much of this island has been devastated and
two-thirds of the population has fled abroad due to the eruption of the
Soufriere Hills volcano that began on 18 July 1995.
Montserrat is volcanic with black sandy beaches and lush tropical
vegetation. There are three main volcanic mountains on the island and
Chances Peak is its highest point at 915m (3002ft). The
Soufrière group of hills house the
volcano which began erupting in July 1995 and to date is continuously
active. The Great Alps Waterfall, previously one of the most spectacular
sights in the West Indies, has been destroyed by the volcano.
The recent volcanic activity on Montserrat began in 1995 after more than
350 years of quiet. There were limited and temporary evacuations in the
immediate vicinity of the volcano over the next two years, and some
residents elected to move to the neighboring islands of Antigua and
Guadeloupe. In May 1997, scientists reported signs of an impending major
eruption, which commenced on 25 June, devastating the southern portion
of the island. Eruptions have continued since that time.
 The country
is British Dependent Territory since 1632.
The head of state is therefore: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented
locally by Governor Tony Abbott since 1997.
Montserrat will need many new things in the future, including
a new capital city (Plymouth) , new houses, new businesses and new hotels. If it is
to return to its pre-1995 population of 11,000, it will need new
residents, too. Only about 4,000 people were left on the island when we
went to press, the rest having relocated. It’s believed that about 20
people lost their lives in the summer 1997 eruptions.
 Volcanic activity continues, and the southern two-thirds of the British
colony is considered too dangerous for human habitation. Several towns
have been destroyed, including the capital of Plymouth, and the airport
is closed. The population is now concentrated in northern Montserrat.
While several guest houses there are open, the area is said to be
crowded and short of some resources. The only ways to reach the island
are by a ferry that runs from Antigua to Little Bay and by limited
helicopter service, also from Antigua.
When Montserrat will recover is unclear. The British government has
pledged to help rebuild the island when volcanic activity diminishes,
but geologists have been reluctant to predict when—or if—volcanic
activity might cease. The chance of a catastrophic eruption that could
damage even the northern part of the island is considered very small,
though not impossible.
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