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GOVERNOR’S REMARKS
DEAR GUEST: Hello and welcome to our magnificent island of Montserrat, one of the most beautiful, hospitable and interesting of the Caribbean islands. Montserrat is a remarkable place, with grey pearl beaches, challenging nature trails, and a live volcano with a stateof-the-art Observatory for you to visit. Most important of all, take time to meet our amazing locals! All of them have tales to tell of music and nature and of the triumphs and tragedies that make Montserratians what they are today, some of the friendliest people on the planet. Enjoy your stay, try our goat water, see our new capital growing at Little Bay, enjoy our scenery and culture, dive our crystal clear waters and take home some of our local souvenirs to remind you of a very special place.
H.E. Peter Waterworth Governor of Montserrat
Have a great vacation and tell your friends that Montserrat is once again the place to be!
CHIEF MINISTER’S REMARKS Welcome to Montserrat! Visiting Montserrat for the first or the tenth time, always feels like returning to a home that is peaceful and tranquil. This is just the place for you to relax and unwind, reconnect with an old passion for creating art, writing poetry or strumming a tune. The simplicity of life on Montserrat doesn’t change the fact that we are one of the most wired communities in the Caribbean. With the click of a mouse, you can be as close to your business connections, or as far away as you need to be from your every day life. You should not leave without trying our liqueurs made from our bountiful supply of fruits, or capturing as many memories as you need to of our majestic mountains and awe-inspiring Soufrière Hills Volcano. Explore one of our many reefs or hike one of our world class trails. Make yourself at home.
Hon. Reuben T. Meade Chief Minister & Minister of Tourism
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CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
Elijah K. Silcott
WELCOME TO VISITOR: You will soon realise that Montserrat is a special vacation destination. The fresh clean air that greets you upon disembarking, the friendly faces that greet you around the island, the spectacular verdant hills and coastline, and of course, the majestic Soufrière Hills Volcano. While this natural wonder has caused a lot of destruction and hardships for Montserratians it has also become our key attraction. Where else in the world can you marvel at an active volcano from several safe vantage points or see a modern-day Pompeii – our buried capital city Plymouth. I invite you to marvel at our slice of paradise – and do tell your friends.
Chairman Montserrat Tourist Board
DIRECTOR’S REMARKS
Ernestine M. Y. Cassell Director of Tourism Montserrat Tourist Board
DEAR VISITOR: Welcome to ‘the Other Emerald Isle” for what will surely be a unique and memorable experience. We invite you to marvel at our world-famous active Soufrière Hills Volcano, which rendered two-thirds of our island an Exclusion Zone, and created a modern-day Pompeii - the buried capital city Plymouth. Our uniqueness is also evident in our Irish connections and the fact that we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday – the only country apart from Ireland. Throughout the island you will always be surrounded by verdant sceneries and spectacular coastal vistas. For the more active, you can hike one of our nine world-class trails, or maybe dive, snorkel and kayak our volcano-inspired waters. Or simply relax on our secluded black sand beaches or “Lime” with our friendly residents. You are guaranteed to have a memorable stay on Montserrat and please feel free to drop into our office in Brades for a chat, or if you need any additional information.
Information Services MOnTSERRAT Montserrat Tourist Board #7 Farara Plaza, Buildings B&C P.O. Box 7, Brades, Montserrat, West Indies T: (664) 491 2230/ 8730 F: (664) 491 7430 E: info@montserrattourism.ms Website: www.visitmontserrat.com
GERMAnY & COnTInEnTAL EUROPE Basic Services Group Münsterplatz 1 55116 Mainz,Germany T: (49) 6131 993 320 F: (49) 6131 993 31 E: info@visitmontserrat.de Website: www.visitmontserrat.de
AnTIGUA For Media, Tour Operator & Tourism Enquiries nicole Arthurton Dennis P.O. Box W1823 Woods Centre, St John’s Antigua T: (268) 720 7441 E: Nicole@xigroup.com
USA For Media Enquiries, Brochure Requests & Tourism Information Cheryl Andrews Marketing Inc. 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 805, Coral Gables, FL 33134 T: (305) 444 4033 F: (305) 447 0415 E: montserratinfo@cherylandrewsmarketing. com
UnITED KInGDOM For Tourism Information The Saltmarsh Partnership The Copperfields 25D Copperfield Street, London SE1 0EN T: (44) 020 7928 1600 F: (44) 020 7928 1700 E: Montserrat@saltmarshpr.co.uk
GUADELOUPE AnD MARTInIQUE For Media and Tour Operator Enquiries Market One Centre d’Affaires Valmenière Bât. A - 1er étage 97200 Fort de France, Martinique T: (596) 596 63 12 97 F: (596) 596 71 43 10 E: montserrat@agencemarketone.com
Montserrat Government (UK) Office 180-186 Kings Cross Road London, WC1X 9DE T: (44) 020 7520 2622 F: (44) 020 7520 2624 E: j.panton@montserratgov.co.uk
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Guide to
Contents Facts at a Glance History Getting Here Getting Around Places of Interest Eating Out nightclubs, Bars & nightspots Public Holidays and Calendar of Events Accommodation Guide Hotels Villas Guesthouses/B&Bs Apartments Campgrounds Health Therapies Hair Salons Health Food
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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of this publication without any written permission is strictly prohibited. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure correct information, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or changes. The advertising content is the sole responsibility of the advertisers and the publishers accept no responsibility for any of the statements or claims made therein. “Guide to Montserrat” is the Official Publication of, and is published by, the Montserrat Tourist Board. Photo Credits: David Graham, Wayne “Fenty” Fenton, Ishwar Persad, John Cole, KiMagic, David MacGillivray, Liz Harmer, Montserrat national Trust, Elizabeth Brandel, Dagan Smith and Acute Vision Inc.
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Facts at a Glance
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Visit the MVO’s website at www.mvo.ms for up to date information on exclusion zones and volcano hazard levels.
Facts at a Glance BANKS There are two main commercial banks Bank of Montserrat and the Royal Bank of Canada, both situated on the Brades Main Road. Bank of Montserrat
Tel: (664) 491 3843 Email: bom@candw.ms Opens Monday to Thursday 8:00am – 2:00pm and Friday 8:00am- 3:00pm. Website: www.bankofmontserrat.ms
Royal Bank of Canada Tel: (664) 491 2426 Opens Monday to Thursday 8:00am 2:00pm and Friday 8:00am -3:00pm.
BUSINESS HOURS Government offices open from 8am to 4pm. Most shops open until 5pm, with grocery shops staying open much later. On Fridays shops tend to stay open until 5pm or later, while on Wednesdays and Saturdays they may close around midday (except grocery shops which stay open all day). Most grocery shops open on Sunday for a few hours as well.
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CAPITAL Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity). Government Offices and major commercial activity are now centred in the areas of Brades, Carr’s Bay, Little Bay and Sweeneys in the north-west end of the island. CHURCHES The predominant religion is Christianity, and there are many denominations and churches. These include: Anglican (Church of England) Episcopalian
St. Peters/Salem/St. Johns Sunday Morning Service: 7:00am/9:00am
Methodist Church
Office: (664) 491 2139 Salem/Cavalla Hill/Judy Piece Sunday Service: 9:00am Sunday School: 3:30pm Sunday Night Service: 6:30pm
Saint Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church
Tel: (664) 491 5360/ 496 5360 Salem Mass: Saturday at 5 pm & Sunday at 7 am
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Tel: (664) 491 5360 Look Out Village Sunday Mass: 9:00am
Seventh-Day Adventist Tel: (664) 491 7008
St. Johns/Salem Pastor: Carl Hastings Sabbath Service: Saturdays at 9:00am Sunday Night Service: 7:15pm
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Jehovah Witness
St. Peters Tel: (664) 491 5572 Contact: Maurice Hunte Worship: Sunday 9:30am/ Thursday 7:30pm
Church of Christ
Woodlands Tel: (664) 491 3695 Contact Person: Vernon White Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00am
Evangelicals: Bethel Apostolic Assemble
Cudjoe head Telephone: (664) 491 2488 Pastor: Bishop Thomas J. Weekes Sunday School: 10:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Sunday Evening Worship: 7:00 pm
Emmanuel Apostolic Church
St. Johns Pastor: Bishop Thomas J. Weekes Sunday School: 10:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Sunday Evening Service: 7:00pm
Church of God of Prophecy
St. Johns Pastor: Bishop Melroy Meade Tel: (664) 491 8526/ 6513 Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00am Sunday Evenings: 7:30pm
Shiloh Pentecostal
Salem Pastor: Simon Peter Buffonge Tel: (664) 491 8287/ 4911 Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00am Sunday Evening Service: 7:30pm
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Brades Pentecostal Church
Brades Pastor: Abraham Riley Tel: (664) 491 9914/ 4252 Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00am Sunday Evening Service: 7:15pm
Wesleyan Holiness
St. Peters and Davy Hill Pastor: Beatrice Allen Tel: (664) 491 4022/2057 Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00am Sunday Evenings: 6:30pm
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 5080 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 Internet access and cellular service are available. Internet Cafes CompuGet
Cudjoe Head Tel: (664) 491 4633 Fax: (664) 491 4854 Email: granten@candw.ms
Jim Lee’s Computer Services Cheap End St Peter’s Tel: (664) 496 8499
Free Wireless Internet Service available in the following Public Places: The Public Library Brades
The Lyme Brades
Festival Village Little Bay
John A. Osborne Airport Gerald’s
Courier Services Several international courier companies operate on the island: Federal Express Agent: Travel World International Ltd. Davy Hill Tel: (664) 491 2713
DHL Agent: Montserrat Shipping & Business Services Carr’s Bay Tel: (664) 491 3615 Fax: (664) 491 3617 Email: llewis@monship.org
UPS / LIAT Quickpak Agent: Monair Travel Services Ltd. Brades Tel: (664) 491 2533/ 2362 Email: monair@candw.ms
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CURRENCY Currency is the East Caribbean dollar (EC$), which is very stable and exchanges at approximately 2.7 EC dollars to the US dollar. There’s no problem exchanging US dollars or travellers’ cheques locally, however the majority of local businesses do not accept credit cards. Exchange rate with the Pound Sterling is approximately £1 to EC$4. DEPARTURE TaxES The Departure Tax from the Airport or Ferry Port is EC$35 (US$13) for CARICOM nationals and EC$55 (US$21) for other nationals. 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.
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Bottled or mineral water is also available in grocery stores.
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 may be imported free of duty, provided that they do not exceed what is permitted. The allowance in Montserrat is 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and half a pound of tobacco, 40 ounces of alcoholic beverages and 6 ounces of perfume. Personal items are exempt from import duty.
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ELECTRICITY There is a reliable electricity supply, with a 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. 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. GYM Bodies Gym & Aerobics, Located in the BBC Complex on Brades Main Road. Open Monday to Friday from 5:00am - 8:00am and 4:00pm - 7:00pm, and Saturdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm.
Tel: (664) 496 2221
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. HOSPITAL/HEALTH SERVICES The main hospital is located in St. John’s in the north and can handle most routine and surgical emergencies. Doctors in private practice are available, and there is a dental clinic as well as private dentistry
services. Air Ambulance services are available to Antigua and neighbouring islands from Fly Montserrat. Glendon Hospital
St. Johns Tel: (664) 491 2552/ 7404
EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Fire … 911 Operator Assistance … 411 Police … 999
AIR AMBULANCE FlyMontserrat
Tel: (664) 491 3434 Email: info@flymontserrat.com Website: www.flymontserrat.com
LANGUAGE The official language is English, often flavoured with a strong Montserratian accent, and sometimes spoken very fast. Don’t be afraid to ask people to ‘slow down’ if you have difficulty understanding what they’re saying! LOCATION Montserrat is located at 16° 45’ N, 62° 12’ W, and 27 miles southwest of Antigua. MARRIAGE 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 and persons wishing to marry should contact the Department of Administration soon after their arrival on island so that they can be properly advised. The following documents are
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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: P.O. Box 292 Government Headquarters, Brades Montserrat, B.W.I. Tel: (664) 491 2365 Email: admin@gov.ms Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:00pm
PHARMACY Lee’s Pharmacy
Brades Main Road Tel: (664) 491 3444 Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00am - 7:00pm
POPULATION The population based on mid year 2008 data is currently 4,875. This is reduced from a former 12,000 as many residents went to live overseas at the height of the volcanic activity. The remaining population lives in the northern half of the island, as the volcanic southern portion is still largely uninhabitable. POST OFFICE You can buy stamps, post letters and collect your mail at the General Post Office at Government Headquarters in Brades. The counter opens at 8:15am
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and closes at 4:00pm, while parcel post is open from 9:00am - 12:00 noon and again from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
SAFETY Montserrat prides itself on being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, but we still advise that you take sensible precautions: • Do ask for directions from your hotel or guesthouse before you set out to explore; • Do leave excess jewellery and cash at home when you go out; • Do familiarize yourself with the local numbers for the fire department and police service; • Do be alert at all times. TIME 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). For more information contact: Montserrat Tourist Board
#7 Farara Plaza, Buildings B&C, Brades Tel: (664) 491 2230/ 8730 Fax: (664) 491 7430 Email: info@montserrattourism.ms Website: www.visitmontserrat.com
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History
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History 1493 Columbus came to Montserrat on 11th November and named it after Santa Maria de Montserrate, the Mountain Abbey outside Barcelona in Spain that it reminded him of. 1632-1634 Irish Catholics from St. Kitts colonised the island. 1838 Emancipation of slaves. 1885 Montserrat’s Lime exports peaked. 1941 Montserrat’s cotton production boomed. 1956 LIAT started flights into Montserrat. 1960 William H. Bramble became the first Chief Minister of Montserrat. 1978 The American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine chartered in Montserrat and became a leading contributor to the economy. 1979 Former Beatles producer Sir George
Martin opened Air Studios Montserrat, which hosted a number of international recording artistes including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton.
1982 Montserrat-born, Alphonsus ‘Arrow’ Cassell released his first Pan-Caribbean hit called ‘Hot Hot Hot’ which became the biggest soca hit of all time. 1989 Hurricane Hugo devastated the island. 1995 The Soufriére Hills Volcano started phreatic eruptions which blanketed Plymouth in a thick ash cloud. 1997 Pyroclastic flows destroyed most of Plymouth, Dagenham, Glendon Hospital and the terminal building at W. H. Bramble Airport. 2005 The John A. Osborne Airport opens at Gerald’s. 2008 Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, visited Montserrat. 2009 Locally-based airline, FlyMontserrat commences operations and a permanent ferry service returns.
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Getting Here
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Getting Here
WINAIR FLIGHTS The St. Maarten-based Windward Islands Airways International N.V. (WinAir) provides Montserrat with daily scheduled flights from Antigua. WinAir uses its nineteen (19) seater DHC-6 PropJet aircraft and its BNI seven (7) seater (islander) Aircraft. All with two pilots and WinAir’s 47 years of experience as a scheduled Caribbean regional airline. Flights can be booked directly with WinAir at www.fly-winair. com or by contacting your travel agent.
WINAIR - ST. MAARTEN Tel: (599) 545 4273/ 4230/ 4210 Email: reservations@flywinair.com Online Bookings: www.flywinair.com
MONAIR Travel Services (WinAir’s Montserrat Agent) Brades Tel: (664) 491 4200/ 2533 Fax: (664) 491 7186 Email: monair@candw.ms
FLY MONTSERRAT This Montserrat based For Reservations and airline offers scheduled Ticketing on WinAir: and charter flights in and out of Montserrat using WINAIR - ANTIGUA three (3) nine-seater (Agents - Caribbean Britten Norman Islander Airport Services) aircraft. Fly Montserrat Tel: (268) 764 2177/480 operates several daily 5715 flights to Antigua, which Reservations/Flight Information: (268) 562 7932 can be increased based on demand. Scheduled flights Email: reservations@flycan be booked through winair.com Online Bookings: www.flytheir website.
FERRY SERVICE FROM ANTIGUA The MV Fjortof, partially owned by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda and the Government of Montserrat has resumed ferry services into Montserrat. NO ADVANCE TICKETING IS winair.com REQUIRED. Passengers should CHECK IN 60 minutes prior to departure. For further information on the ferry service contact the Montserrat Tourist Board by telephone (664) 491 2230/8730 or e-mail info@ montserrattourism.ms or go to www.visitmontserrat.com.
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Fly Montserrat also offers on-demand charters to Antigua, Anguilla, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, Tortola and other islands (see their website for complete list of islands). Day trips from these neighbouring islands, freight movements and round-the-island flyover trips can also be arranged. FlyMontserrat
P.O. Box 225 Montserrat, BWI Tel: (664) 491 3434 Mob: (664) 493 5689 Email: info@flymontserrat. com Website: www. flymontserrat.com
OTHER AIR CHARTER SERVICES/ COMPANIES Caribbean Helicopters P.O. Box 170 Jolly Harbour, Antigua, West Indies Tel: (268) 460 5900
Fax: (268) 460 5901 Email: helicopters@candw.ag Website: www. caribbeanhelicopters.com/
Montserrat Travel Agencies MONAIR Travel Services
Brades Tel: (664) 491 2362/ 2533 Fax: (664) 491 7186 Email: monair@candw.ms
RTT Travel & Tours
Brades Tel: (664) 491 4788/496 4788 Fax: (664) 491 2974 Email: rtttraveltours@ hotmail.com Website: www.rtttravelandtours.com
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Travel World International
P.O. Box 183, Davy Hill Tel: (664) 491 2713/ 2714 Fax: (664) 491 2715 Email: travelmni@candw.ms
Sailing Trips from Antigua with OnDeck The Antiguan-based company Ondeck provides sailing trips to Montserrat on a 65-footer Farr Ocean Racing Yacht. The yacht departs Falmouth Harbour in Antigua with the trip to Little Bay in Montserrat taking up to four hours. The return trip costs US$189 (approx. ÂŁ108.70) and is fully flexible to allow passengers to stay in Montserrat overnight or longer. For Reservations & Further Information:
Runaway Travel, Ltd. Ondeck Tel: (268) 562 6696 (IATA) P.O. Box 54 Brades Tel: (664) 491 2776/ 2800 E-mail: runaway@candw.ms
Email: Antigua@ ondeckoceanracing.com Website: www. ondeckoceanracing.com/ antigua/montserratadventure.html
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International Airlines in Antigua
Tel: (268) 481 4651 Fax: (268) 481 4660 Website: www.aa.com
CONDOR Agents: Airport Services Antigua
AIR CANADA
BRITISH AIRWAYS (St. John’s Office)
V.C. Bird International Airport Tel: (268) 462 0528 Fax: (268) 462 8999 Website: www.condor.com
P.O. Box 360 P.O. Box 402 St. John’s, Antigua Tel: (268) 462 2679 St. John’s, Antigua Website: www.aircanada.com Tel: (268) 462 0876/ 9 Fax: (268) 462 3218 AMERICAN AIRLINES Website: www. P.O. Box 668, Woods Mall britishairways.com St. John’s, Antigua Tel: (268) 462 0734 Caribbean Airlines Fax: (268) 462 2067 (formerly BWIA) Flight Information: (268) P.O. Box 310 462 0950/ 1 St. John’s, Antigua Website: www.aa.com Tel: (268) 480 2900 American Airlines Fax: (268) 480 2940 Antigua Head Office Website: www.caribbeanV.C. Bird International airlines.com Airport Coolidge, Antigua
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES P.O. Box 606 St. John’s, Antigua Tel: (268) 462 5353/ 5 Fax: (268) 462 5356 Website: www.continental. com
DELTA Agents: Caribbean Sun Airlines Tel: (268) 480 2500 Website: www.delta.com
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LIAT (1974) Ltd.
P.O. Box 819 St. John’s, Antigua Tel: (268) 480 5600 Fax: (268) 480 5625 Website: www.liatairline. com
US AIRWAYS Handling Agents: LIAT (1974) Ltd. V.C. Bird International Airport Coolidge, Antigua Tel: (268) 480 5700/ 1/ 2 Fax: (268) 480 5 Website: www.usairways. com
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
V.C. Bird International Coolidge, Antigua
Tel: (268) 562 4201 Fax: (268) 481 3805 Website: www.virginatlantic.com
Assistance With Flights Sometimes you may experience some difficulty in booking your flight to Montserrat. In those instances please contact the manager of the property where you will be staying (see Accommodation page for contact information) who would be more than happy to assist you.
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is payable upon leaving Montserrat: US$13 (EC$35) for CARICOM nationals and US$21 (EC$55) for all other nationals.
Day Trips from Antigua A number of tour operators based in Antigua and Montserrat operate day trips to Montserrat that include volcano viewing, a tour of the island, lunch and transportation. To book one of these tours contact: Carib
World
Travel
Departure Tax (Antigua) There is a departure tax and Woods Centre, St John’s airport security tax which Antigua
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Phone: (268) 480 2999 Email: info@carib-world.com Website: www.carib-world. com
D&J Forwarders & Tours (Antigua)
P.O. Box 2548 St. John’s, Antigua Tel: (268) 726 9133/ 728 0773 Email: dore.dave@gmail. com
Jenny’s Tours (Antigua) P.O. Box W471 Woods Centre, St. John’s Antigua Tel: (268) 722 8188/ 9092 Email: jennytours@hotmail. com Website: www.jennytours. webs.com
RTT Travel & Tours (Montserrat)
P.O. Box 183 Brades Montserrat Tel: (664) 491 4788/ 496 4788 Fax: (664) 491 2974 email: rtttraveltours@ hotmail.com Website: www. rtttravelandtours.com
Runaway Travel, Ltd. (Montserrat) P.O. Box 54 Brades Montserrat Tel: (664) 491 2776/2800 Email: runaway@candw.ms
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Getting Around
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Getting Around TRANSPORTation To get around on Montserrat, there is a choice of taxis, hired cars or minibuses. Taxis and minibuses have green license plates beginning with “H”. There’s no centralised transport service, so vehicles operate independently of each other. You can hail a taxi or a minibus as it passes, but there are no scheduled times and no official stops. Vehicles usually stick to the main road, and it’s largely a daytime service with very few running in the evening. There’s basically one main road running from the north, down each side of the island (west coast and east coast). These main roads are surprisingly long, because of their many steep hills, twists and turns. All routes to places of interest are approached via these main roads, or off one of their many turnings. Most addresses don’t have house numbers, but just ask anyone to direct you. Remember to respect the signs and closed gates that indicate the boundaries of the Exclusion Zone. Although you are not likely to get lost in Montserrat (at least not for long!), it’s advisable to have a map of the island if you’re driving here for the first time. Road maps are available free of charge at the Montserrat Tourist Board’s Office. While driving on the twisting roads may be a bit of adventure at first, you’ll soon get the hang of it and start driving like ‘one of us’ in no time! We have a few zebra pedestrian crossings (without beacons), so look out for them please.
DRIVER’S 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. CAR RENTALS There are several car rental agencies many of which accept credit cards. Rental cars have red number plates and numbers beginning with R. Be-Beep’s Car Rentals Olveston Tel: (664) 491 3787 Cell: (664) 492 1083
Danny Lyons Rentals, (Jeeps) Woodlands Beach Road Tel: (664) 491 6216/ 492 1455
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Equipment & Supplies Ltd (Cars/Vans)
Olveston Tel: (664) 491 2402 Email: farara@hotmail.com
Ethelyne’s Car Rental (Cars/Jeeps) Olveston Tel: (664) 491 2855
Gage’s Rentals
Sweeney’s Tel: (664) 491 3363/ 8831/ 8444 Cell: (664) 493 5821/ 492 2810 Email: j_jsyers@hotmail. com
Grant Enterprises & Trading (Cars/Jeeps)
Brades Tel: (664) 491 9654 Email: granten@candw.ms
Jefferson Car Rental (Cars/Jeeps)
Palm Loop Tel: (664) 491 2126 Email: jeffersonrental@ candw.ms or jeffersonrental@yahoo.com
Joel Osborne & Associates Ltd. (Jeeps)
Tel: (664) 491 6300/ 492 1555 Email: joelo@hotmail.com or joelo@candw.ms
KC’s Car Rentals (Cars)
Olveston Tel: (664) 491 5756 Email: kccarrental@hotmail. com
Lea Car Rentals (Cars) Salem Tel/Fax: (664) 491 8533/ 493 5640
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Opens: 7:00am - 8:00pm Monday-Thursday 7:00am - 9:00pm Fridays & Saturdays 4:00pm - 8:00pm Sundays
Montserrat Enterprises King’s Service Station Ltd. (Cars/Jeeps) St Peter’s Tel: (664) 491 4070 Opens: 7:30am – 9:00pm Monday to Thursday M.S. Osborne Ltd. 7:30am – 10:00pm (Jeeps) Fridays & Saturdays Brades Opens: 9:00am – 8:30pm Tel: (664) 491 2494/ 5/ 3288 Sundays Email: msosborne@candw. ms Island Tours Fogarthy Hill Tel: (664) 491 2431/ 2 Email: melenter@candw.ms
Woodlands Tel: (664) 496 1842 Email: prestigerentalsmni@ gmail.com
A tour of the occupied north is a good start, either by taxi, hired car or a pre-arranged tour. You’ll be surprised how many miles of hilly, undulating roads there are, winding through wooded countryside and featuring spectacular views of the steep, forested Centre Hills and the Caribbean coast. Make sure to drink some water from the stream at Runaway Ghaut (on the main road to Salem). Legend has it that if you drink this water you will be sure to return to the island.
Zeekies Rentals (Cars)
TAXI DRIVERS
Neville Bradshaw Agencies (Cars/Jeeps)
St. Peters Tel: (664) 491 5270/2070 Email: nbvillas@candw.ms
Pickett’s Rentals
Salem Tel: (664) 491 5513 Email: johnsonwp@candw. ms
Prestige Rentals (Cars/ Jeeps)
Judy Piece Tel: (664) 491 4515 Cell: (664) 493 5281
PETROL STATIONS A&F Service Centre Sweeney’s Tel: (664) 491 6204
Aaron Fenton
Woodlands Tel: (664) 496 0184
Arthur MEADE Tour Operator
Happy Hill Tel: (664) 491 5693 Cell: (664) 492 1614
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Avalon’s Taxi-Tours
Tel: (664) 491 3432 Cell: (664) 492 1565 Email: citrusseekers @gmail. com
B&D Taxi Service
St. Johns Tel: (664) 491 8797 Cell: (664) 496 5927
Cecil WADE
Cudjoe Head Tel: (664) 491 5214/ 492 2814
Charles E. Fenton “spadico”
St Johns Tel: (664) 491 5786/ 493 1814
Christopher IRISH Banks Tel: (664) 491 2949
Clifford RYAN
Baker Hill Tel: (664) 491 5349 Cell: (664) 492 1849
Daniel MORTON Woodlands Tel: (664) 491 7819
Daly’s Taxi & Tours
Davy Hill Tel: (664) 491 7172 Cell: (664) 495/ 496 7172
Elvis DALEY
Woodlands Tel: (664) 491 4051 Cell: (664) 496 0166 e.daley@live.com
Eric ‘Biggs’ FERGUS
St. Johns Tel: (664) 491 2527/ 496 5927
Eustace DYER
Palm Loop Tel: (664) 491 2721 Cell: (664) 492 1101
George CHRISTIAN Salem Tel: (664) 491 5593 Cell: (664) 492 1992
George WHITE
Olveston Tel: (664) 491 3678 Cell: (664) 492 1342
Rose WILLOCK
Tour Operator/Tour Guide/ Events Coordinator
Tel: (664) 491 6652 Email: willockr@candw.ms or rosewillock@hotmail.com
Rupert TRANT Lookout Tel: (664) 491 6038 Cell: (664) 492 2963
Slym Tours & Taxi Service
James ALLEN
Lookout Tel: (664) 491 4479 Cell: (664) 492 2878
JIG Tours
St. Clair Fenton
Baker Hill Tel: (664) 491 7300 Tel: (664) 492 2752 Cell: (664) 496 2752 Email: jigproms@hotmail. com
Davy Hill Tel: (664) 491 5758 Cell: (664) 496 0555
Joseph ‘Red Horse’ FARRELL
St. Peter’s Tel: (664) 493 1430
Look Out Tel: (664) 491 7987/ 493 1922
Malton ‘Bigga’ BURNS Davy Hill Tel: (664) 491 9088
Maxi Taxi Service Davy Hill Tel: (664) 496 1900
Peter DALEY
Lookout Tel: (664) 491 4435 Cell: (664) 492 1924
Reuben FURLONGE Geralds Tel: (664) 491 4376 Cell: (664) 492 2790
Steverie WEST Thomas ‘Fumbo’ LEE Lookout Tel: (664) 491 2347 Cell: (664) 492 1649
Thomas ALLEN Manjack Tel: (664) 491 3150
Tony DYER Davy Hill Tel: (664) 491 4989 Cell: (664) 492 1077
Wendell ‘Pinky’ DALEY Lookout Tel: (664) 491 8422 Cell: (664) 496 0317
Winston TELESFORD Olveston Tel: (664) 491 2855 Cell: (664) 496 7710
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BIKING For US$25 dollars a day you can rent a bike and enjoy the island on two wheels. There’s a lot to see, and if you stick to the main road that takes you from one end of the island to the other, you’ll find it an invigorating way of exploring the countryside and enjoying the lovely vistas of the sea and coast. Bike Rentals
Gingerbread Hill P.O. Box 246, St. Peter’s Tel: (664) 491 5812 Email: lead@candw.ms Website: www.volcano-island.com
Imagine Peace Bicycle Shop Brades Tel: (664) 491 8809/ 496 0374 Email: ghbikes@hotmail.com
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Places of Interest / Things to Do
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Places of Interest Land-Based
Hills, such as the Rondelitia Buxifolia. No visit is complete without a walk through the Dry Forest. Tours and activities are offered in the garden to educate visitors about the importance of plants to human life and issues related to conservation.
The Montserrat National Trust Situated on the Northern main road near to the Montserrat Secondary School in the Oriole Complex, the Montserrat National Trust contributes to the conservation and preservation of Montserrat’s heritage. The Trust mounts at least three exhibitions each year. The St. Patrick’s Week exhibition usually highlights some aspects of Montserrat’s history. The midyear exhibition displays the Calabash arts and craft and the year end exhibitions explore miscellaneous themes related to the life and people of Montserrat. The Botanical Garden on the grounds has herbs that Montserratians have traditionally used as medicine, plants that have contributed to the economy and plants that are only found in the Centre
The small research library with videos and photographs on the history of Montserrat is an attraction to students, researchers and the general public. The Trust’s library may also have information to help persons with Montserrat roots trace their genealogy.
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A browse in the Gift Shop would be very rewarding. It carries a range of locally made arts and crafts, photographs and maps. You will find souvenirs to take back for friends and relatives or keepsakes to remind you of Montserrat. Visitors, residents and students are always welcome at the Montserrat National Trust Office, which opens from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday and 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays by special request. Contact the Montserrat National Trust at: P.O. Box 393, Olveston, Montserrat Tel: (664) 491 3086 Email: mnatrust@candw.ms Website: www.montserratnationaltrust.ms
Montserrat Philatelic Bureau Ltd If you are into stamp collecting you are in the right place. The Montserrat Philatelic Bureau has a host of interesting and unusual stamps to choose from, including attractive first day covers. The Philatelic Bureau shares the same building with the Montserrat National Trust so if you are visiting you can see both. Add valuable and interesting stamps to your collection or send them to friends as gifts. Montserrat Philatelic Bureau Ltd.
Tel: (664) 491 2996 Email: monphil@candw.ms Website: www.montserratstampbureau.com
The Montserrat Cultural Centre On May 12th 2007, the Montserrat Cultural Centre officially opened its doors for business. This spectacular building was the dream of former Beatles producer Sir George Martin. Through many fundraising efforts, including the sold-out Music for Montserrat concert
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held at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1997, Sir George was able to give back to Montserrat an arena in which its culture can thrive.
The Centre houses a conference centre, recording studio, business offices, a bar and fully equipped kitchen and an auditorium that can seat as many as 500 persons theatre-style. The auditorium is fitted with state of the art lighting and surround-sound equipment. The facility is capable of hosting an array of functions such as conferences, concerts, pageants, banquets and weddings. It is also fully equipped to function as a movie theatre. On the grounds of the Centre you can also find a large open area with outdoor staging that can accommodate open-air performances as well. The Montserrat Cultural Centre P.O. Box 451 Little Bay Tel: (664) 491 4242 Email: theculturalcentre@candw.ms
Things to Do Bird watching Bird watching is another favourite way to enjoy the local wildlife, and there are numerous species of birds that can be spotted in and around the hilly forests of
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Montserrat, including the forest thrush, brown trembler and bridled quail-dove. The hiking trails in the Centre Hills are great for bird watchers, and you may spot our national bird, the endemic Montserrat Oriole. At the Montserrat National Trust you can get a handy plastic card showing all the birds of Montserrat. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) designed the card and they are also spearheading a project for the conservation of the Montserrat Oriole. Contact the Montserrat National Trust about bird watching tours.
Wildlife/centre hills field guide Montserrat boasts a wide variety of plants and wildlife, which are detailed in the newly published full colour, 140 page Centre Hills Field Guide available for EC$40 at the Montserrat Tourist Board. An experienced trail guide will be able to point out many of these unique species to you. Depending on your location and the trail’s elevation, you will encounter many different forest types, from drier and scrubbier vegetation in the lowlands to wet tropical rain forest at higher elevations. The tops of the tallest peaks such as the challenging Katy Hill are home to rare elfin woodland. There are numerous orchid species in Montserrat, including one found nowhere else in the world. Many species of trees have long been a source of traditional value to Montserratians, including the national tree (hairy mango), national flower (heliconia), banana, cassava, cocoa, mammy apple, and many others. Keep an eye and ear out for one of the 100+ bird species found in Montserrat, including hummingbirds, the forest thrush, or the national bird - the critically
endangered Montserrat Oriole. Along the ground or in the trees, you might be fortunate to see one of our thirteen species of reptiles and amphibians, such as the mountain chicken frog (the world’s second-largest frog), the harmless Montserrat black snake, tree frog, dwarf gecko, or perhaps the highly elusive galliwasp lizard. Montserrat is also home to ten species of native bats, though you are not likely to encounter any of these in the daytime! There are hundreds of species of insects around, including many colourful butterflies and beetles. Generally, hikers are not bothered by insects, but the occasional mosquito, ant, or gnat can be warded off with insect repellent.
Hiking and trails Hiking is one of the most popular recreational activities in Montserrat. There are numerous foot paths that crisscross the island, many of which have been in use for centuries by persons seeking access to distant villages and agricultural land. There is opportunity for hikes of varying difficulty, length, and scenery. The Montserrat Tourist Board promotes the use of many of these trails for recreational use.
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Booking a Guide
environment.
Persons are advised to hire a trail guide, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Information about trail guiding services is available through the
You may encounter flagging tape or other markers along the trails which are used in biodiversity survey work and should be left alone. Remove all garbage and waste when you leave. Stay on the trail. Be mindful that many of the trails cross private property. Pets are discouraged from trails and should be kept on a leash at all times.
Montserrat National Trust (call 491-3086 or email mnatrust@candw.ms) or the Montserrat Tourist Board (call 491-2230 or email info@montserrattourism.ms).
Trail Guidelines and Safety In the event of an emergency, contact the Royal Montserrat Police Force at 999 or 491-2555. In the event of accident or injury, note that there are health clinics located in Salem, St. Peter’s, Cudjoe Head, and St. John’s which are open between 8:00am – 4:00pm weekdays. The Glendon Hospital Casualty Department in St. John’s is open 24 hours a day. Please consider the following guidelines: Do not hike alone. Before setting out, always inform someone of your intended route and anticipated time of return. Choose a trail that fits your physical capabilities. Respect the environment and wildlife. Do not cut, pick, burn, or otherwise remove anything from the natural
Bring plenty of water and a highenergy snack for your hike. A good rule of thumb for our climate is to take at least half a litre of water per person per hour of hiking. Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are advised for all trails, which quickly become very muddy during and after rainfall. Long pants are recommended to protect against scratches and insect bites. Hiking/ Nature Guide James ‘Scriber’ Daley Tour Guide Tel: (664) 492 2943
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Distances and durations of trail segments * Durations listed are average times only – be sure to leave plenty of time to complete your journey before nightfall. All trails are one-way unless otherwise noted. Remember to arrange transportation at the end of any one-way hikes unless you plan to walk back to where you started.
**Level of difficulty • Light – moderate grade, generally even terrain • Moderate – some portions with steep grade, some uneven terrain • Difficult – generally steep grades, uneven terrain, long and steady climb • Extreme – very steep grades, very uneven terrain, rocky, slippery when wet Trail Name
Duration
Distance
Level**
The Cot
1.5 hours
1.6 miles
Light
Duberry
45 minutes
0.05 miles
Light
Oriole Walkway
2 hours
1.3 miles
Moderate
Dry Waterfall
1.5 hours each way
1.2 miles
Moderate
Blackwood Allen
2 hours
1.2 miles
Moderate
Underwood
45 minutes
1.0 mile
Light
Katy Hill Trail System Big River
1.5 hours
0.7 miles
Extreme
Katy Hill South
3.5 hours
1.6 miles
Extreme
Katy Hill North
1.5 hours
0.6 miles
Extreme
Baker Hill to Katy
3 hours
1.0 mile
Extreme
Jack Boy Hill
1 hour each way
0.8 miles
Difficult
Jack Boy Hill/Katy Connector
2 hours
0.4 miles
Extreme
Rendezvous Trail System Rendezvous Beach
1 hour each way
1.3 miles
Moderate
Rendezvous 3.5 hours 1.9 miles Difficult A comprehensive full colour trails map is also available at the Montserrat Tourist Board for EC$10.
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Aquatic-Based Diving Montserrat’s beauty also extends below the shoreline, and there are a number of dives sites around the island both for the novice as well as for the experienced diver. They are easy to get to and diving can be arranged from any of the dive shops on island, which offer snorkelling, scuba diving, rental of equipment and dive certification with experienced and qualified dive instructors. Among the more spectacular dive sites are Little Redonda, a rock that reaches the surface from a depth of about 80 feet; the Pinnacles on the northeast corner of the island; the Bat Cave which is a partially submerged crevice that is home to hundreds of protected fruit bats; and Yellow Hole, south of the Pinnacles, where there is the wreck of a 19th century steel schooner which sank in 1886. Scuba Montserrat
Little Bay Tel: (664) 496 7807 VOIP U.S. number: (804) 335 1492 Email: scubamontserrat@gmail.com Website: www.divedestinationmontserrat. com
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The Green Monkey Inn and Dive Shop
Little Bay Tel: (664) 491 2960/ 496 2960/ 496 DIVE Email: troy@divemontserrat.com Website: www.divemontserrat.com
Fishing There are several fishing boats for hire that can take you out to fish in shallow or
deep water, and there are quite a variety of fish to be caught. Some of them can also take you down the coast to view the devastated volcanic areas including Plymouth, an unforgettable sight. There’s a Marine Exclusion Zone in place, which means keeping a safe distance out to sea, and landing in these areas is not allowed (please respect this). Be sure to secure your camera and binoculars in a watertight bag!
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Shore fishing is also a popular activity in Montserrat, and there are a number of casual fishing spots such as Old Road Bay, Little Bay and Rendezvous Bay where you can revel in peace and quiet while casting your lines. Be sure to take along lots of cold water to drink, and wear a hat in case the sun gets too hot! Fishing Rods are available at : N& B Service Centre
Scuba Montserrat
FISHING CHARTERS Bruce Farara
The Green Monkey Inn and Dive Shop
Carr’s Bay Tel: (664) 491 2575
Tel: (664) 491 8802
Carlton O’Garro Tel: (664) 491 8902
Danny Sweeney
Tel: (664) 496 0574
Hubert “Buffy” Buffonge Little Bay Tel: (664) 492 1590
Kayaking Discover a unique Eco adventure in one of the best unspoiled coastal areas in the Caribbean. Experienced guides will
ensure you enjoy a fun-filled, exciting kayaking adventure on the beautiful east coast of Montserrat. Operators for kayaking are listed below. Little Bay Tel: (664) 496 7807 VOIP U.S. number: (804) 335 1492 Email: scubamontserrat@gmail.com Website: www.divedestinationmontserrat. com
Little Bay Tel: (664) 491 2960/4962960/496 DIVE Email: troy@divemontserrat.com Website: www.divemontserrat.com
Plymouth Boat Tour To experience first-hand the devastation the Soufriere Hills volcano has wrought to the southern end of Montserrat and the capital city, Plymouth, schedule a boat tour. These tours begin from the port in Little Bay and heads south to Plymouth, which has been turned into a modern-day Pompeii. From the sea, you can clearly see the path taken by the pyroclastic
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flows and mudflows with the Soufrière Hills Volcano in the background. Tours generally last two hours and are subject to weather and volcanic conditions. There are a number of operators that offer Plymouth Boat tours. Danny Sweeney
Old Towne Tel: (664) 496 0574
Hubert ‘Buffy’ Buffonge Little Bay Tel: (664) 492 1590
The Green Monkey Inn and Dive Shop
Little Bay Tel: (664) 491 2960/ 496 2960/ 491 BOAT Email: troy@divemontserrat.com Website: www.divemontserrat.com
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SnorkelLing The beaches surrounding Montserrat offer numerous opportunities for snorkelers to discover our underwater world. Rendezvous Bay Reef, just off the only white sand beach, is one of the premier snorkel sites. The site offers a shallow reef in calm waters with healthy and lively coral formations. Snorkelers can experience the beauty of stingrays and turtles in these shallow depths or take a swim into the Bat Cave, which is home to hundreds of protected fruit bats. Other popular snorkelling sites include Woodlands Beach, Bunkum Bay and Little Bay Beach.
Volcano Viewing Adventures The Soufriere Hills volcano is visible from several points in the northern zone, including the Montserrat Volcano Observatory in Flemmings. The volcano summit itself is often hidden from view by clouds but on a clear day you can see a thin plume of smoke that rises from her crater. You’ll be amazed at the contrast between the gray of the volcanic area and the green of the north – though in parts of the volcanic area trees and grass are already growing back.
Jack Boy Hill In the north east of the island is a viewing facility at Jack Boy Hill, which also provides an excellent vantage point for volcano viewing. This facility overlooks the destroyed W. H. Bramble Airport, an old estate house, the site of destroyed eastern villages, now covered by volcanic pyroclastic flows and of course the volcano. The facility also includes a
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viewing platform, picnic areas, barbeque pit, washrooms, a viewing telescope, a mini trail and landscaped grounds.
Montserrat Volcano Observatory The Soufrière Hills Volcano is constantly monitored by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) which is the most modern in the world. As well as monitoring the volcanic activity, the MVO provides information on the volcano to the general public. The MVO Interpretation Centre is open from Monday to Thursday from 10:15am to 3:00pm. Further information on the MVO, along with up-to-date activity reports on the Soufrière Hills Volcano and explanations of volcanic phenomena, can be found at www.mvo.ms.
Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) Flemmings Tel: (664) 491 5647 Fax: (664) 491 2423 Email: mvo@mvo.ms Website: www.mvo.ms
Belham VALLEY Now buried under volcanic debris is the Belham Valley Bridge which connects the North to the South and the Belham Valley Golf Course, home to a once pristine 9 hole golf course where many international golf championship matches were held pre-volcano.
Persons can walk on the valley and view first-hand the impact of the volcano and see a three story building that’s half buried under rubble.
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Plymouth Abandoned in 1997, Montserrat’s capital Plymouth has been compared to a modern-day Pompeii. Buried deep in ash and volcanic debris, including boulders up to the size of the houses that once stood there, the once thriving business
and commercial centre of the island now resembles a dust-covered lunar landscape through which deep canyons have been gouged. Plymouth lies within the volcanic exclusion zone and access is not possible. It can be viewed safely from Garibaldi Hill and by boat.
Garibaldi Hill Garibaldi Hill provides a contrasting view of the lush greenery of Salem, Old Towne and surrounding areas and a bird’s eye view of the grey buried capital, Plymouth and other areas in the South. During heavy rainfall or high volcanic activities visitors are advised not to cross Belham Valley that leads to Garibaldi Hill.
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Shopping You won’t find any chain stores or malls here, but there are a surprising number of small shops selling clothing, shoes, electronic goods, hardware, stationery, flowers, and many other items, and most are owned and managed by local individuals or families. Because of the relocation from the volcanic areas, especially the capital Plymouth, shops have had to move and rebuild in the northern area all over again, but many have already moved into permanent premises. Because there is not yet a new “town center” (although one is being developed in Little Bay), shops tend to be scattered at intervals along the main road, especially in Brades. So expect to make several stops when shopping. There are however a few groups of shops, such as the BBC complex and the Ryan’s Court on the Brades Main Road. For craft lovers there’s a variety of attractive, locally made handicrafts, gifts and products to be found on Montserrat, as well as photos and postcards of the volcano. Crafts on sale include handcrafted leather goods, hand-woven items from locally grown sea island cotton, T-shirts, volcanic souvenirs made of ash and volcanic rocks, handmade dolls and greeting cards, local preserves such as guava jelly and hot pepper sauce, local music CDs, and books and videotapes on Montserrat. Our National Dress features green and yellow “Madras” plaid cotton fabric, which is incorporated into many craft items.
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Local craft and Souvenir shops: Name
Address/email
Telephone
Arrow’s Manshop Sweeneys
491 6355
Emerald Spa Volcano Soap
Manjack
491 2741
HMUG Store St. Johns
491 2964/ 496 1113
Howe’s Town & Country Enterprises St. Johns
491 3008
Julie’s Island Craft
Little Bay
491 9688
Jus Looking
Gerald’s Airport
491/ 492 2752
Kelvin ‘Tabu’ Duberry St.John’s
496 0034
Last Chance Souvenir & Gift Shop
491 6488
Gerald’s Airport
Luv’s Cotton Store Salem
491 3906
Montserrat Art and Craft Association Brades
491 7808
Montserrat Stationery Centre Ltd.
Brades 491 3355/ 491 7155/ 491 8277
Oriole Gift Shop (National Trust) Salem
491 3086
Paradise Photo and Art Studio
491 6177
Brades
The Trop Shop (Tropical Mansion) Sweeney’s
491 8767
Wade’s Leather Goods
Brades
491 5214/ 492 2814
Woolcock’s Craft & Photo Gallery
BBC Building, Brades
491 2025
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Eating Out
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Eating Out
Opens Monday - Thursday: 9:00am – 7:00pm Fridays & Saturdays: 9:00am – 8:30pm Dinner by Reservations only
There’s a variety of eating places, from inexpensive takeaway lunch spots to small, full service restaurants. On Fridays you may be able to sample goat water, Montserrat’s national dish – a tasty goat stew with lots of gravy, served in a cup with a bread roll.
Good Life Restaurant and Night Club Little Bay Tel: (664) 491 4576/ 492 1052 Email: dyettc@candw.ms
Full Service Restaurants The full service restaurants are fewer, and serve dinners as well as lunches, with the ambience and the price for dinners usually being higher than lunches. So try them out and see which ones you enjoy! Prices are given in EC dollars. Divide by 2.7 for US dollars (the pound sterling varies). A service charge of 10% may be added or included.
Emerald Rose Restaurant St Johns Tel: (664) 491 5941 Fax: (664) 491 2333
Specializing in Local and West Indian Dishes. Weekend specials include Goatwater and souse.
Built on a base of local stonework, on a hillside overlooking Little Bay, and decorated with plants, Good Life makes a lovely setting for special events. Open for groups of ten or more, by reservation only, for lunch (EC$25 or less) and dinner (EC$40 to $60). There is a licensed bar for these events. On Friday and/or Saturday nights from around 10pm Good Life transforms into a club atmosphere, with DJs playing the latest music to dance the night away until the wee hours of the morning.
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Gourmet Gardens Olveston Tel: (664) 491 7859 Email: mariet.walters@hotmail.com
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In an attractive setting on breezy Baker Hill, lunches and dinners are catered for if ordered two hours in advance (minimum four persons). Meals include fresh, home grown produce, and they specialize in local fruit drinks. Sometimes special events are held here, like the popular Sunset Jazz evenings, with buffet dinner available while you relax and enjoy the jazz. There is a licensed bar for a drink any time.
Ida’s Restaurant This restaurant, in a quiet secluded spot, forms part of the old Olveston Estate, and is built in a similar style. There are two historic buildings close by, together with traces of the island’s first airport. You can eat inside or choose the pleasant verandah setting, looking out on the garden. Lunches from EC$10 to $20, dinners from EC$30 to $50. There’s a varied dinner menu of international dishes. Book in advance for dinner if possible.
Grand View Bed and Breakfast Baker Hill Tel: (664) 491 2284 Email: grand@candw.ms Website: www.grandviewmni.com
Tropical Mansion Suites Sweeneys Tel: (664) 491 TROP (8767) Email: hotel@candw.ms Website: www.tropicalmansion@ galloway.ms
Ida’s Restaurant situated in the Tropical Mansion Suites hotel, specializes in Caribbean food with an international flair. The hotel’s attractive downstairs restaurant and bar is open daily for breakfast (EC$8 - $20), lunch (EC$20 - $30) and dinner (EC$30 - $65). There are buffet lunches on Wednesdays, a carnival fiesta with Happy Hour and live entertainment on Friday evenings, and a Sunday Brunch.
JJ’s Cuisine Sweeneys Tel: (664) 491 9024
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A prettily painted wooden building, spick and span inside and out, with simple but attractive decorations. JJ’s serves breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, and takeaway meals, as well as dinner by reservation. Lunches are EC$10 to $20, dinners EC$25 to $65. Try JJ’s mouthwatering pastries, including cheesecake, apple pie and cherry pie. Licensed bar.
La Colage Sweeney’s Tel: (664) 491 4136
In a pink painted wooden building, enroute to the airport at Geralds. La Colage serves snacks, drinks and meals throughout the day, with tables inside and on the verandah. Meals are from EC$14 to $30. Fresh local drinks are available and include lime or grapefruit squash, guava and passion fruit when in season. Licensed bar.
Olveston House offers a diverse selection of British favourites infused with an island flair. Two Wednesdays each month, patrons are treated to a BBQ buffet that includes hors d’oeuvres and dessert. On Friday nights, also known as ‘Pub Nite’, visitors have the chance to enjoy great food, drink and island hospitality.
Oriole Café Farara Plaza, Brades Tel: (664) 491 7144
Olveston HOUSE
Conveniently located near Government Headquarters and next door to the Tourist Board office, the Oriole Café serves breakfast, lunch (EC$20 to $25) and dinner (by reservation only, (EC$35 to $40), specializing in Caribbean food. You can sit inside or on their verandah and take in the spectacular view of Little Bay. Licensed bar.
Tel: (664) 491 5210 Email: olvestonhouse@gmail.com Website: www.olvestonhouse.com
People’s Place Restaurant Fogarthy Tel: (664) 491 7528
People’s Place offers a comfortable, enjoyable, local atmosphere with a delightful menu comprising of local and Caribbean dishes. Daily Lunch is available and on Fridays and Saturdays the national dish, Goat Water is served.
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Ponts “Beach View” BAR & RESTAURANT Little Bay Tel: (664) 496 7994/ 491 5025 Email: johnponteen@hotmail.co.uk
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In a pretty, leafy-green and white wooden building perched beside the Brades Main Road, Tina’s has the reputation for tasty lunches and dinners in an attractive setting. There’s a varied menu, and you can sit in air-conditioned comfort inside to eat or relax at a table on the verandah. Specialties include pumpkin soup, shrimp and lobster dishes, popular lobster burgers, and desserts like coconut cream pie and carrot cake. Lunches EC$25, dinners EC$25 to $65. Licensed bar.
The Attic This rustic restaurant is situated at the very end of Little Bay with a lovely view of the beach and cliffs, and framed by a profusion of flowers and tropical plants. This charming spot offers a mouthwatering Sunday lunch. BBQ lunch is also offered during the week as well as dinner by reservations. Their world famous barbeque sauce is made with the finest blend of local ingredients, and you must try their appetizer of freshly baked coconut chips! Seating for up to 50 persons.
Olveston Estate Drive (turn right off the Salem Main Road, just below the National Trust) Tel: (664) 491 2008
Tina’s Restaurant Brades Main Road Tel: (664) 491 3538
The Attic is housed in a neat small, white wooden building, with a welcoming atmosphere. Here you can get a tasty Breakfast or Lunch (EC$10 to $20), from Monday - Friday. Dishes include roti (a Trinidadian dish with East Indian origins), Mexican Quesadilla, and many other favourites. They also serve local drinks such as guava drink, passion fruit, ginger beer, local “blackberry” drink, and Montserrat’s traditional Christmas drink, Sorrel. Licensed bar. Closes at 4 pm.
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The Royal Palm Club Woodlands Tel: (664) 491 2671 Email: trevor@candw.ms Website: www.montserrat-royalpalmvilla. com
The Windsor is a full service restaurant, perched on the hillside in Cudjoe Head and next to the legendary Silk Cotton Tree. It overlooks the dramatic, craggy and forested heights of Fogarthy in the Centre Hills. The Windsor serves breakfast, lunch (EC$25 including dessert) and dinner by reservation (EC$25 to $75), as well as afternoon tea. Specializes in Caribbean and Italian food. There’s a buffet lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Licensed bar.
Ziggy’s Restaurant Mt. Pleasant, Woodlands Tel: (664) 491 8282 Email: ziggys@candw.ms Website: www.ziggysrestaurant.com
This operation includes a ‘Wine Bar’ for a casual retreat, the ‘Plantation Lounge’, located in the great room which takes you back to the days of the gracious plantation living, ‘The Verandah’, offering more formal dining, ‘The Grill’ for informal dining with delicious treats fresh from the grill and a private dining/meeting room.
Windsor Restaurant Cudjoe Head Tel: (664) 491 2900 Fax: (664) 491 8910 Email: lena@candw.ms
Internationally acclaimed restaurant located in the verdant, intimate and secluded Mount Pleasant area. Ziggys has hosted many international celebrities and known for their exquisite cuisine. A wide selection of quality wines adds to this unique dining experience. Dinner by reservation only.
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Snackettes & Takeaways Name
Address
Telephone
Anfa Chinese Restaurant St. John’s
491 2200
Annie’s Snackette Davy Hill Main Road
491 5380
Ashoks
491 7868
Brades
Bessie’s Tasty Pastry St. John’s
491 7089
Bitter End Beach Bar
Little Bay
491 3146
Café Xpress
John A Osborne Airport
491 3500
Chit Chat Snackette
Brades
493 6156
Cox Place
Brades
491 8527/ 496 1126
D.D’s Bar
Hope, Salem
491 9730
Desert Storm Bar & Snackette Salem Centre
491 5136
Edris’ Place Salem
491 3049
Green Tavern Dick Hill
491 3106
Howe’s Flamboyant Bar St. John’s Main Road
491 3008
Jaxxxonz Hideaway St. John’s Main Road
491 6087
Jumping Jacks Salem
496 0574
Karishma’s Indian Takeaway Davy Hill Main Road
491 6925/ 2969
Kay-D’s Snackette & Bar
491 7760/ 1023
Little Bay/Bunkum Bay
King Supermarket Indian Takeaway St Peters
491 4070
Monica’s Bar Salem
491 4182
Morgan’s Spotlight Bar St. Johns
491 5419
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Race Track
Little Bay
496 9601/ 496 1301
Rising Star Pastries & Food The Lyme
496 2054
Shizzle Ma Nizzle
492 2873
The Lyme, Brades
Soft Freeze Ice Cream
BBC Building, Brades
Sup’s Bar & Restaurant
Brades Main Road
491 2826/ 3179 491 5158
The People’s Place
Cudjoe Head
491 8528
Val’s Take Away St. John’s
491 6853
Venelle’s Cook Shop St. John’s
491 5940
Wholesome Bar and Restaurant Salem
491 3922
Wilson’s Place Salem
491 3048
Supermarkets & Foodmarts Name
Address
Telephone
Alicia’s Mini Mart
Cudjoe Head
491 9988
Angelo’s
Brades Main Road
491 6176
Ashok’s
Brades Main Road
491 7868
A&G Supermarket Davy Hill Housing area
491 9372
Deepak’s Grocery Sweeney’s
491 2737
Dolly’s Mini Mart
491 5010
Geralds
Jaxxxonz Supermarket St John’s
491 9654
King’s Supermarket St. Peter’s
491 4070
Nadine’s Veg Grocery Sweeney’s
491 9577
Norman’s
491 4633
Cudjoe Head Main Road
Rams Emdee Salem Main Road
491 5847
Star Mart Salem
491 5136
Victor’s Davy Hill Main Road
491 3973
Bakeries Name
Address
Telephone
Economy Bakery
Brades Main Road
491 6778
La Boulangerie Internacionale
Collins Ghaut, St Johns
491 5375
Peter’s Bakery St John’s, near the Hospital
491 4829
Bebe’s Bakery
491 4319
Brades Main Road
Richard Samuel’s Sweeneys
491 7742
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Bars, Clubs & Nightspots clubs Montserrat remains the way the Caribbean used to be, a quiet, gentle place where there’s not a whole lot of nightlife except at special times of year, but clubs sometimes open on Friday or Saturday nights or for a special occasion. Borderline Little Bay, Tel: (664) 492 1041
Club Confuzion Blakes (664) 496 0823
Da Club Salem, (664) 492 1470
Good Life Little Bay, Tel: (664) 491 4576
Midnight Star St. Peters, Tel: (664) 491 2190
RUMSHOP TOUR For those who want to get better acquainted with Montserrat’s local watering holes, why not go on a ‘Rumshop Tour’…a very enjoyable experience that will introduce you to ‘liming’ Montserrat style. A comfortable van will take you on a fun-filled tour of some of the large and small rum shops and eateries that dot the island. To book this tour e-mail info@ montserrattourism.ms (minimum 8 persons). Bars and Nightspots If you want to “go local” there’s a host of small roadside bars, better known as “rum shops”, where people gather informally to hang out or “lime”, have a drink and perhaps relax over a game of dominoes, especially on Friday nights.
Cudjoe Head Treasure Spot Cafè: At Cudjoe Head is popular on Friday nights, when there’s sometimes live music, and the crowd spreads out across the road to listen to the music, “lime” (hang out) and chat. (664) 493 2003
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V’s Bar: A Rustic Mini Bar in the heart of Cudjoe Head, which specializes in jerked chicken from Thursdays – Saturdays. (664) 493 5230
Bramble’s: A large bar in the heart of Cudjoe Head. Domino playing in the front room. (664) 491 5403
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Gary Moore’s Wide Awake Bar: Is a popular spot for weekend drinking, “liming” and conversation. As the night goes on you might even see Gary napping in the bar, as he doesn’t shut until the bar is empty. (664) 491 7156/ 492 1357
Misers: Take on the locals at pool, if you want. Some Saturdays you will see the one-man band and local entertainers such as Pops Morris, Hero or Basil perform. Feel free to add your vocal pipes to the fun. (664) 491 4182
Brades The Lyme Sports Bar: The bar features two 50inch plasma screen televisions. The perfect spot to socialize or shop at the Court. Sometimes after dark ‘The Lime’ transforms into a vibrant atmosphere with live music. (664) 491 5559
Sup’s Place: Pleasant Bar, specializing in delicious Jamaican dishes for eating in as you mingle with locals or takeaway. (664) 491 5158
Dick Hill The Green Tavern: An attractive bar with a comfortable deck and picturesque views. (664) 491 3106
Salem Probably the best place for entertainment. Friday and Saturday nights often see live music and food being served, with a mixture of locals and visitors “liming” in a friendly environment.
D.D Bar: Located in Hope village, this bar boasts the best in the local hospitality and offers a selection of mouth watering lunches Monday-Saturday to sit in or takeaway. Some weekends you may see local bands perform. (664) 491 9730
Desert Storm: Lots of music and a lively atmosphere. Local food on request. (664) 491 5136
Lyn’s Holsum Bar: Just opposite the Salem Methodist Church in the side street. Serves BBQ chicken that you can sit and eat while listening to the singing from the church - a real Montserrat experience. Da Club: Stays open late with Latin music featured Deejay on the weekends and a very lively atmosphere. Turn right at the first turn after Rams Supermarket on the way to Old Towne and you will see it. N&J’S: Indulge in a cool drink and special BBQ on Fridays with Hi-fi music or occasional guest artistes ‘under the gynip tree’ in Friths while you enjoy spectacular views of the volcano. (664) 496 5723
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Jumping Jacks: Quaint Bar in the heart of Salem offering snacks, relaxing music and a friendly atmosphere.
Richard’s Bar: Located next to ZJB Radio a quaint bar with a friendly atmosphere
(664) 496 0574
Little Bay
St. Peter’s
Pont’s Beach Bar: Located in Little Bay on the beach.
Bunkum Bay Beach Bar: Delicious fried chicken, pizza, burgers and other light snacks. Live DJ music on weekends. Sit at the bar and enjoy the music, or in the open air and listen to the sound of waves breaking on the beach below. (664) 491 6077
Silver Lining Bar: Freshly baked bread and rolls every morning and conch water every Friday. (664) 491 8267
River View: Large bar with room in the back for playing music and dancing/dominoes. (664) 491 5644
St. John’s Howe’s Rum Shop: Chicken and other food available while it lasts and homemade special sauces, seasonings and some local liqueurs also available. Two pool tables. (664) 491 3008
Ackie’s Bar: Small, friendly bar where there’s usually some kind of domino game in progress. (664) 491 9644
Lord Hale’s Bar: Situated in the heart of St. John’s, downstairs Anfa’s Chinese Restuarant. A friendly bar that has live bands on special occasions to dance the night away. (664) 492 2710
Sweeney’s Sally’s Bar: Pleasant, good-sized bar attached to living quarters.
(664) 491 2475
(664) 496 7994
The Green Monkey Bar: This bar and dive shop offers a picturesque location. Enjoy a drink on the deck overlooking the sea or step inside for a game of darts. (664) 496 2628
Soca Cabana: Dance on the sands of Little Bay to live music, enjoy great refreshments or join in the Karaoke at this beachside bar. (664) 492 1677 or visit www.socacabana. com
Race Track: Hi fi music in a friendly atmosphere. Famous for its local cuisine. (664) 496 9601/1301
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Public Holidays & Calendar of Events
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Public Holidays & Calendar of Events You won’t find ‘big city’ events here, with a choice of shows every night. Entertainment tends to be concentrated at certain times of year and the rest of the time it’s just occasional. But because of this, when something is on make sure to go, because it’s very often an enjoyable experience. For the very best in choral and folk singing, you may be lucky to see a performance by the Emerald Community Singers or Voices Choral Group – don’t miss these, as the standard is high. Occasionally, there’s a performance by an innovative local drama group, and this too is not to be missed. If you are here in December, there’s the year-end Festival with calypso competitions, beauty and talent shows, costume parades, musical concerts and other special events. A must see for all visitors are the masquerades and ‘Miss Goosy’. The second largest Festival is St. Patrick’s Day with Festival Village coming to life all day. This is a lively and fun day for everyone. There is a full programme of events for the whole week. You may also find street jams in Salem or Cudjoe Head during the festivals.
St. Patrick’s Week (March) Montserrat is the only country in the world apart from Ireland that observes St. Patrick’s Day with a holiday. The weeklong celebration highlights Montserrat’s local
culture and Irish heritage that culminates with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 – also a commemoration of the slave uprising on that very day in 1768. Events usually include a special service at the Catholic Church, a lecture, an exhibition, guided hikes in the forested mountains, and the Freedom Run from Cudjoe Head to Salem Park – lots of fun and community spirit, and there are plenty of eats and drinks on sale when you cross the finish line!
At Festival Village there’s a simulated Slave Village with traditional foods on sale (the time-honoured ‘Slave Feast’), along with a revival of traditional games from yesteryear like hand-made spinning tops, marble playing, kite flying festival, and story telling. Local culture and music are in focus and you’ll be sure to see the Masqueraders perform, these are masked street dancers in colourful costumes, with tall head dresses and whips, prancing to the lively sounds of fife and drums: a blend of African and European elements forged out of slavery. A highlight of the week is the junior calypso competition, put on by the Montserrat Union of Teachers. The children sing two songs created for the show, one on a special theme such as education or the environment. Then there’s the St Patrick’s Day dinner with several Irish touches; and usually a
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round-the-island boat tour, which is not to be missed as you’ll see the entire volcano devastated area, and the contrast with the green north.
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Queen Elizabeth II official birthday is held during the first week in June, with the national parade being the signature event. On parade you will see the Defence Force, Police Force, Fire and Rescue Service, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Brownies, Pathfinders, Red Cross and other uniformed groups. Sometimes there’s a visiting military band and this adds to the pomp and pageantry as the Police and Defense Force march in formation and show off their skills, and the Governor is on hand for a formal inspection of the ranks.
Calabash Festival
(July)
Live string band music performances also occur around St. Patrick’s Week. This is a traditional combination of instruments that includes the banjo, “boompipe”, guitar, mouth organ, triangle, “shak shak” and bass drum. Along with live steel band music, these will surely set your feet tapping.
Queen’s Birthday(June) The festival is named after the calabash since the fruit has long been identified as one of Montserrat’s cultural items. The calabash tree, which sometimes grows to 30 feet, produces the fruit, which has been used traditionally to produce eating utensils, musical instruments and decorative items. The event involves a calabash exhibition at the Montserrat National Trust, a Calabash Cultural Explosion at Festival Village, a Calabash
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fun run, a grand food fair, a special church service, a beach barbeque and a round-the-island bus tour and adventurous forest hikes.
Cudjoe Head Day (July - August)
St. Peter’s Parish Bazaar (August)
The Annual St. Peter’s Parish Bazaar is held on the 1st Monday in August, referred to as August Monday. This event has been held for more than 50 years and brings parishioners, families and friends from across the island and even from overseas together. The Bazaar is held on the grounds of the Anglican Rectory in St. Peter’s and usually begins from 2:00pm until. Attractions include games, variety stalls, goat water, chicken (fried and barbeque) cold drinks, ice cream and for the children the Bouncy Castle.
Fishing Tournament (October)
The island’s rich cultural heritage is on display on Cudjoe Head Day at the end of July, as Montserratians celebrate their African ancestry with revelry and fun, in a street festival that includes live music and vendors. The celebration may also include a steel band performance, road race, masquerades, string band, and an exhibition of goods produced in the village of Cudjoe Head, named after a runaway slave who was caught by his masters, beheaded and as a warning to others his head was hung from a silk cotton tree in Cudjoe Head.
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During the Labour Day weekend (first Monday in May) a local open tournament is hosted and an International Tournament is held later in the year.
Police and Fire Community Week (November)
Community Policing is very much part of the agenda for the Royal Montserrat Police Force, and every year the Police together with the Fire and Rescue Service put on a vibrant week of public relations and community activities. These include high visibility patrols, where senior officers take part in the ‘beat’ walk through the various communities, a lecture on a topical subject by a guest speaker, rescue demonstrations, calypso competition, variety show, and the popular lighted baton swinging display.
Volcano Half Marathon & Fun Run/ Walk (November) This unique event is staged by the Montserrat Running Club in close collaboration with
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the Montserrat Tourist Board and the Sports Department. The undulating course takes runners past Montserrat’s key tourism attractions including the active Soufrière Hills Volcano and the landscape it has altered. The course is very strenuous and hilly, challenging to even the most seasoned runners. For further information Email info@montserrattourism.ms.
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Festival (our Carnival) (December - January)
The Festival runs from mid-December until New Year’s Day, and for many years this has been the climax of the year, when hundreds of Montserratians living overseas return to the island to reunite with families and friends and enjoy the festivities. The Festival has many similarities with the carnivals held in other islands, and highlights the island’s wealth of culture and talent.
There are calypso competitions, the Festival Queen competition, beauty and talent shows, and the parade of costumed troupes on New Year’s Day, as well as Masqueraders dancing in the streets. As night falls, excitement builds up at street “jump ups” – informal dancing in the street, with exuberant crowds following a truck playing loud music. In addition, there are a host of other shows and events either with a live band or sound system, which often include choral singing (not to be missed), drama,
and the schools’ performing arts festival. You will see string bands and steel bands also playing at some of the shows as part of the performance, as well as locally made arts, crafts and other goods on sale. Get hold of a Festival program if you are here in December, or ask your host to find one for you. Then you can take your pick of what to see and do.
Village Days and Church Fêtes These may sound tame, but if one of them is on during your visit and you want to get a feel for local life, give it a try. Fund raising church fêtes or bazaars include eats, drinks, sale of gifts, local products and preserves, music and games. Sometimes afternoon tea or dinner is served. They continue into the night, at which time the largest crowds turn up. Several villages hold special days of activities once a year on a particular day. These include Salem, Cudjoe Head, St. Peters, St. John’s and the new villages of Davy Hill and Lookout. Activities may include exhibitions, talent shows, sporting events, games, sale of craft items and gifts, as well as eats, drinks and “liming” (hanging out) to loud music in the street. Again, the biggest crowds are after nightfall.
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2010/2011 Montserrat Calendar of Events/Public Holidays April 2010 Good Friday - April 2nd St. Georges School Reunion - April 3rd -10th Easter Monday - April 5th May 2010 Labour Day – May 3rd Local Fishing Tournament – May 3rd Nurses Week – May 9th -16th Whit Monday- May 24th June 2010 Queen’s Birthday Parade - June 12th Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday- June 14th July 2010 Calabash Festival – July 18th -25th August 2010 Cudjoe Head Celebrations July 30th August 1st Emancipation Day Public Holiday August 3rd St. Peter Parish Bazaar – August 3rd October 2010 Credit Union Week - TBA 16th Annual Montserrat Fishing Tournament - October 30th Police, Fire, Search & Rescue Community Week - October 31st November 7th
november 2010 Volcano Half Marathon & Fun Run November 27th December 2010 Christmas Festival Celebrations December - January Calypso Eliminations -TBA Opening of Festival-TBA Nite of Pan - TBA Christmas Day Public Holiday - December 25th Boxing Day Public Holiday - December 26th Festival Queen Pageant - December 27th St. John’s Day - December 28th Calypso Finals -TBA Festival Day - December 31st January 2011 New Year’s Day: January 1 Street Parade /Closing of Festival – January 1st On Shore Fishing Competition March 2011 St. Patrick’s Week of Celebrations –March 12th – 19th St. Patrick’s Day: March 17th - Public Holiday
Accomodation Guide
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Accommodation Guide There is officially one hotel, a few guest houses and bed-and-breakfasts, several holiday apartments and a variety of rental villas, so you have a wide choice of places to stay. Most rooms include cable TV (up to 30 channels) with ceiling fan or air conditioning. Please note that a government tax of 7% is added to your bill.
Hotels Tropical Mansion Suites Sweeneys P.O. Box 404 Tel: (664) 491 TROP (8767) Fax: (664) 491 8275 Email: reservations@tropicalmansion.com Website: www.tropicalmansion.com
When this attractive hotel opened in 1999, it symbolized the regeneration of Montserrat after the first few years of
volcanic activity. This ambitious project was the achievement of a local family, who designed, built, own and manage the hotel. It is situated within easy reach of the new airport and the Little Bay beach, with truly spectacular views of the mountain and sea. The appealing design includes a small pool and picturesque gazebo, which forms the centrepiece. The eighteen rooms with ensuite bathrooms have pretty balconies and some have kitchenettes and air conditioning. Downstairs there is Ida’s Restaurant featuring exquisite international cuisine, a lounge and a wellstocked bar.
Villas VILLA/VACATION HOME RENTALS For those seeking the ultimate escape, a villa vacation in Montserrat provides the ideal chance to relax in comfortable, tranquil surroundings, away from bustling resorts. Many of the villas are set in landscaped gardens and most offer pools and patios or terraces with panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. Villa rentals generally include maid service and pool and garden attendants, while arrangements can also be made for the services of a cook or baby-sitter, if required. As a price guide, a beautiful four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa with a housekeeper, swimming pool, wet bar, cable TV, CD player, washer and dryer can be leased for just US$1,500 to US$2,000 per week inseason and US$750 to US$1,500 per week out of season.
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Villa Rental and Sales Agents There are several villa rental/real estate agents on the island, that offer a range of beautiful villas/vacation homes for rental and sale from which to choose.
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Montserrat Villas
1 Woodlands Estate Woodlands Montserrat Tel: (664) 491 7060 Fax: (664) 491 8553 Website: www.montserratvillas.com
Jackie Ryan Enterprises P.O. Box 425, Brades Tel: (664) 491 2055 Fax: (664) 491 3257 Email: united@candw.ms
This is a local company in business established for over 30 years and has been aggressively representing the interests of investors on the island. They work closely with local real estate agents to ensure that investments sell for the best possible value. Montserrat Enterprises Ltd.
P. O. Box 58, Forgathy Hill Tel: (664) 491 2431/ 2 Fax: (664) 491 4660 Email: melenter@candw.ms Website: www.montserratenterprises.com
Established in 1962 and has been active in real estate in Montserrat for over forty (40) years. Its Managing Director, D. R. V. (Frank) Edwards has had wide experience in land development, home construction, the sale of residential and commercial properties and the rental and management of vacation villas.
Handles the rental or sale of four (4) luxurious properties in Montserrat including the magnificent Waterworks Estate, nestled in the midst of 2,000 acres of breathtaking terrain Neville Bradshaw Villa Holidays P.O. Box 270 St.Peters Tel: (664) 491 5270/ 5235 Fax (664) 491 5069 Email: nbvillas@candw.ms
Neville Bradshaw Agencies Ltd., pioneers in promoting villa-style holiday living on Montserrat with more than 30 years of real estate management. They offer villas of different styles and designs, with swimming pools and modern amenities.
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Tradewinds Real Estate
P.O. Box 365, Olveston Tel (664) 491 2004/ 7499 Fax: (664) 491 6229 Email: tradewinds@candw.ms or tradewindsmontserrat@hotmail.com Website: www.tradewindsmontserrat.com
Offers a full range of real estate marketing & development services. Whether you wish to rent a luxury villa in Montserrat, buy land or house, or have your dream home custom designed and built to your specifications Tropical Island Real Estate can take care of all these needs. Villas in Montserrat
P.O. Box 421, Salem Tel: (664) 491 5513 Fax: (664) 491 7850 Email: johnsonwp@candw.ms
A family-run business offering a large selection of beautiful villas to rent for every budget, each with a private pool and fabulous view. Select 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms, and a beautiful view is guaranteed! In addition they have villas and undeveloped lots for sale, and are experts at property management. Tropical Island Real Estate Ltd.
P.O. Box 313, Sweeney’s Phone: (664) 491 2819 US & CAN: (786) 319 9672 Fax: (664) 491 7821 Email: tirel@candw.ms Website: www.sunislandrealestate.com
Guest Houses / Bed & Breakfast Montserrat offers a variety of guesthouses and bed and breakfasts to suit all tastes and budgets. These properties are dotted around the north of the island, with many offering swimming pools or sea views. Visitors staying at these properties will receive friendly and personal service in true Caribbean style. These properties usually provide breakfast, and other meals are available on request.
Bachee’s Guest House Olveston Tel: (664) 491 7509 Email: bachee@candw.ms
Situated in the tranquillity of the Olveston Valley with tropical gardens, Bachee’s has two rooms, one of which is ensuite.
Bunkum Bay Beach Guest House Palm Loop Tel: (664) 491 5348/ 491 4562 Email: contact@bunkumbeachguesthouse. com
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Rooms have private entrances, twin beds, ensuite bathrooms, hair driers, Cable TV, phone, ceiling fans, small fridge, coffee & tea-making facilities, and microwave/ toaster oven. Other amenities include a full meal & bar service and concierge service. Rates from US$65 per night.
Essence Guesthouse This villa is located in Palm Loop, just a 2-minute walk to the beach and local transportation. They offer the privacy, comfort and space of villa style accommodation with the convenience of self catering. All of the room options come with full use of the entire villa. Free pick up from the airport. Prices range from US$ 35 to US$ 65. All rooms plus 7% G.O.M. Tax.
Erindell Villa Guesthouse Woodlands Tel: (664) 491 3655 Email: erindell04@yahoo.com Website: www.erindellvilla.com
Recently renovated, fully equipped, comfortable and airy rooms with large private swimming pool, set among tropical gardens with ocean and mountain views.
Old Towne Tel: (664) 491 5411 Email: info@essence.ms Website: www.essence.ms
The Essence is situated on the hillside of Old Towne, and offers splendid views of the volcano, the Belham valley and the beach. We offer a fully equipped self-contained one bedroom apartment, and one guest room. Both have a private patio and private entrance. Free meet and greet service from the airport. Rates range from US$50 to US$80 per night.
Gingerbread Hill P.O. Box 246, St. Peter’s Tel: (664) 491 5812 Email: lead@candw.ms Website: www.volcano-island.com
Situated on three lush, tropical acres with spectacular views overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Prices range US$35-US$125 Gingerbread Hill provides free pick up from airport plus WiFi, e-mail, laundry facilities,
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car rental, mountain bikes, volcano tours, hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving packages. Weddings can also be arranged including complete video and photo packages.
Grand View Bed and Breakfast
The Old Sugar Mill is situated on 5 acres of tropical garden, atop breezy Baker Hill and overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Choose from 12 lovely rooms. All have internet access, refrigerators, cable TV, air-condition, irons and en-suite bathrooms. Amenities to include kitchenettes, laundry service, swimming pool, diving/boat ride, hiking, island tours and car rental etc. Prices range US$50 -US$125
Olveston House
P.O. Box 350, Baker Hill Tel: (664) 491 2284, Fax: (664) 491 6876 Email: grand@candw.ms Website: www.grandviewmni.com
Situated in breezy Baker Hill, the Grand View offers views of the mountains and ocean. Rooms with air-conditioned and/ or ceiling fans - Suites with kitchenette, private bath and balcony. Each room comes with complimentary continental breakfast, lunch and dinner by reservation. Airport transfers available on request. Prices range from US$65-US$120 plus 17% government tax and service charge.
Montserrat Moments Inn / The Old Sugar Mill Manjack Heights, P.O. Box 196 Tel: (664) 491 7707/ 492 1743 Email: flogriff@candw.ms
Olveston Tel: (664) 491 5210 Email: olvestonhouse@gmail.com Website: www.olvestonhouse.com
Olveston House is owned by Beatles producer, Sir George Martin. Olveston House boasts six spacious guestrooms each with private bath. All are tastefully appointed and include twin, queen or king-size beds, cable TV and coffee makers. Three of the guestrooms have private access to the spacious porch that wraps around the guesthouse, the other three have air-conditioning. Single or Double occupancy is US$99 per night. A full service restaurant is also available on the property.
G u i d e t o M o n t s e r r at
The Arches Guesthouse Tel: (664) 491 8463 Email: aafenton@hotmail.com
Located in Mahagony Drive, Woodlands. This self-contained apartment comes with double bedroom and ensuite bathroom on the ground floor, plus a separate sleeping area with bed and a laundry room. This guesthouse is close to beaches and within a short drive to shops and restaurants. Complimentary airport transfers are provided and Internet access is available at an extra cost. Car rental can be arranged for you or if preferred a public bus service is available. Cost US$75/night.
The Holt Olveston Tel: (664) 491 8105/ 496 8105 (cell) Email: theholt@candw.ms
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Website: www.theholtmontserrat.com Skype: james.thomas43
This ground floor apartment has one or two double rooms, a sitting room and WC/ shower room. Guests can enjoy the use of a private patio next to the pool, laundry facilities and free wireless internet. Prices range from US$30-US$88 There is a 7% Government charge, not included in the above prices. (Children under 16 are not encouraged.)
G u i d e t o M o n t s e r r at
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Villa/Vacation Home Sales
A holiday home can be purchased at relatively low prices as real estate in the northern safe zone represents a good investment opportunity, with holiday rentals 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 license and drawing up the necessary contracts. The total cost of the landholder license, land transfer, stamp duty, tax and legal fees is approximately 15.6% of the net property price. This fee is borne by the purchaser.
G u i d e t o M o n t s e r r at
Individual Villa Rentals These villa properties are available for rental through direct contact with the owners or their agents. Cassava Cottage
Les Alizés
Old Towne Email: t.l.skelton@lboro. ac.uk
Olveston Tel: (664) 492 1052
Egret House
Woodlands Tel: (215) 923 1415 x3 Email: barbara@cqtours. com www.egrethouse.com
Esmonds Villa/ Guesthouse
Runaway Ghaut Tel: (664) 491 5642/ 496 0652 Email: gmolyneau@ hotmail.com
Inis Eálú
Olveston Tel : (664) 491 5270/5235 Email: nbvillas@candw.ms
Seascape Villa
Miles Away Villa
Olveston Tel: 306 477 3005 Email: j4u@sasktel.net www.cyberrentals.com/ vacation-villa-Montserrat/ p127015.htm www.spatrainers.com/ MilesAwayVilla.html
Old Towne Tel: (514) 487 8148 (Canada) Email: peterpun@bellnet. ca www.seascapecaribbean. com
Min-y-Don
Secluded Holiday Villa Olveston Tel: 491 3405 Email: secludedvilla@ hotmail.com
Woodlands Tel: 491 9643 Email: tysona@candw.ms www.cassava-cottage.com
Dyett Villa
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Star Blest Villa Woodlands Tel: (44) 20 8699 1245 Email: peterfilleul@ compuserve.com www.privateparadise. co.uk
Nice Diggs Villa
Olveston Tel: (716) 877 5326 Email: careyanderson@ roadrunner.com www.nicediggsmontserrat. com
Royal Palm Club
Woodlands Tel: 491 2671 Email: royalpalmclub@ hotmail.com www.montserratroyalpalmvilla.com/
Mayfield Drive, Olveston Tel: (610) 777 4292 Email: pkready@earthlink. net www.starblestvilla.com
Tan ry doon Lime Kiln Bay, Olveston Tel: (802) 442 9236 www.montserratrental. com
Villa Chez Amis Olveston Tel: 491 5493
G u i d e t o M o n t s e r r at
Apartments There are a number of self-contained, fully furnished one or two bedroom holiday apartments. Some form part of a family home, while others are built for rent.
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Gerald’s Estate Villa Geralds Tel: (664) 491 5040/ 496 5040 Email: jas33055@aol.com
A & G Apartments Davy Hill, Montserrat Tel: (664) 491 9372 Email: agallen@candw.ms
A&G self-contained apartments are impressively situated in Davy Hill. Within its dramaturgy, these contemporary pied-áterres offer all the latest amenities including refrigerator, television, stove, household utensils, pots and pans.
Avondale Cottage St. Peters, P.O. Box 349 Tel: (664) 491 8298
Situated on a 90 acre estate at Gerald’s, this three bedroom, three bathroom spilt-level unit boasts fabulous views of mountains and sea, where the neighboring island of Antigua is visible. The property is 2 minutes from the airport and features airy rooms with balconies and archways leading into family and living quarters.
Two bedroom apartment situated near the top of a hill. Avondale Cottage offers tranquil privacy and magnificent views of the mountains and the ocean.
The estate also houses 3, 2-bedroom selfcontained fully furnished apartments for those who are on a budget.
Camilla & Levons Watts
Mayfield Est, Olveston Tel: (664) 491 5397/ 2391/ 492 1098 Email: hixonj@candw.ms
Old Towne Tel: (664) 491 3179
Flamboyant Apartment P. O. Box 191, St. Johns, Montserrat, W.I. Tel: (664) 491 2601/ 7739 E-mail: cooperr@candw.ms
Hixon’s Apartments
Humming Bird Apartment Beryl Chadwick’s Apartment, Woodlands Tel: (664) 491 7844
One-bedroom apartment.
G u i d e t o M o n t s e r r at
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Paradise Villa & guesthouse John ‘Tan’ Williams Baker Hill Tel:(664) 491 5899/ 492 1942 Email: tan_villa@yahoo.com
Conveniently located in breezy Baker Hill with breathtaking views of the Northern coastline and the Town Centre. This well appointed four bedrooms, three bathrooms villa boasts a self contained kitchen, dining area and living room. The spacious rooms are equipped with TV, telephone and internet services. Prices range from US$65.
PHILLIP’S DEN APARTMENT Palm Lane, Davy Hill Tel: (664) 491 2143 Email: denisemichelle29@hotmail.com
Nestled in the scenic lush green neighborhood of Davy Hill, this onebedroom fully furnished apartment offers breathtaking views of Redonda and Nevis. Amenities include Cable T.V, Ceiling Fans, Kitchen Facilities and Laundry Facilities. The apartment is 3 minutes from Gerald’s Airport and close to shops and beaches. Rates: US$70 per night single and US$90 per night double. Short term rental only.
Pickette’s Apartments Friths Tel: (664) 491 5513 Fax: (664) 491 7850 Email: johnsonwp@candw.ms
2 and 3 bedroom fully furnished apartments available for short and long term rental in Friths and Lookout.
Riverside Woodlands Tel: (664) 491 6506
The Ambience Lodge Blossy Osborne P.O. Box 287, Palm Loop, Woodlands, Montserrat Tel: (664) 491 9245 Cell: (664) 495 2732 Email: sweetbloss@hotmail.com
Privately owned fully furnished luxury self catering apartment with two very elegant bedrooms and one bathroom located in Palm Loop. The apartment is tastefully appointed with all the latest amenities including Cable TV, cell phone, ceiling fans, fully equipped kitchen and maid service twice weekly to ensure a comfortable stressfree stay. Short term rental only. Minimum age for children 10 years. No pets allowed. Year round rates plus 7% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge. Single: US$100.00 per night Double: US$130.00 per night
VIP Penthouse Reinford ‘Kulcha Don’ Gibbons Baker Hill Tel: (664) 492 1122/ (917) 601 9421 Email: kulchadon1@gmail.com
Located in Baker Hill, with panoramic views of the neighboring islands Redonda and Nevis. This luxurious newly built suite has a wide open balcony, a master bedroom and bath with Jacuzzi, a second bedroom and bath, and a fully furnished kitchen with all stainless steel appliances. Rates start from US$200 per night.
G u i d e t o M o n t s e r r at
Windsor Apartments Cudjoe Head Tel: (664) 491 2900 Fax: (664) 491 8910 Email: lena@candw.ms
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Situated at the top of Woodlands, this facility is a great spot for camping. Amenities include: lanterns, self inflatable beds and cots, lamps, ice boxes, cooking pots and pans, dishes, cutlery and stoves, barbeque grills and baking ovens. Guests must have toiletries and blankets. Tents are available for rent.
Health Therapies Bliss Day Spa
Situated at the Corner of Cudjoe Head with views of the Centre Hills and the ocean with cool breezes from the nearby ghaut. This provides peace and tranquility within 2 well-appointed rooms that include cable TV, ceiling fans and kitchen facilities. Full service restaurant and bar upstairs. Rates: US$70 per night. One-month package for US$50 per night weekends excluded.
Campgrounds Mount Pleasant Eco Lodge & Camp Site David Payne Mount Pleasant Eco Lodge & Camp Site P.O. Box 319, Brades Tel: (664) 491 2933/ 495 2933 Email: dvdpyne@gmail.com Website: www.greenlivingmontserrat.com
(Mobile Service Available) Drummonds Tel: 491 2924/ 495 2924 Email: laurettadaley@gmail.com Website: blissdayspa4u.com
Lalie’s Day Spa Palm Loop Woodlands Tel: 491 6439
Hair Salons Hair we R Salon Ryan’s Court Brades Tel: 496 2089
Santa Tolido Place St. John’s Tel: 493 1323
Santa Beauty Centre Sharlie Derol Street St. Johns Tel: 491 9740/ 493 1012
Laurene Hair Cabin St. John Tel: 491 5911
Emerald Beauty Salon Davy Hill Tel: 491 9808
G u i d e t o M o n t s e r r at
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New Images Beauty Salon and Beauty Shop Brades Tel: 491 6588/ 496 1199
Health Foods BIG R Health Shop
Contact Person: Rueben White Salem Tel: 491 9588/ 491 7711
The big R Health Store, doing our part to keep Montserrat healthy happy and safe. Whether for vitamins, salves or healthy eating, the Big R serves all of Montserrat’s healthy eating needs. Can’t find something? Ask our friendly proprietors who’ll ensure all your health needs are met. The Big R is located in Salem, below the Salem Primary School. Hair Connections Beauty Salon Brades Tel: 491 7893/ 496 0469
Lita’s Beauty Salon Salem Tel: 491 4594
Veronica’s Beauty Salon Olveston Tel: 491 2022/ 493 1197
Nadine’s Beauty Salon Manjack Tel: 491 6844
Julie’s Beauty Salon Sweeney’s Tel: 491 3388
Dvaunte’s Salon Salem Tel: 496 0276