Background - Montserrat Crisis, Motto & History
In 1995, Soufriere Hills volcano erupted into life after lying dormant for centuries. In 1997, it decimated...
Volcanic Destruction
In 1995, Soufriere Hills volcano erupted into life after lying dormant for centuries. In 1997, it decimated the island’s capital, infrastructure, housing stock, agricultural lands and economy.
Plymouth
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Exclusion Zone & Population Dispersal
The southern half of the island was rendered an exclusion zone and the population dispersed. Migration remains an issue to date.
From Plymouth (SW) heading via SE & up towards the North
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(091.2) View of Exclusion Zone from North
Rebuilding & Resettlement
A few resettlement villages, a small port & entertainment facilities, and "temporary" administrative headquarters have been established in the north.
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(056.0) - View of Current Port & De Facto Capital
History, Resilience & Motto
Montserrat is prone to major natural disasters. Time & again, since records began in 1638, it has had to rebuild its infrastructure and economy after suffering damage to nearly all of its buildings. This was the case three times previously in the last century alone: 1899, 1928 & as recently as 1989.
Throughout its history, its society has demonstrated the ability to cope with and recover from natural disasters, and “come back” strong, even stronger, from having grasped rebuilding opportunities. Indeed, its people pride itself in its Territorial Motto as:
"A people of excellence,
moulded by nature, nurtured by God".
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1997-2021: More than 20 years on
The island & its economy remain far from recovery and subsists mainly through UK grants in aid. Only some 1/6th of staple goods are produced locally.
The nature of the disruption by volcanic activity perhaps differs from history, particularly given the large and continuing exclusion zone. It however left intact, or was accompanied by:
Equally significant rebuilding opportunities
Remaining unexploited are such elements as:
Geothermal energy, deposits from pyroclastic flows, the island's natural beauty (particularly as now cast in higher relief), extended seasons of some local fruits, and the Pompeii factor.
Population dispersal, restricted access to lands, and ongoing threats to agriculture are among key factors which have inhibited progress.
Resourcefulness & response as a society simply cannot be understated.
It was the very response by society, following full emancipation, that ensured the island moved from 1 school in 1838 to 17 within 2 years, while it took government 29 years to respond with investment in education, despite its being mandated since 1838.
Mobilising the troops
A group of like-minded & public-spirited Montserratians, conscious of the stern stuff, intelligence & resourcefulness that are hallmarks of the full gamut of their ancestry, DNA & heritage, came together to enact a solution for the greater good.
The group became further driven in full recognition of the fact that technology together with groups of Facilitators, and bonding mechanisms, such as our 180 Shades of +ve Association, could go a long way in remedying the fallout from population dispersal.
The group recognised too that technology together with geothermal energy can address issues of accessible agricultural land, through ‘greenhouses’ for example, and can indeed lead to opening up new markets.
With full & in-depth account taken of Montserrat's strengths, challenges, & opportunities, MPS was formed.
Impact of Coronavirus?
Who can forget the Coronavirus pandemic that from early 2020 has posed for the world a major disruption and threat to daily lives and economies! There too, the group recognised that technology and the simple fact of being an island, present opportunities for Montserrat, such as the potential to create new businesses founded on smart working, including home-working and mechanisation with the assistance of geothermal energy.
Montserrat Patrons Society is here to provide a highly regulated, accountable & open portal
To enable: the Montserrat society (its diaspora across the globe, as well as those at home); people with an interest in the island among the world’s philanthropists; and caring members of the public across the globe, to now act concertedly and respond to the need to recover from the disaster & ensuing crisis and help to identify, and support, projects to redevelop Montserrat.
