Montserrat 411 News

By: Karen ‘Lioness’ Allen Freelance Journalist
It is official; the 2008 Ms. Montserrat Festival Queen is Ms. Loralyn Fergus.
According to Deonne Semple, facilitator of this year’s pageant, “Ms. Fergus was sponsored by Montserrat Limited and received trophies for the best swimsuit, the best talent, and the best creative wear.”
Ms. Semple says, “Ms Sharlene Lindsay, sponsored [...]

When questioned as to when he plans to stop dancing, Titus says, “I started dancing at the age of 8. Right now, I am 59 years old. I plan to dance at my own funeral.”

Many of the witnesses expressed disgust and concern for what they described as an outright disgrace for this year’s annual festival celebrations. One male resident said a scene like this could only leave a bad first impression.

I came to Montserrat, and I found out that violence is zero here. It is all about love and togetherness….

On 10 December 2008, the National Disaster Preparedness Response and Advisory Committee (NDPRAC) met to review the level of current volcanic activity.
Responding to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) report, the NDPRAC met in light of this report and recent eruptive events. The NDPRAC considered any safeguards necessary and looked at longer-term protection for the [...]

On 2 December 2008, the Soufriere Hills Volcano exploded without warning.
According to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), “There was an explosion and pyroclastic flow at the Soufriere Hills Volcano at approximately 9:35pm local time on 2 December 2008.”
The MVO’s scientist report, “The explosion appears to have taken place on the western side of the lava [...]

By: Karen ‘Lioness’ Allen Freelance Journalist
On 25 December 2008, the Government of Montserrat announced it has secured an improved transportation arrangement and the reintroduction of a ferry service.
Taking effect on 1 December 2008, WinAir resumed its 19-seater twin otter service for flights between Antigua and Montserrat. The Government says, “Under this new arrangement, [...]

By: Karen ‘Lioness’ Allen Freelance Journalist
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Culture, Tourism and Sports (MYACTS), created earlier this year, is slated to donate $270,000 for the 2008 Montserrat Festival.
Official reports indicate that “…Culture has been supportive for the Festival over the years and has contributed over $170,000 to the Festival Committee already for 2008…another [...]

By: Karen ‘Lioness’ Allen Freelance Journalist
The Montserrat Cultural Centre has a new manager, Ms. Marsha Meade.
In a press release, the Board of Directors disclosed the appointment of a new managing director, who replaces the former managing director, Ms. Amanda Osborne.
The Chairman of the Board, Sir Howard Fergus, says that an extensive search was conducted [...]

By: Karen ‘Lioness’ Allen Freelance Journalist
The Montserrat Tourist Board (MTB) announced that Market One has been appointed as its tourism marketing representative for Guadeloupe and Martinique.
According to the MTB, Appointing the marketing and public relations company is intended to capitalize on Montserrat’s close proximity, as well as strong historic and tourism ties to these [...]