Montserrat Speaking Frankly

Destiny’s Revelation No. 15

December 3, 2008 on 5:37 pm | In Destiny Revelations | No Comments

So…I’m going to Montserrat’s Tourist Board to find out information about things to do in Montserrat. I am given a small book called a ‘Guide to Montserrat’.

While it did contain the kind of useful information I expected, it was the tourism director’s welcome that really struck a chord in me. So much so that I will quote it exactly as it appears:

Dear Visitor:

Sometimes it’s what a destination does not have that makes it rise above the rest in terms of special appeal. Montserrat is a case in point. Looking for a frantic pace? You’ll realize it’s happily missing when hiking our enticing trails, sipping a tropical drink under beneficent sun, or driving along winding mountain roads close to fluffy clouds. Crowds on the beach? Our black-sand beaches and our popular Rendezuous Beach with white sand provide a sense of tranquility and ample elbow room whether you are by yourself or with that special someone. At night, even the stars seem to want to reach down and share the magic.

Elevators? Forget them. We have a selection of apartments, guest houses, hotels, and villas where size count is of the intimate type. The sense of family is powerful, and at our guest accomodations, your steps and the step taken by hospitable staff are all intended for you to make a close encounter with Montserrat and it’s friendly people.

Neon? Hardly any. The bold colors of flamboyant trees, hibiscus, and other tropical flowers are the hues that we wish you to enjoy and remember, until the strong pull of the ‘Emerald Isle of the Caribbean’ bring you back again and again.

Then, there are those things we have in abundance–world class fishing; more than 30 dive sites to raise eyebrows and lower eager bodies into our warm and beguiling sea; rare and lovely bird life (including our national bird the Montserrat Oriole) and friendliness unparalleled in the Caribbean.

Added to these is an active volcano that scientists call one of the most interesting in the world. Learning about it, its history, its status; seeing the legacy of this force of nature in the southern portion of our island from safe vantage points is a unique bonus to any stay.

Please take a look at this vacation guide and head in out direction soon. What we have and don’t have is waiting to offer you an unforgettable time.”

Having been in Montserrat some months now, I found this letter an accurate ballet of words that creates a realistic mental picture.

It would be natural and logical for you to think that this description of Montserrat is embellished.

In my experience, it is not only true but is tested for its accuracy.

Montserrat has the uncanny ability to weave a spell of enchantment and intrigue.

Believe me when I tell you that although I have been here for about three months, I still have spontaneous moments of complete awe as I ventured into the bowels of Montserrat’s mystery.

I find that resident Montserratians are very afraid of saying anything negative about Montserrat. Really!

Most Montserratians I have talked to are under the impression that Montserrat is an extremely unknown or perhaps forgotten paradise that is continually subjected to inaccurate and negative propaganda.

Another thing any one interested in Montserrat should be aware of is that Montserrat is definitely a far, far cry from small in many aspects. I’m sure I’ve mentioned the death defying hills in this country.

Another strange characteristic of this island is the multitude of non Montserratians that roam these streets. In fact, one may even hear a Montserratian to admit as much.

Have I mentioned that these normally sleepy and slow-paced people are really defying all my previous descriptions. For instance, somewhere in September, I couldn’t pay someone to find me some kind of activity to participate in.

Now, I can’t make up my mind where I want to go in a given day. I know…ironic, right?

Destiny’s Revelation No. 14

December 3, 2008 on 5:07 pm | In Destiny Revelations | No Comments

Okay…I know. I know! It’s been a while. I, humbly, apologize for my delay in updating my posts to you. I will try to make every effort to avoid this in the future. Although, I must tell you that it will be quite for me, because Montserrat is certainly picking up the pace lately, and I am being drawn in like a moth to a flame. So, don’t hold your breath!

That’s right! Montserrat’s annual partying is from December, and, believe me, there is definitely signs of a stir happening around me. Although my daily lullaby at sunset has not lost its effect, I tend to note it momentarily, as I am too busy trying to keep up with the next road show or lime session.

Now, let me tell you something else. These people living on this island are just oozing with talent. It seems like just about every day nearer to the year’s end debuts another new calypsonian with some amazing songs. Oh, these songs have a purpose. As far as I can tell, the songs have the effect of a prescribed anti-depressant. Really, it is just about impossible to resist the urge, growing more demanding with each second, to move in harmony with the music, and I, absolutely, cannot pick a favorite. I know this because my personal pick tend to reign supreme until the next great calypso song comes along and dethrones the current favorite.

Oh, by the way, let me explain my obvious obsession with this music genre called calypso. I think I’ve mentioned previously that there is only one radio station on this island. However, the radio station seems to be sufficient because people on Montserrat certainly tune in religiously every day.

Perhaps, you’re wondering how I know this. Well, that’s easy enough to answer. All one has to do is take a stroll one morning between 6:00 to 12:00 noon.

Now, for those of you that have an obvious obsession with portable music devices, leave them home. This exercise looses its effect when you are distracted and listening to something else.

Having set the rules, let’s move on. While you are walking, I would like you to listen to your surroundings. As a car appraoches, listen to it as it goes by. Hopefully, if you timed your walk correctly, you’ll be able to listen to several vehicles as they pass by in succession. Yes, timing is everything. Should you take your walk at certain times in Montserrat, you could literally walk down the middle of the road with confidence. Don’t worry, you’ll have enough time to navigate out of the way of any spontaneous traffic. Yes, it is that light and just that quiet in Montserrat.

Now, back to the issue. You will note, when you’re listening to the passing cars, that each car is playing the same thing, ZJB Radio.

Although Montserrat’s residents certainly drive modern vehicles with some quite efficient sound systems, you hear the radio playing rather clearly. Believe me, there is no need to strain. Now, there will be the odd rebeller playing roots reggae, dancehall, or R&B. The point is that you will easily detect that ZJB is the major contributor to the airwaves in Montserrat.

On another note, the morning DJ for this radio station is absolutely rib cracking, side-slapping, hilarious, not to mention unpredictable. He would ask a question that sounds innocent enough. Should a caller answer the question correctly, he or she wins a prize. Simple, right? I know what you’re thinking. You are thinking to yourself what is so unique about the idea? Every radio station does the same thing.

True…however, in Montserrat, it is always quality entertainment listening to callers try to figure out what angle this morning DJ may be taking.

See, the callers are well aware that the answer is usually something they least expect. So, they try to respond with as outrageous an answer as they can concoct that will be unusual enough to satisfy this very mischievous DJ. He is a delight. I enjoy listening to him in action. Before I get started on some examples of this DJ in action, let me finish about my newly found obsession with calypso.

Anyway, by now, you should have established that if you want to stay abreast of what’s happening, to include emergencies, you would be wise to turn into ZJB radio as frequently as possible.

Now, normally, ZJB offers a decent enough variety of music within specific genres. Heavy metal; rock music of any kind; and any style of jazz could very well be illegal in this country, for I have yet to hear anything remotely close on this radio station. What’s even more interesting is I don’t miss them either; however, I could use a fix when it comes to jazz. Jeez! I guess ZJB believes just being in Montserrat is soothing enough. They may be right. I’m not walking around in a trembling stupor having withdrawal symptoms from lack of hearing jazz music, which gets me to my point.

From about the start of November, I noticed that they limited but tolerable music selection I had grown quite use to had disappeared.

At first, I thought someone had read my mind and decided to take a break from the norm, by playing what is called Masquerade music, which is predominantly drums, and calypso music, which should not require any explanation. I will reserve that for a later post.

However, I soon realized that this obvious shift had nothing to do with me. For some reason, ZJB radio is under the assumption that only these two music genres are suitable for their listening audience during their year end celebrations.

So, anyway, we are approaching the last leg of November, and I have developed a force-fed tolerance for these two types of music.

Having said that, I would like to clarify that there is certainly an extensive collection of masquerade and local calypso music available.

It seems one of the year end activities here in Montserrat is a series of calypso competitions. Stick a pin. On another note, did you know that the ‘Soca King of the World’ lives here in Montserrat. Truly! He even has a store here, where you can visit and see him in person. I must admit, the prices in his store certainly helps stretch a dollar. Oh, you do get what you pay for. Hopefully, you can get more than three uses out of your purchase.

For those of you who are a little out of touch with social happenings, the ‘Soca King of the World’ is the man who sings the song heard in movies and commercials all over the world called “Hot, Hot, Hot”. Now, if you don’t know the song, do yourself a favor, stop reading this post, and Google it. Get grounded. You owe to yourself. Now, lets continue.

Anyway, now that I have been exposed to this music for some weeks now, I am no longer surprise that the ‘Soca King of the World’ comes from here.

It’s almost as if musical talents are part of Montserratian’s DNA. Really, I am constantly being surprised by a brand new calypsonian. Like I said, it’s hard to keep a favorite. Where exactly these calypsonians go to record their music is still a great mystery to me. I obviously have not made it to all the occupied parts of this country. I am convinced that there is a town. However, I just can’t find it.

So far, there are about 26 calypsonians competing in one of the four competitions I have hear about so far. Personally, I would hate to be a judge of these competitions. The competitors are all good to me.