Demographics

Since July 1995 volcanic activity has disrupted life on Montserrat. The southern two-thirds of the island have been permanently evacuated, including the former capital, Plymouth, the airport, the port, most agricultural land and most public buildings. The remaining population lives in the safe northern area of the island and a temporary capital is now situated at Brades, located in the north-west. A new permanent capital is under development at Little Bay, on the north-eastern coast.

Since the eruption of 1995, the population has fallen sharply, from 10,400 in 1995 to around 4,500 in 2007. British financial assistance has been used to build housing, roads, water supply facilities, factory shells and temporary government offices. There are now fuel storage facilities, a power plant, a new water supply system, schools, a fire station, police headquarters and a small hospital in the safe zone. Construction of a 600-metre runway airport was completed in 2005, removing the need for the government-subsidised helicopter link to Antigua.
source: EIU Country Profile 2008

MONTSERRAT’S TOURISM SECTOR OPEN FOR BUSINESS FOLLOWING WEEKEND VOLCANIC DOME COLLAPSE

May 22, 2006
Montserrat is open for tourism business following the collapse of the lava dome at the Soufriere Hills Volcano on Saturday May 20th, 2006. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) confirmed that the lava dome collapsed over a three (3) hour period on Saturday leading to mud flows around the volcano and surges along the north-east flank. Following a helicopter flight the MVO reported that nearly all the dome is gone and currently there is low level activity with ash venting taking place on the west side of the crater. There were no casualties or injuries reported from the incident and the population remains safe.
Source:Government Information Unit