“We would like the traveling public to know that Montserrat remains open for visitors and is still a safe destination,” comments Montserrat Tourist Board’s director of tourism, Ernestine Cassell. “Tourism businesses in the north are fully operational.  We would advise those visiting within the next couple of weeks check with their accommodation provider to reconfirm their reservations and also look for updates about volcanic activity on the Montserrat Volcano Observatory’s website.”

The Soufrière Hills Volcano became active in 1995 and increased activity in 1997 led to the establishment of an exclusion zone around the volcano, which includes the capital city Plymouth. All residents now live in the northernmost third of the island, which has been declared a safe zone.

The recent increased volcanic activity began in late December 2006 and continues to be closely monitored by the experts at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Further details on the volcanic activity, including an explanation of the scientific terms, can be found at www.mvo.ms.