Montserrat 2012-2013 Tourist Guide Released!

The 2012/2013 edition of the comprehensive Guide to Montserrat
tourism brochure has been printed and is now available for
distribution. This attractive 82-page full colour Guide is
produced by the Montserrat Tourist Board and provides detailed
tourism and other pertinent information for visitors.

In the introductory section, the Guide includes messages from the
Governor, the Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Chairman of
the Montserrat Tourism Board and the Acting Director of Tourism.

Inside the Guide the information focuses on facts about
Montserrat, its history, how to get to the island, taxis, tour
operators, car rentals, tourism attractions, places of interest,
bars, nightspots, restaurants, calendar of events, festivals and
tourist accommodation. Tourism ancillary services such as gas
stations, supermarkets, souvenir shops and health and beauty
facilities are also included.

The cover of the guide is a blended photo collage featuring
Montserrat attractions; the endangered mountain chicken, the
popular iguana, the endemic Montserrat Oriole bird, Montserrat's
lush landscape and the Soufriere Hills Volcano. The Guide is
available free of charge at the Airport and Ferry Terminal in
Montserrat or at the Montserrat Tourist Board's office

Where to stay on this tropical paradise?

Our villa offers a panoramic view of the ocean and towering lush
mountains, with breathtaking sunset views and star filled skies.

Just a short walk away is one of the best beaches you will ever
see. Woodlands is a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs where you
will often be the only visitors enjoying the Caribbean waters and
Montserrat's famous black sand beaches. Swim or snorkel around
the cliff to your left and find a tiny private beach only
accessible by water. This is where my husband proposed to me!

Woodlands, where our villa is located, is the most wooded area on
the island. It is lush with vegetation, palm and fruit trees and
flowers of all sorts. The vegetation and dramatic views of the
mountains create a cool breeze refreshing breeze throughout the
villa.

Three private suites, each with full bath and sitting area sleep
6.

http://www.vrbo.com/409480

susan@asi-adoption.com

+1 732 221 9483

Event: Waka Waka Mas band to Perform in Montserrat 50th Annual Festival in Dec. - Dec 14, 2012 to Jan 1, 2013

With excitement building for Montserrat's 50th Annual Festival
this December, the Waka Waka Mas band has begun showcasing their
presentation, "The Treasures of Alliouagana", which was inspired
by the rich culture and history of the island.

Alliouagana is the Amerindian name for the island of Montserrat
and its cultural heritage is regarded as its most valuable
Treasure. On New Years Day 2013, Waka Waka Mas will present three
of these treasures in the form of distinctive and colorful
costumes on the streets of Montserrat. Oriole (Orange) -
represents Montserrat's African heritage and the national bird,
the Oriole. Shamrock (Green) - represents Montserrat's Irish
heritage and the island itself also known as the Emerald Isle of
the Caribbean. Sarobei (White) - represents Montserrat's
Amerindian heritage, and the silky Sea Island cotton that was
once a major export of the island. Sarobei is also the
Taino/Arawak word for cotton. The words "Waka Waka" are an
African rally cry that translates to "Do It", as in a task, which
embodies the attitude of Waka Waka Mas. In this their first major
initiative, they hope not only to encourage Montserratians to
come home, but also to spread the excitement of this year's
festival to non-Montserratians particularly from neighbouring
islands to come and join in or witness what will be a memorable
50th Anniversary celebration. U.S.-based band leader Dudley
Skerritt was inspired to create the group based on his early
memories of the Montserrat Festival. He reminisces, "I have such
fond memories of being at the street parade trying to keep up
with the people dressed up in vibrant costumes and the revellers
enjoying themselves to the songs of Cepeke and other calypso
artistes." He says, "The Treasures of Alliouagana is a chance for
those who participated back then to bring back the glory days --
pre volcanic eruption and pre Hurricane Hugo -- and for those
like myself who were on the sidelines, we can finally take part,
to create new memories and at the same time remind the youths
about our culture." Canada-based band member Terrance Jemmotte,
was inspired to get involved because, as he says, "I see
Montserratians, including myself, playing mas in so many
different places around the world and I wonder, why not
Montserrat? What could be better than paying mas at home?". Waka
Waka Mas hopes that many will answer the call to play mas this
year or just visit Montserrat during this special festival
celebration and help boost the local economy which is still
recovering from the devastating volcanic eruption some 17 years
ago. Skerritt states, "We are organizing this event to
encourage Montserratians not only to take a long overdue trip
home but to participate to make the 50th celebration a memorable
one for all. Despite the challenges the island has faced over
the years, the island has much to offer and there is still no
place like home. As the official slogan goes, "It's time to
celebrate the Talent, Culture and Creativity, Montserrat Festival
50." About Waka Waka Mas is a non-profit masquerade band,
supported by a large team of volunteers across the globe to
promote the rich cultural heritage of Montserrat by re-energising
the New Years Day parade with the pageantry and dazzle that so
many of us remember. For more information about the Montserrat
Festival and Waka Waka Mas please visit montserratfestival.com
and wakawakamas.com.