Lime Kiln Bay: Still Amazing, Despite the “Improvements” (Day 10 of my Tour)

Lime Kiln Bay has always been one of my favourite spots on the island, so I saved it until last. Or rather the last of the ten sites (or sights) close to where I live. The final two are Little Bay and Jack Boy Hill and there is a lot to say about those. I…

Garibaldi Hill: Day 9 of the Tour of the Tourism Strategy

The Tourism Strategy is far less enthusiastic about Garibaldi Hill than the Tourism Master Plan was, and the site has actually deteriorated since it was published. The Strategy says that it needs a telescope and signage, whereas the plan also suggests toilets and a refreshment outlet. There was a belief when the plan was written…

My Presentation to the UWI Disability Conference

The full version is being peer-reviewed for publication but it is a shame to waste this, so here is the "short" 20-minute version for the benefit of anyone interested in disability and health development. Plus a few comments on the conference so far. The conference is incredibly good, with interesting presentations by good presenters. The…

I’m Broadcasting to the World about Health Development in Montserrat Tomorrow. Turn On, Tune In, Drop By

It's the big day tomorrow. I wrote a paper on disability and health development in Montserrat for the University of West Indies a few weeks ago and now I have to present it to their disability conference. It's remote, so I don't have to leave the house. "Remote Conferencing" as we call it. I enjoy…

Montserrat’s Wonderful Wetland: Day 8 of the Grand Tour.

It's day eight of my tour of potential visitor attractions in Montserrat, and I've been to the beautiful new wetland at Old Road Bay. I think it was still a twinkle in the eye when the Tourism Strategy was written, but something special has been created here. I can actually see it from my house,…

The Remote Worker Marketing Event: Some Thoughts.

I was at the online remote worker seminar yesterday run by Montserrat Tourism and hosted by Island Innovation. It convinced me that Montserrat is a great place to live and work and remote work, but then I didn't need much convincing. As I've said before, long stayers will have the most significant impact on the…

The Rocklands Tombstone: Day 7 of my Tour of the Tourism Strategy

For those who have not been following my adventure, I have decided to visit the 12 priority sites contained in the Tourism Strategy. These don't include places like Rendezvous, Woodlands, or the Petroglyphs but are places where some public expenditure would enhance the visitor experience. Or alternately, persuade those enticed over by our digital marketing…

Day 6 of the Tourism Strategy: “The Buried City”

The phrase "The Buried City" is used 33 times in the Montserrat Tourism strategy. It reflects the belief that the future of tourism will be primarily based on marketing the volcano and the remains of Plymouth. Half the EU aid for tourism is being used to build a Volcano Interpretation Centre, which is undoubtedly a…

Disability Desks: An Explainer on the Assembly Debate

One of the shortest-lived political initiatives in history was Montserrat’s decision to establish a disability desk. This was announced in the Premier’s budget speech earlier this month, and then unannounced in one of the ministerial speeches the following week. It was always a difficult initiative to understand fully. The role of a desk would be…

Day Five: The Old Sugar Mill – But which one do they mean?

It's day five of my Tour of the Tourism Strategy, and this time it is "The Old Sugar Mill." But I'm not sure which one the Strategy refers to. The document is written as if there is only one mill on the island, but there are several. These even include one at Baker Hill that…

Montserrat Drawn in the Nations League Group of Death

Monday 4th April saw the draw for the 22/23 version of the CONCACAF Nations League in Miami. Montserrat held onto its League B status following wins in the inaugural 20/21 season against the Dominican Republic and St Lucia. However, the seedings this time around suggested another tough group lay ahead. So it turned out. Montserrat…

Hot Water Pond is still Hot

Today is day four of my Tour of the Tourism Strategy and it is the Hot Water Pond, the almost mythical place located half a mile north of Plymouth. The Tourism Strategy says the following: It “used to be a huge tourist attraction and a key success factor for the hotel. However, the entire spring…

Arrow’s House: Day Three of my Tour of the Tourism Strategy.

I know I have too much time on my hands at the moment, but I am taking the opportunity to experience Montserrat as a tourist and visit places I haven't been to before. I'm using the Montserrat Tourism Strategy as my guidebook because it focuses on ideas for tourist attractions the Government could invest in…

The Sadness of Bransby Point

I have a month to myself, and I’m not working at the moment. I’m heading back to the UK for a few weeks in the summer, to see family and friends, so I’m going to give myself a little holiday before I go. I’ve decided to use Montserrat’s controversial Tourism Strategy as my guide and…