Soufrière Stories

Thirty years on, Montserratians across the UK reflect on what it means to be part of a diaspora shaped by disaster, but sustained by connection. They speak of rebuilding lives, celebrating traditions, and raising new generations far from home — yet always tethered to it. For some, the dream of return remains strong; for others, “home” now spans two shores. This episode captures the enduring spirit of a people who continue to carry Montserrat in their hearts, wherever they go.

Leaving Montserrat was never an easy choice. In this episode, Montserratians share the heart-wrenching moments when they realised they had to go — weighing family safety against the heartbreak of departure. They reflect on what led them to Britain, the promises made, and the realities they faced upon arrival: unfamiliar streets, limited support, and a deep longing for home. Yet even amid displacement, seeds of resilience were planted, and new communities began to take shape.

1995 marked a turning point. This episode shares personal recollections of the day the Soufrière Hills Volcano reawakened, how word spread through ZJB Radio and government briefings, and the disbelief that slowly turned to dread. Interviewees describe the physical and emotional toll — the ash-filled air, exclusion zones, and the painful decisions faced by families. Faith, music, and solidarity sustained many through uncertainty, but the eruption made it clear: life in Montserrat would never be the same again.

In this opening episode, Montserratians in the UK paint vivid pictures of life before the eruption — the sounds of village life, carnival laughter, wise sayings from elders, and the deep sense of belonging rooted in family, faith, and land. They recall the view from their homes, the bustling rhythms of Christmas and St Patrick’s Day, and the hopes they held for the island’s future. This is Montserrat as they remember it — before the silence fell and the ash began to fall.