MONTSERRAT GOVERNMENT UK OFFICE

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Montserrat Showcased at UK Parliament Reception to Mark 30th Anniversary of Soufrière Hills Volcano Eruption

London, 1 July 2025 – The Montserrat Government UK Office (MGUKO) convened a Parliamentary Reception on 23rd June in the prestigious State Rooms of Speaker’s House at the Palace of Westminster. The event formed the launch of the commemorative activity taking place in the UK to mark the 30th anniversary of the eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano—an opportunity to honour Montserrat’s journey of resilience, renewal, and future ambition.

Hosted by the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, the evening brought together over 150 guests, including UK Government Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Members of the House of Lords, the diplomatic corps, representatives from NGOs, academics, scientists, investors, and leaders of the Montserratian diaspora community.

Remarks were delivered by:

• The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons
• Hon Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State for the Overseas Territories (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
• Hon Kerry McCarthy MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
• Andrew Rosindell MP, Shadow Minister for the Overseas Territories
• Kei-Retta Farrell, Government of Montserrat Representative to the United Kingdom

Parliamentarians reiterated their continued support for Montserrat and acknowledged key areas requiring attention, including access to the island—particularly ferry connectivity—green energy transition funding, mineral exploration, and tourism development. The Speaker also paid tribute to Montserrat’s rich musical legacy, including the world-renowned Air Studios, and expressed his personal support for the vision of a new Montserrat Parliament building.

In her keynote address, Kei-Retta Farrell called for a reframing of Montserrat’s global narrative:

“Montserrat is not only a story of disaster — it is a story of opportunity. Our ambition is clear: Montserrat does not wish to remain dependent on aid. We are committed to financial self-sufficiency — through smart investment, strong institutions, and a focus on building local capacity. And we see the UK as a long-term partner in that journey — a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared priorities, and real progress.”

The reception also featured:

• A display of historical records and volcanic research materials from The National Archives (UK) as part of the Archives Assemble! project, titled ‘Archives Assemble! Activating the Archives to Collaboratively Reimagine Volcanic Geoheritage’. This initiative brings together researchers from three UK universities, The National Archives, and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, working collaboratively with the Montserrat National Trust, Montserrat Public Library, Montserrat Tourism Division, and the Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies
• Artwork by young Montserratian creative, Ms Serene Farrell
• Live performances by steel pan musician Mr Josiah Persaud and The Montserrat 30th Anniversary UK Community Choir

Notably, Montserratian civic leaders Councillor Antoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, and Councillor Margaret Greer, Mayor of Enfield, were in attendance, alongside former Governors Frank Savage and Sarah Tucker, both of whom served during pivotal periods in Montserrat’s modern history.

This event marks the beginning of a series of commemorative activities in the UK to honour the 30th anniversary of the eruption. MGUKO also had a presence at Montserrat Heritage Day on Saturday, 28th June, followed by a National Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 29th June at Westminster Central Hall, which welcomed over 500 attendees.

ENDS