Culture

Montserrat’s culture, artistry, and heritage were on full display at the Official Re-Opening of the Montserrat Cultural Center on November 12th. The event, which was held under the theme “A New Chapter”, came after months of building renovations. The Center is also being used as the house of parliament, making an official ceremonial return during the Opening of the Eighteenth Session of the Eighteenth Parliament in October. Speaking at the event, Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross highlighted the significance of Montserrat’s parliament and culture sharing a home. She noted that such an arrangement could lead to further funding for the arts, adding that art influences politics. She said she hoped that “one day the Legislative Assembly will get its own building, and I know that is what the government of Montserrat wants too. But actually, I think it is no bad thing while we wait for that to happen, that the Legislative Assembly and the political leaders of this country sit cheek by jowl with the culture of Montserrat, with the artists of Montserrat, because the arts need funding and the politicians are not going to forget about the artists when they’re in the same building.” In his remarks, Premier the Hon. Reuben T. Meade called the Cultural Center a “National Treasure,” pointing to Montserrat’s rich cultural heritage. “The Montserrat Cultural Centre is so much more than a physical structure. It is a national treasure. It represents a venue where our appreciation for the arts, our love for music, our storytelling traditions, our creativity and our determination to preserve and celebrate the things that make us uniquely Montserratian can be given wings,” Mr. Meade explained. The multipurpose facility, originally gifted to the people of Montserrat through the vision of legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin, underwent comprehensive upgrades to restore and modernize its infrastructure. The refurbishments included structural repairs, stage and lighting overhauls, air conditioning improvements, and updated interior amenities. The reopening featured masquerade dances, poetry, music, dance, and many other expressions of Montserrat’s culture through the arts. The reopening arrives at a critical juncture for Montserrat’s cultural and creative sectors. The facility is set to host several major events on the upcoming national calendar, including youth pageantry and cultural showcases during the year-end Montserrat Festival celebrations. Community leaders and local artists have welcomed the return of the landmark facility, noting that the restored building provides a world-class space for performance, national assembly, and community gatherings for years to come.

A new annual cultural recognition initiative, Legends of Montserrat Cultural Excellence Award, has been launched by the Office of the Premier, under the Montserrat Arts Council (MAC). This award is to celebrate individuals whose outstanding contributions have helped shape, preserve and advance Montserrat’s rich cultural heritage. The inaugural awards celebration will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at the Montserrat Cultural Centre, marking the beginning of what is intended to become an annual national celebration of cultural excellence.  Under the theme “Celebrating Our Culture. Supporting Our Icons,” the initiative will recognize Montserratians who have made significant contributions across various cultural disciplines, including music, calypso, masquerade, dance, the performing arts, media, literature, cultural education, festival development and community cultural leadership. More than an awards ceremony, LEGENDS OF MONTSERRAT seeks to establish a lasting platform through which the contributions of the island’s cultural pioneers can be recognized, documented and passed on to future generations. Keithroy “De Bear” Morson has been selected as the inaugural honouree. A respected figure in Montserrat’s cultural community; his exploits within the Calypso artform, winning multiple crowns in both local and region competitions, is a testament to his immense talent and impact in the arena spanning many years.  Morson is also recognized for his longstanding contribution to the island’s masquerade tradition, including his commitment to teaching and passing on this important aspect of Montserrat’s cultural heritage to younger generations.  His recognition will set the stage for future annual celebrations honouring individuals whose work has left an enduring mark on Montserrat’s cultural development. The Central Coordination Committee held its first meeting last week, formally commencing preparations for the December 6 celebration. Planning is now underway for the awards ceremony, cultural presentations, promotional activities and wider community participation. The Central Coordination Committee comprises:  Chair – Austin HoweOffice of the Premier Lead – Michelle CassellFinance/Sponsorship Lead – Lauren PiperMusic & Entertainment Lead – Cecil LakeInternational/Diaspora Lead – Jeevan Robinson  Events Coordination Lead – Stedroy DuberryHospitality & Decor Lead – Lorraine Lewis Committee Chair Austin Howe commented that these icons gave Montserrat music, song, dance and art, and have carried the island’s culture on their shoulders. He believed they must be celebrated and rewarded in a tangible way. As preparations advance, Montserratians at home and abroad will be invited to participate in the initiative. Overseas Montserrat associations, diaspora organisations, cultural practitioners and members of the public will be encouraged to contribute messages, tributes and other forms of support to help make the inaugural celebration a truly national and international occasion. Further announcements will provide details on the programme, public participation, overseas engagement and arrangements for the December 6 event. The long-term vision is to build LEGENDS OF MONTSERRAT into an enduring cultural institution that not only celebrates excellence but also helps preserve the stories, achievements and traditions that define Montserrat’s identity.

The Montserrat Cultural Centre will officially reopen its doors next Thursday, following an extensive renovation program. The Montserrat Arts Council and the Office of the Premier will host a ceremony at the newly refurbished building in Little Bay on Thursday, November 12th. The event is expected to feature an evening of music, culture and celebration, with a number of local performances set for the night. These include appearances by De Bear, Innis, Lyrical Tool, the Emerald Community Singers, the Matrixx Dancers, and Nurse Browne and Company, among others. The multi-purpose facility opened in 2006 as a gift from Sir George Martin, underwent comprehensive upgrades to restore and modernize its infrastructure. Works included structural repairs, internal reconfiguration and upgrades to utilities, with particular focus on public areas, washrooms and internal support spaces. A key feature of the project is a covered chair lift to improve access to the second floor for persons with disabilities. The newly renovated venue made its official ceremonial return during the Opening of the Eighteenth Session of the Eighteenth Parliament in October. The refurbishment is estimated at approximately £2 million and was funded through capital allocations originally earmarked for a new Parliament building.

A national icon has voiced deep concern over the declining visibility of Montserrat’s heritage during annual national festivals. Everton “Reality” Weekes, an acclaimed musician and composer, cautioned that crucial elements of local culture are slowly fading from the public stage. Appearing on the show “Embracing Quality Education”, Weekes, who won the national calypso title five times, called for greater prominence to be given to the island’s traditional arts. “What they should have done was make sure that our traditional values didn’t get lost along the way, but they did not do that. And I’m not blaming anybody, I’m just saying that if you didn’t know, you didn’t know, right? They left out the people like the Mama Yam and the Peter Ploko and the Jackie Pepper and these people were unknown because they were country people. The culture itself did not grow along with our festival. Weekes bemoaned the fact that culture “always get left behind and when they have a show, it’s like a string band would make an appearance as a sidebar, not as a feature. So you did not have a strong representation of our culture. So after a while, there became nobody. I remember one year I came back to visit and before Silcott died, and to me, that is like a travesty. I went into his shop and he had all the traditional instruments there. They were there, nobody to play them.” The former calypso monarch is reminding “the people who are organizing Montserrat Festival, they should always remember that there cannot be a tradition if it’s not passed on. If it’s not passed on, it’s dead.”

The Government of Montserrat is pleased to announce two new appointments to the Board of the Montserrat Arts Council (MAC), with Ms Camille Thomas appointed as Chairperson and Mr Peter W. A. White appointed as a Member of the Board. Ms Thomas, who has served as a Member of the Board since November 2025, assumes the position of Chairperson with effect from August 20, 2026. Mr White’s appointment as a Member of the Board takes effect from September 1, 2026. Both appointments are for a period of three years. Ms Camille Thomas currently serves as Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Premier. Bringing more than eighteen years of senior public sector experience to the role, Ms Thomas will provide strategic leadership to the Board and support the effective governance and operations of the Montserrat Arts Council. In her capacity as Chairperson, she will work with the Board and stakeholders to advance, promote and strengthen Montserrat’s vibrant arts and cultural sector, while supporting efforts to preserve and celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage. Mr Peter W. A. White is substantively appointed as Director General of the Montserrat Customs and Revenue Services. His appointment to the Board adds further senior public sector experience, leadership and professional expertise to the Council. His knowledge and experience will contribute meaningfully to the Council’s governance, oversight and strategic responsibilities. These appointments form part of the Government of Montserrat’s continued commitment to ensuring that the Montserrat Arts Council has the leadership, expertise and institutional support necessary to fulfil its mandate effectively and sustainably. The Government recognises the important role of the Council in nurturing Montserrat’s artistic talent, preserving its cultural heritage, supporting creative expression and contributing to the continued growth of the island’s creative industries. The Government extends its congratulations to Ms Thomas and Mr White on their appointments and looks forward to their contribution to the work of the Montserrat Arts Council and to the continued development, promotion and celebration of Montserrat’s arts, culture and creative industries.